Gibraltar

Gibraltar combines striking heights with traces of a turbulent history and routes through nature and cultural heritage. The Tower of Homage, the Moorish Castle’s main feature, dominates the hillside and the landward approach to Gibraltar. The Skywalk also makes a striking feature of the heights: it stands 340 metres above sea level. Those who enjoy spending time outdoors will find that the Gibraltar Nature Reserve offers a different perspective on the Rock than a view of individual well-known landmarks.

Trails, Views and Nature on the Upper Rock

The trails in the Gibraltar Nature Reserve combine nature and views with historic sites that are less prominent on the usual Rock tours. Hiking trails lead from the Skywalk to the Windsor Suspension Bridge and Apes’ Den on the Upper Rock. This allows you to take in natural and historical highlights together as you explore the area, without every route having the same focus.

It is worth considering how to get to the Reserve when planning your visit: unauthorised private vehicles are not permitted there. Visitors can arrive on foot, by cable car or as part of a guided taxi or bus tour. Check the local notices before your visit. This will let you factor in the available access options when planning your day, before deciding which experiences you would like to combine.

Gibraltar also looks different from the water. Dolphin-watching and boat trips offer views of the Rock, caves on the eastern side, as well as Gibraltar, Morocco and Spain. If you are weighing up Upper Rock trails against a boat trip, the experiences differ mainly in perspective: nature trails and historic sites on land, and views from the water.

History in Tunnels, Gardens and Museums

One specific chapter in the history of the tunnels began on 25 May 1782, when Sergeant Major Ince started the tunnel works under the direction of Lieutenant J. Evelegh. The Great Siege Tunnels form a defensive system developed by military engineers. At Moorish Castle, the Tower of Homage dominates the hillside; it was rebuilt mainly around 1333 AD. The site is closed until further notice due to ongoing works.

The Alameda Gardens first opened to the public on 14 April 1816 as an outdoor recreational area. At the Alameda Botanical Gardens, walking paths wind through Gibraltar’s diverse flora and fauna; the grounds also include an adventure playground for young children. This is a practical consideration for families with young children when choosing activities. Gibraltar’s Old Town, in turn, invites you to stroll through historic streets.

The Gibraltar National Museum focuses on history, culture and natural history. Beneath Ordnance House in the museum are the chambers of an ancient bathhouse from Gibraltar’s Moorish period. The Main Guard has a space for temporary exhibitions. Those interested in military heritage will find a gun emplacement at Harding’s Battery, built for an RML gun; an ammunition magazine lies beneath it. King’s Bastion has been converted into a leisure complex. Check the latest operational details before visiting.

Maritime Bearings and Special Places

Europa Point is Gibraltar’s southernmost point and a viewpoint across to Africa. The Trinity Lighthouse has helped guide navigation through the Strait of Gibraltar since 1841; it is the only lighthouse of its type outside Great Britain. A notice published on 5 August 2026 mentions tours for the Gibraltar Lighthouse that can be booked online, with access inside and a climb to the lantern room. Check the visit details before your trip.

Natural history is also part of the destination’s story: the Gorham’s Cave Complex covers about 28 hectares on Gibraltar’s eastern side. Since being inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, it has represented evidence of the settlement, culture and material culture of Neanderthals and early modern humans over a period of about 120,000 years. The protected significance of this site adds a much longer perspective to the military and maritime history.

When choosing a holiday rental, it is worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: trails and views, gardens, museums or maritime perspectives. The experiences you have in mind can guide your search without requiring you to assume a particular location or set of amenities. This way, you can choose accommodation in Gibraltar that suits the themes you would like to explore further during your stay.

For the broader travel overview: Gibraltar.