When Hercules cracked the mountain open to let the waters of the Atlantic join with the Mediterranean, he created the Strait of Gibraltar and set his Pillars on both sides: The Rock of Gibraltar and Jebel Musa in Morocco…or so the legends tell.
Gibraltar is a rather unique place on our planet. It is seldom heard of and very little is known about it to many which make it an even more attractive travel destination. Gibraltar is a small British overseas territory located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Although small, there is so much in here to explore and to enjoy!
Legend has it that the name Gibraltar came from Jabal Tariq (Mount Tariq) in Arabic. Named after Tariq Ibn Ziyad, a Berber commander who conquered Spain who was famously quoted: “Wither would you flee? Behind you is the sea, before you is the enemy”
Here’s our pick of the top 10 most exciting things to do in Gibraltar!
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The rock of Gibraltar, also known as the Rock, is a 426-meter high limestone rock that constitutes the Nature Reserve of Gibraltar itself. This magnificent rock is what Gibraltar is! No traveler ever misses its sight.
Besides the joy of just looking at it, a trip to the top of the Rock is one of the best things to do in Gibraltar! A cable car can get you to the top, so make sure you enjoy every moment of the trip!
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A most amusing attraction here on the Rock is the Barbary Macaques! Cute little apes brought from Morocco. They are the only wild apes living in Europe. They are friendly and can be very curious!
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Spice up your adventure here at the Rock by exploring the Great Siege Tunnels. These were built within the Rock itself during the late 18th century for military defensive purposes against the invasion of the French and the Spanish. Nowadays, tunnels are a popular attraction in Gibraltar. As you wander in these tunnels, you get to see a bit of history displayed in the galleries: cannons and Victorian guns.
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Located on the southernmost point of Gibraltar, Europa Point offers amazing views on the Rock, the sea, and beyond! It is home to a mosque, a church, and a lighthouse.
Across the Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco can be seen!
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It is also known as the King Fahd bin Abdulaziz al-Saud Mosque. Located on the top of Europa Point, this beautiful mosque is an outstanding Islamic landmark in Gibraltar. It was a gift from the king of Saudi Arabia to Gibraltar. It adds a special beauty to the place making it certainly worth the visit!
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Your travel would not be complete if you haven’t had your share of walking around the historic areas of Gibraltar. The weather here gets no better, so make the best out of your vacation here by sightseeing and trying out different Mediterranean foods at different restaurants. Visit the old Irish town to get a feel of the streets of Gibraltar!
We recommend you visit the museum of Gibraltar to learn more about its history!
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Whether or not you’re a lover of nature, St. Michael’s cave will certainly captivate your senses. This cave is a wonderful natural display of stalactites and mineral rock formations. The cave is lit up in different colors giving the place a wonderful psychedelic ambiance. St. Michael’s cave has an auditorium that can house up to 600 people for theatrical performances. Imagine being here for a show!
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Ocean Village of Gibraltar is an exciting combination of marinas, residential complexes, hotels, and luxurious restaurants. There is so much you can do here! Visit a spa for a relaxing experience, or shop around the area. Dine at one of 20 oceanfront restaurants in a most romantic ambiance illuminated by colorful spotlights!
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Built in 1841, this beautiful lighthouse stands tall at the tip of Europa Point overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, the Mediterranean, and the Bay of Gibraltar. It is painted white with a red band in the middle. The classic look of this lighthouse evokes an inviting romantic feeling!
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Gibraltar is so close to Morocco that, on a clear day, you can see the Rif Mountains of Morocco across the sea from Europa Point. In less than an hour, a boat trip can take you to Tangiers, one of Morocco’s most beautiful cities!
Find out more about Morocco and other amazing travel destinations in our travel blog!
