Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, features rich history and astounding attractions. Read more to find out the seven best things to do when you’re in the country!
The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar sits at the tip of the Iberian Peninsula in Spain. The place holds a rich and tumultuous history, having been contested by different European countries. Today, its economy revolves around tourism, financial services, ship bunkering, and online gambling.
Although it only has a total surface area of 2.6 square miles, Gibraltar holds captivating sights and attractions. Gibraltar is also the European capital for Gambling operators thanks to its tax-friendly rules and ideal location.
So if you’re planning to go there for vacation, be sure not to miss the following sights!
1. Rock of Gibraltar
On top of the checklist to visit in Gibraltar is the 426m-high limestone ridge called the Rock of Gibraltar. No trip to the small peninsula is finished without visiting this landmark. This geological feat resulted from the collision between the African tectonic plate with Europe roughly 55 million years ago.
Gibraltar is towered by this monstrous land formation. Moreover, most of the citizens, called Gibraltarians, densely inhabit the foot of the Rock.
After the Suez Canal, powerful countries saw that the peninsula had strategic importance. With that, since Gibraltar’s establishment as an overseas territory, it has remained the representation of the British Naval’s strength. It has been popularly called “the Rock” due to the protruding landmass.
Aside from that, the Rock of Gibraltar was named a natural reserve. It is home to many flora and animals, like pine and wild olive trees that grow on the upper part. There is also a variety of Iberis only blooming on the land formation called the Gibraltar candytuft. The Rock is also home to more than 200 Barbary macaques, the only kind of wild monkey species in Europe.
2. Windsor Suspension Bridge
The Windsor Suspension Bridge, opened in 2016, is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers. It is 70 meters long and stretches over a 50-meter-deep gorge. The bridge is in the middle of two batteries through the Royal Anglian Way.
Being a suspension bridge, it swings when hit with a gust of air, making anyone have an adrenaline rush. For those who worry about its safety, the bridge is secured with supporting anchors from each end. The anchors were hammered 12 meters deep into the rock face.
Fun fact, the bridge’s primary structure was constructed off-site. Moreover, the bridge is part of the restoration program of the Upper Rock, aiming to revitalize and reinvent the place. A visit to this hair-raising bridge is perfect during a spectacular sunset facing the Strait of Gibraltar, bay, and city.
3. Saint Michael's Cave
Another geological marvel tourist stops when visiting Gibraltar aside from the Rock, the Saint Michael’s cave. The cave is a set of intricate limestone caves in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. It sits over 200 meters above sea level, and the cave took its name from an identical grotto in Italy. It’s the largest among the 150 caves found in the peninsula and the most visited, garnering a million visitors annually.
The first record of the cave was in 45AD and was inhabited by Neanderthals. Moreover, different legends surround Saint Michael’s cave, one of which insinuated that it is connected to Africa. Another tale from ancient Greece presumes the cave as the entrance to the domain of Hades.
There are different sections of the cave, one of which is the Upper Hall. The chamber is an entry point to other areas, some containing 12 to 45-meter drops. An excavation also discovered a small lake during World War II.
The cave also has an auditorium at the Cathedral cave that seats at most 400 individuals. It’s a regular location for concerts, drama productions, ballet shows, and sometimes weddings.
4. Casino Admiral
Other than amazing views and caves, tourists can also play their hearts out at the Casino Admiral. The casino is located at the Ocean Village Marina and holds different activities. It has two casinos, the Ocean Village Casino and the Sunborn Casino. The latter is housed in a 5-star yacht hotel, which boasts the ‘first superyacht casino.’
Casino Admiral also has a 600-seater bingo hall, a 24-hour arcade, and the largest Sports Cafe & Bar in southern Europe. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind place that will make any night out memorable and fun. All the players are generally high-rollers so you want to learn blackjack rules and strategy before sitting down at any of their tables.
5. Catalan Bay
The Mediterranean Sea surrounds the quaint peninsula, which creates a perfect place to go swimming. The Catalan Bay is one of the few beaches in Gibraltar and the second biggest sandy beach. Its Spanish name is La Caleta which means ‘small bay or cove.’ Some say that it’s named after 350 Catalan military men who settled in the area.
The Catalan Bay is formerly a fishing village. Most of the families living in the area are descendants of those fisherfolk named Caleteños.
Aside from the phenomenal view of the Mediterranean Sea, La Caleta is also home to different tourist attractions. One of the famous landmarks is the Our Lady of Sorrows. Its religious statue has a procession to the beach every September, where the bishop blesses the sea.
6. Great Siege Tunnels
Another unique feature of Gibraltar is a system of underground passages called the Great Siege Tunnels. Also called the Galleries or Upper Galleries, they were carved during the Great Siege of Gibraltar in the 18th century.
British troops used the tunnels to move freely while being attacked by French and Spanish forces. The people who made the tunnels used sledgehammers and gun powder to dig through 80 feet of limestone and dirt. Initially, the British used it to move the cannons from end to end, but the vents made to were repurposed. They mounted the cannon and stuck it out of the tunnel so it could have the upper hand.
Today, tourists can freely walk about the tunnels without the fear of being bombarded by different weapons. The Upper Galleries now hold a museum honoring the siege and has an array of items on display.
7. Gibraltar Nature Reserve & Cable Car
Initiated in the early 90s, the Nature Reserve is a place the British military no longer uses. Now, it has become a habitat for wild animals and flora. It’s also a stopover for a list of migratory bird species. The place also houses the Ape’s Den, where tourists can get up close with the apes. It is best to visit the Nature Reserve right when they open in the morning to bask in its glory.
Tourists can either use trails to go up the Nature Reserve or ride the cable car. The base of the cable car system is found near Alameda Gardens. It will only take six minutes for people to reach the reserve. Within the time frame, tourists will be awed by the view of the Moroccan Rif Mountains and the Spanish coast.
There you have it, seven of the most exciting things to do in the small peninsula of Gibraltar. Each one holds something special, may it be a WWII memento or monkeys. Make sure to stop by each of them to immerse yourself with the grandeur of the place thoroughly.
