For visitors to southern Spain, day trips to Gibraltar from the Costa del Sol provide a fascinating journey into a fascinating, but controversial, territory which has been under British control since 1713. Located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar is an ideal destination for a short excursion where holidaymakers can travel to the top of the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, explore many historical sites and enjoy the tax-free shopping. This comprehensive post covers all you need to know for a memorable day trip, from transportation and post-Brexit border controls to must-see attractions once you arrive.
Day Trips to Gibraltar: Transport Options
Travelling by Car
Driving from the Costa del Sol to Gibraltar is a straightforward option. The route along the AP-7 motorway is scenic and efficient, leading directly towards the Spanish border town of La Línea de la Concepción. Depending on the starting point along the Costa del Sol, the journey time ranges from about 90 minutes (from Marbella) to around 2 hours (from Málaga). It’s advisable to use a GPS or navigation app as road signs may not prominently indicate Gibraltar.
Parking in La Línea is the most practical choice for those driving from the Costa del Sol. Gibraltar’s small size and high demand for parking mean spaces are limited and expensive. Several public car parks are available in La Línea within a short walk from the border such as Parking Santa Bárbara or the underground parking at Plaza de la Constitución. These options are convenient and affordable allowing for a smooth transfer on foot through the border.
As soon as you’ve passed through passport control you can jump in a taxi or onto a bus which will take you to the city centre in just a few minutes. The first point of interest is the runway to the Rock’s airport which you must cross to get to the centre. If you’re travelling independently it’s well worth getting on one of the small group Gibraltar Rock Tours which depart regularly from the frontier and from the streets surrounding the main commercial centre.
Travelling by Bus
If you plan on travelling by public transport you’ll find buses from the Costa del Sol to be a reliable option. There are direct buses from Málaga and Marbella to La Línea which operate frequently during the peak tourist season although the journey can be rather tie consuming. Booking bus tickets in advance is recommended as buses can fill up quickly during the summer months. On arrival in La Línea it’s a short walk to the border crossing. There are no train services from the Costa del Sol to Gibraltar or La Línea.
Organised Tours
If you don’t have your own car, the best way to get to Gibraltar from the Costa del Sol is by booking an organised tour from your holiday resort. Numerous operators along the Costa del Sol offer day trips to Gibraltar with pick-up spots in the likes of Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona. These tours typically include transport, guided visits to Gibraltar’s main attractions and assistance with border crossing, providing a convenient, hassle-free experience.
A Brief History of Gibraltar
Gibraltar’s history traces back to ancient times, with evidence of Neanderthal presence found in a skull discovered in a Gibraltar cave in 1848. Known to the Greeks as “Calpe,” meaning “ship” due to its appearance, the Rock was later renamed “Jebel Tarik” by the Moors after their leader Tarik ibn Ziyad captured it in 711, marking the start of the Muslim conquest of Spain. The Moors controlled Gibraltar for over 700 years, except for a brief period in the early 14th century, until the Spanish Kingdom of Castile took control in 1462.
During the War of the Spanish Succession in 1704, an Anglo-Dutch force captured Gibraltar. The 1713 Treaty of Utrecht ended the war, and Spain ceded Gibraltar to Britain “in perpetuity,” a condition repeatedly cited by Gibraltarians in later sovereignty discussions. Though Britain also gained Menorca under the treaty, Gibraltar alone remained British long-term, becoming a critical naval stronghold.
Gibraltar endured several attacks, including the Great Siege (1779-1783). It later served as a strategic naval port, notably after the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and during both World Wars. In WWII, Gibraltar was fortified, and most residents were evacuated to allow military operations.
The 1950s saw tensions rise when Spain’s dictator Franco opposed British control, especially after Queen Elizabeth II’s 1954 visit. Spain closed the Gibraltar border in 1969 after a referendum showed Gibraltarians’ overwhelming desire to remain British. The border reopened in 1985 with Spain’s EU membership, improving relations.
In 2002, another referendum reaffirmed Gibraltarians’ preference for British sovereignty. Enhanced cooperation between Spain and the UK followed, including the 2006 Córdoba Accord, though Gibraltar’s status remains a diplomatic issue.
Best Things to See in Gibraltar
Upper Rock Nature Reserve
One of Gibraltar’s main attractions, the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, offers breathtaking views of the Costa del Sol, the African coast and the Strait of Gibraltar. From a height of 430 metres, standing atop the Rock of Gibraltar is an awe-inspiring experience, where the vistas of two continents and two seas – the Atlantic and the Mediterranean – stretch before you. Within the reserve, you’ll find fascinating sites like the Great Siege Tunnels, St. Michael’s Cave and the scenic Mediterranean Steps. If you’re not on a guided tour, the Rock is easily accessible by cable car from the lower town, making it a must-visit highlight of any trip to Gibraltar.
The Great Siege Tunnels
The Great Siege Tunnels in Gibraltar, also known as the Upper Galleries, are a remarkable network of military tunnels carved into the Rock of Gibraltar during the Great Siege of 1779-1783. Created by British forces to defend against a combined French and Spanish assault, the tunnels were initially hand-excavated to accommodate artillery positions overlooking key strategic points, particularly the isthmus connecting Gibraltar to Spain. Engineers designed the tunnels with loopholes (firing ports) allowing effective gunfire without exposure to enemy forces.
The ingenuity displayed in their construction turned the tunnels into an iconic example of military engineering, and they were later expanded during World War II for additional defense purposes. Today, they serve as a historical site, offering insight into Gibraltar’s strategic military significance and the tenacity of its defenders.
St. Michael’s Cave
While you’re on the Rock of Gibraltar, be sure to visit St. Michael’s Cave, a stunning limestone cavern renowned for its impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. Beyond its natural beauty, the cave also serves as a unique venue for concerts, adding to its historical and cultural appeal. Don’t miss the captivating son-et-lumière presentation held twice daily on weekdays, an experience that highlights the cave’s enchanting atmosphere and makes this a must-see stop on your Gibraltar itinerary.
The Apes’ Den
The Apes’ Den in Gibraltar is a popular location within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve where visitors can observe the Barbary macaques, Europe’s only wild monkey population. These macaques, sometimes mistakenly called “apes” due to their tailless appearance, are thought to have been introduced by the Moors or even earlier by the Romans. The Apes’ Den provides a natural habitat for the macaques, who roam freely and are accustomed to human presence, though feeding them is prohibited to maintain their health and natural behaviour. The site is both a key tourist attraction and an important part of Gibraltar’s cultural heritage, with the macaques traditionally considered a symbol of British Gibraltar.
Main Street and Casemates Square
The lively Main Street is Gibraltar’s primary shopping area where visitors can experience British high street stores alongside local shops. The street is home to duty-free shops typically selling electronics, cosmetics and tobacco. Gibraltar’s status as a duty-free zone is a significant draw and many day-trippers come specifically for tax-free shopping. At the northern end of Main Street is Casemates Square, a lively plaza lined with cafes and restaurants which is an ideal spot for lunch or a beer break.
Gibraltar National Museum
The Gibraltar National Museum, founded in 1930, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, culture and natural heritage of Gibraltar. Located in a 14th-century building that once served as the Moorish Baths, the museum houses diverse exhibits spanning from Gibraltar’s prehistoric past to its modern era. Highlights include archaeological finds from the Neanderthal occupation of Gibraltar, artifacts from the Great Siege and displays on the region’s varied ecosystems. The museum also features reconstructed rooms from Gibraltar’s colonial period and an in-depth model of the Rock. It serves as an educational resource and cultural hub which provides an insight into the unique identity and strategic importance of Gibraltar throughout history.
Europa Point
Europa Point is the southernmost point of Gibraltar which offers great views across the Strait of Gibraltar towards North Africa. This historic site is marked by the iconic Trinity Lighthouse, built in 1841 and still in operation, guiding vessels through one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Europa Point also houses several notable landmarks, including the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, a 15th-century Catholic chapel, and the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, a prominent gift from Saudi Arabia, symbolizing Gibraltar’s multicultural heritage. With its scenic vistas and historic significance, Europa Point is both a cultural attraction and a strategic lookout that underscores Gibraltar’s pivotal geographical position.
Dolphin Watching
Dolphin-watching trips from Gibraltar offer visitors the chance to observe three main species of dolphins that frequent the Bay of Gibraltar: the common dolphin, the striped dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin. These excursions are typically led by experienced guides who share insights into dolphin behaviour and the marine ecosystem of the Strait of Gibraltar, a unique convergence zone for Atlantic and Mediterranean waters.
Dolphin sightings are common due to the bay’s rich food supply and sheltered environment, attracting large pods that can be seen all year-round. Boats are designed to minimize environmental impact whilst providing optimal viewing conditions. These dolphin-watching trips are a popular eco-tourism activity which highlight Gibraltar’s marine biodiversity and provide memorable, close-up encounters with these intelligent marine mammals.
Day Trips to Gibraltar: FAQs
How Did Gibraltar Become British?
Gibraltar became British in 1713, as a result of the Treaty of Utrecht, which ended the War of the Spanish Succession. During this war, a conflict over who should succeed to the Spanish throne, an Anglo-Dutch force captured Gibraltar from Spain in 1704. The British subsequently retained control, recognizing Gibraltar’s strategic military importance at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. Under the Treaty of Utrecht, Spain formally ceded Gibraltar to Britain in perpetuity, although the treaty contained clauses prohibiting Britain from transferring sovereignty to a third party.
Over the years, Gibraltar’s strategic location made it a valuable asset, especially in conflicts like the Napoleonic Wars and World War II, when it served as a key naval base. Despite several attempts by Spain to regain sovereignty, Gibraltar remains a British Overseas Territory, with its population repeatedly affirming their preference to remain under British governance in referendums, particularly in 1967 and 2002. This British status continues to be a point of contention in Spanish-British relations, although Gibraltar operates with a high degree of self-governance whilst retaining ties to the United Kingdom.
Does Gibraltar Have Border Control?
Yes, absolutely. Crossing into Gibraltar from Spain is typically quick and efficient but Brexit has introduced some changes in border procedures. EU and UK citizens can cross with their passports whilst citizens of other countries may need a visa depending on their nationality. To avoid delays, it’s best to check specific entry requirements before arrival.
After Brexit, some delays have been reported during peak hours, especially on weekends and holidays, so it’s wise to plan accordingly. Most visitors choose to walk across the border rather than drive due to the possibility of delays for cars. Once through, visitors can either walk or take a short bus or taxi ride to Gibraltar’s main attractions.
What is the Currency in Gibraltar?
Gibraltar’s currency is the Gibraltar pound although British pounds are equally accepted. Euros are also widely accepted but exchange rates in shops tends to be below the going market rate. Whilst you might decide to carry some local currency for small purchases you’ll find that card payments are accepted pretty much everywhere.
What is the Language in Gibraltar?
English is the official language in Gibraltar but most locals also speak Spanish so visitors from the Costa del Sol will have no problem communicating.
Can You Stay in Gibraltar?
If you’re not on a scheduled excursion you might like the idea of spending a night on the Rock. There are several budget hotels in Gibraltar but there are also several establishments that have built up considerable reputations over the years. Foremost amongst these is the world-renowned Rock Hotel which was built by the Marquis of Bute in 1932 and still retains a genteel ambience that will take you back in time. With colonial-style bedrooms, fabulous views and a stylish and respected dining room, the Rock Hotel is a genuinely fine experience.
