What to do in Gibraltar? Must-sees and activities

Best things to do and see in Gibraltar

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In this article, you will find essential information on what to see and do in Gibraltar:

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• A few words about Gibraltar and its origins
• Where is Gibraltar located on the map?
• What to see in Gibraltar?
• What to do in Gibraltar?
• Book accommodation
• Map of Gibraltar with places to see
• Frequently asked questions about travelling to Gibraltar
• The Feria de Gibraltar
• Some useful links
• Latest articles on Andalusia

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A few words about Gibraltar and its origins

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Gibraltar is located at the tip of the Bay of Algeciras, next to the border town of La Línea de la Concepción, which is part of the province of Cadiz.

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Gibraltar is an overseas territory that is part of the United Kingdom. It is a tiny territory of 7 km² with a population of 33,000.

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Note: From the Costa del Sol, the seaside resort that offers the most beautiful view of the Rock of Gibraltar and Africa is Estepona.

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A little history about Gibraltar

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The history of the Rock of Gibraltar is directly linked to its strategic position at the entrance to the Mediterranean. The rock has been inhabited for tens of thousands of years.

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In ancient times, it was successively occupied by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Visigoths. From 711 onwards, it became part of the territory of Al-Andalus.

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The first permanent settlement was established in the Middle Ages, with the Almohad sultan Abd Al Mumin, who ordered the construction of a fortress in 1160 (which you can see on site).

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This castle – like the entire Rock – would later be the scene of numerous conflicts (here are just the main dates):

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• Until 1309, it was part of the Taifa kingdom of Granada.
• It was incorporated into the Crown of Castile, which lost it in 1333 after its conquest by the Merinids (the Moroccan Berber Benimerines).
• The Rock was ceded to the Nasrid kingdom of Granada in 1374.
• Gibraltar was then incorporated into the Crown of Castile in 1462.
• In 1704, the site was taken by the Anglo-Dutch.
• Things to see in Gibraltar Old Gibraltar Rock defence gun

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Origins of the place name Gibraltar

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Gibraltar was known in ancient times as the promontory or Mount Calpe (in Latin, Mons Calpe).

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The legend of the Pillars of Hercules: it tells how Hercules stood contemplating the barrier that prevented the Atlantic Ocean from filling the Mediterranean desert. Looking to his left, he grabbed Mons Abyla (now Jebel Musa), and to his right, he grabbed Mons Calpe (now the Rock of Gibraltar).

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Then, with all his strength, he separated the two mountains, opening a breach between Africa and Europe. This myth was followed some time later by another myth, that of Atlantis.

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In the Middle Ages, under Al-Andalus, a new name was given:

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The place name Gibraltar derives from the Arabic Ŷabal Tāriq (جبل طارق) – djebel Tariq – Tariq’s mountain. It is a name derived in memory of General Tāriq ibn Ziyad, who led the landing of the Umayyads and Berber forces at this location in 711.

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Unique features of Gibraltar

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The Rock of Gibraltar:

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The Rock of Gibraltar is mainly composed of limestone. Over millions of years, the natural phenomenon of rain has created more than 100 caves. These caves were often used to defend against attacks to take possession of this strategic site. Today, there are even 55 km of tunnels that were built for defensive purposes.

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The Latin motto of Gibraltar:

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The motto of Gibraltar is in Latin, with the ancient name of the rock: Montis Insignia Calpe (Insignia of Mount Calpe).

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See you en casa – The Llanito

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The inhabitants of Gibraltar have their own language on their small territory, Llanito.

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It is a mixture of English and Spanish, and Andalusian dialect, a kind of ‘Spanglish’ embellished with the accent of the gaditanos – inhabitants of the province of Cadiz. It is a language that has been enriched by its history and trade, with 500 words derived from Arabic, Portuguese, Maltese, Hebrew and Italian (from the era of Genoese traders).

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A few words of Llanito:

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• keki (a cake),
• Pudimpé (a pudding mould),
• rolipó (lollipop),
• dentica (identity card),
• marchapié (pavement, from the Italian marcapiede),
• freezar (to freeze),
• chequear (to check).

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There is one that particularly blends Spanish, English and word creation in the Andalusian dialect: kuecaro (breakfast oats), which comes from the brand Quaker Oats 🙂

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A few phrases in Llanito:

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• ‘Pómpalo brother’ (turn up the volume, brother – pump up the volume).
• ‘No puedo coçêh la gallina porque la tengo frozen…’ (I can’t cook the chicken, it’s frozen).
• ‘Hay un call pa ti’: There’s a call for you.
• ‘Te llamo p’atrá enywey’: I’ll call you back anyway.

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Where is Gibraltar on the map?

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What to see in Gibraltar?

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1 – Take the Gibraltar cable car

2 – The Rock Nature Reserve

3 – Watch the monkeys of Gibraltar

4 – Visit the caves of San Miguel

5 – The Skywalk

6 – Take the Windsor suspension bridge

7 – See Europa Point

8 – Catalan Bay

9 – Visit Gibraltar city centre

10 – The Moorish Castle (14th century)

11 – The Gibraltar tunnels

12 – The Jewish cemetery

13 – Gorham’s Caves

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Note: further down in the article there is a map of Gibraltar showing the locations of the places mentioned.

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1 – Take the Gibraltar cable car

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Please note: the famous cable car has been closed for renovation since 18 November 2025 and is scheduled to reopen in 2027.

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For now, there are only two options for climbing the Rock:

• on foot

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It takes almost three hours to walk to the highest point, at an altitude of 410 metres. Of course, the cable car is less tiring and faster, taking only six minutes.

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• or via a private tour, which is the best option while waiting for the reopening in 2027. Especially if you don’t feel like organising this day trip yourself.

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At the top, you arrive at the ‘Top Station’. There is a bar, the Café Top of the Rock, with large bay windows offering magnificent views.

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2 – The Rock Nature Reserve

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The PASS to access the Upper Rock Nature Reserve is ideal while the cable car is undergoing renovation. It gives you access to the best things to do in Gibraltar.

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In the photo above, you can see the Sky Walk (more on that below).

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The price of this PASS includes admission to the following 17 sites: Monkey’s Head, Charles V Wall, Sky Walk, Ohara’s Battery, St Michael’s Cave, Windsor Suspension Bridge, Tovey Cottage, the Great Siege Tunnels, the ‘City Under Siege’ exhibition, WW2 Tunnels, Castle of the Moors, Pillars of Hercules, Mediterranean Steps, Military Heritage Centre, 100-tonne gun, Alameda Botanical Gardens, Europa Point Observation Deck, and hiking trails.

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Note: wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking a lot that day, and bear in mind that the paths in Gibraltar go up and down.

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3 – Watch the monkeys of Gibraltar

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Watching wild monkeys is one of Gibraltar’s biggest tourist attractions. The monkeys of Gibraltar are the only wild primates in Europe that live in complete freedom.

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Follow and respect the signs to avoid any problems. The first thing to do is not to get too close, not to show them any food and not to leave any rucksacks open. Finally, keep an eye on your glasses or caps :).

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The Ape’s Den is one of the most famous places to observe the monkeys of Gibraltar. In total, their population is around 500 individuals.

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4 – Visit the San Miguel Caves

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Among the hundred or so natural caves in the Rock of Gibraltar, there are several that can be visited. The San Miguel Cave is the largest, and a visit is included if you have purchased the PASS mentioned above.

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Inside, you can enjoy a beautiful sound and light show every 7 minutes and see impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

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5 – The Skywalk

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This is a place for those who are not afraid of heights, as the floor is made of glass with nothing but empty space below.

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From this site, you can also enjoy beautiful panoramic views, particularly of Africa, in addition to the view beneath your feet 🙂

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Note: the skywalk was inaugurated in 2018 by… Mark Hamill, the famous actor who plays Luke Skywalker in Star Wars.

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6 – Take the Windsor Suspension Bridge

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Here is another popular place to take photos in Gibraltar. It is the Windsor Suspension Bridge. It is 70 metres long and is located on the Royal Anglican Way, above Ape’s Den.

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7 – See Europa Point

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Europa Point is located at the southern tip of Gibraltar, not far from the shore facing Morocco. Europa Point is known for being home to Trinity Lighthouse and one of Gibraltar’s two mosques, Ibrahim al Ibrahim.

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8 – Two beaches to see in Gibraltar Catalan Bay and Sandy Bay

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This curious name for a beach in the extreme south of Spain has given rise to several theories about its origins.

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The most likely theory is that the name pays tribute to a group of Catalans who landed on this beach in 1704, during the War of Succession, to help the Anglo-Dutch conquer the Rock.

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However, whatever the origin of Catalan Bay, it is a very pretty little beach. The houses lining this beach are colourful and the area is protected by the immense rock face.

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Not far away, you can also enjoy another pretty beach, Sandy Bay.

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The colour of the water is truly beautiful.

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9 – Visit Gibraltar city centre

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Strolling through the centre, you’ll find a very British atmosphere with red post boxes and telephone boxes that are reminiscent of London.

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Main Street

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This is Gibraltar’s main historic street. There are several duty-free shops, as well as pubs and restaurants. It is one of Gibraltar’s must-see attractions.

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If you come to the city centre on Saturday at 12 noon, you can watch the Ceremony of the Keys on Main Street. This re-enactment parade symbolises British possession since 1704.

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Casemates Square

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This square is the heart of Gibraltar. It is surrounded by walls built in the early 19th century. This square is a former barracks and was also used as an ammunition depot. Today, people come here to have a drink in one of the typical local pubs.

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John Mackintosh Square

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The Town Hall is located on this square, as well as a statue paying tribute to a famous soldier and hero of Gibraltar.

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Convent Place

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On this square, you can see the Cathedral, King’s Chapel, Gibraltar Parliament and the courts.

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Note: this is where John Lennon and Yoko Ono were married on 20 March 1969.

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Irish Town

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This is the second most important street in the city. It is also home to one of the most interesting museums to visit in Gibraltar, the National Museum. Here you can discover a vast collection of engravings and paintings on the history and culture of the region. It also has an archaeological section.

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Note: in the basement of the museum there are ancient Arab baths built in the 14th century.

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10 – The 14th-century Moorish Castle

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The fortifications of the Moorish Castle were built in 1160 during the Almohad period of Al-Andalus.

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Part of it was destroyed during an initial conquest by the Crown of Castile in 1309. However, Muley Hacen, Nasrid king of the Kingdom of Granada, reconquered Gibraltar in 1333 and built a new tower, now known as the Torre del Homenaje (Tower of Homage) of the castle.

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This castle bears the scars of the many battles and sieges it has endured, including a famous attack by Turkish pirates in 1540 that destroyed the city.

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Note: curiously, this castle was used as a prison until 2010!

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11 – The Great Siege Tunnels

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These tunnels were built for defensive purposes to withstand external attacks. The Great Siege Tunnels were built in the mid-18th century to defend against attacks by the French and Spanish.

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They were enlarged during the Second World War. Several exhibition rooms can be visited to trace the history of these events.

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12 – The Jewish Cemetery

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It is possible to visit the old Jewish cemetery, which is further evidence of the historical diversity of the Rock of Gibraltar. It is called the Jew’s Gate Cemetery and was used until 1848.

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The Jewish community has been established in Gibraltar for several centuries. The Great Synagogue on Engineer Lane is one of the oldest in Spain, dating back to 1724.

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One of Gibraltar’s four synagogues, the Flemish Nefusot Yehuda Synagogue on Line Wall Road, is open to visitors.

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Note: the main historical reasons for these links are related to trade with Morocco in food and various supplies. Spain imposed a blockade on land routes for a long time. This left the sea route, and so Gibraltar established links with Moroccan traders over the centuries, often Jewish traders from Tetouan.

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13 – Gorham’s Caves

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Gorham’s Caves cover an archaeological area of 28 hectares, stretching from the seafront to the heights of the Rock. The entire site was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

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It must be said that the exploration and study of this site has yielded some extraordinary information thanks to its good state of preservation. It alone provides an understanding of the overall history of human evolution through:

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• Information about the earliest periods of human history, covering a period of approximately 120,000 years.
• Evidence of Neanderthal occupation dating back 32,000 years. A stone engraving has also been found, indicating their capacity for abstract thought.
• Remains such as clothing, tools and other items have made it possible to identify what they consumed and their social behaviour – from Neanderthals to early modern humans.

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What to do in Gibraltar?

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Below are a number of ideas for activities to do in Gibraltar. You can book them online today.

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Bonus: all activities can be cancelled up to 24 hours before the scheduled date.

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Visiting Gibraltar requires a certain amount of organisation and budget. In addition, with the cable car out of service until 2027, the ideal solution – from a practical and economic point of view – is to discover Gibraltar with a guided tour.

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If you are on holiday on the Costa del Sol, between Malaga and Fuengirola, you can take this excursion with Visitanddo.

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Book accommodation

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Below, you will find all the hotels and accommodation available in Gibraltar, after selecting your dates:

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Map of Gibraltar with places to see

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Frequently asked questions about travelling to Gibraltar

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How to get to Gibraltar?

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If you are coming by car, there are two options:

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There is a very economical option: park in one of the car parks (Santa Bárbara and Western Beach Parking) near the border post at La Línea de la Concepción. Then all you have to do is walk across the border.

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You can also enter Gibraltar with your car. However, there is a lot of traffic in the narrow streets and car parks are expensive.

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What are the rules for entering Gibraltar?

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As a citizen of the European Union, you can enter with your identity card. A passport is not necessary.

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For citizens outside the European Union, it is mandatory to show a valid passport. For certain specific countries, a British visa may be required.

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Note: minors travelling without their parents are advised to have written authorisation from their legal guardians.

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What currency is used in Gibraltar?

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The official currency is the Gibraltar pound (GIP). However, most shops accept euros, British pounds and dollars. The most economical way to pay is by card or in pounds.

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Note: bank cards are accepted everywhere.

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The Gibraltar Feria – 9 days of festivities in August

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Some useful links

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• A map of Andalusia. It is an interactive map; simply click on each city to see the best places to visit.

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• Rental car at Malaga airport

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The latest articles on Andalusia

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