When approaching Gibraltar from the town of La Línea de la Concepción in Cádiz province, our destination appears as if it were a steep mountain surrounded by a port. It would almost seem like an island if it wasn’t for the neck of land that joins it to the Iberian Peninsula. Although you don’t need to get too caught up in historical details about its territorial status, you should at least know that Gibraltar was part of the Crown of Castile from the mid-fifteenth century until the early eighteenth century. Subsequent to this, it was occupied by an Anglo-Dutch squadron, who supported Charles III during the War of the Spanish Succession and, after the battle had ended, under the Treaty of Utrecht, it was ceded to the British Crown in 1713.
Now let’s set aside the topic of hegemony to focus on all the activities that can be done in the places of interest that must be visited in Gibraltar.
The Rock of Gibraltar
Ancient Mons Calpe, one of the two Pillars of Hercules (according to some historians), was renamed in Moorish times as Yabal Tariq (Tariq mountain, in memory of the general Tariq Ibn Ziyad, who led the disembarkation of the forces of the Umayyad Caliphate in 711), from where Gibraltar takes its modern-day name—better known in Cádiz province as El Peñón, or The Rock in English.
Something that you should be clear about is that it is currently British territory, hence it has its own border crossing, language, currency, customs and food. However, you’ll also find a large dose of Anglo-Spanish fusion. In other word, most people speak Spanish (or llanito, which is a mixture of both languages) and you can pay with euros in all shops.
To enter Gibraltar, you must first pass the border posts of both Spanish and Gibraltarian authorities (for the moment national identity cards can be presented, but once Brexit is formalised it will be mandatory to show your passport). Once in Gibraltar, all you have to do is decide where to start your visit to the Rock.
What to do in Gibraltar
Spanning a territory of 8 square kilometres, the Rock of Gibraltar offers a wide variety of attractions capable of satisfying all tastes. It’s the perfect place to go for a day out with your family, alone or with friends, but with a series of activities so everyone is content.
Going up to the Nature Reserve by cable car
Taking into account that the outline that is most visible from afar is the rocky promontory, it’s understandable that one of the first things you’ll be tempted to do when in Gibraltar is to climb up to the summit. All the more so seeing as you can comfortably go up by cable car. To do so, you must cross the town before you come to its base. From there you can catch the cable car that will take you to the Guarida, or the upper terraces. At the upper station there is a cafeteria, where you can have a drink or snack and admire the views.
Be sure to take the opportunity to visit, within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, the Great Siege Tunnels, excavated from the rock, and those dating from the Second World War, in which Churchill and Eisenhower planned Operation Torch. Also within the Reserve is St. Michael’s Cave, whose stalactites and stalagmites are a sight to behold. You’ll no doubt be impressed by the Cathedral Cave, where certain formations resemble a giant organ. It is often used for concerts so don’t miss the chance to attend one of them.
The monkeys or macaques of Gibraltar
One of the mysteries yet to be solved is how the Barbary macaques got to the Rock. Some researchers claim that it was the Moors who brought them here around the year 711, whilst others believe that it must have been the British in the early eighteenth century. Whoever it was, don’t get too comfortable around them as they are free-roaming. Although it’s true that they are harmless, they are also within their own habitat and any wrong move could be misunderstood. Above all, don’t look them in the eye, keep a good distance away, don’t give them food and don’t carry flashy bags as they will try to relieve you of them. One legend goes that the day the monkeys leave Gibraltar is the day the Rock will no longer be under British control.
If you like animals, you should also take the opportunity to go out on a whale and dolphin watching excursion, a popular activity in the Strait of Gibraltar, as you’ll be able to spot diverse species. The boats can be found at the port, which means it’s really easy to put your name down for an organised excursion.
Shopping and strolling through Gibraltar
One of the main attractions of visiting Gibraltar is making the most of the good prices of some items on sale. The most important shopping street is Main Street, which starts from Casemates Square. When on the square, which is full of terraces and shops, head to the glass factory to see one of their live demonstrations, which take place each hour. Seeing the artisans at work and learning about the glass-making technique at this centre is an interesting activity for all ages.
From there you can step onto Main Street and indulge in the pleasure of shopping. You’ll find all manner of shops: clothing, perfumes, accessories, homeware, liqueur, tobacco, etc. And, among all this, many cafés, bakeries, pubs and restaurants. If you follow the street all the way to the end and keep going, passing through the iron gates, you’ll come to the British cemetery. In this graveyard the tombs are buried deep in the ground and the paths are surrounded by gardens. Take a look at the map situated at the entrance to see the names and dates of death of the people buried in the cemetery, almost all of them from the early nineteenth century.
A little further along, going in a straight line—after passing the cable car station—you’ll come to the Alameda Botanical Gardens, the largest park in Gibraltar, where walking in a leisurely manner along its paths is a complete delight.
Europa Point and Gorham’s Cave Complex
Another must-visit place is Europa Point, where there is a pretty red and white lighthouse, the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, Harding’s Battery, and the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, one of the largest Muslim places of worship in a country with a different faith.
Last but not least, the Gorham’s Cave complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. Said declaration was based on evidence proving that it was occupied by Neanderthals over 120,000 years ago. It spans several hectares, from sea level up to the rock, and can be visited by foot along the Mediterranean Steps or on guided tours led by an expert from the National Museum of Gibraltar.
Gibraltar’s beaches
If, after a long day of tourism, you fancy going for a swim or relaxing at the beach, there are various options at your disposal. The longest beach is Levante beach situated next to the airport runway. The beach boasts all the services any swimmer would need and nearby parking. Another two options that are worth taking into consideration on the eastern side are La Caleta—the beach of Catalan Bay—a small bay that was once the site of a Genoese fishing village, and Sandy Bay, a small beach safeguarded by two breakwaters. Meanwhile, at the most south-westerly point, you can cool off in the swimming pools situated next to the sea at Camp Bay and Little Bay.
Recommended restaurants: Where to eat in Gibraltar
As you are on British territory, we recommend making the most of your stay to sample British food. To kick start your day with energy, head to Piccadilly Garden Restaurant where they serve delicious breakfasts with eggs, bacon, pork loin and beans. On the terrace they have their own churros fryer, so you can also order some churros (they come spiral-shaped) or some papitas (small churros).
One street that you should bear in mind at meal times is Iris Town. On this street that runs parallel to Main Street you will find Italian and Turkish restaurants and even, The Clipper, a lovely British-style establishment with a very varied menu (they also serve vegetarian dishes).
Another area that is not lacking in good restaurants and bars is Ocean Village, a residential zone next to the marina where you can eat with views of the luxury yachts. It’s a great place to take a stroll, do some shopping or just relax.
Finally, if you’re visiting as a family, one must-visit place is King’s Bastion Leisure Centre, a large entertainment centre built into the walls with a bowling alley, amusement arcade, cinema and restaurants where teenagers will enjoy themselves like never before.
