Collaborative post. Despite its compact size, Gibraltar, the British Overseas Territory bordering Spain has many things that make it a popular tourist destination each year. This is largely due to Gibraltar’s jaw-dropping natural beauty, alongside centuries of history. In this post, we look at the top attractions in Gibraltar. You’ll soon see why you will want to strongly consider booking a holiday to Gibraltar for your next family trip or solo trip abroad.
Make sure you have a read of these essential safety tips for your family vacation.
Top Attractions in Gibraltar
The Rock of Gibraltar
Probably one of the first things that spring to mind when you think of Gibraltar. The 400m-tall cliff known as the Rock of Gibraltar is a popular site for tourists to visit. It is arguably Gibraltar’s trademark feature, and the top of it can be reached by cable car. The unique feature of this rock is the underground tunnels. Known as the Galleries or the Great Siege Tunnels, they were dug towards the end of the Great Siege of Gibraltar between 1782 and 1968. There is a cost of approx £8 to enter. You’ll also find the World war 2 Tunnels nearby. This is a different tour but also popular.
The Monkeys
Barbary Macaques monkeys sometimes referred to as Gibraltar monkeys can also be found on the rock. In fact, there are a number of groups of monkeys equating to over 200 living there. These monkeys draw tourists in who come to see them roaming free on the rock. The monkeys are fun to watch although you do need to be careful. These are still wild animals and so they can be aggressive when people get too close. You can buy all sorts of great monkey-themed souvenirs to remember the experience to go along with the hundreds of pictures you’ll take. The monkeys can also be found at St Michael’s Cave.
St Michael’s Cave
When it comes to geological attractions, Gibraltar’s most spectacular has to be St Michael’s Cave. The ancient Greeks called this, the ‘Gates to Hades’, believing the caves, situated in one of the legendary Pillars of Hercules (the Rock of Gibraltar), to be bottomless. The caves are a network of limestone chambers and tunnels once thought to run beneath the Straits and even as far as Africa. You might want to set aside some time to admire the stunning stalagmites and stalactites in St Michael’s Cave. Perhaps even catch a light show at the 600-seat Cathedral Cave auditorium before you leave.
Europa Point
This is located at the most southerly tip of Gibraltar. From this point, you can see amazing views of the North Coast of Morocco. You’ll also see the outlines of the Rif mountain range on a clear day. These are home to the Jebel Musa peak. The legend behind this is that the Musa was once one with the Rock before Hercules crashed through them and created the Two Pillars of Hercules. Here you will also find a Catholic church, a mosque (details below), a lighthouse, and a military gun emplacement that was able to sink any vessels that would enter the Straight.
The Lighthouse
The lighthouse is a popular attraction in Gibraltar. Also known as the Trinity Lifehouse you’ll be able to take in some spectacular views. This lights the way for mariners sailing through the Straits of Gibraltar. Here the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean collide and create turbulent waters. Not far from here is the Sikorski Memorial.
The Sikorski Memorial
Dedicated to the late Polish Prime Minister Wladyslaw Eugeniusz Sikorski who lost his life in a plane crash on the Rock in 1943 alongside 15 others. You can see the memorial erected to remember Sikorski and the others, the names of whom are inscribed on a plaque.
Dolphins
Visiting Gibraltar via a cruise is a different way of seeing the country and also the sites. You could consider booking one of the Cunard cruises that stop at Gibraltar. From the ship, you might also be able to catch sight of dolphins jumping in and out of clear blue waters near the British Overseas Territory’s coast. The Bay of Algeciras is particularly abundant in marine life and one especially cute occurrence here is that of adult dolphins leaping alongside their young. You can also book tours whilst there to see the dolphins which can be a great experience.
The Moorish Castle
The remains of this are one of the iconic structures of Gibraltar. It is a reminder of the many battles this land has been exposed to over time. The Moorish Castle’s dominant feature is The Tower of Homage and the Gate House. The Moorish Castle was initially built in 1160CE. It was ransacked by the Spanish between 1309 – 1333. The Tower of Homage was rebuilt in the 14h Century and you can now visit the remains of this and other parts of the castle. You might even see dents from the canons in the walls.
Ibrahim-Al-Ibrahim Mosque
Located at the top of Europa Point is Ibrahim-Al-Ibrahim Mosque. This is a great example of modern Islamic architecture. The Mosque was constructed between 1995 and 1997 and cost approx 5 million to build. The building contains a library, lecture theatre, and a space of worship. The Mosque was given as a gift to Gibraltar and its people from King Fahd Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia.
As you can see there are some lovely attractions to see when exploring Gibraltar. Gibraltar’s not only steeped in history but in addition, it has some great wildlife.
If you were to visit Gibraltar which attractions would you like to see most? Do you have any other attractions that could be added to my Top Attractions in Gibraltar post?
If you’re planning on visiting Croatia, these posts might be of interest:
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What a cool place to visit. I will have to keep Gibraltar in mind the next time we travel. It looks like there’s tons to do and see.
There sure is. There is plenty to keep the whole family busy.
I’ve never been there before. I’ve actually never heard of this place either. Looks like a lovely place to visit.
It is a popular travel destination. I’m sure you’d love it there.
I think I would like to see the rock, dolphins and monkeys. I’m certain my preschooler would choose the monkeys!
I would like to see St. Michael’s Cave and the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens if I were to go there! The Moorish Castle might be interesting too.
It is great there are so many lovely places to see there.
Great post. I appreciate the great pictures of Gibraltar and the helpful information. I’ve never been – but if looks amazing!
It does doesn’t it plus they have beaches that are lovely too!!!
They are all great. If I ever visit Gibraltar, I would like to see the lighthouse the most.
I’m afraid of monkeys but yes I love lighthouse. I have some photos of my dad visiting Gibraltar in 1970s. And they look good. Your suggestions on the places are so cool, at least according to me.
It’s a great place with lots of historical sites to visit. I hope you get to go.
Gibraltar is a completely new place for me. I am so curious to discover it out!
It is lovely with plenty to see.
Wow! I think visiting the Light house would be a really awesome and wonderful experience!
It is interesting to see historical sites and there are others near there you can see too.
My colleague at work is big into going off the beaten track when it comes to vacations. He and his wife have been mostly everywhere, but they are looking for somewhere different for her 50th! I must send this over to him as a suggestion.
That’s great, it can be fun to go on adventures.
There’s so many fun sounding sites to see in Gibraltar!
There sure are, it’s a lovely place to visit.
I am going to save this for our trip there one day – it is on our bucket list!~
I hope you have a lovely time!!!!!!
Nnnniiiicccceeeeee…I would love to see some dolphins and the light-house! I have heard a lot of good things about Gibraltar!
It is a lovely place. I would love to see the dolphins too, that must be amazing.
That is so amazing. I would absolutely love to visit Gibraltar one day. It’s so beautiful there!
This place sounds like so much fun! My family is still undecided about what we want to do this summer, so I might have to bring this place up! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you for giving me anther travel option. The Europa Point is one I would definitely check out should I get to visit.
Gilbrator got of wonderful things to attract visitors. I would love to see the light house and dolphin too . Thanks for sharing!!
I have never been to Gibralter, I would love to see the monkeys and the dolphins, but so much else to do and see as well.
I would love to see the tunnels as it will take me back in history and of course the top of Gibraltar rock.
I’ve never been to Gibraltar but I heard a lot about it! A friend of mine used to live there and told me it is gorgeous! I would love to visit soon.
I would love to see St Michael’s Cave and the castle. I have never thought about going to Gibraltar, but it’s something I will look into now.
I would love to check out the monkeys all living in the wild! Its so neat to see them in their natural habitat.
It is great to see them although you do need to be careful.
Wow what a beautiful place to visit. I would love to explore St. Michael’s Cave and learn the story behind it. Thank you for the information!
I have always wanted to visit Gibraltar mainly to visit the monkeys, but it also just looks beautiful.
Oh I would love to visit! What a cool place!
This is interesting, first time to know about this place but I have a feeling that I have seen some of it before.
I so have to visit here… such beautiful places to see and what history too! I am adding this spot to my bucket list and cannot wait to get to traveling!
So many neat things to see there, and Gibraltar is one of those places that you don’t hear as much about.
I have never been to Gibralta before, not somewhere I had thought about, but I had seen about the monekys before, so it would be great to discover this lovely place in the future.
Never been here – looks really good though with plenty to do!
Lots of fab places to visit here, I would never of considered Gibraltar as a family holiday destination until I read this blog.
I have never been to Gibraltar before, but the St Michael’s Cave looks amazing oin Youtube!
Looks like a really popular holiday destination, I’ve read a few articles about how lovely it is
Never heard of Gibraltar but I think you made the place quite popular since you mentioned there’s dolphins there, haha
I have always wanted to visit. My old work colleague had family there and used to go yearly and she used to tell me about the monkeys everywhere and said it was a lovely place to go.
I’ve never been but would love to see the Rock and the Monkeys.
I visited Gibraltar many years ago when I was a child and have always wanted to return
It is a lovely place. I hope you get to go again soon!
It looks very beautiful there. I’ve never actually considered it a place to visit but it looks like somewhere our family would really love.
A place that I have always wanted to visit. Be great to stand on top of the rock and see the monkeys.
It really would. So many do that each year.
very informative, I have always wanted to visit here but never manage to arrange to!
I hope you get to go someday x
Wow! Much more to see than I realised and easier to travel compared with many countries. Thank you!
It is a popular tourist destination. There is loads to do and see which is great.
This all sounds amazing! I’d love to go one day.
I hope you get to go x
Gibraltar Looks very beautiful, I remember my grandparents went on holiday there and really liked it!
It is a lovely place for a holiday