MY BEST ADVICE?
- Gibraltar is a tax haven so stock up on your alcohol and nicotine needs!
- Watch your possessions and food around the monkeys! They seem reasonably tame and are used to humans, but don’t forget that they are wild animals with sticky fingers!
- From the Rock, you have a view down towards the airport. Wait and watch as a plane lands or takes off! The runway spans the entire length of the island and the busy commuter road which intersects with the runway is blocked off for each plane that comes in.
ESSENTIAL SIGHTSEEING?
For the most part, the Rock is the iconic sight, and was the only thing I knew about Gibraltar before I arrived to explore further. There is much Second World War-era history to explore, as many tunnels and fortifications remain today.
The Levanter cloud which often forms over the rock and speeds over the peak is mesmerising! I hope the weather shows off for you too on your visit up the Rock.
A defensive system dug through the limestone, these tunnels were built in the eighteenth century when Britain fought to defended Gibraltar from France and Spain – a siege which lasted over three and a half years!
Dotted with cannons and re-enactments, these tunnels are a fascinating place to explore and offer great views to the town below.
There are many legends surrounding these beautiful caves that have been explored since the Roman Ages.
They were used as a hospital during the Second World War, and today host concerts and performances of the arts for a 600 seat audience.
There are 150 smaller caves which make up the natural cathedral and the stalactites and stalagmites are lit with rainbow spotlights.
It will take about half an hour to wander the maze of paths. St Michael’s Caves are explored by one million visitors annually, and the entry ticket also includes entrance to the Siege Tunnels and Moorish Castle.
Marked by artillery fire and damage from the ferocious battles fought over this strategic corner of the Mediterranean, the remaining tower from the once vast 11th-century Moorish Castle is seen as a symbol go Gibraltarian strength.
I didn’t ride the cable car to the top, as I took a local guide’s van, but should you have the opportunity you will be whizzed 412 metres above sea level in just six minutes! The views from anywhere on the Rock are spectacular, enjoy a cafe and shop at the top station.
Click here to visit the official website of the Gibraltar Cable Car.
Home to almost 300 Barbary Macaques, these inquisitive monkeys rule the rock with greedy fingers!
Scrambling their way around the Upper Rock, they bombard tourists the minute they step off the cable car!
The monkeys were originally brought over from North Africa by British Troops.
For advice on how to safely interact with these monkey, visit this site.
ESSENTIAL SIGHTSEEING?
For the most part, the Rock is the iconic sight, and was the only thing I knew about Gibraltar before I arrived to explore further. There is much Second World War-era history to explore, as many tunnels and fortifications remain today.
The Levanter cloud which often forms over the rock and speeds over the peak is mesmerising! I hope the weather shows off for you too on your visit up the Rock.
A defensive system dug through the limestone, these tunnels were built in the eighteenth century when the Britain fought to defended Gibraltar from France and Spain – a siege which lasted over three and a half years!
Dotted with cannons and re-enactments, these tunnels are a fascinating place to explore and offer great views to the town below.
There are many legends surrounding these beautiful caves that have been explored since the Roman Ages.
They were used as a hospital in the Second World War, and today host concerts and performances of the arts with 600 strong audiences. There are 150 smaller caves which make up the incredible natural cathedral, the stalactites and stalagmites are perfectly lit by rainbow spotlights.
It will take about half an hour to wander the maze of paths. St Michael’s Caves are explored by one million visitors annually, and the entry ticket also includes entrance to the Siege Tunnels and Moorish Castle.
Marked by artillery fire and damage from the ferocious battles fought over this strategic corner of the Mediterranean, the remaining tower from the once vast eleventh century Moorish castle is seen as a symbol of Gibraltarian strength.
I didn’t ride the cable car to the top, as I took a local guide’s van, but should you have the opportunity you will be whizzed 412 metres above sea level in just six minutes! The views from anywhere on the Rock are spectacular, enjoy a cafe and shop at the top station.
Click here to visit the official website of the Gibraltar Cable Car.
Home to almost 300 Barbary Macaques, these inquisitive monkeys rule the rock with greedy fingers!
Scrambling their way around the Upper Rock, they pounce on tourists the minute they step off the cable car!
The monkeys were originally brought over from North Africa by British Troops.
For advice on how to safely interact with these monkey, visit this site.
NEED MORE ADVICE? KEEP READING…
So who am I…? Hi! My name is India.
I am a nomadic Australian who has wandered the world full time exploring over 60 countries and 5/7 continents.
After ten years on the road, I have launched my own website – Travelling Notebook – to share the knowledge I have gained on the road and the images I have collected over the years with fellow adventurers. Keep reading…
I am a freelance travel writer, photography and videographer, based in London. If you need specific travel advice or would like to collaborate please send an email my way!
Always say yes to adventure!
x India
