Jessica Reid | 17 January 2023
Mystical caves, historic tunnels, dolphin tours and more reasons to visit Gibraltar
With a footprint less than 7-square kilometres, the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar may be small but it packs a punch...
With a footprint less than 7-square kilometres, the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar may be small but it packs a punch...
The excitement started before I had even arrived in Gibraltar. As the plane steered towards the landing strip, the aircraft’s wing appeared to almost dip into the sea water. Shrieks of joy echoed around the cabin. “Dolphins, dolphins, look, there’s babies!”. All those without window seats on the right-hand side – including myself – were left feeling glum as we missed out on the preshow. But I wasn’t disappointed for too long. This 7-square-kilometre piece of land had plenty more surprises to come.
Gibraltar colourful street (Shutterstock)
Spot dolphins in the Strait of Gibraltar (Shutterstock)
Gibraltar, or Gib – as the locals call it – is a British Overseas Territory balanced on the very southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, less than two hours from both Malaga and Cadiz. It's best known for its towering ‘Rock of Gibraltar’, a 426m-high dominating monolith where a population of Barbary macaques reside. On my short break, I was soon to learn there’s much more to this tiny Mediterranean destination than meets the eye, with a wealth of history, natural highlights and eclectic culture.
See Barbary Macaques in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve (Shutterstock)
With hundreds of dolphins living in the waters around Gibraltar, you’re almost guaranteed a show when joining a dolphin boat tour. Go with Dolphin Adventures and grab the best seat in the house at the bow to watch the curious sea creatures leap and swim alongside, flashing their white bellies to the crowds as they go. Species you can spot include common, striped and bottlenose dolphins.
Have you even visited Gibraltar if you don't see its famous monkeys? Around 300 wild Barbary macaque live within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, running and leaping around its main attractions. including the glass Skywalk with its impressive views across to Spain and even Morocco. Beware, the macaque will attempt to steal your bag or unzip your rucksack scavenging for food if you’re not careful (the expression ‘cheeky monkey’ has never been truer). Enjoy them from a good distance while keeping your possessions close.
The Great Siege Tunnels in Gibraltar (Shutterstock)
Did you know, there are nearly 60km of tunnels within the Rock of Gibraltar? This is double the length of its road network. For history lovers, grab an audio guide and take yourself on a tour of the WWII tunnels. Experience what life would have been like for the British Military by roaming the chiselled passages that lead to sleeping quarters, offices, kitchens and even a small hospital.
Go further back in time to the late 1700s when exploring the Great Siege tunnels. This labyrinth, created with only sledgehammers and gunpowder, offers another thought-provoking insight into how Gibraltar used its rock for protection during times of conflict.
The Gibraltar National Museum, located in the city centre, is also worth paying a visit to get your head around Gibraltar’s natural and military history. Here you can also explore the carefully preserved Moorish baths that date back to the fourteenth century.
St Michael’s Cave with stunning light show (Shutterstock)
St Michael’s Cave is one of Gibraltar’s great natural wonders. Step into this enormous, ‘bottomless’ cavern and prepare to be in awe of the hundreds of stalactites piercing down from the ceiling, and stalagmites rising from the floor. Legend has it, the cave leads to a subterranean passageway that goes beneath the Strait of Gibraltar and links to Africa, which would explain how the macaques arrived here. St Michael's Cave is now mostly used as an auditorium, holding concerts and performances for more than 600 people. What makes it even more of a magical experience is its new immersive light and sound installation. ‘The Awakening’ brings to life the story of the cave’s formation, with the spectacular 360 projection and light show taking place every 20 minutes.
But another secret cave can also be visited. Gibraltar’s only UNESCO-listed site Gorham’s Cave Complex pokes into the eastern side of the Rock and is where evidence of Neanderthal life has been discovered. As archaeological studies continue, only a handful of people can visit each year on a guided tour arranged in advance with Gibraltar National Museum.
When you've had enough of hiding in a dark cavern, take time for a peaceful wander in nature. Head to Alameda Botanical Garden and stroll through this conservation park full of exotic and native plants and wildlife. As Gibraltar lies beneath migratory flight paths, the botanical gardens are a perfect spot to gaze up at the sky and spot multiple feathered species on their journey to Africa. Birdwatchers rejoice!
Buildings on Main Street in Gibraltar (Shutterstock)
With its position on the southern tip of Spain and just a stone’s throw away from Morocco, Gibraltar is a melting pot of UK, European and North African influence. Just stroll down Main Street and you will find a Mediterranean atmosphere juxtaposed with an occasional British telephone box and Moorish architecture. The Cathedral of St Mary The Crowned is a beautiful example of this culture mashup. Originating from the fourteenth century as a mosque, it was later demolished and rebuilt into a gothic style church. Yet, its Moorish courtyard remains with beautiful blue and white tiling decorating its walls.
This mix of cultures is evident in Gibraltar’s growing food scene too, serving cuisines from around the world. Vault 13 is a cosy eatery and cocktail bar that the serves small plates with a Mediterranean and Asian influence. Little Bay has delectable Indian tapas dishes with lots of vegan and vegetarian options. Rendezvous has top quality Mediterranean plates with a delightful view of the harbour. And finally, head to Queen’s Picture House and Eatery. This restaurant hidden in the corner of Casemates Square serves up a splendid menu with a dollop of history, as it pays homage to the Queen’s Cinema – once Gibraltar’s cultural hub for more than 50 years before being demolished. Its walls are adorned with memorabilia from the old building, with a small screen and comfortable seating found in the back room for private viewings.
Visit Europa lighthouse on a e-bike tour of Gibraltar (Shutterstock)
Take an e-bike tour around the Rock of Gibraltar for a fun and easy way to explore the coastline and visit its gems closer to the shore. Camp Bay and Europa Point are worth a pitstop, but the eastern coast offers a quieter side, dotted with a few shell-littered beaches and a colourful cluster of houses and fishing boats in the Italianesque Catalan Bay.
Both Camp Bay and Sandy Bay are the places to head if you want to try stand up paddleboarding. We suggest joining a morning session from the sheltered Sandy Bay to see the sun rise over the Mediterranean Sea with an impressive view the Rock in the morning light. 2in1 Adventures offer SUP safaris (to spot dolphins), lessons and rentals.
The author stayed at The Eliott Hotel and flew with British Airways.
The Nature Reserve Pass (£16) allows visitors to access many popular attractions on the Upper Rock, including the tunnels, skywalk and to see the monkeys.
For more information, go to visitgibraltar.gi
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