Exploring Gibraltar: things to see and do, where to stay and what to eat

Packed with luxurious resorts, historic relics and opportunities for outdoor adventure, Gibraltar is a dreamy Mediterranean holiday destination on British soil that won’t break the bank. Selected as the wedding destination for stars like late James Bond actor Sean Connery and Beatle John Lennon, Gibraltar, aka the Rock, boasts hidden depths and soaring heights. Here’s what to explore.

Perched on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory famed for majestic monolith The Rock of Gibraltar, as well as its Barbary macaques. With its Iberian heritage, British national identity and proximity to both Spain and Morocco, this little nation lets you experience culture and character from a wide variety of destinations without ever having to leave British soil. From its cuisine to its architecture, rich international influences are everywhere. 

Plus, Gibraltar offers more affordable flights, food and accommodation than many of its Mediterranean neighbours  – not to mention luxury shopping at price points you won’t find on London's Regent Street…

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Meet the dolphins

The Strait of Gibraltar is home to a population of roughly 300 common dolphins, and they certainly aren’t afraid to come up and say hello. Stroll down to the seaport and hop on a boat for a dolphin-watching experience with Dolphin Adventure, a tour operator which prides itself on responsible practices, expert guides and conservation efforts. 

Wander the Alameda Botanical Gardens

One of the prettiest places in Gibraltar, the Alameda Botanical Gardens is a verdant public nature reserve. Both native and exotic species are on display at the gardens, from cacti and succulents to colourful freesias, lilacs and crocuses. You can book a guided tour to learn about the fascinating flora from the experts. 

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Journey up the Rock

A trip to Gibraltar wouldn’t be complete without checking out the views from the peak of its most famous landmark. At the base of the Botanical Gardens, you can board a cable car which will take you right up to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar. Watch the world drop away behind you as you ascend into the clouds, and keep an eye out for the infamous Barbary macaques as you enter into their territory. Once at the top, take a moment to enjoy the spectacular 360-degree views of Gibraltar, Spain and the North African coast.

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Explore St Michael’s Cave

St Michael’s Cave is a natural marvel buried at the heart of the monolith and laden with legend. Long believed to be bottomless, the cave gave rise to the belief that the Rock is actually linked to Africa by a subterranean passage under the Strait of Gibraltar, which would explain the presence of so many Barbary macaques. 

Other legends include the story that, in 1704, Spanish troops spent a night in the cave after climbing the steep eastern face of the Rock with the intent to attack the English settlement, and that, in the early 1800s, two British officers supposedly descended into the caves and were never seen again.

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Today, however, the cave needs no aggrandising myths to amaze. Its natural sculptures are currently illuminated by ‘The Awakening’, an immersive light and sound display which casts the sedimentary rock layers into sharp and colourful relief, bringing centuries of history to life. The experience culminates in the cave’s main chamber which has been used as an amphitheatre since the 1960s. Here, you can take a seat and enjoy a full 360-degree light show illustrating the formation of the cave itself over millennia. 

Check out the Second World War tunnels

History buffs will enjoy exploring the World War II Tunnels, a set of passages chiselled deep into the Rock, where soldiers camped out during the Second World War for months on end when Gibraltar was considered a strategic choke point. Be sure to get an audio guide so you can hear how each of the chambers was used and what life would have looked like for the soldiers living there. 

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Discover the Skywalk

If you’re craving some wide open spaces after all those underground experiences, take a drive up to the top of the Rock and stroll out across the Skywalk, a glass observation platform which provides sweeping and spectacular views. Just keep an eye out for those Barbary macaques – they’re not afraid to steal your bags to look for snacks.

Take an e-bike tour

Pack your sunscreen and water bottle and take a guided tour with EBike Gibraltar – you’ll head around the Rock, through the Botanical Gardens and up to the striking Europa Point Lighthouse. With multiple settings, e-bikes can be used whatever your fitness level, so you can take the opportunity to break a sweat, or simply sit back and enjoy the ride.

For elegant and modern accommodation, book the Eliott Hotel, which is ideally located within easy walking distance to the Ocean Village marina and Grand Casemates Square. The Eliott has its own restaurant and bar, as well as a great buffet breakfast. To enjoy panoramas of the Strait of Gibraltar, be sure to request rooms on the fifth floor or above.

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If you want to get even closer to the water, you can book the Sunborn, a five-star yacht hotel, which has its own casino and resort facilities in the very heart of the seaport. 

 

 

 

 

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For more lofty views, you’ll want to try The Rock Hotel, which has played host to an impressive roster of guests over the years, including Sir Winston Churchill, Errol Flynn, Alec Guinness, Sean Connery, John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The Terrace Restaurant offers vistas of the water, plus a fine menu featuring dishes including tagine and homemade ravioli. 

Gibraltar has a wide variety of restaurants, showcasing an eclectic array of cuisines from all over the world. If you’re in the mood for dinner and a show, head towards Casemates Square for a meal at Queen’s Picture House and Eatery, a restaurant which pays homage to the beloved 1,000-seat Queen’s Cinema, a cultural hub for Gibraltar for over 50 years. The family-owned restaurant is decorated with memorabilia from the iconic theatre, and even has its own boutique cinema in the back.

If you’re looking to dine in the seaport area, there are plenty of options for every palette and budget. For great vegetarian and vegan options, check out Little Bay, an Indian restaurant that offers outdoor, harbourside dining. Or, for an elegant evening out, try dinner at Vault 13, whose menu specialises in Asian and Mediterranean cuisine. You’ll also get to try some of the finest wines from nearby Spain and Morocco, so be sure to ask your server for their recommendations. 

For a meal with the very best of views, you’ll want to book the Mons Calpe Suite for lunch. Perched at the very top of the Rock, the restaurant lets diners enjoy panoramic vistas through its floor-to-ceiling windows. 

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If you’re in the mood for something more traditionally Mediterranean, head over to Rendezvous to enjoy some local specialties – particularly the Spanish meats – while overlooking the scenic marina. 

Finally, book a locally sourced gin tasting experience at Spirit of the Rock. The award-winning master distiller will walk you through the history of this beloved beverage from its origins in the 16th century up to its current recipe, giving you plenty of opportunities to stop and sip.

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