The British overseas territory of Gibraltar is filled with historic sights, attractions and activities. At only 3 miles (5 km) long and 0.75 miles (1.2 km) wide it’s a tiny relic of the former British empire but there’s more than enough to keep a family entertained for several days. For those visiting just for the day, here are my highlight suggestions of what to see and do.
Arriving:
If you plan to visit Gibraltar by car then it’s best to leave it in the Spanish border town of La Linea. There are several large car parks available but I would recommend the Marina car park which is reasonably priced at €13 (£10.96) per day and conveniently located just a five minute walk from the border.
At the border crossing you will need to show your passport so don’t forget to take it with you. After crossing into Gibraltar the fun starts straightaway as you walk across the airport runway. Vehicles cross the runway via an underground tunnel but pedestrians need to walk across the runway (Winston Churchill Avenue) which connects Gibraltar to Spain. When an aircraft is due to take off or come in to land, barriers close a few minutes early to keep the runway clear. If this happens when you are about to cross think of it as a bonus, as it’s very interesting to observe.
Ocean Village
After a short walk leaving the airport runway you will reach the beautiful Ocean Village marina where you can stroll along boardwalks admiring the yachts moored there and take a look at some of the bars and restaurants overlooking the water. Gibraltar is a very popular place for sailing enthusiasts as it marks the gateway to the Mediterranean.
Grand Casemates Square
Leaving Ocean Village by its other exit, cross the road and pass through the archway into Grand Casemates Square. Find fresh produce and local delicacies in Gibraltar Market before popping into one of the bars and restaurants overlooking the square for a morning coffee and delicious pastries.
Main Street
Refreshed after your caffeine fix continue along Main Street which is a shopper’s delight with its VAT free prices and mix of British high street names including the likes of Marks & Spencer rubbing shoulders with local stores. Also to be found are a mix of small independents, Spanish retailers, Moroccan greengrocers along with numerous inviting bars and cafes.
Above the shopfronts, Gibraltar’s rich heritage can be seen with decorative Portuguese tiles, Genoese shutters and elegant British wrought iron balconies. This is the main artery through the town stretching for almost 1 km and is beautiful with its shady trees and traditional British red post boxes and telephone kiosks.
Not far from the city gates stands The Convent, the official residence of the Governor of Gibraltar since 1728. The building takes its name as it was originally a convent of Franciscan friars. Between 1903-1943 it was known as Government House until King George VI reinstated the name convent during the Second World War.
Facing The Convent is the Convent Guard House at Number 6 Convent Place. It’s Gibraltar’s answer to London’s 10 Downing Street and the headquarters of His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar and is where the Chief Minister’s Office is located.
The Alameda Botanical Gardens
A short uphill walk from the end of Main Street leads to the Alameda Botanic Gardens that are free to visit and cover an area of 15 acres. These beautiful gardens were established in 1816 when the British Governor General commissioned a park for the soldiers stationed in the territory to enjoy relaxing in whilst off duty.
At the base of the steps leading up to the Gardens is a stone mosaic which pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to the Gardens in May 1954 when she was accompanied by Prince Philip. The Gardens are home to numerous types of tropical trees, plants and shrubs including dragon and palm trees and it’s a very relaxing place for a stroll under the shade of the trees.
Ride the Cable Car
Just a five minute walk from the Alameda Gardens lies the bottom cable car station. Ride the cable car up to the top of the Rock, a stunning 6 minute journey then walk around the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Views from the cable car are breathtaking and on reaching the top station you’ll probably be greeted with a troop of Barbary monkeys.
Gaze in wonderment over the town below as standing on the edge of two continents you are within almost touching distance of both Spain and Morocco. Gibraltar Cable Car
Upper Rock Nature Reserve
The Upper Rock Nature Reserve(entrance £19) includes admission to numerous attractions, sadly too many to visit on one day so I’d recommend concentrating on the following highlights.
St. Michael’s Cave – explore the cave on a self-guided tour, the largest chamber of which has been transformed into a concert hall. The cavern feels like a magical experience with its glimmering red, white and grey stalactite columns resembling a cathedral complete with pulpit, chancel and organ pipes.
Windsor Suspension Bridge – a 71 metre long bridge suspended over a 50 metre deep gorge with spectacular views over the city and Bay of Gibraltar.
The Great Siege Tunnels – explore the Great Siege Tunnels, once a secret military base constructed to defend Gibraltar. The Great Siege Tunnels were a secret military base carved out by hand with sledgehammers and gun powder. Soldiers excavated 36 metres of tunnel in just six weeks to defend Gibraltar. Between 1779 and 1783 the Rock was under siege with both Spanish and French troops advancing and trying to recapture Gibraltar from the British.
Brave the Skywalk – follow in the steps of Luke Skywalker by daring to step onto the Skywalk – a glass viewing platform 340 metres above sea level where you can enjoy more spectacular views. It’s not at all scary and is perfectly safe with its floor and side panels made of four layers of laminated glass, strong enough to withstand the weight of 11 Range Rover vehicles.
Dine at Mons Calpe Suite
After following pathways to all of these sights with quite a bit of up and downhill walking required you will no doubt have built up an appetite and be in need of a meal so I suggest the Mons Calpe Suite adjacent to the upper cable car station. The restaurant is perched on the summit of the Rock and boasts the best views in town from its 360 degree restaurant windows. Mons Calpe means ‘hollow mountain’ as the Rock contains a warren of tunnels hewn out over time to defend the historic fortress. The ambience and setting of this iconic restaurant coupled with delicious food and friendly service creates a thoroughly memorable experience. With views to die for and being able to watch the Barbary macaques through the floor to ceiling windows, I’ve had no difficulty rating it as my favourite sky high restaurant ever! If you prefer a light bite there is a cafe/bar on the floor above the restaurant offering the same dramatic views.
South Bastion
Return downhill by cable car soaking up the dramatic harbour views once more then wander back through the old city walls at South Bastion which is one of the three 16th century fortification Southport Gates.
Climb the Union Jack Steps
Located on Devil’s Gap Road (close to Main Street). These steps were originally painted in 1967 to celebrate Gibraltar’s first sovereignty referendum.
Gibraltar Garrison Library
Founded in 1793 as a military library, it became a reference library and research centre in 2011. More recently, the Gibraltar International Literary Festival selected the library as its base and has hosted world class writers and speakers to events there. The colonial building has been beautifully preserved and is filled with rare books and manuscripts stored in antique glass fronted cabinets. Each room is furnished in colonial style with high ceilings, comfortable armchairs and large fireplaces. It feels just like stepping back in time to the days when officers of HM. Forces relaxed beside the fire with one of the leather bound books. Gibraltar Garrison Library
Irish Town
Running parallel with Main Street is Irish Town, it’s not a town but just a narrow lane with a good selection of bars and cafes. Pop into Sacarello’s, a coffee shop/ coffee roasting business in a former merchants house on the corner of Tuckey’s Lane for refreshments. You should then just have enough time for another look around the shops before setting off back across the border.
I hope you have found this guide to a day in Gibraltar helpful and should you be lucky enough to be spending longer in this beautiful British overseas territory then the following posts may also be of interest.
