If you want a dose of history, wildlife, and tax-free shopping, while on the southern coast of Spain. Consider taking a Gibraltar day trip.
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Is a day trip to Gibraltar worth it?
A Gibraltar day trip is the perfect amount of time to get a feel of this British and Spanish mixed culture with the sun of southern Spain. Gibraltar also has so much more to offer than you see on the surface.
Due to its location, it played a pivotal role during World War II. You can visit the tunnels, museums, and monuments that contributed to their contribution to the War.
Not to mention you can play with the Barbary Apes that run the Rock of Gibraltar.
Can I go on a day trip to Gibraltar from Spain?
Gibraltar is a straightforward day trip from Spain, due to its geographical location. Politically it is an independent British territory, which means it is not part of the Schengen Zone of Europe.
Do US citizens need a Visa for Gibraltar?
With Brexit, Gibraltar is pushing to join the Schengen zone, however, nothing has been confirmed yet.
If your visa is strictly for the Schengen zone, a day trip may not be easy. Contrarily, the day trip is extremely easy if you have a US passport or EU Passport, as you do not need a Visa.
Can you walk across the border from Gibraltar to Spain?
You can walk across the border from Gibraltar to Spain and vice versa. It is a quite simple process through a small security gate. You can also drive across the border.
However, you cannot take a taxi from Gibraltar to Spain or from Spain to Gibraltar. You will have to get out, walk across the border, and hail a new taxi in whichever country you are now in.
Most tour buses will drop you at security, where you will transfer by foot, and the bus will pick you up on the other side.
Can you do a day trip to Gibraltar from Malaga?
From Málaga, Gibraltar is about a 1 hour and 30-minute drive. Which makes Gibraltar a common day trip from Málaga
However to get there by public transportation it will take nearly 4 hours and several transfers.
Malaga to Gibraltar day trip
When I took my day trip from Málaga to Gibraltar, I opted for a tour company, that offered transportation between Málaga and Gibraltar. The price ended up being equal to the cost of public transportation and was a more direct path. I have linked that tour below.
Transportation: From Malaga and Costa del Sol: Gibraltar Tour
You can also find tours, public or group tours, that include sightseeing and guided tours once you arrive.
Group tour: Gibraltar with St Michael Caves Ticket Guided Tour from Costa del Sol
Private tour: Gibraltar Private Tour from Malaga and Surrounding Areas
Marbella to Gibraltar day trip
All previously listed tours also make a pick-up and drop-off in Marbella. This also makes a great starting point for your day trip.
Can I do a day trip to Gibraltar from Seville?
Seville is a bit farther from Gibraltar than Málaga. However, a day trip is still doable. Especially if you have a car. The drive between the two places only takes about 2.5 hours.
If you choose public transportation the fastest route takes about 4.5 hours.
Additionally, you can take a flixbus which will drop you at a Spanish town, Algeciras near the border. This costs about 20 euros each way.
The final option is a guided tour. I have found that the tour that offers the most value at the lowest price is the Gibraltar Full-Day Tour from Seville. This tour not only provides transportation and guidance over the border, but it also provides you with an informative guide and free entry to the national park.
Can you walk up the Rock of Gibraltar for free?
Unfortunately, you can not access the hike up the Rock of Gibraltar for Free.
In order to enter the Upper Rock Nature Reserve you must pay a £10 fee. However, this fee does grant you access to almost all the sights on the rock including the Moorish Castle, Great Siege Tunnels, Ape’s Den, and St. Michael’s Cave.
You can choose to take the rather taxing hike up the rock, or there is an easier alternative: a gondola ride. A round-trip ticket on the cable car and entry to the Nature Reserve costs £34.
How long do you need in Gibraltar?
I think you can easily see the highlights of Gibraltar in 5 to 6 hours. Below is my guide to spending your day in Gibraltar.
Day in Gibraltar Itinerary
Once you arrive in Gibraltar I recommend heading straight to the Cable Car.
Cable Car to the Top of the Rock
The Cable Car leaves from the southern end of Main Street and is located next to the Alameda Botanical Gardens.
There is a shuttle bus in Gibraltar that can drop you at the station. Additionally, local bus 10 will drop you within eyesight of the station.
Top of The Rock
At the top of the rock, you can find everything you need. There is a cafe, for last-minute coffee and snacks.
Do not take any food Items out of this area, as the apes here will open your bags and take your snacks.
First and foremost, enjoy the sweeping views of the straights of Gibraltar and unrivaled views of the Rock of Gibraltar.
They really are stunning.
The Ape Den
In the Ape den, you can get up close and personal with the Apes of Gibraltar.
You can see them being fed, and they will even pose for pictures.
However, be careful carrying any food with you. They will likely take it or at least try to.
Zippers are no issue for these apes.
As pictured this Ape had unzipped my friend’s backpack in a matter of seconds.
St. Michael’s Cave
St. Michael’s Cave is a massive natural cave system that has been transformed into a music venue.
The cave also hosts a consistent light show during visiting hours in which they use lights to emphasize the cave’s natural and dramatic features.
It takes about 20 minutes to walk through the entirety of the cave system. Be sure to take your time and admire all of the unique features in St. Michael’s.
WWII and Great Seige Tunnels
Below the surface of the rock of Gibraltar, you crawl through nearly 50km of man-made tunnels.
You can access and take a guided tour of these tunnels. Which were carved out using hand tools for purposes of Defense, but ultimately utilized more as underground hospitals.
Be prepared to take an uphill hike back to the top of the Rock after visiting the tunnels. Or you can always walk down the rest of the rock, back to the town.
Shop until you drop
Gibraltar is a tax-free zone which makes it a perfect place to do some shopping.
It is home to many luxury brands and great deals. So if you have some time before catching your bus back to your home destination be sure to check it out.
Unusual things to do in Gibraltar
Europa Point
Europa Point is the Southernmost point of Gibraltar and home to several significant sights. These sights include the Pillars of Hercules, Trinity Lighthouse, Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, and Shrine of Our Lady Of Europe.
From Europa Point, you can see across the straights of Gibraltar to Morocco, which offers you a unique vantage point of the two Pillars of Hercules. As legend states: these are the two points that Hercules ripped apart to create the Straights of Gibraltar during his Twelve Labors. One of these pillars is most notably the Rock of Gibraltar.
There is so much to do and see here and much less visited than the Rock of Gibraltar itself. It is also easily accessible by the number 2 bus.
Union Jack/ Referendum Steps
These steps are a common starting point for several hiking trails that lead up the Rock. They are known as the Union Jack Steps for the large Union Jack painted on them in 1967 after the people of Gibraltar voted to remain a part of Great Britain.
They offer a great photo opportunity and unique views of Gibraltar.
Catalan Bay
Is a locally known beach escape. Catalan Bay backs up to the rock of Gibraltar to create a quaint and exclusive feeling area. This is the best beach in Gibraltar.
How long does it take to walk the whole of Gibraltar?
It takes about four hours to walk the entire length of Gibraltar, including walking across the runway of Gibraltar’s airport.
However, Gibraltar has great public transportation options.
Is Gibraltar easy to get around?
Absolutely, Gibraltar has a great and easily navigable public transportation system and an abundance of taxis. In addition, its small size makes it extremely walkable.
Check out the Gibraltar Bus Network to learn more.
Is there a hop-on-hop-off bus in Gibraltar?
While there is no specific hop-on-hop-off tour bus in Gibraltar, you can purchase a hopper ticket on Gibraltar public busses allowing you to exit and enter at whichever stops you would like.
You can also track your buses using this link.
What is the best time to visit Gibraltar?
Gibraltar’s weather stays pretty consistent throughout the year.
However, April through November are the most ideal months to visit.
If you are looking to visit during a holiday, Gibraltar’s biggest holiday occurs on September 10 every year to celebrate its first sovereign referendum. This is called National Day and is celebrated with a street festival where you can try different foods, play games, and enjoy live performances.
Can you take a ferry from Gibraltar to Morocco?
There are no direct ferry routes from the port of Gibraltar to Morocco. However, you can drive 50 minutes to the Port of Tarifa in Spain. Here you can catch a ferry that will let you off in Tangier, Morocco.
Deciding to stay the night?
Emile Hostel is a great and affordable option. For around 36 euros a night, you can secure a bed in a 6-bed dorm that is within walking distance of many restaurants, bars, and attractions.
This is a great option for a last-minute stay.
What is Nearby?
Malaga
Málaga is a major city in southern Spain and home to Pablo Picasso. It is a cultural center and a wonderful place to spend your time.
Málaga has a great deal to offer regarding nightlife, gastronomy, recreation, culture, and beautiful beaches.
Morocco
Northern Morocco is just a short ferry ride away from nearby Tarifa, Spain.
Tangier, Morroco is the major port city that will welcome you to Morocco and provide you with an access point to incredible places such as Chefchaouen, Asilah, and Cape Spartel.
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