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Go to SiteCruises to Gibraltar bring you close to the very tip of the Iberian Peninsula, gazing across the narrow Straits of Gibraltar towards Morocco. There’s no mistaking this tiny British Overseas Territory, much of it occupied by a 1,400-foot limestone monolith towering over the sparkling Mediterranean, dominating the landscape at the western end of Spain’s Costa del Sol.
Because of its strategic position guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean, Gibraltar is packed with fascinating military history. You’ll also find lush tropical gardens, abundant tax-free shopping, British pub grub, and Europe’s only colony of wild apes on your Gibraltar cruise.
The Rock of Gibraltar is a massive hulk of Jurassic limestone that dates back 200 million years. Locally referred to as “the Rock,” it reaches nearly 1,400 feet. Needless to say, the views from the top are spectacular, looking across to Africa in one direction and towards the mountains of Andalucia, peppered with tiny white villages, in the other. Ride the cable car from the Alameda Gardens in the downtown area to the summit in six minutes—and check out all the things to do once you reach the top.
The Rock of Gibraltar is riddled with caves; the original Neolithic people who lived here used some of them for shelter. You can visit St. Michael’s Cave, a cathedral-like cave system dripping with stalactites and originally believed to be bottomless. The cavern is atmospherically lit in beautiful colors as part of an immersive sound and light show. It’s used today for concerts, too. Book the Lower St. Michael’s Cave tour and you can descend even deeper into the Rock to a subterranean lake.
Europa Point marks the southernmost tip of Gibraltar; on a clear day, you can see across the Straits to the misty peaks of the Rif Mountains of Morocco. Admire the picturesque red-and-white lighthouse, built in 1841. Wander past the mosque and Catholic church here, which are evidence of Gibraltar’s multicultural society. You’ll also see Harding’s Battery, built in 1878, and a monument to Wladyslaw Sikorski, a Polish general who was killed near here in a plane crash in WWII.
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If you’re interested in military history, this extraordinary experience is a must. An entire city was hidden inside the rock during WWII, with military equipment, a garrison of soldiers, and vital supplies concealed in a labyrinth of manmade tunnels. You’ll see a replica Spitfire and explore espionage techniques, the story of the evacuation of the Rock during the war, the tunnels where military strategy was formed, and mock dormitories and the mess where the soldiers slept and ate.
The Upper Rock Nature Reserve is home to around 250 tailless Barbary macaques, many of which can be seen in the Apes’ Den near the top of the cable car. It’s believed that the apes were brought from North Africa in the 18th century, and that if they disappear from Gibraltar, so will the British. They live and breed in the wild but are cared for by a team of experts. The apes are highly photogenic and almost appear to be posing for visitors; however, they are wild animals and should not be approached.
Gibraltar is possibly the best place in the Mediterranean to spot dolphins in the wild. Sardines, herring, anchovies, and squid provide abundant food where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, and you could spot pods of common, bottlenose, and striped dolphins on a boat trip. You’ll be guided by marine mammal specialists who will tell you about the dolphins’ habitat and behavior—and can even identify certain individuals. Look out for the pods of orca that patrol these busy waters, too.
Gibraltarian cuisine is a fusion of many different cultures, including British and Spanish, with influences from North Africa and elsewhere in Europe thrown into the mix. You’ll find excellent paella and tapas here, and locals go out on weekends for churros, sugary strips of donut dunked in melted chocolate, just as their neighbors in Spain do.
If you’re in the mood for Moroccan tagine, pizza, or simply fresh seafood, Gibraltar won’t disappoint. There’s also no shortage of pubs selling traditional British “pub grub” and a full Sunday roast.
Gibraltar has been inhabited since the Neolithic era. Its more recent culture has been shaped by the Moors from North Africa who began their invasion of the Iberian Peninsula here in 711 AD. In fact, it’s named after the Muslim legislative leader of Tangier, Tariq ibn Ziyad, morphing from Jebel Tariq—Tariq’s Mountain—to Gibraltar over the centuries.
The Almohad Muslims ruled Gibraltar until they lost power to the Castillans in 1462. In 1713, Spain surrendered Gibraltar to the UK during the Treaty of Utrecht. It’s been a part of the UK ever since, though Spain and France have both tried to recapture it through various sieges. The Rock played a vital role in both world wars; it was the launching point for the British and American operation in North Africa during WWII. Today, Gibraltar is home to a multicultural community and remains proudly British, despite continuing disagreements with Spain over who should rule the Rock.
Gibraltar has a modern cruise terminal with amenities including a tourist information office, a bar and cafeteria, and gift shops selling arts and crafts. You can walk from the port to the city center in about 25 minutes, but shuttle buses are provided, too. There is no Uber service in Gibraltar, or any other ride-hailing, so pre-book a private taxi if you want one.
Gibraltar is tiny but steep, and walking in the heat can be tiring. Luckily, there’s an excellent local bus network connecting all the main sights. Buy a Hopper ticket which is valid on all the buses and allows you to explore at your own pace. Taxis are available, too. The cable car is the most scenic way to reach the top of the Rock.
Gibraltar has excellent shopping, all the more popular as it’s tax-free, with some spectacular bargains to be had for items like liquor, watches, and perfumes. The best shopping is on Main Street and around Casemates Square. You’ll find some international brands and the popular British clothing store Marks & Spencer, as well as a Morrison’s supermarket where you can buy British food. Local souvenirs to bring home include Gibraltar-made crystal, local chocolate, and artisan gins. Kids and grandkids will love cuddly Barbary apes that screech, too.
The local currency is the Gibraltar Pound, which has the same value as the British pound sterling. British banknotes are accepted here, but you’ll be given change in Gibraltarian banknotes, which will not be accepted if you try to spend them in the UK; you’d have to convert them in a bank. Many businesses will also accept Euros, though it’s best to double check first. If you need cash, you’ll find ATMs outside the banks in town. This isn’t a big tipping culture, but 10 percent of the bill in a restaurant for good service is appreciated.
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