Top places to see in Gibraltar: A two day solo travel itinerary

I’m delighted to share with you my top places to see in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. A peninsula and not an island as many first think, Gibraltar has a fascinating history, outstanding natural beauty and a lot of character. Positioned in the southern most point of Europe neighboring Spain, Gibraltar is definitely a place to visit if you’re looking for a solo getaway in the sun with a difference.

Measuring at just 2.6 square miles, this little corner of Europe is packed with exciting and unique attractions. Like being able to cross the international airport’s runway on foot, being home to Europe’s only wild monkey population and the place where the first evidence of Neanderthals were discovered. There are also little touches of Britain here, with the iconic red telephone and letter boxes, Union Jack flags and bunting, classic British pubs and even fish and chip shops.

Given how small Gibraltar is, many only visit as part of a day trip whilst travelling southern Spain. But I’d recommend at least two days here to truly see the very best of what Gibraltar has to offer. This blog will share with you my recommendations for the best places to see as part of a two day getaway.

Want to explore Gibraltar for less? The Gibraltar Pass gives you free access to public transport (including the cable car) and Gibraltar’s top attractions over a 24 hour period. It also offers discounts to many of Gibraltar’s top restaurants and activity providers. To find out more click here

DAY ONE

Upper Nature Reserve

If there is one area of Gibraltar you have to visit above all else, it is the Upper Nature Reserve. The top of the rock not only offers you breathtaking views overlooking Spain, the strait of Gibraltar and the African coast, but it is also where you will find some of Gibraltar’s natural wonders and important historic locations. Access to the Upper Nature Reserve and its attractions is free with a Gibraltar Pass or there is a fee of £18 for adults and £13 for children aged 5-11. You cannot drive through the Upper Nature Reserve, so you can either explore on foot, hire a bike or visit as part of a Mini Bus tour, which you can pre-book for free with a Gibraltar Pass. I would recommend spending most of your day exploring the Upper Nature Reserve and its attractions. If you plan to visit on foot, I would recommend enjoying a trip up in the Cable Car first (included with a Gibraltar Pass), then follow Douglas Way to the main attractions and finish on the West Side by the Moorish Castle. You will be given a map at the ticket office which includes a number of different themed trails you can follow.

St Michael’s Cave

Get ready to step inside a pure natural wonder at St Michael’s Cave located near the Jew’s Gate entrance of the Upper Nature Reserve. I have been inside this incredible limestone cave three times and not only is it spectacular to behold, it also has a fascinating past. There are theories the Greeks believed this cave was an entrance to Hades, their mythological underworld, due to the fact it’s over 200 metres deep. In World War Two, Royal Engineers accidently happened across an inner cave known as Leonora’s Cave, which is believed to have been sealed for up to 20,000 years! Today part of the cave is used as an auditorium for events and concerts due to its incredible acoustics. My favourite thing about St Michael’s Cave is ‘The Awakening’, an immersive light and sound experience. This show runs every 20 minutes and showcases just how impressive this cave network truly is. Access to St Michael’s Cave is included as part of your Upper Nature Reserve entry ticket or free with a Gibraltar Pass.

Top of the Rock and Apes Den

Next to the Cable Car Top station you will find the most incredible views that Gibraltar has to offer from the top of the rock. It is a rare thing to be able to take in a 360 degree view of three countries and two continents in one spot. The Top of the Rock café is a great place to sit back, enjoy a bite to eat and take in the views of the African coastline, the Mediterranean and neighboring Spain.

Gibraltar is best known for its monkeys (Barbary apes) and the best place to see these playful primates is at Apes Den. Located near the Cable Car Top station, Apes Den is an open air space where you are guaranteed to see the monkeys up close. They are fed and watched over daily by the park rangers, who are often on hand to make sure you respect these wild animals. Whilst they are playful, they are also extremely inquisitive and can be quite aggressive when threatened. Keep your distance as you enjoy seeing them roam in the place they call home.

The Great Siege and World War Two Tunnels

If you are a history lover, then stepping inside Gibraltar’s incredible network of hidden tunnels is a must. Did you know that the Rock as you see it is practically hollow? There are over 55km of tunnels inside, with the first being dug out at the start of the Great Siege dating back to 1779. You can step inside the Great Siege tunnels on the northern side of the Upper Nature Reserve, where you will learn about the extraordinary engineering behind the network of tunnels used in Gibraltar’s defenses all those years ago.

The World War Two tunnels have recently re-opened after an extensive renovation and offer a fascinating insight into Gibraltar’s defenses during the time of this conflict. Gibraltar was never in fact invaded by Nazi Germany during the Second World War, but its position in the Mediterranean was crucial for the Allies, so Winston Churchill invested heavily in its defences. Located near the Moorish Castle entrance of the Upper Nature Reserve, you will not believe what awaits you inside this labyrinth of tunnels. They are so vast it is effectively an ‘underground city’ capable of housing a 16,000 strong garrison, with all the necessary amenities and provisions capable of withstanding a year long siege. Each passage has its own street name named after towns in Britain, including Peterborough, Maida Vale and Doncaster.

You can access both the Great Siege and World War Two tunnels with a Gibraltar Pass or as part of your Upper Nature Reserve entry ticket.

Moorish Castle

Gibraltar’s oldest building, first ordered to be built back in 1068, takes you back to the Marinid dynasty and Moorish occupation of Europe. The main tower still bears the scars of the many battles and sieges that have taken place over Gibraltar’s history, with small exhibits inside that delve into its past, along with a staircase that takes you to the top. The views from the top of the tower are pretty spectacular, overlooking the main city, the Strait of Gibraltar and neighboring Spain.

Queensway Quay and Ocean Village

After a day of exploring the Upper Nature Reserve, I’d recommend unwinding with waterfront evening at either Queensway Quay or Ocean Village Marina. In both places you will find a great selection of bars and restaurants, where you can sit back and take in the views of the moored yachts and boats. If you want a more relaxing evening, enjoying a sunset and a meal al fresco, I would recommend Queensway Quay. If you want something a bit more lively, Ocean Village comes alive at night. Here you will find a few nightclubs and casinos that stay open until the early hours. There are also a selection of well known chains in Ocean Village, including Wagamama and Pizza Express, which offer special discounts to those who have a Gibraltar Pass.

DAY two

EUROPA POINT AND lighthouse

Located on the Southern most point of Gibraltar is the must see Europa Point. It offers a unique viewpoint of where the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans meet, and on a clear day you can see incredible views of the African coast and Strait of Gibraltar. Here you will also get to see the famous lighthouse dating back to 1841 which is now fully automated. It is in fact the only lighthouse that is regulated by Trinity House outside of mainland United Kingdom. Close by you will find the Sikorski Memorial, honouring General Władysław Sikorski, Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Army and exiled Prime Minister of the Polish government during WW2. He along with fifteen other people were killed in a plane crash in 1943 off Europa Point. Whilst you are here, make sure to take a look at the impressive Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, a gift to the Muslim community of Gibraltar from the late King Fahd Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia. You can treat yourself to a complimentary glass of Prosecco, house wine or soft drink at the Bistro Point restaurant with a Gibraltar Pass. You can catch the number 2 bus to Europa Point from the town centre bus station.

Catalan Bay

If you want to enjoy some time at the beach during your visit to Gibraltar, I’d recommend going to Catalan Bay. This hidden gem awaits you on the Eastern side and is unlike any other place in Gibraltar. You will think you have stumbled across the Italian Riviera, with the colourful vibrant buildings contrasting against the backdrop of the rock, together with the crystal clear waters. Whilst Catalan Bay is predominately residential with just one or two restaurants, it is a fascinating place to explore and perfect if you want to spend some time relaxing under the Mediterranean sun. Catch the number 4 or number 8 bus to get to Catalan Bay from the town centre bus station.

Gibraltar old town and MAIN STREET

Main Street is the ultimate place to enjoy a spot of tax free shopping and bag yourself a souvenir. Here you will find a number of British High Street shops like Clarks, Hotel Chocolat and Marks & Spencer, along with high end brands including Rolex and Tommy Hilfiger. If you’re not into shopping, then make sure to look up at the buildings as you walk down Main Street. One of my favourite features of Gibraltar is the architecture in the Old Town area. Gibraltar has such a rich history, with a blend of cultural influences that can be seen in the buildings here. Some you will find covered in Portuguese style tiles with charming Genoese shutters, and others with English regency style iron balconies and pastel coloured facades. I recommend making your way off Main Street and meandering your way up through the network of side streets of the Old Town area. There’s something charming about the maze of narrow streets, some with distinctive names along with historic red plaques sharing unique facts about the area.

Getting to Gibraltar

You can either fly into Gibraltar directly or park and cross the border in neighbouring La Linea (Spain) depending on how long you plan to visit. I would not recommend crossing the border in a car and parking in Gibraltar itself. Hundreds of people make the crossing daily on the commute, resulting in many long queues. There are several public car parks in La Linea that offer overnight parking that are a short walk to the frontier border crossing. Trust me, it’s cheaper and it will allow you more time to explore Gibraltar. TOP TIP: If you plan to cross the border on foot from Spain, you will need a valid passport or you will not be allowed to visit. Once you cross the border, you can either walk across the airport runway, or catch a bus or taxi into the main city centre. You will find a taxi rank and bus stop a short walk away from the border crossing along Winston Churchill Avenue.

STAYING IN GIBRALTAR

There are a selection of hotels and holiday apartments in Gibraltar, many that can be found on the search site Booking.com

If you are looking to stay in Gibraltar on a budget, I would recommend the Emile Hostel located near Casemates Square not far from Main Street. If you want to treat yourself to a unique stay, the Sunborn Hotel is a luxury 5-star yacht hotel in Ocean Village with spa facilities and pool and they offer a 10% discount on all spa treatments to those with a Gibraltar Pass.

Thank you for reading my blog post. Gibraltar is truly a unique destination, offering so much for such a small place. I hope this blog has given you a little flavor of what Gibraltar has to offer and can be a source of inspiration if you are planning to visit in the future.