Things to do in Gibraltar
Near the Iberian Peninsula's southern tip, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory. Gibraltar covers about 6.8 square kilometres, and the 2022 census counted around 38,000 residents. The territory sits beside the Strait of Gibraltar, the narrow passage into the Mediterranean Sea. Gibraltar and Spain are on the strait's northern side.
Gibraltar Rock tour
The Rock reaches a height of 426 metres and is riddled with caves, St Michael's Cave being the best known. A nature reserve occupies much of its upper area. The Gibraltar Nature Reserve (formerly the Upper Rock Nature Reserve) accounts for more than 40% of Gibraltar's land. Around 300 Barbary macaques live on the Upper Rock in five troops.
Inside St Michael's Cave are numerous stalactites and stalagmites. The Mediterranean Steps route reaches the Goat's Hair Twin Caves. The underground passages of the Great Siege Tunnels are also known as the Galleries. Tunnels were dug into the limestone within the Rock. The Moorish Castle survives from Moorish rule that lasted 710 years in total, from 711 to 1309 and from 1350 to 1462.
A private tour of Gibraltar Nature Reserve (formerly the Upper Rock Nature Reserve) from Costa del Sol lasts 4 hours. It includes a private guide for the duration of the tour, private transport to and from Gibraltar, visits to St Michael's Cave and the Great Siege Tunnels, an encounter with Barbary macaques on the Upper Rock and a visit to the Moorish Castle.
Gibraltar day trip
The private day trip to Gibraltar from Costa del Sol takes 8 hours. It includes a professional guide throughout the day, a guided visit to the Gibraltar Nature Reserve (formerly the Upper Rock Nature Reserve), visits to St Michael's Cave, the Great Siege Tunnels and the Moorish Castle, an encounter with the Barbary macaque colony and free time for lunch and shopping in the city centre.
The Gibraltar day trip with the Rock, monkeys and dolphin watching lasts 8 hours.
Europa Point
Gibraltar's southern tip is Europa Point. Construction of the lighthouse there took place from 1838 to 1841.
History of Gibraltar
Under the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht, Great Britain received Gibraltar in perpetuity. Gibraltar's Great Siege ran from 1779 until 1783. The siege was lifted on 7 February 1783. In the Second World War, the majority of the civilian population was evacuated from Gibraltar. Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of French North Africa in 1942, was coordinated from Gibraltar.
Language and local life
Government and schools use English, Gibraltar's official language. Spanish and the local dialect Llanito are also spoken by many Gibraltarians. The Gibraltar pound circulates at par with pound sterling, and both are used.
Connections with Gibraltar
The land frontier between Gibraltar and Spain extends for 1.2 km. Ferry services link Gibraltar with Tangier across the strait. Gibraltar International Airport occupies the isthmus connecting the territory with the Iberian Peninsula. It began as a military airfield before the Second World War. The runway crosses Winston Churchill Avenue. Since March 2023, a tunnel has kept road traffic moving while aircraft land or take off.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the Rock of Gibraltar?
The Rock reaches a height of 426 metres.
What is included in the private nature reserve tour from Costa del Sol?
The 4 hour tour includes a private guide, private transport to and from Gibraltar, St Michael's Cave, the Great Siege Tunnels, a Barbary macaque encounter on the Upper Rock and the Moorish Castle.
How long is the Gibraltar day trip with dolphin watching?
The day trip with the Rock, monkeys and dolphin watching lasts 8 hours.
Which languages are spoken in Gibraltar?
English is the official language used in government and schools. Many Gibraltarians also speak Spanish and Llanito.
Where is Europa Point?
Europa Point is at Gibraltar's southern tip.
