The bay and town of Gibraltar seen from the Rock

At the tip of Europe

Gibraltar, a British rock facing Africa

A day in Gibraltar means changing country without leaving the coast: red phone boxes, fish and chips and pounds sterling at the foot of a 426-metre limestone rock that is home to Europe’s only wild monkeys. From Europa Point, Morocco seems within reach.

Cross the border on foot from La Línea — passport required — across the airport runway, then ride the cable car up the Rock. Up there, the Barbary macaques, St Michael’s Cave and its formations, the Great Siege Tunnels and the Windsor suspension bridge easily fill half a day.

Main Street and its pubs, the cathedral and the Alameda gardens complete the visit. I recommend leaving early, parking the car on the Spanish side and bringing walking shoes: the viewpoints have to be earned.

Gibraltar

What to see and do in Gibraltar

The Rock and its macaques

Cable car to the summit and an encounter with the Barbary macaques — without feeding them.

St Michael’s Cave

A spectacular, illuminated cathedral of stalactites.

Europa Point

Lighthouse, mosque and views over the Strait and the Moroccan coast.

Main Street

Duty-free shops, British pubs and a colonial atmosphere.

Practical information

From Málaga airport: About 135 km · 100 min by road
Best season: All year round; clear winter days give the best visibility over the Strait.
Ideal for: Day trip · Curious families · Military-history enthusiasts

My advice