Gibraltar Places to Visit

Perched on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar stands as a unique blend of British and Mediterranean influences. This British Overseas Territory is famed for its towering limestone ridge, the Rock of Gibraltar, which dominates the landscape and serves as a symbol of strength and resilience.

Gibraltar's strategic location at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea has endowed it with a rich naval history. Visitors can delve into this past at sites such as the Great Siege Tunnels, which were carved out by the British during the Great Siege of Gibraltar in the late 18th century. The Gibraltar Museum also offers an extensive overview of the area's unique cultural heritage and natural history.

The capital city, also named Gibraltar, is a bustling hub where British culture intertwines with Spanish and North African influences. Main Street, the principal commercial and shopping district, is lined with familiar British shops alongside local businesses, offering goods free of VAT. In the city, one can also find traditional English pubs, alongside Mediterranean eateries serving a mix of Genoese, Spanish, and Moroccan dishes.

A major attraction is the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Accessible by cable car or a challenging hike, it is home to the famous Barbary macaques, Europe's only population of free-living monkeys. The Upper Rock also provides stunning panoramic views over the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, and on clear days, the coast of Africa can be seen.

Gibraltar's airport is known for its unique runway, which intersects with the territory's main road, Winston Churchill Avenue. Pedestrians and vehicles are stopped by barriers when planes land and take off, a sight that captures the quirky essence of this small enclave.

For those interested in marine life, dolphin watching tours are a popular activity, with the Bay of Gibraltar being a haven for several species of dolphins and whales. The clear waters also offer excellent opportunities for diving, with several wrecks and reefs to explore.