While on holiday in Marbella, we decided to take a day trip to Gibraltar. Today, “Gib” is one of 14 British Overseas Territories and is the only one that was part of the EU (for now—sorry!). It has its own parliament and is self-governing, except for defence and foreign policy. And yes, it’s famous for tax-free shopping!
Locally known as “The Rock,” the city embraces its Britishness to the fullest. Everywhere you look, there are fish and chips shops, English accents, and old seaside hotels. But Gibraltar’s story is far older than its red phone boxes. Its name comes from the Arab general Tariq ibn Ziyad, who named it after himself—Gibel Tariq, meaning “Tariq’s Mountain.” Tariq led the Islamic conquest of Southern Spain in 711, and Gibraltar remained under Moorish rule for nearly 800 years. In 1462, Spain reconquered it, and in 1704 the British captured the Rock. Since then, Spain has continuously contested Britain’s claim, often clashing over the surrounding waters and the airport.
- Getting There: Our Drive from Marbella
- Top Things to Do in Gibraltar (One-Day Itinerary)
- Final Thoughts
Getting There: Our Drive from Marbella
We rented a car for the day, which gave us complete freedom to stop whenever we liked. The drive from Marbella took about an hour with no traffic. Gibraltar is also conveniently close to other main cities—just under two hours from Málaga and about an hour and a half from Cádiz.
We took our time, enjoying the coastal views along the way. The scenery alone made the drive worth it—rugged cliffs, sparkling beaches, and the mountains in the distance reminded us why Southern Spain is so magical.
Top Things to Do in Gibraltar (One-Day Itinerary)
1. See the Rock of Gibraltar
We drove to the top of the Rock, but you can also hike or take the cable car. Rising 426 metres above sea level, the Rock is not just a natural landmark—it’s a historic icon. From the top, the views are spectacular. On a clear day, you can even see Africa! The limestone cliffs and dramatic drop-offs make it a photographer’s dream.
2. Visit the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque
This mosque is the southernmost in mainland Europe and absolutely stunning. Built in 1997 as a gift from King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, it serves Gibraltar’s Muslim community. Its architecture and lavish design are worth stopping for, even if just for a quick photo.
3. Explore Europa Point
Europa Point marks the southern tip of Europe, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean. We were mesmerised by the view across to Africa, only 15.5 miles away. Here, you’ll also find the historic Europa Point Lighthouse, built in 1841. It’s modest in size—just 49m tall—but holds the distinction of being the only British lighthouse outside the EU.
4. Meet the Barbary macaques
Gibraltar’s most famous residents are its mischievous monkeys—the only free-living apes in Europe. We visited Apes’ Den on the Rock and watched them leap, play, and sometimes steal from unsuspecting tourists. There are about 240 macaques, an endangered species.
Pro tip: Don’t feed them—you can be fined thousands of pounds—and always watch your belongings!
5. Wander Through the Great Siege Tunnels
Beneath the Rock are miles of tunnels. The oldest were dug during the Great Siege of Gibraltar to defend the city against the Moors and Spanish forces. Walking through them gave us a tangible sense of Gibraltar’s strategic importance—and was unexpectedly thrilling.
6. Discover St Michael’s Cave
The caves are a series of limestone chambers and tunnels. Legend says the Barbary macaques once travelled from Africa through tunnels connected to the cave. The upper and lower sections have drops of up to 45m! During WW2, the caves were prepared as a hospital (though never used), and today they host concerts and events for up to 600 people. Exploring the cave felt like stepping into another world.
7. Visit the Moorish Castle
We were fascinated by the history here. The Moorish Castle was built in the 11th century when the Moors ruled most of Southern Spain. It was part of the fortified city called Medina Al-Fatih, or “City of Victory.” Today, only the Tower of Homage remains, but the views from the top are incredible. It’s also where the British raised the Union Flag in 1704 after capturing Gibraltar.
8. Watch the Airplanes Cross the Runway
One of Gibraltar’s quirkiest attractions is the airport road. The main road into the city literally crosses the runway at Gibraltar International Airport. We had to stop for a plane to take off—it’s as crazy as it sounds! The runway was built during WWII and is still owned by the Ministry of Defence. No wonder it’s considered one of the world’s scariest airports to land at.
Final Thoughts
Even with just one day, we felt like we experienced both the history and the quirks of Gibraltar. From the Barbary macaques to the dramatic views atop the Rock, every stop had a story to tell.
Gibraltar isn’t just a destination—it’s a collision of cultures, continents, and centuries of history. If you’re visiting Southern Spain, it’s absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.
Have questions about travelling to Gibraltar? Leave them in the comments—I’ll get back to you as quickly as possible!
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