If you’re looking for a fascinating day trip while in southern Spain consider spending 1 day in Gibraltar. Gibraltar, of course, is a tiny piece of Britain stuck to the edge of Spain and while this may be why we’re all fascinated, there’s a lot more to know about Gibraltar than that it being a weird historical and geographical anomaly.  

With incredible sweeping views over Europe and Africa, red telephone boxes, meandering apes and more, 1 day in Gibraltar is an opportunity to captivate your senses, learn and explore. 

In this article I will help you figure out 

📌 What you need to visit Gibraltar, because remember, it’s not part of Spain or even the European Union

📌 How to get to Gibraltar

📌 The main attractions to visit when you have 1 day in Gibraltar

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Is 1 Day in Gibraltar Enough?

I’d say yes: a day trip to Gibraltar is a perfect day out. Thanks to the small size of this British overseas territory you can pack an awful lot into one day. The main tourist attractions are all located close to each other and there’s even a pass you can buy (with your cable car entrance) that allows you access to many of the sites – to make use of this pick up the cable car and nature reserve ticket when you arrive.

However, if you really wanted to get to know Gibraltar, then, of course, a 2 or 3 day stay in Gibraltar would be even better. If you’re exploring Andalucia, it would be perfectly possible to add a day or two to visit Gibraltar.

⭐️ If you’re in Andalucía with kids, this is an excellent day trip for the whole family.

Where is Gibraltar?

🧭 Gibraltar is a small overseas British territory located right at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula on a monolithic limestone promontory. Most of Gibraltar is made up of the famous Rock of Gibraltar and at its base is the small town of Gibraltar, home to around 34000 people. The nearest big town is Algeciras, which is, of course, in Spain. The Spanish town right next door is called La Linea de la Concepcion, also known as “La Linea”.  

🧭 Gibraltar is within easy reach of many southern Spanish cities, making it a perfect option for a day trip from places like Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol or Sevilla. In fact, Gibraltar is one of my recommended day trips for people visiting Seville with kids.

🧭 When we took our first day trip to Gibraltar from Seville we left home just before 9 am, arrived shortly after 11am. We spent all day in Gibraltar and left at 8pm. We were home by 10.30pm It was a long day but it was absolutely worth it and I can’t wait to go again. 

Day Trip From	🚗 Drive Time	Distance	Day Tour Option
Seville	2hr30	200km	Full Gibraltar day Tour
Cádiz	1hr30	120km	Gibraltar and Vejer Private Tour
Day trip from Fuengirola	1hr30	110km	Gibraltar and St Michael Caves Tour
Day trip from Malaga (Costa del Sol)	1hr50	140km	Private Tour from Malaga or Marbella

🚗 If you’re visiting Spain then consider renting a car and taking a road trip around Andalucia or basing yourself somewhere like Malaga, Cadiz or Seville and taking multiple day trips.

🚌 Check bus routes to Gibraltar from your chosen city: Buses run to La Linea from Algeciras every forty-five mnutes or so.

🚂 The closest train station to Gibraltar is in San Roque La Linea. From here you can a taxi to La Linea de la Concepcion and cross into Gibraltar on foot.

✈️ Gibraltar has its own airport (weirdly the runway is run by the Ministry of Defence). Landing in Gibraltar can be turbulent when winds are strong. Pedestrians still walk across the runway but cars have been diverted underneath as of 2023.

However you travel and explore, don’t forget to take out travel insurance before you go.

What is the Best Time to Visit Gibraltar?

A trip to Gibraltar is excellent at any time of year because despite being a British territory it has a Mediterranean climate although the average yearly temperature is around 18C, which is far cooler than nearby mainland Spanish cities. 

🌸 Spring: April and May generally offer pretty perfect weather for exploring Gibraltar

🔆 Summer: dry and can be extremely hot (June – August) and busy as visitors flock to Gibraltar’s beaches 

🍁 Autumn: September – November are also great for trips to Gibraltar as these months are generally less crowded than summer. Perfect for sightseeing

🧤 Winter: The coldest months are Jan – March

Requirements for Entering Gibraltar 

🛂 Passports are required by all visitors except EU nationals who may show a valid national identity card.

🛂 You can assume that if you need a visa to enter the UK, you’ll need a separate visa to enter Gibraltar. Border control is real here. You are moving between the EU and the United Kingdom and since the UK is no longer a part of the EU even British citizens have to show passports (grrrrrr how stupid was Brexit). 

🛂 Gibraltar is outside the Schengen area so if you hold this visa you need to check you’ll be able to return to Spain.

What Currency and Language does Gibraltar Use?

💰 Gib, as the locals call Gibraltar, uses the British Pound with notes issued by the Government of Gibraltar. The currency code is GIP. Notes issued by the Bank of England are accepted in Gibraltar but Gibraltarian notes are not legal tender in the United Kingdom. If you visit from the UK and find yourself going home with GIP in your pocket you can exchange it at any bank at a rate of 1:1.

💰 Euros are also often accepted although you can’t guarantee a good rate of exchange. 

📣The official language of Gibraltar is English but many people are bilingual given the proximity to Spain. 

Brief History of Gibraltar

📌 My favourite fact about Gibraltar is that Neanderthals survived here longer than anywhere else in Europe. 

📌 Legend has it that Hercules opened the Strait of Gibraltar during his tenth labour (obtaining and herding the cattle of Geryon). For this reason, the Rock of Gibraltar and Jbel Musa in Morocco are known as the two Pillars of Hercules. While this is obviously a myth, it has some scientific basis: the last time the strait was opened up was around five million years ago when a fissure developed in the rock allowing the water from the Atlantic Ocean to gush into the basin that is now the Mediterranean Sea. The two monoliths are visible either side of this opening.

📌 After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, Gibraltar was controlled briefly by the Vandals and then by the Visigoths (between 414 – 711 CE). Next came the Berbers under Tariq ibn Ziyad who conquered most of the Iberian Peninsula and Mons Calpe—the Roman name for Gibraltar—became Jbel Tariq (Tariq’s Mount), which was subsequently corrupted into Gibraltar. 

📌 In 1160, a permanent settlement was begun at the demand of the Almohad Sultan. The Torre del Homenaje (Homage Tower) from the castle built then remains standing today. 

📌 In 1309 the Kings of Castille took Gibraltar and it remained under Spanish rule until 1704 when Gibraltar was captured by Ango-Dutch forces during the Spanish War of Succession.

📌 It was then ceded to Britain in perpetuity under the Treaty of Utrecht (1713). It was a Royal Navy base during the Napolionic wars and World War II thanks to its strategic position controlling the entrance (and exit) to the Mediterranean. 

📌 In 1967 the residents of Gibraltar rejected proposals for a return to Spanish control and in 2002 rejected again a referendum for shared sovereignty. 

What to Do With 1 Day in Gibraltar

If you only have 1 day in Gibraltar then the chances are that pretty much everything you want to see will be on the top of the Rock of Gibraltar. For nature lovers and history buffs, 1 day in Gibraltar is a perfect choice.

You may have read or heard that you’d get to cross the airport runway when you enter Gibraltar. This is no longer the case if you’re driving as the tunnel was finally opened in March 2023 and all vehicular traffic was diverted into it. Pedestrians still walk across the runway.

Cable Car

🚠 Of course, you don’t have to take the cable car ride up to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar but it’s a really fun way to get to the top. You * could * walk but it’s a strenuous forty minutes UP and having walked up the Charles V steps between the Apes Den and feeding station in mid-summer I will definitely advise against both walks. That was one of the hardest stair climbs I’ve done in a long time. 

🚠 You could get a ticket UP to the top and then walk down though. I’d definitely consider that. 

🚠 The cable car ascends 412 m in 6 minutes and when you disembark you may well immediately find yourself face to face with a Barbary ape with a packet of crisps (or some other snack it has liberated from an unsuspecting tourist). 

Top Tip: Do not eat as you wander around the Rock of Gibraltar. Your snack could be forcibly removed from your hands or mouth by a monkey with attitude. We saw this happen a few times and it did not look like something you want to experience, believe me. 

Gibraltar Viewing Platform

Right behind the cable car station (and cafe) is a viewing platform with spectacular views that will stop you in your tracks. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I got up there (much like when I visited Monfragüe National Park recently). This observation deck offers views over Spain, Gibraltar and even over to the African continent. 

It’s also possible to see to Africa on clear days from Mijas Pueblo and Cadíz.

Upper Rock Nature Reserve

If you’ve bought a ticket that gives you entrance to the Gibraltar Nature Reserve then from here you can explore the natural beauty of the rock, the great views and wonderful attractions.  

Barbary Macaques Feeding Station

🐒 While this isn’t the first place you’ll encounter the famous Barbary Macaques, it’s probably where you’ll see more than any other point on the Rock. 

🐒 Did you know that these apes are totally wild and that are actually native to northern Africa, not Europe? Their presence in Gibraltar is probably due to someone importing them but people used to think that they travelled from Morocco in the tunnels under the Strait of Gibraltar. This is the only place in Europe to see monkeys in the wild.  

🐒 Winston Churchill had some Barbary macaques imported to Gibraltar from Morocco because legend has it that if they ever leave the Rock, Britain will lose Gibraltar. This is similar, of course, to the legend that says that if the crows leave the Tower of London, Britain will fall. What is it with Britain, animals and fear over losing their empire?

It is illegal to touch or feed the wild monkeys and it’s recommended to not even have snacks in your bag. Do not get too close as they are wild and may be aggressive.

🐒 From here you can head down the 16th century Charles V wall staircase if you really want to but my recommendation (having climbed up) is don’t bother. There are about ten gazillion steps and you see more apes wandering around the nature reserve than around the steps and in their den area. We had to walk by apes on the narrow steps and everyone was a little nervous at this. 

⭐️ There are a myriad of excellent reasons to visit Spain, keep reading to learn more about this magnificent country ⭐️

Sky Walk

🐒 The Sky Walk is a relatively new addition to the Rock of Gibraltar. I very much enjoyed the views from here over the Rock and toward Africa. We could also see down to Gibraltar’s beaches, which was fun. The apes wander around the Sky Walk so you can get some great photos here.

St Michael’s Cave

🐒 This cave has attracted visitors since Roman times and continues to do so today. It used to be believed that Africa and Europe were linked under the Strait via here

🐒 “The Awakening” is a sound and light show that takes place in the main chamber of the cave. Sit and let the colourful experience wash over you as you marvel at the stalagmites and stalactites all around you. Once you’re ready to move on, you’ll find the appropriately named ‘Cathedral Cave’ where the minerals have formed into shapes resembling organ pipes. 

Windsor Suspension Bridge

🐒 The views from the suspension bridge are nice but if you don’t fancy the walk down here, you won’t be missing out on too much. 

Explore Gibraltar’s Military History

O’Hara’s Battery

This is the highest point on the island and is named after Governor General Charles O’Hara. It was closed for restoration when we visited but I believe has since opened again. The battery was used during the second world war. 

Other batteries on the Rock include include: Spyglass Battery, Breakneck Battery, Spur Battery

Great Siege Tunnels

More or less back in town are the Great Siege Tunnels. These tunnels were carved with sledgehammers and blasting by just thirty men in order to create openings for guns during the siege of Gibraltar (1779 – 1783).

WWII Tunnels 

In order to visit the Second World War Tunnels it is necessary to hire a tour guide for a forty minute tour through the tunnels. The tunnels run for approximately fifty-five kilometres inside the Rock of Gibraltar (the tour does not. Don’t worry!). In here was an underground telephone exchange, a water distillation plant, a hospital, bakery and even a vehicle maintenance workshop. The entire 16,000 garrison could have hidden in here for up to sixteen months. 

City Under Siege Exhibition

Near the tunnels is a well reviewed exhibition of life under siege in 18th century Gibraltar that is housed in the first buildings thought to have been built by the British on Gibraltar. Be sure to look out for old graffiti – sieges were apparently very boring and people had little to do for much of the time. 

Interpretation Centre for Gorham’s Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The first time I visited Gibraltar I didn’t have time for this centre so I made it the first event of the day on my second trip. From this viewing platform you can see caves in which Neanderthals lived. This alone is pretty incredible. If you’re interested in pre-history then I highly recommend paying for the short talk here. (5GBP per person or 12 GBP if you get the combined ticket that includes the Gibraltar Museum). The talk is given by a fascinating and knowledgable woman named Paulette who captivated us all with her talk on Gibraltar, the caves and how this area would have looked 30,000 years ago.

⭐️ Two Neanderthal skulls were found here: one of an adult woman (Nana) some 30,000 years old and one of a male child (Flint), some 60,000 years old. In addition, animal remains, charcoal from fires, tools and even the first piece of Neanderthal art ever discovered have been found here. From these discoveries (and on going discoveries) and a scientific understanding of the ancient geology and geography of the region, an incredibly full picture of Neanderthal life is explained.

The director of the Gibraltar Museum, Clive Finlayson, has written many books about his work in Gibraltar. I just bought “The Humans Who Went Extinct: Why Neanderthals Died Out and We Survived”. I can’t wait to learn more.

Note: It is possible to get yourself on a 2 year waiting list to descend the 350 steps down to the caves with the experts and learn more. You can bet I’ll be getting my name on that list.

Other Attractions on Gibraltar

Europa Point and Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque

While this isn’t the most southerly point in Europe as some like to claim (that’s Tarifa), it is definitely one of the most southerly points. There are a few attractions down here including a lovely walkway with great views. There’s also a free carpark, and a cafe here.

✅ Nuns’ Well – requires a pre-booked tour

✅ Trinity Lighthouse – The only British lighthouse not in Britain

✅ Working mosque for the small Muslim community on Gibraltar

✅ New outdoor interpretation centre

Mediterranean Steps

✅ I know I was rude about the steps by the Charles V wall but next time I am in Gibraltar I shall be joyfully descending these steps. I really can’t wait. 1.8 km of steps that begin at Jews’ Gate opposite the Pillars of Hercules and ending at O’Hara’s Battery.

Botanical Gardens

✅ The gardens are free and located right next to the cable car station carpark. 

Beaches in Gibraltar

🏖 Sandy Bay: (photo above) It fascinates me that the sand from this beach is Saharan sand that was brought in to replace sand that disappeared during a violent storm. 

🏖 Eastern Beach: the biggest beach in Gibraltar, Eastern Beach is located right by the airstrip so beachgoers will see flights coming and going as they frolic. This beach gets sun all day. 

🏖 Camp Bay and Little Bay: this former quarry is now a lido with two pools as well as a small beach that is popular with sun worshippers. 

🏖 Catalan Bay / La Caleta (the bay): on the east side of the rock

➡️ Of course, all of the Andalucia coast is covered with astounding beaches

Did you know that you can cross the Strait of Gibraltar visit Tangier in Morocco as an easy day trip from Spain?

Main Street, The Casemates and Gibraltar City Centre

✅ Casemates Square arks one end of Main Street. This lively plaza was once the British military barracks. Main Street is, surprisingly enough, the main street on Gibraltar.

✅ Public hangings were held on this square – the last one being in 1864. 

✅ If you walk along Main Street from The Casemates to the other end of Main Street you’ll reach the Southport Gates and a red British phone box. The Convent, the Governor’s House is along here too along with traditional British stores such as Marks and Spencer, pubs and restaurants serving typical British food. 

✅ Just around the corner from M&S is the Gibraltar Museum. It’s small but offers a great selection of artefacts as well as reproductions of the original two Neanderthal skulls (60,000 and 30,0000 years old respectively) and reconstructions of how they would have looked.

There is a brand new Natural History Museum opened in Gibraltar. It’s located at Parson’s Lodge. I visited in March 2024 and didn’t think it was great if I’m honest. It’s very small and really is just a bunch of signs and a couple of models of local birds. If you’re considering it or something else, choose something else.

✅ There’s even an Irish district, well, a street, called Irish Town with more pubs and restaurants, which runs parallel to Main Street.

✅ Devil’s Gap Road – Although not super close to Main Street, if you have time go and find the steps on Devil’s Gap Road to see the enormous Union Jack on the steps. It feels a bit Northern Ireland’y to me. 

✅ While you’re wandering around here be sure to look up and enjoy the architecture and of course, remember that Gibraltar is a tax haven so buy some cheap booze!

Final Thoughts on Spending 1 Day in Gibraltar as Brits

We went to Gibraltar with no expectations except a desire to eat British food and go to a British supermarket but we were really very impressed with everything we did and saw while in Gibraltar. It’s a fascinating place full of culture and history and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an interesting day out while in southern Spain.

Other fabulous day trips from Seville

One of the fabulous things about Seville is its location. It is so easy to explore much of the region as day trips from Seville such as Córdoba, the beautiful city with numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites to explore.

⭐️ Malaga Province

➡️ Check out Malaga city, the surprisingly cultural city that is also the birthplace of Picasso

➡️ Explore Antequera and its magnificent Torcal

➡️ Visit Ronda and see the amazing Tajo Gorge

⭐️ Cádiz Province

➡️ Head to Cádiz, one of the oldest cities in Spain

➡️ Explore Jerez and the pueblos blancos of Cádiz

➡️ Enjoy the beach towns including gorgeous Tarifa (from where you can take a trip to Morocco and where the Mediterranean and Atlantic meet)

⭐️ Huelva Province

➡️ Enjoy Huelva City with its wonderful museum and great iron muelle

➡️ Explore the mountain towns of Aracena and Almonaster la Real

➡️ Marvel at the weird red river and castle in Niebla

➡️ Spend the day romping on the gorgeous beaches of Huelva and check out the fascinatingly weird pilgrimage town of El Rocío

⭐️ Sevilla Province

➡️ Walk along the forested river in Alcalá de Guadaíra

➡️ Visit the beautiful small town of Carmona