Wonders of Gibraltar: Britain’s Mediterranean Jewel Unveiled

I must confess that I had never heard of Gibraltar until a dear friend brought it up in passing. A British territory sandwiched at the southern tip of Spain. It almost sounded too good to be true. No visa required for UK residents, postcard-worthy beaches and megalithic caves rich in Neanderthal history.

Gibraltar is also renowned for its iconic Rock of Gibraltar and several other tourist attractions. Its geographic location offers unique views, with the mountains of Spain on one side and the rugged coast of Morocco on the other.

In swiping, I unmasked its magic. Trust me, you are going to want to put this slice of the British gem in your bucket list.

Day 1: Dolphin Dances and Sea Breezes

Dolphin Watching Tour

Upon arrival, I took bus number 5 from the bus stand on Winston Churchill Avenue, just a 2-minute walk from Gibraltar International Airport. This bus took me to the Market Place, where various bus services connect to different locations in Gibraltar.

After checking into my Bristol Hotel, which required quite an uphill walk to Cathedral Square in the town, I freshened up and headed to Marina Bay to embark on my much-anticipated Dolphin Watching Tour.

The tourists’ excitement was palpable as the dolphins jumped and gave us fleeting glimpses. The clear teal water made it easier to spot the dolphins lazing around underwater.

At one point during the cruise, my phone operator even sent me a message saying, “Welcome to Spain”—a quirky reminder of Gibraltar’s proximity to its neighbor.

Wandering Along Catalan Bay

The beaches of Gibraltar captivated me as the crystal-clear blue and vibrant turquoise waters sparkled in the sunlight. Each stretch of sand offered a different hue, from deep sapphire to bright aquamarine.

Catalan Bay is the second-largest sandy beach on the east side of the Rock. It sits between Eastern Beach and Sandy Bay Beach.

I walked for more than an hour from Marina Bay to Catalan Bay. I wanted to soak in the breathtaking scenery, enjoy a stroll and take plenty of photos along the way. There is also a bus stop right by the beach, making Catalan Bay easily accessible via public transportation.

I spent around two hours on the vibrant beach, occasionally dipping my feet in the sky-blue waves, collecting seashells and watching families relax and enjoy their day with their little ones. Some of them were kind enough to take my photo upon request.

The colorful buildings that make up the village of Catalan Bay are owned by the descendants of Genoese fishermen, known as the ‘Caleteños’, who settled in Gibraltar in the 19th century.

Day 2: Climbing the Rock – Wildlife and Hidden Wonders

Exploring the Upper Rock

While day one was all about exploring the sands and beaches in the lowlands, day two was dedicated to discovering Gibraltar from atop.

I took the cable car to the Upper Rock, which hosts a number of remarkable tourist attractions. Although there is an option to hire a taxi to stop at each site, I preferred to walk and explore on my own.

My first stop was the Skywalk, located in the middle of the Rock. Its glass floors and walls offer panoramic views of Gibraltar. The transparency beneath my feet, through which I could see the landscape below, gave me a bit of a thrill.

Next, I climbed the Mediterranean Steps, which led to the highest point of the Rock. The climb was steep and demanding, but the breathtaking views of Gibraltar from the top made every step worth the effort.

St Michael’s Cave

After descending, I walked for around 30 minutes to St Michael’s Cave, a stunning limestone cave system illuminated by spectacular lights. Inside, I enjoyed “The Awakening,” a magnificent light show that runs every 20 minutes, followed by a fascinating recount of the cave’s history.

The cave was initially prepared as an emergency hospital during World War II, though it was never utilized for this purpose.

For a long time, the cave was also thought to be bottomless. This led to the theory that the Rock of Gibraltar was connected to Africa via a hidden passage under the Strait of Gibraltar.

Currently, the cave hosts concerts, ballet, and drama performances, with seating for around 600 people.

Historic Gibraltar Rock and St Michael’s Cave Tour from Seville

Walk to the Pillars of Hercules

My next stop was the Rock of Gibraltar, also known as Calpe Mons, which is considered one of Hercules’s legendary pillars.

According to Roman mythology, the Greek hero Hercules had to cross the Atlas Mountains in northern Africa (modern-day Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia) during one of his twelve epic quests for survival.

Instead of climbing the mountains, Hercules is said to have stamped his foot, creating the Strait of Gibraltar—a channel between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Oceans.

Consequently, the northern pillar became known as Calpe Mons, located in Gibraltar, while the southern pillar, Jebel Musa (also known as Abila Mons or Monte Hacho), stands in the Rif Mountains of Morocco.

I spent some time around The Rock of Gibraltar, taking in the majestic views and enjoying the tranquil surroundings, although I was sweating profusely under the sun.

There was also a binocular station, where visitors could get a closer view of the breathtaking vistas of Gibraltar and beyond for a small fee, either in pounds or euros.

I will leave it up to you, the readers, to decide whether you prefer the mythological or geological explanation for the formation of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Praying Inside Ibrahim-Al-Ibrahim Mosque

After asking one of the guards at the Pillar of Hercules about walking to the mosque, he discouraged me due to the long distance and the midday heat. However, determined to fulfill my dream of praying in different mosques around the world, I decided to make the walk, despite the scorching heat.

The journey took around an hour (approximately 2 kilometers or 1.2 miles) downhill. I was likely the only tourist walking, as I did not encounter anyone else along the way—just a few passing cars. Nonetheless, the route offered scenic views, and I felt safe throughout.

Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, also known as the mosque of King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, is located near the famous Lighthouse at Europa Point, which marks Gibraltar’s southernmost point.

Named after the Saudi king who gifted it to Gibraltar’s Muslim population, primarily of Moroccan descent, the mosque stands as a symbol of faith and culture with its unique beauty.

Upon finally reaching the mosque, I was greeted by the soothing sound of the Adhaan (Muslim call to prayer), which resonated within me, as I had not heard it in a while.

After praying with contentment, I excitedly went near the Lighthouse, where I could take in the stunning views of the Rif Mountains of Morocco on one side and parts of Spain’s mountains on the other.

It was surreal to stand on British territory while gazing at two different countries—an unforgettable experience.

Treading the Windsor Suspension Bridge

My next destination was the Windsor Suspension Bridge. I took a bus from the Lighthouse at Europa Point, which brought me part of the way, marked as “Upper Rock”. Thereafter, I walked approximately 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles) for more than an hour.

A part of the “Thrill Seeker Trail,” crossing the 71-meter-long and 50-meter-deep Windsor Suspension Bridge is not for the faint-hearted, as they say.

Most taxis do not stop here since the bridge is located in an isolated part of the Upper Rock. Thus, upon arrival, I was not surprised to find the area deserted.

For a moment, I wondered if Google Maps had led me astray, but my lucky stars shone when I spotted a couple approaching. They kindly invited me to join them in crossing the bridge. We had to walk across the edge of the mountain to reach the bridge—another bout of adventure.

Finally, after crossing the bridge, I walked to the cable car station, which took the tourists downhill. After walking for around eight hours, I chose to skip some other attractions.

Before heading back to my hotel, I indulged in some delicious Moroccan food at a local restaurant. Then I strolled around the town center, feeling accomplished after a day of intriguing walks while admiring the charming cafes, restaurants, public library, churches and museums.

I hope to return to Gibraltar one day to explore its remaining attractions and learn more about its rich Neanderthal history.

The following day, I boarded the plane with a head full of memories and a heart full of joy.

If You Go:

• Find more information about places to visit and bookings in Gibraltar: Visit Gibraltar
• Gibraltar Pounds (GIP) is the local currency used, but British pounds (GBP) are also widely accepted. Bring some cash, as not all places accept cards.
• Euros are also used in Gibraltar, but there are limitations, such as poor exchange rates.
• Beware of the Barbary macaques as they can be wild. Avoid eye contact with them and keep your belongings out of their sight. Tourists are not allowed to give them food as that may cause them harm. They are taken care of by the local authorities.
• Gibraltar remains sunny most of the year, so you can pack lightly.
• English is the official language, but residents also speak Spanish and Llanito (a local dialect).
• The cuisine mainly comprises British, Spanish, and North African food.
• 3-4 days are enough to explore this British territory fully.
• Accommodations in Gibraltar
• Gibraltar Tours & Excursions

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Author Bio: Maisha Zaman works in research and communications. She is an avid traveller and loves to write about her travel experiences. You can reach out to her via [email protected].

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