Matt
So, you’ve had your fill of all the fun things to do in Seville?
Ready for a change of scenery? Great! How does visiting Gibraltar sound?
Gibraltar, or ‘Gib’ as it’s known by the locals, is a tiny British Overseas Territory, where a variety of cultures, religions, and traditions merge. At the center sits the massive limestone rock for which it’s famous. Sound familiar? That’s The Rock of Gibraltar, home to the only wild monkeys in Europe.
But Gibraltar is so much more than its two most popular attractions. From St Michael’s caves to the Moorish castle, Gibraltar is a treasure trove of history just waiting to be explored. Here’s how to make the most of a Seville to Gibraltar day trip.
Getting From Seville to Gibraltar
The first step for an epic day out is knowing how to get to Gibraltar from Seville.
It’s a commute of two or more hours, depending on the transport you opt for, but don’t let that put you off. While there are many amazing, and albeit, closer, day trips from Seville, Gibraltar is well worth the trek. We’ve lined up a few ways to get to Gibraltar below.
Bus From Seville to Gibraltar
Cheap and cheerful, buses from Seville to Gibraltar start at only €13 ($14) each way. The commute is around 3 hours, so leave early to make the most of your day.
Tours From Seville to Gibraltar
Take a tour bus from Seville to Gibraltar for an easy breezy day out. From hotel pick-up, to sightseeing, to drop-off, everything is sorted for you. With the bus ride coming in at less than two hours, take that time to bombard your tour guide with questions about Gibraltar’s history. As always, book early for the best prices.
Trains from Seville to Gibraltar
Finnickity and expensive, you’d need to take a train and then a taxi to get from Seville to Gibraltar. That’s almost €90 ($98) that you could be spending on ice cream.
Taking a Car from Seville to Gibraltar
The drive from Seville to Gibraltar will take just over two hours and cost €30-40 ($45) in petrol. Bear in mind that queues at Gibraltar’s border can be long, so consider parking nearby and crossing the border on foot.
What To Do on a Day Trip to Gibraltar
Although Gib is a teeny tiny place, with a population of only 33,000, there’s still a ton of things to do. We’ve compiled some of the most popular, as well as some lesser-known gems. Mix and match for a custom-made day trip.
Sip Coffee at Queensway Quay
A lesser-known spot just beyond the end of Mainstreet, Queensway Quay is a tranquil marina scattered with an array of classy bars and restaurants. If you’re there early, pop by The Waterfront for a cafe con leche before heading to the Alameda Gardens.
Explore Alameda Gardens
Moorish Castle
Towering over Casemates Square, the Moorish Castle is an important part of Gibraltarian history. Construction began in the eighth century, and since then, the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. Its most recent remake was in 1333 AD when Abu’l Hassan, a Sultan of the Marinid dynasty, recaptured Gibraltar.
Going up The Rock
As soon as you arrive, you’ll see The Rock of Gibraltar — a huge 426m high limestone rock and former military base.
Whether you’re climbing, driving, or taking the cable car, a day in Gibraltar isn’t complete without a trip up the rock. Once at the top, you’ll get to see panoramic views of the Mediterranean, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Africa. It’s truly breathtaking.
St Michael’s caves
Situated in the Upper Rock nature reserve, St Michael’s caves are an awe-inspiring stop on your tour of The Rock. Dripping with stalagmites and stalactites, the limestone caves are a popular concert venue.
Back in the day, the caves were believed to be bottomless, sparking the legend that Gibraltar and Africa were linked by a subterranean passage. Legend has it that the monkeys made their way to Gibraltar from Africa through this passage.
The fee for the nature reserve is included in many tour tickets, and gets you access to the tunnels, caves, and Apes Den.
The Rock Hotel
Take a bus, or have a short but sweaty wander up the Rock to have tea at The Rock Hotel.
Why bother with a luxury hotel, you ask? Well, this elegant colonial-style building is truly a Gibraltarian landmark. Built in 1932, the hotel has been a magnet for the rich and famous since its opening. John Lennon and Yoko Ono even married there, as you’ll spot from the endless celebrity photos spanning the walls.
Grab a seat on the terrace and soak in the panoramic views of the Bay and Straights of Gibraltar.
Relax at Catalan and Sandy Bay
Not much of a cultural enthusiast? We’ve got you covered.
Two beaches, two totally different vibes. Take a bus around The Rock to kick your feet up at the Catalan Bay, where colorful houses and a quaint little church nestle against the majestic backdrop of The Rock. Collect pottery and colored glass along the shore before wandering down to Sandy Bay to rent a paddleboard.
Tips for a day in Gibraltar
Here are our top 10 tips for a day in Gib:
- First and foremost, Gibraltar’s currency is the British Pound. Expect a shoddy exchange rate if you try to pay in Euros.
- Don’t eat in Casemates. Sure, you’ll find some run-of-the-mill pizza places but try venturing into the side streets off Mainstreet for a more exciting dinner option. We recommend 4 Stagioni — the sage pumpkin ravioli is incredible.
- Avoid Western Beach. Set right next to the runway, this beach is loud, dirty, and plagued by jellyfish. You deserve better.
- Don’t get ripped off on your trip up The Rock. You’ll notice several enthusiastic Rock tour salesmen down Mainstreet, offering you ‘exclusive deals’. Don’t be fooled, and book your transport up the rock in advance!
- Don’t leave without getting a Ramsons. This hole-in-the-wall down Mainstreet serves the best sandwiches in Gibraltar.
- For the love of god, don’t feed the monkeys. While cute, they can be vicious. Luckily, they’ve all been jabbed, so there’s no chance of catching rabies. Keep your food sealed and safely zipped away in your backpack.
- Don’t leave without buying some booze! Part of the magic of Gibraltar is that it’s tax-free. You can get a bottle of vodka for less than a fiver.
- Don’t call the locals ‘Spanish’. Gibraltarians hold fierce to their Llanito identity, seeing themselves as British, not Spanish.
- Give the border town of La Línea a miss. It has a pretty poor rep as a hotspot for drugs and crime.
- Bring your passport! You’ll need it to cross the border from Spain to Gibraltar.
Final Thoughts
If you weren’t already sure, we’ll say it again. Gibraltar is the day trip you won’t regret taking. Its layered history and stunning natural beauty make it a hit with any traveler.
So what are you waiting for? Make sure to include Gib on your Spain itinerary.
