| 6 mins read
Gibraltar, one of Britain’s last remaining colonies, is easily one of Europe’s most novel destinations. Populated almost entirely by British expats, ‘the Rock’, as it is popularly known, has more in common with Blackpool than the nearby Spanish cities of Cadiz and Seville. This Gibraltar travel guide, however, expounds that there is more to the Rock than Union Jack-bedecked pubs, fish and chips, and red phone boxes.
Hike up the Pillar of Hercules
Named the Pillars of Hercules by classical-era geographers, the Rock of Gibraltar is one of southern Europe’s most iconic rock formations. Rising to nearly 500 metres and jutting 5 kilometres into the Mediterranean Sea, the Rock is capped by the Upper Nature Reserve, which is laced with numerous hiking trails offering breathtaking views of Spain and North Africa. Besides the spectacular vistas, the nature reserve is one of the best places to watch migratory birds flying to and from Africa during the spring and autumn months. A ticket to the reserve also gives you access to Saint Michael’s Cave, which is lined with phantasmagorical stalagmites and stalactites, the enigmatic remains of the former Moorish Castle and the Siege Tunnels, which were used by the British during the Napoleonic Wars.
Get close to Europe’s only wild population of monkeys
Perched atop the Rock is one of the natural wonders of Europe – the continent’s only wild monkeys. Formally known as Barbary macaques, there are upwards of 230 monkeys living atop the Pillars of Hercules and many of them congregate around the top cable car station, known as Apes’ Den, to give visitors a (sometimes too) warm welcome to the summit. The best time to see the monkeys is during summer when fuzzy new-borns scurry over the precipitous rocks watched over by their mothers. Legend has it that the British introduced the monkeys to the Rock in the 18th century and that they will only disappear from Gibraltar when the British give the territory back to Spain.
Learn some Llanito
It would be too simple for the local populace of Gibraltar, long locked in an intractable territorial dispute between Britain and Spain, to simply speak one language or the other. Instead, the residents of the Rock speak Llanito, one of Europe’s most unique dialects. Reflecting the region’s complex history, Llanito is a mind-boggling fusion of Andalucían Spanish, English, Portuguese, Maltese, Italian and Haketia, the language spoken by the Sephardic Jews of North Africa! While locals are mostly all bilingual in English and Spanish, listen out for this truly unforgettable dialect in Gibraltar’s many traditional pubs and seaside cafes.
Delve into Gibraltar’s ancient past in Gorham Caves
Inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2016, the Gorham Caves on Gibraltar’s eastern cliff sides are one of the peninsula’s true hidden gems. Inhabited by Neanderthals from around 130,000 to 30,000 years ago, the caves are one of the most important archaeological sites in the world for learning about the story of human evolution. The dimly lit and enchanting cave interiors are peppered with rough wall carvings while well-preserved stone tools and vessels have been found in the soil. You could also take a thrilling boat trip to the caves while expert guides from the Gibraltar Historical Museum are on hand to take visitors around the mesmerising interiors.
Take a trip through the Rock’s turbulent modern history at the Gibraltar Museum
Containing a dazzling collection of Gibraltar-related artefacts ranging from Neolithic tools found in the Gorham Caves to ornate Moorish-era bath tiles and a 7th century BC Egyptian mummy dredged from the bay in the 1800s, the Gibraltar Museum offers visitors a whirlwind tour through the Rock’s rich history. Take the assistance of a museum guide to get an insight into the most fascinating artefacts. The museum is a must-visit for military history enthusiasts thanks to its spectacular selection of weaponry used in conflicts from War of the Spanish Succession to World War Two.
Relax at Catalan Bay
Away from the densely populated town of Gibraltar is the relaxed beachside village of Catalan Bay. Until the turn of the 20th century, only fishermen were permitted to live in the area, which has resulted in a picture-perfect jumble of pastel-hued seaside cottages. Today, Catalan Bay is famed for its sandy beach that is backed by tavernas serving some of Gibraltar’s best seafood and spectacular views across the Straits towards the Rif Mountains of North Africa.
Walk to Spain
Nearly all roads in Gibraltar lead across the border to Spain so taking a short stroll into the country’s southern province Andalucía could not be easier. Walk north along any of the peninsula’s main roads and very quickly you will cross the Anglo-Spanish frontier and hit the refreshingly un-touristy town of La Linea de la Concepcion. The town has a clutch of fascinating attractions offering an insight into Spanish culture and history, including what came to be known as the Gibraltar Anti-Invasion Line forts of San Carlos, Santa Barbara and San Felipe and an imposing bullring where you can watch one of Spain’s favourite national pastimes.
Defend Gibraltar from invasion at O’Hara’s Battery
Perched atop the Rock’s highest point, the precipitous O’Hara’s Battery was designed to defend the small British enclave from Spanish invasion. Besides offering spectacular views, the battery showcases a colossal 9.2-inch gun with a range of over 16 miles and hides an underground labyrinth of tunnels that contain a phantasmagoria of World War Two paraphernalia.
Immerse yourself in history at Nelson’s Anchorage
At the southwestern tip of Gibraltar lies Nelson’s Anchorage. The spot marks where the body of Admiral Nelson, famed for orchestrating the British victory at Trafalgar, was brought ashore after his death in 1805. Today, this historic moment is commemorated by the presence of a 100-tonne Victorian supergun that points ominously out to sea.
Go on a dolphin safari in the Bay of Gibraltar
A thrilling escape to the azure waters, where local tour operators run sea safaris to spot the bottlenose, common and striped dolphins that abound in the Bay of Gibraltar is a must-do. With the waters teeming with sardines, herring, squid and anchovies, the sea around Gibraltar is one of the best places to spot these graceful animals in Europe.
“Over the past decade, Ross Cameron has travelled extensively across Europe, Southeast Asia, North America, North Africa, and the post-Soviet space. As someone who has a real passion for these regions of the globe, he is able to offer an expert opinion that highlights the best off the beaten track destinations.”
Image details and licenses:
Apes Den: https://flic.kr/p/Mii4ch (Antoine 49, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0), Gorham Caves: https://flic.kr/p/EvFfCX (Kjell Eson, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0), Catalan Bay: https://flic.kr/p/8t8Qu2 (David Stanley, CC BY 2.0), O’Hara’s Battery: https://images.app.goo.gl/aenTMrHh2JnQftw38 (AquilaGib, CC BY-SA 3.0), Gibraltar Bay: https://flic.kr/p/2392uS9 (Mike McBey, CC BY 2.0)