However, being so close in proximity to its neighbouring country Spain, many people often enjoy getting the best of both worlds – taking a day trip or two from Gibraltar airport to soak up the local sights, while also enjoying the best that the British Overseas Territory has to offer.
So, with this in mind, we thought we’d compile a quick guide as to where we think you should spend your time both in and around Gibraltar.
From visiting the infamous rock of Gibraltar to exploring the neighbouring towns of Andalucía, there are a ton of fun things to do during your visit to Southern Spain – whether you’re only here for a few days, a week or much longer.
Listed below are a just few ideas to get you started:
Take a day trip to Marbella
Located only a short 49-minute drive away from Gibraltar airport, Marbella is situated in the heart of Spain’s Costa del Sol and is famed for its villas, beaches, hotels and golf courses.
It also has a wealth of prestigious nightclubs, upmarket boutiques and swanky bars available throughout the city, making it the ideal place to jet off to for a day trip.
Upon arrival, you will want to quickly familiarise yourself in the Old Town and soak up the sights, smells and culture of Seville’s Santa Cruz or Córdoba’s San Basilio.
Then, the rest of the day is up to you. Whether you’d rather spend it practising your swing at the golf course, checking out the local art galleries, enjoying a cocktail or five at a boutique bar, or soaking up the rays on the beach, one thing’s for sure, you certainly won’t be bored during your visit to Marbella with this handy guide.
Visit Gibraltar Itself
No visit to Gibraltar would be complete without seeing the Rock it is so well-known for.
Designated as a nature reserve, tickets to see the Upper Rock Nature Reserve will include entry to the Apes’ Den, an iconic spot where you can get an up-close look at Barbary macaques, St Michael’s Cave, a large network of limestone caves, and O’Hara’s Battery, an artillery battery located at the rock’s highest point.
Here you will be able to not only learn all about the Rock’s strategic location and use in the war, but you will also be able to enjoy stunning views right the way across Gibraltar and the rest of Southern Spain.
What’s more, if you are feeling particularly brave, the 340m-high Skywalk is a great way to visit the Rock in an incredibly unique way.
Head to Algeciras
Driving approximately half an hour from Gibraltar airport will see you wind up at Algeciras – a municipality of Spain belonging to the province of Cádiz, Andalucía.
While the city itself may be better known for being home to a large deepwater oil port and oil refinery, its surrounding family-friendly attractions make it the ideal place to visit on a day trip.
From Bahia Park – one of the most popular water parks on the South coast – to the Playa de El Rinconcillo – a stunning sandy beach – to the María Cristina Park – a picturesque park in the heart of the city – Algeciras itself is also unlike any other coastal city you’ll find in Spain, featuring a gritty personality that certainly makes it an interesting place to spend the day.
Explore Gibraltar’s historic centre
While the historic centre of Gibraltar may have been mostly destroyed during the Great Siege of Gibraltar between 1179 and 1783, it has since been rebuilt and is now protected by the Gibraltar Heritage Trust.
Home to various shops similar to those found on any British high street, the historic centre is the ideal place to pick up a few souvenirs while soaking up the culture and rich history of Gibraltar.
What’s more, during your visit here, you will be able to visit Irish Town – an area which originally got its name when Irish immigrant women were sent to Gibraltar to provide company for the troops that were stationed on the Rock at the time.
Enjoy your visit!
So, there you have it – some of the best ways to enjoy your trip to Gibraltar.
Whether it be enjoying the culture of the British Overseas Territory itself or travelling further afield into Spain, we’re sure you’ll have a great stay here whatever you decide to do.
For further information or advice on where you need to go when you arrive at the airport, our detailed guide to the area will provide you with all you need to know. Alternatively, give our team a call and we’d be more than happy to help in any way we can.
