Top 10 Things to Do in Gibraltar: A Local's Guide
1. Upper Rock Nature Reserve
This is the number one attraction and for good reason. One ticket gets you access to St Michael's Cave (a vast limestone grotto at 300 metres with stalactites and a light show), the Great Siege Tunnels (miles of tunnels carved into the cliff during the 1779-83 siege), the Moorish Castle (medieval fortification with the iconic Tower of Homage), the Skywalk (a glass platform jutting 340 metres above sea level) and the Windsor Suspension Bridge. Allow 3 to 4 hours to see everything. You can walk up via the Mediterranean Steps or take the cable car.
2. See the Barbary Macaques
Europe's only wild primates. Around 230 macaques live on the Rock, mostly around the Apes' Den area near the cable car top station. They are curious and photogenic but watch your belongings carefully because they are expert pickpockets. Do not feed them - it is illegal and carries a £500 fine.
3. Dolphin Watching
The Bay of Gibraltar is home to common, striped and bottlenose dolphins. Several operators run boat trips from the marina, typically lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Dolphin Safari and Dolphin Adventure are the most established companies. Sightings are almost guaranteed, especially in the morning and around sunset when dolphins are most active.
4. Walk the Mediterranean Steps
A challenging trail up the eastern face of the Rock from Jews' Gate to O'Hara's Battery at the summit (426 metres). Roughly 1.4 kilometres with dramatic cliff-edge sections and outstanding views of the Mediterranean and Africa. Not suitable for young children or those with vertigo but an unforgettable experience for anyone reasonably fit.
5. Europa Point
The southernmost tip of Gibraltar. On a clear day you can see Morocco across the strait, just 14 kilometres away. The Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque here is the most southerly mosque in continental Europe. The Europa Point Lighthouse has guided ships through these waters since 1841.
6. Cable Car to the Top
If you do not fancy the walk, the Gibraltar Cable Car whisks you from Alameda Gardens up to the Top Station in 6 minutes. The views from the top across two continents and two seas are breathtaking. There is a cafe at the top station and you can walk down through the nature reserve to see the sights at your own pace.
7. Eat at El Kasbah
Gibraltar's best-kept dining secret. This intimate Moroccan restaurant is tucked away near Casemates Square and serves exceptional tagines and couscous dishes. Given Gibraltar is just 14 kilometres from North Africa, the proximity shows in the authenticity of the food. Booking is recommended.
8. Explore Catalan Bay
A charming fishing village on the eastern side of the Rock with a sandy beach, colourful houses and a completely different atmosphere to the busy town centre. La Mamela restaurant here is famous for its fresh fish and paella. Great for a half-day of beach time.
9. Casemates Square
The social heart of Gibraltar. This open square is surrounded by restaurants, pubs and cafes. All's Well and the Lord Nelson are classic British-style pubs. Roy's Cod Place does legendary fish and chips. In the evenings the square comes alive with outdoor dining. It is also the starting point for Main Street's duty-free shopping strip.
10. Sunset at Camp Bay
Head to Camp Bay or Little Bay on the western side of the Rock for sunset. These rocky beaches face west across the Strait of Gibraltar, and watching the sun drop behind the water with Morocco in the distance is one of Gibraltar's most memorable free experiences.
Written by Ethan Roworth