Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located on the Iberian Peninsula, on the southern coast of Spain, right at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. Although it is geographically located in Spain, Gibraltar has a special political status, as it is a British territory and therefore under the sovereignty of the United Kingdom.
Why is it so touristy among the English?
- British Culture: Gibraltar has a strong British influence, with an atmosphere reminiscent of many cities in the United Kingdom. This attracts British tourists seeking the familiarity of their culture and lifestyle.
- Climate: Gibraltar’s Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers, is attractive to tourists looking to escape the cold.
- History and Landscapes: Gibraltar is famous for its rock, which is an impressive geological formation and an iconic symbol. It also offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the African continent.
- Shopping and entertainment: Gibraltar is known for its duty-free shopping area, which attracts tourists looking for good deals on products such as alcohol, tobacco and perfumes.
- Tourist attractions: There are various attractions, such as the Rock of Gibraltar Nature Reserve, the St. Michael’s Caves, and the possibility of spotting the Barbary apes, unique in Europe.
Is it a country within Spain?
No, Gibraltar is not an independent country. It is a British Overseas Territory. Spain claims sovereignty over Gibraltar, but the local population has voted in favour of remaining British in several referendums.
A brief history of Gibraltar
- Antiquity: Gibraltar has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has seen the influence of various cultures, including the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians and the Romans.
- Muslim rule: In 711, the Muslims conquered the Iberian Peninsula, and Gibraltar became an important stronghold.
- Reconquista: In 1462, during the Reconquista, the Catholic Monarchs attempted to take Gibraltar, but it was not until 1704 that it was captured by Anglo-Dutch forces during the War of the Spanish Succession.
- Treaty of Utrecht (1713): This treaty officially put Gibraltar under British control, although Spain has attempted to regain sovereignty on several occasions.
- 20th century: During both World Wars, Gibraltar was of great strategic importance as a military port. In 1967 and 2002, referendums were held in which the local population voted overwhelmingly in favor of remaining British.
Today, Gibraltar remains a diplomatic flashpoint between the United Kingdom and Spain, but it is a prosperous and culturally diverse place and a place worth visiting. 🙂
Day trip to Gibraltar from Nerja
Visiting Gibraltar on a day trip, booking a transfer or going directly by bus is very easy. You can go directly from Nerja, from Malaga, from Malaga Airport or from nearby towns. Here we explain how to get to Gibraltar from Nerja or Malaga.
Why are there monkeys in Gibraltar?
The monkeys found in Gibraltar are a population of Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus), which are the only primate species living in the wild in Europe.
Their presence in Gibraltar dates back centuries and is linked to the history of the region, as these primates were brought to the peninsula by humans, and have adapted to living in the environment of the rock of Gibraltar.
Beware of Gibraltar’s monkeys
It is important to be careful around monkeys if you decide to visit Gibraltar for several reasons:
- Feeding: Monkeys are used to interaction with humans and often seek out food. They may approach tourists looking for snacks or food and, if not given, may try to take food from their hands or backpacks.
- Aggressive behavior: Although they are generally curious and playful animals, monkeys can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if they are protecting their young. It is important to keep a safe distance and not try to touch them or get too close.
- Theft: Monkeys are clever and may try to steal personal items such as cameras, mobile phones, or anything that catches their attention. Therefore, it is advisable to keep your belongings well guarded and not leave valuables in plain sight.
- Health: Like any wild animal, monkeys can carry diseases. It is best not to try to touch or feed them to avoid any health risks.
Although Gibraltar’s monkeys are an interesting tourist attraction, it is essential to respect their space and act with caution to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What to see and do in Gibraltar
The Rock of Gibraltar
The Rock is the essence of Gibraltar, the rock of Gibraltar. To visit it you can climb its stairs or take the cable car.
Gibraltar Cable Car
Climb to the highest point of the Rock for spectacular views. You can buy tickets on site or online.
Gibraltar Nature Reserve
Explore the reserve where you’ll find Barbary apes and hiking trails.
San Miguel Cavel
A cave system with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Admission is generally purchased on site.
The Tunnels of Gibraltar
A network of tunnels built during World War II. Guided tours are available.
Castle of Europe
A historic castle with panoramic views. You can visit and learn about the military history of Gibraltar.
Main Street Gibraltar
The main street full of shops, cafes and restaurants. Ideal for tax-free shopping.
Where to eat in Gibraltar
The Clipper:
- Known for its fresh fish and seafood dishes.
The Terrace:
- It offers Mediterranean food and has a nice terrace to enjoy the climate.
O’Reilly’s:
- An Irish pub that offers typical food and a good atmosphere.
Local pubs:
- There are many pubs that offer typical food at reasonable prices.
Guided tour and excursion options
- Group tours: There are several companies that offer guided tours of the Rock, the cave and other points of interest. Check at your hotel or online.
- Private tours: If you prefer a more personalized tour, consider hiring a private guide.
Tips and tricks to know before visiting Gibraltar
- Enter on foot or Car: If you choose to park in Algeciras, consider that the crossing on foot (you can use the ferry) may be quicker. However, if you prefer to drive, there is parking in Gibraltar, although it can be limited.
- Documentation: Make sure you bring your passport, as Gibraltar is a British territory and you will need to go through border control.
- Currency Exchange: Although the Euro is accepted, the Gibraltar pound is the official currency. Make sure you have some local currency.
- Best time to visit: Try to get there early to avoid the crowds and make the most of your day.
- Plan your time: Each attraction can take time, so plan your itinerary to make sure you see what interests you the most.
Getting to Gibraltar from Malaga
To get to Gibraltar from Malaga airport, there are several options:
– By car: You can rent a car at Malaga airport and drive to Gibraltar. The distance is approximately 130 km and it takes around 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic.
– By bus: You can take a bus from Malaga bus station to La Línea de la Concepción, which is the closest Spanish town to Gibraltar. From there you can walk to the border with Gibraltar (about 1 km) or take a taxi or local bus.
– By taxi: You can take a taxi directly from Malaga airport to Gibraltar. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and a half and the price can vary depending on traffic and the taxi company.
Getting to Gibraltar from Nerja
To get to Gibraltar from Nerja, there are also several options:
– By car: You can rent a car in Nerja and drive to Gibraltar. The distance is approximately 145 km and it takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic.
– By bus: You can take a bus from Nerja bus station to La Línea de la Concepción, which is the closest Spanish town to Gibraltar. From there, you can walk to the Gibraltar border (about 1 km) or take a taxi or a local bus. You can catch the bus in Nerja. And you can see the prices or book online on the alsa website here: book bus online
– By taxi: You can take a taxi directly from Nerja to Gibraltar. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and the price can vary depending on traffic and the taxi company. Here we recommend the best transfer companies in Nerja to go by taxi, uber or transfer from Nerja. – Check prices for a transfer to Gibraltar –
Day trips to Gibraltar from Malaga or Nerja
If you want to go to Gibraltar with an excursion, you can book a day trip to Gibraltar Gibraltar online. Day trips are the best option to visit the city of Gibraltar. You can see here some options for excursions to Gibraltar from Nerja or Malaga. You can compare the two options, prices, and combinations of days and times:
- Day trip to Gibraltar from Nerja
- Day trip to Gibraltar from Malaga
We hope you enjoy your trip and can share with us photos of your trip to Gibraltar.