Posted by Anyone making a round trip through the south of Spain should plan at least one day in Gibraltar. Gibraltar does not belong to Spain, but to Great Britain. It is mainly spoken in English, the culture is British, the pound is the preferred currency, but in most shops you can also pay in Euros. Gibraltar has an area of just 6.5 km² and almost 30,000 inhabitants. The British overseas territory lies on a longish peninsula, the land border with Spain is only 1000 metres long. As Gibraltar is an EU-area, but not a member of the European internal market, there are real border controls. In Gibraltar you can buy quite cheap cigarettes and alcohol, which is the main reason for the trip for many visitors of Gibraltar. The permitted export quantity is strictly controlled.
Tours Gibraltar:
On this website you can book a cheap bestseller: Ride with the cable car to the monkeys and dolphins in one tour (4 hours).
Of course there are also interesting tours through Gibraltar without dolphins or pure dolphin watching tours.
Picture: © Mac Sadowski Photo – Fotolia.com
The border with Spain is in the north of Gibraltar. Shortly after the border, one passes the runway of the airport, which is simply built across the road for space reasons. The western part of the peninsula is flat, here are most of the houses. The eastern part of Gibraltar consists of an over 400 meter high rock called Upper Rock. This limestone rock and the monkeys living on the rock are probably the most important sight of Gibraltar.
The Upper Rock can also be avoided on a road on the east coast. On the east coast of Gibraltar, there are few people living, as the rock rises steeply out of the sea and therefore there is hardly any space available. There are only 2-3 smaller settlements. At the southern end of the peninsula Gibraltar there are considerably more houses. Here is the famous lighthouse near the Europe Point. Nowhere else Africa and Europe are so close – the distance Gibraltar-Morocco is only about 28 km. In certain weather conditions you can clearly see the African coast from the Upper Rock.
Our tip: tours through Gibraltar and / or watching dolphins
As it is not easy to get around Gibraltar by public transport or rental car, many tourists book a tour. Many do not only visit Gibraltar, but also make a tour including dolphin watching. Not only all ships, but also all animals in the sea that want to go from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean have to pass through the Strait of Gibraltar. It is a great place for dolphin watching.
Tours Gibraltar:
On this website you can book a cheap bestseller: Ride with the cable car to the monkeys and dolphins in one tour (4 hours).
Of course there are also interesting tours through Gibraltar without dolphins or pure dolphin watching tours.
Places of interest Gibraltar
If you come to Gibraltar by land, crossing the runway through a 4-lane road is the first attraction. This is unique in the world. In the city itself there are not too many sightseeings, many go to one of the British pubs. Here you can get original British food like fish and chips or steak and kidney pie. In the many shops of the Main Street, mainly duty free cigarettes and liquor bottles are sold. Caution: The Spaniards often check very closely on their return journey.
Picture: © Linda Meyer – Fotolia.com
The most important sight in Gibraltar is the limestone rock Upper Rock. In Europe the Upper Rock of Gibraltar is the only place where monkeys live in freedom. There are several hundred specimens of the species Barbary monkeys (Latin Macaca sylvanus). Most of the approximately 10 kilo heavy and 80 cm big animals are anything but shy. Almost every tourist takes photos of and with the monkeys. An old legend says that the British leave Gibraltar when the monkeys are gone.
The Upper Rock can be reached with a cable car, but there are also footpaths to the top. The view from above is magnificent. The houses and streets of Gibraltar look like toys from above, Africa is clearly visible on the horizon. The rock is perforated by caves. Some of these caves are artificial. Since there is not enough space in Gibraltar, one has gained land with the rock material in the sea. However, other caves are very old and of natural origin. Known is the Gorham Cave, one of the most important sights of Gibraltar. Here researchers find world-famous finds from the late Neanderthal period.
In the museum of Gibraltar down in the city some of these finds from the Stone Age and other things from later epochs are exhibited. A visit to the Gibraltar Museum is worthwhile because the entrance fee is only 2 pounds (about 2.50 euros). Opening hours: Mo-Fr 10 – 18 o’clock, Sa 10 – 14 o’clock, Sun and holiday not open.
For many tourists the lighthouse and the neighbouring southernmost point of Gibraltar (Europe point) is also a sight. Actually it is nothing special.
Picture: © Carabay – Fotolia.com
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Directions and getting around Gibraltar
There are three ways to get to Gibraltar: By land, by sea or by air.
The best way to get to Gibraltar by land or public transport is to take a bus to La Linea. This is the Spanish city on the other side of the border. From the bus station in La Linea it is only about 200 metres to the border.
There are 5 city bus lines in Gibraltar. You can get practically anywhere. Two of the lines go to the Spanish border. But you can also walk the good kilometre from the border to the centre of Gibraltar.
There are many ferries from Gibraltar to Morocco. For many years, Gibraltar has been one of the most important ferry ports for connections across the Strait of Gibraltar.
There are flights to Gibraltar, but by far not as many as to the big Spanish tourist airports.
Tours Gibraltar:
On this website you can book a cheap bestseller: Ride with the cable car to the monkeys and dolphins in one tour (4 hours).
Of course there are also interesting tours through Gibraltar without dolphins or pure dolphin watching tours.
Top 10 Sights of Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a small British Overseas Territory on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history and unique mix of different cultures. Here are the top 10 things to do in Gibraltar.
Rock of Gibraltar :
It is the emblem of Gibraltar and dominates the horizon of the territory. Visitors can take a cable car to the top for spectacular views of the region.
Saint-Michel Cave:
Located in Upper Rock, this natural cave system is known for its spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. It is popular as a venue for concerts and various events.
Gibraltar Nature Reserve :
The reserve covers more than 40% of Gibraltar and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the Barbary macaque, the only wild monkey in Europe.
On this website you can book a cheap bestseller: Ride with the cable car to the monkeys and dolphins in one tour (4 hours).
Of course there are also interesting tours through Gibraltar without dolphins or pure dolphin watching tours.
Great Siege Tunnels :
These tunnels were dug into the rock by the British during the Great Siege of Gibraltar (1779-1783) and were used to mount artillery and shell the Spanish and French invading armies.
Castle of the Moors:
The castle was built by the Moors in the 8th century and has been modified by various occupiers of Gibraltar over the centuries. It offers a wonderful view of the surroundings.
Exhibition “The Besieged City”:
Located in the Moorish Castle, this exhibition tells the story of the siege of Gibraltar. Exhibits and objects from the siege are on display, including weapons, uniforms and personal effects of soldiers and civilians who witnessed the siege.
euro point:
This is the southernmost point of Gibraltar and offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean and African coasts. It is also home to one of Gibraltar’s most famous structures, the Trinity Lighthouse.
Ocean Village :
This is a modern marina complex with a variety of shops, restaurants and bars. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Main road:
This is Gibraltar’s main shopping street with a variety of shops selling everything from souvenirs to designer fashion.
Place Casemate :
This is a historic square in the center of Gibraltar with a wide range of bars and restaurants. It is a popular place for locals and tourists.
Upper Rock Gibraltar
Gibraltar’s Upper Rock is a popular tourist attraction on the north side of Gibraltar. It is a large limestone mass rising 426 meters above sea level and dominating the Gibraltar skyline. Upper Rock has many interesting sights and attractions to explore.
Gibraltar Nature Reserve:
This is a protected area covering more than 40% of the land area of Gibraltar. It is home to a diverse flora and fauna, including the Barbary macaque, the only wild monkey in Europe.
Saint-Michel Cave:
This is a natural cave system in the Upper Rock. Known for its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, it is a popular venue for concerts and other events.
On this website you can book a cheap bestseller: Ride with the cable car to the monkeys and dolphins in one tour (4 hours).
Of course there are also interesting tours through Gibraltar without dolphins or pure dolphin watching tours.
Great Siege Tunnels:
These tunnels were dug into the rock by the British during the Siege of Gibraltar (1779-1783). These were equipped with artillery and were used to fire on the Spanish and French invading forces.
Castle of the Moors:
The castle was built by the Moors in the 8th century and has been modified by various occupiers of Gibraltar over the centuries. It offers a wonderful view of the surroundings.
Exhibition “The Besieged City”:
Located in the Moorish Castle, this exhibition tells the story of the siege of Gibraltar. Exhibits and objects from the time of the siege are on display, including weapons, uniforms and personal effects of soldiers and civilians who witnessed the siege.
Upper Rock Nature Trail:
There are several hiking trails that wind through the Upper Rock and offer beautiful views of the region. The routes vary in length and difficulty, so there is something for every taste.
Visitors to Upper Rock can access it by cable car or on foot. The cable car is a popular option as it offers great views of the region and allows you to get to the top quickly and easily. Once they reach the summit, visitors are free to explore various sights and attractions.
Europa Point Gibraltar
Europa Point is the southernmost scenic spot in Gibraltar. One of Gibraltar’s most popular attractions, it offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean and North African coasts. Below are some of the things to see and do at Europa Point.
Trinity Lighthouse :
This iconic lighthouse is one of Gibraltar’s most iconic structures. It was built in 1841 and is 49 meters high. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for spectacular views of the region. Ibrahim Al Ibrahim Mosque :
This is a relatively recent addition to Europa Point, having opened in 1997. As one of the largest mosques in Europe, it can accommodate up to 2,000 believers.
Europa Point Park:
This is a beautiful park on the southern end of Gibraltar. A popular picnic spot with a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Sikorski Monument:
This monument is dedicated to General Władysław Sikorski, who was Chancellor of the Polish government-in-exile during World War II. He died in a plane crash near Gibraltar in 1943.
Temple of Our Lady of Europe:
This is a small chapel at Europa Point. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Europe, the patron saint of Gibraltar.
Dolphin Watching:
The waters around Europa Point are home to a diverse range of marine life, including dolphins. Visitors can take boat trips to see these beautiful creatures up close. Hike the Mediterranean Walks :
This is a challenging hike that starts at the base of the rocks and ends at Europa Point. It offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the North African coast.
Dolphin Watching Gibraltar
Dolphin watching is a popular activity in Gibraltar. Several species of dolphins live in the waters surrounding this area. There are a few things you should know about dolphin watching in Gibraltar.
Types of Dolphins :
Three species of dolphins live in the waters around Gibraltar.
Common, Striped and Bottlenose Dolphins. Visitors are most likely to see common dolphins, the most common species of dolphin in the region.
Optimal travel time:
Dolphin watching tours are offered all year round in Gibraltar, but the best time to see dolphins is during the summer months (June to September). During this time, the water temperatures are high, increasing the chances of encountering the playful creatures.
Tour by boat:
Several companies offer dolphin watching tours in Gibraltar. These tours typically last 1-2 hours and take visitors out to sea to look for dolphins. Some tours also include snorkeling and swimming with dolphins.
On this website you can book a cheap bestseller: Ride with the cable car to the monkeys and dolphins in one tour (4 hours).
Of course there are also interesting tours through Gibraltar without dolphins or pure dolphin watching tours.
Rules and Regulations :
Dolphin sightings in Gibraltar are regulated by the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society (GONHS). Visitors must adhere to the guidelines set out by the GONHS, in particular they are not allowed to get too close to the dolphins or to feed them.
Damage to the ecosystem :
Visitors should be aware that spotting dolphins can be detrimental to the environment and the dolphins themselves. It is important to choose a tour operator that is committed to sustainable and responsible dolphin viewing practices.
Overall, dolphin watching is a fun and exciting activity for visitors to Gibraltar. It offers a unique opportunity to see these beautiful creatures up close and learn about their behavior and habitat in the waters around Gibraltar.