If you're looking for excitement and culture in your next vacation spot, Gibraltar might
be the perfect place for you. This small British territory at the southern tip of Europe is teeming
with things to do, from exploring its winding streets and ancient fortifications to enjoying its
vibrant nightlife. So stick around, as Viewcation presents, The Best Things to Do in Gibraltar.
First Some Basics With an area of just 6.5 square
kilometers, Gibraltar is one of the smallest territories in the world. Gibraltar is home to
a diverse population of around 30,000 people, and its economy is based largely on tourism and
financial services. The territory's most famous landmark is the Rock of Gibraltar, a limestone
promontory that stands 421 meters tall. Gibraltar is also home to a number of unique animal species,
including the Barbary macaque, which is the only wild monkey in Europe. Despite its small size,
Gibraltar has a rich history and culture that make it an interesting and unique place to visit.
Rock of Gibraltar Ok, we’ll get this one out
of the way first. The Rock of Gibraltar is far and away the thing Gibraltar is most famous for. Now,
that doesn’t mean it’s not totally worth seeing. You should absolutely check it out. In fact,
you’ll probably want to start your journey there. This massive limestone outcropping has
been a strategic stronghold for centuries, and its cliffs provide sweeping views of
the Mediterranean Sea. Today, it's home to a diverse array of wildlife, including Barbary
macaques, the only wild monkeys in Europe. You can also find plenty of opportunities for hiking,
climbing, and birdwatching. But most of all, you’ll be able to get some
great photos of this natural wonder, and your Instagram feed will be all the better for it.
Tunnels Under the Rock While you’re visiting the
Rock of Gibraltar, you’ll be able to check out the underground tunnels that run underneath it
too. They were first dug out in the Great Siege of Gibraltar, which was from 1779 to
1783. They were originally constructed as a place to store weapons by General Eliot,
who was the Governor of the area at the team. Dug out primarily by sledgehammer,
these tunnels ended up being vital to fighting off the Spanish and French attackers who were
trying to take Gibraltar. But they have long since become a tourist attraction,
so you don’t need to worry about finding random guns in them. You’ll be able to make your way
through the winding tunnels (including some spots where you might have to squeeze a little!)
Cable cars Presuming you aren’t
too afraid of heights, Gibraltar's cable cars are a must-see attraction. The cars take passengers
on a thrilling ride to the peak of the Rock of Gibraltar, providing breathtaking views of the
city and surrounding coastline. The journey to the top is quick and easy, making it the
perfect activity for those with limited time. Once at the top, there's plenty to see and do,
including visiting the historic Great Siege Tunnels and exploring the Moorish Castle.
With so much to see and do, Gibraltar's cable cars are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Shopping on Main Street When you're ready to get
your shop on, Gibraltar's Main Street is the perfect place to start. The street is lined
with a variety of shops, from high-end fashion boutiques to small souvenir shops. You'll find
everything from traditional handcrafted goods to modern fashion items. And if you get hungry,
there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep you fueled up for more shopping.
Main Street is the perfect place to find that perfect Gibraltar souvenir
or that special something for yourself. So if you're on the hunt for a brand new outfit
or just a day of window-shopping, head to Main Street for all your shopping needs.
Amazing dining options Gibraltar is a food lover's
paradise. No matter what type of cuisine you're in the mood for, you're sure to find it here. If
you're craving some good old-fashioned comfort food, there are several excellent traditional
British pubs. There are also some fantastic Indian, Chinese, and Thai restaurants. But
perhaps the best method is to get a taste of Gibraltar's local cuisine. For that,
there are plenty of restaurants that serve traditional dishes like stews and curries.
Relax on Gibraltar’s beaches Gibraltar’s beaches are the perfect
place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sun. With crystal-clear water and soft sand,
the beaches here offer a truly idyllic setting. The reefs offshore provide
excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving,
and there are plenty of activities on offer for those who prefer to stay dry.
Upper Rock Nature Reserve Gibraltar's Upper Rock Nature
Reserve hosts a variety of animals and plant life. The reserve is located on a narrow strip
of land that extends from the southern tip of Spain to the north coast of Africa. It features
a warm and humid climate, and the vegetation is dense and lush. Among the highlights of the
reserve are its many caves and tunnels, which are home to bats, snakes, and other wildlife.
Visitors can also see Barbary macaques, the sole wild monkeys in all of Europe. The Upper
Rock Nature Reserve is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Admission is free for children
under the age of 16, and discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
Europa Point Lighthouse Standing at the southern tip of Gibraltar,
the Europa Point Lighthouse offers stunning views of the Strait of Gibraltar and the
North African coastline. Built in 1841, the lighthouse is one of the oldest in Europe,
and it has been an important aid to navigation for centuries. Visitors can also see the dolphins that
live in the waters around Gibraltar. Today, it is open to the public all year round,
and visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the top of the tower. The lighthouse grounds
are also home to a mosque, which was built in 1997 to serve the local Muslim
community. With its rich history and beautiful setting, the Europa Point Lighthouse is well
worth a visit. It's also a great place to learn about the history of Gibraltar.
Ocean Village Ocean Village is where you’ll go when
you’re in need of some cool and trendy shops and restaurants. It’s set near a marina (Also called
Ocean Village) that is full of locals who live on house boats. It’s rife with hip restaurants
and stores, as well as waterfront bars. If you feel like splurging, there’s a luxury hotel set
in a yacht that you can stay at. At night, this is the area where Gibraltar comes alive. There
are various nightclubs and bars you can hit up, like the popular Bruno’s bar, and there’s even a
casino called Casino Sunborn that you can check out if you’re in the gambling mood. Plus the
casino is one of the only spots around where you can grab late night food, which is a nice bonus.
St Michael's Cave St. Michael's Cave is
a natural wonder. The cave is nestled into the limestone rocks of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve
and can be accessed via a short hike or by taking the cable car up to the summit. Once inside,
visitors are treated to a spectacular sight: the cave is adorned with stalagmites and stalactites,
glittering in the artificial light that illuminates the cavern. In addition to
its unique rock formations, St. Michael's Cave is also home to a variety of bats and
has even been used as a concert venue. With its stunning features and easy accessibility,
St. Michael's Cave is an essential stop for any visitor to Gibraltar.
Visit The Gibraltar Museum The Gibraltar Museum was founded in 1930
and is dedicated to the history and culture of the Rock of Gibraltar. The museum houses a collection
of artifacts from the time of the Phoenicians, who inhabited the Rock in 800 BC, to the present
day. The museum also features a library with a collection of books and documents on Gibraltar’s
history, art, and architecture. Visitors to the museum can learn about the many cultures that
have called Gibraltar home over the centuries, and see how the Rock has changed over time. The
Gibraltar Museum is a great place to learn about the rich history and culture of this unique place.
Visit Old Town This historic area is full of
charming streets and tantalizing shops. Start your exploration at the Main Street entrance,
where you'll find the City Hall building. Dating back to 1817, this imposing structure is one of
the oldest in the city. From there, wander down any of the side streets and take in the sights
and sounds of this vibrant community. Be sure to pop into some of the shops, where you can find
everything from handmade jewelry to Gibraltar's famous Rock Candy. And don't forget to pop in
for something to eat and one of the many cafes and restaurants. Whether you're looking for a
snack or a sit-down meal, you'll definitely find something to satisfy your taste buds.
Gibraltar is a fascinating and worthwhile place to visit. Not only will you be able to check out
the legendary Rock of Gibraltar, you’ll also be able to see the rest of the incredible things this
place has to offer. There are fantastic beaches, a ton of places to walk around, like Old Town,
and lots of incredible animals and plants to check out. And the food is top notch. All in all,
it’s a great place to spend some time! How it’s time to hear from you. Have
you ever been to Gibraltar? If so, did we miss any of your favorites? If not,
do you think you’ll ever get there? Let us know in the comments section below.