Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Rock of Gibraltar

Looking for things to do at the Rock of Gibraltar? Read on because we loved this little slice of Britain located in the southwestern tip of Europe just south of Spain. Its strategic location as the gateway to the Mediterranean connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea has made Gibraltar a strategic location for centuries.

Gibraltar was never really on our travel radar, but when we found ourselves in Marbella, Spain just 1 hour north of this tiny overseas British Territory, we had to make the trip. We expected to take a quick look around, and then be on our way back to the beaches of Spain, but instead, we stuck around to experience all the amazing things to do in Gibraltar, including the beaches!

Things to do at the Rock of Gibraltar

If you are planning a trip to Gibraltar, read on to see all the things to do at the Rock of Gibraltar and beyond. From beautiful beaches to fascinating pubs, rich history, stunning nature reserves, and plenty of friendly apes, Gibraltar will surprise you. So step out of the Mediterranean vibe of Spain and embrace a little bit of Britain.

• If you don’t want to rent a car, you can visit Gibraltar from Spain on guided day trips.

Where is Gibraltar?

Gibraltar is located just south of Spain’s Costa Del Sol on the Iberian Peninsula close to the southwestern tip of Europe. It is separated from Spain by a small 1-mile wide strip of land that has been turned into an airport runway. We stayed at a hotel in Spain just minutes from Gibraltar and walked from the Spanish city of La Línea de la Concepción, arriving at The Rock of Gibraltar within 30 minutes.

Gibraltar is just north of the Strait of Gibraltar and is only 13km (8.1 miles) from Morocco. It is small, but it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Gibraltar measures only 5 km long (3 miles) and 1.2 km wide (0.75 miles) but has a population of approximately 35,000.

As a British overseas territory, Gibraltar is technically a part of Britain. Though certain jurisdictions are under British rule, the UN has officially listed Gibraltar as a Non-Self-Governing Territory, similar to other territories like The Cayman Islands and Bermuda.

The official language is English, which provides a pleasant break from struggling with Spanish. Although almost everyone in Gibraltar speaks Spanish. The official currency is the British Pound, but the Euro is also accepted.

What is the Rock of Gibraltar?

I must admit, I didn’t really know what to expect at the Rock of Gibraltar before visiting. I knew there was a rock, but I didn’t realize that it was an enormous dominant landmark at the entire southern tip of the Peninsula. You can see it for miles!

Also known simply as The Rock, it rises 426 meters (1396 feet) into the air and is surrounded by nothing but sand and beaches, albeit high-rise condos are under construction as we speak.

Made of limestone, The Rock of Gibraltar has served as a strategic military base for the British since 1704, when it was captured during the War of the Spanish Succession. It was a critical line of defense for the British and its allies during WWII, with military bunkers and tunnels scattered throughout the Rock, making it a fascinating destination for a day tour.

Cable Car and Nature Reserve Tickets

We purchased tickets online for all-inclusive access to the Cable Car and Nature Reserve on the Rock of Gibraltar. Buying in advance allowed us to skip the lines and board the cable car directly, maximizing our opportunity to see as much as possible in a single day. You can purchase tickets in advance here.

Tickets cost £34.00, and a return cable car ticket grants access to St Michael’s Cave, Skywalk, Windsor Suspension Bridge, Great Siege Tunnels, World War II & City Under Siege Exhibition, Moorish Castle, 100 Ton Gun, and the Nature Reserve.

Be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds, as the cable car is smaller than anticipated. It gets busy on the viewing platforms, and arriving in time for the first cable car allows you to stay ahead of the crowds for most of the day.

How to Get to the Rock of Gibraltar

There is an airport at the Rock of Gibraltar, constructed from the tunnels built during World War II. Soldiers used the rock and dirt from the tunnels to help create RAF Gibraltar and Gibraltar International Airport. The airport’s landing strip is conveniently situated at the border, running directly between Spain and Gibraltar.

We stayed on the Spanish side of Gibraltar in La Linia and walked across the border. It was a 30-minute walk to the Rock from our hotel. The cable car opens at 09:30 am, so we left at 08:30 am, allowing time to cross the border and account for any potential delays due to planes landing. We did end up waiting for a plane to land, adding approximately 30 minutes to our walking time.

An exciting surprise was receiving a stamp on our passports. It’s a rare occurrence these days while traveling in Europe, making it a delightful addition to our travel experience.

Top Station

After a brief 6-minute cable car ride to Top Station, we exited and began our exploration of The Rock of Gibraltar. Should you not have eaten breakfast beforehand, a restaurant at Top Station opens at 10:30 am.

We relished the views from Top Station. The moment we stepped out of the cable car, we spotted Gibraltar Apes indulging in oranges. Since we anticipated seeing many more apes throughout our day, we proceeded straight to the viewing platform. The Top Station offers stunning views overlooking the Rock of Gibraltar itself.

The vistas are incredibly rewarding, providing views along the Costa del Sol and its beaches, the city of Gibraltar, and even Morocco in North Africa. We spent a good 30 minutes here soaking in the breathtaking scenery. By arriving promptly in the morning, we enjoyed uninterrupted views with only a handful of other visitors around.

Ape’s Den

The Barbary Macaques that we observed at the Top Station are commonly referred to as the Gibraltar Apes, and you’ll find these monkeys throughout The Rock. Interestingly, these monkeys have populated Gibraltar long before British rule. However, their significance surged after WWII when their population dwindled, leading to legal protection and further imports from Morocco under Winston Churchill’s order.

With about 300 monkeys residing on The Rock, they can be spotted at various locations, but the best sighting opportunity is at the Ape’s Den at Queen’s Gate. The monkeys are accustomed to human presence, so it’s crucial to keep your distance; we noticed a couple of people getting bitten for getting too close. Respect these wild animals and observe them safely, keeping food and valuables close by.

Skywalk

Following our visit to Top Station, we made our way to the Skywalk. This thrilling glass floor hangs 340 meters (1115 feet) above sea level and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including The Rock, The Strait of Gibraltar, and Africa. It opened in 2018, marking its inauguration with a ceremony featuring Luke Skywalker himself. Entry to Skywalk is included with your Gibraltar & Nature Reserve pass.

Gibraltar Nature & Reserve

Our full-day pass granted us access to all attractions within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve. After marveling at the glass floor of the Skywalk, we continued exploring The Upper Rock of Gibraltar by foot. This upper area is lush with diverse flora, trees, birdlife, and plenty of walking trails.

While biking, taxi rides, or bus tours of The Rock are available, we opted to walk. I wished that the tour buses were limited to those needing accessibility, as they often hindered our experience; we frequently found ourselves stepping aside for taxi and traffic. It’s not a difficult walk, and if possible, it’s a rewarding experience to traverse the picturesque paths.

St. Michael’s Cave

St. Michael’s Cave is a must-see while visiting Gibraltar. Dave and I anticipated a brief and perhaps cheesy entry into the cave, but we were pleasantly surprised by its grandeur. As the largest cave in Gibraltar, it has been utilized for thousands of years and ranks among the most popular attractions here.

The cave enchants with colorful lighting in purples, pinks, yellows, and blues—though it may appear touristy at first glance, it genuinely enhances the visual experience. One formation even resembles an angel with outstretched wings, recently highlighted during the creation of a multimedia presentation named The Awakening. Remarkably, this outline remains visible even when the lights are dimmed.

It is genuinely a beautiful cave that has held significance since Roman times when it was believed to be one of the pillars of Hercules. Entry is included with your Gibraltar & Nature Reserve pass.

O’Hara’s Battery

O’Hara’s Battery was an unexpected delight on The Rock. After visiting the Skywalk, we meandered up a stone path, uncertain of our destination. Upon arrival, we were thrilled to discover yet another spectacular viewpoint atop The Rock. Standing tall at 421 meters, it is the highest accessible point on Gibraltar.

Here, you’ll uncover a long tunnel leading from the operational warm rooms at Lord Airey’s Battery and Spur Battery. The tunnel emerges at a massive cannon, where you’ll witness breathtaking views along with a large Mark X BL Gun capable of launching artillery across the Strait of Gibraltar. The cannon was decommissioned in 1976, and visitors can explore its interior to see all its components.

Windsor Bridge

For enthusiasts of suspension bridges, Windsor Bridge should not be missed. This 71-meter-long (233 feet) bridge hangs 50 meters (165 feet) above a deep gorge, situated between two batteries along the Royal Anglian Way. If you have a fear of heights, no worries; there’s a path along the mountain’s edge that you can take instead.

We traversed this route from St. Michael’s Cave to the Ape’s Den. The signage is somewhat unclear from the road, yet when approaching the bridge, be sure to follow the path veering left from the road.

Great Siege

One of the notable sights on The Rock is the site of the Great Siege. This area tells the story of the four-year-long battle from 1779 to 1783 when Spain attempted to reclaim Gibraltar from British control. Visitors can walk through a recreation of a fort, experiencing what life was like during one of the most challenging battles in British history.

The Great Siege Tunnels

The historic tunnels from the Great Siege are available for exploration nearby. Constructed during the siege to position guns on The Rock’s northern face, these tunnels were carved out in just five weeks, creating 82 feet long (25m) of passageway. Ultimately, by the end of the siege, these tunnels expanded to 370 feet (113m) long, housing four guns aimed from within the rock walls. Entry to the tunnels is included in your Gibraltar Cable Car & Nature Reserve pass.

Moorish Castle

The Moorish Castle prominently stands atop the cliffs of Gibraltar. Established way back in 1160 as a fortification, this historical site has been instrumental for defense throughout the centuries, appearing in various sieges, utilized as a prison, and serving as a refuge during Turkish pirate raids. Entry to the castle is included in your Gibraltar Cable Car & Nature Reserve pass.

World War II Tunnels

As we descended from the Moorish Castle, we stumbled upon the World War II Tunnels. Initially, we hesitated to enter, having already explored several caves on The Rock. Ultimately, we were glad that we did, as this site holds significant historical importance. During WWII, Winston Churchill recognized the critical nature of maintaining Gibraltar to prevent Germans and Italians from breaching Europe through Spain.

Inside The Rock, you will find an impressive 52 kilometers (34 miles) of tunnels. This is particularly remarkable considering that Gibraltar itself is only 6.8 square km in size.

The tunnels were built to house food, ammunition, and supplies for the British army, serving as a secure space for rest and shelter from air raids. A complete underground community was created, featuring hospitals, bakeries, and accommodations for troops. Notably, Canadian engineers and the Canadian army contributed to excavating the World War II tunnels. Entry is included with your Gibraltar & Nature Reserve pass.

Jews Gate Cemetery

Jews Gate Cemetery serves as the final resting place for Jews who have lived in Gibraltar since as far back as 1746. This protected site offers a tranquil ambiance, featuring a raised metal platform that weaves through the hundreds of headstones scattered across the grounds. The cemetery closed to burials in 1848 and only reopened to the public in 2015 following extensive excavation efforts.

Mediterranean Steps

The Mediterranean Steps hiking trail begins at Jews Gate and culminates at O’Hara’s Battery. This challenging hike ascends steep steps from 180 meters (590 feet) to 420 meters (1377 feet) above sea level, traversing through thick vegetation on the eastern side of the Rock, providing unique landscape views.

We didn’t have time to complete the Mediterranean Steps, but we caught glimpses of the trail on our journey, and it appeared to be an enjoyable experience. The narrow path winds along the high cliffs, promising fun and adventure.

Gibraltar Airstrip

An airstrip may seem like an unusual tourist attraction, but Gibraltar International Airport is one of the more unique sights to see. Operated by the British Ministry of Defence for use by the Royal Air Force as RAF Gibraltar, the airport’s runways intriguingly stretch directly across the border between Spain and Gibraltar.

Regardless of whether you arrive by car, bicycle, motorcycle, or on foot, crossing the airport’s landing strip is unavoidable. Winston Churchill Boulevard, the main road in Gibraltar, runs through the middle of the airport.

While walking back to Spain from Gibraltar, we experienced the remarkable opportunity of watching a plane take off just meters away. Ranked as the 5th most extreme airport in the world, Gibraltar Airport is often cited as one of the scariest airports globally, primarily because its landing strip extends directly into the sea.

Beaches

What surprised us most about Gibraltar were the beaches. There are six beaches nestled within its small area. A quick Google search reveals these charming spots: Catalan Bay, Eastern Beach, Western Beach, Camp Bay, Little Bay, and Sandy Bay.

The beaches on the east side of Gibraltar are characterized by their sandy shores, paralleling those of Spain’s Costa del Sol. We enjoyed the beautiful Playa de Santa Barbara and Playa de Castillo on the Spanish coast, where beach umbrellas, huts, restaurants, and water sports abound.

Where to Stay in Gibraltar

We recommend staying on the Spanish side of Gibraltar and walking across the border. Parking can be a challenge in Gibraltar, and driving across the border can involve long waiting times. However, if arriving from the UK, you might consider staying directly in Gibraltar. Below are some suggestions for accommodations to kick-start your search.

O’htels Campo de Gibraltar is where we stayed during our trip. It was reasonably priced and allowed easy access to Gibraltar. Situated on the west side, away from the beaches and across from the marina, it features a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar along with a stunning view of The Rock from our balcony. Check it out on TripAdvisor / Booking.com

The Rock Hotel Gibraltar stands as a landmark dating back to 1932. While historic, it has embraced modern amenities. As the first hotel in Gibraltar, it boasts the best location, attracting dignitaries and celebrities. Check it out on TripAdvisor / Booking.com

And let’s not forget Sunborn Gibraltar, a luxurious floating yacht hotel permanently docked in the harbor. Located at Ocean Village Promenade, it combines excitement with relaxation, offering dining options, a casino, and a swimming pool. A unique and opulent choice when seeking accommodations in Gibraltar. See it on Expedia / TripAdvisor

How to Get to Gibraltar

We opted to rent a car in Marbella, Spain, to drive to Gibraltar. The scenic route along the coast took us just over an hour to reach La Linea, located at the border. Only a five-minute walk from the bus stop leads to the border crossing.

Our hotel provided parking, ensuring we could safely store our car while we explored. We found this especially helpful when venturing to the east coast beaches. Walking from our hotel to the border took about 10 minutes, and then it was another quick 20-minute stroll to the cable car station at The Rock.

There are regular flights offered by British Airways and EasyJet from the United Kingdom, with direct routes to Gibraltar from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol, and Edinburgh.

As a popular cruise ship destination, two ships were in port during our visit.

When traversing the south of Spain, we highly recommend embarking on a road trip to Gibraltar. It’s a chance to add another stamp to your passport while ticking off another destination from your travel bucket list. You will be enchanted by the historical sites, breathtaking scenery, outdoor attractions, and delightful wildlife. If you seek a distinctive travel experience, The Rock of Gibraltar is a splendid choice, bridging two continents.