The Europa Point Lighthouse, also referred to as the Trinity Lighthouse at Europa Point
Spend two days in Gibraltar
A weekend away in Gibraltar will have you taking on all sorts of activities, from hiking the Rock, shopping till you drop and sailing with dolphins.
If you are a fan of city-breaks, this two full day itinerary wil probably catch your fancy. Whether you enjoy exploring on foot and delving into the past, or taking to the water and admiring the coastline, this timetable will keep you entertained. Read more>
Day 1:The Rock adventure and Gibraltar Town centre
A full fun-packed day dedicated to Gibraltar’s main landmark, the Rock of Gibraltar, its complex history, breathtaking viewpoints and the cosmopolitan urban centre.
Breakfast in Casemates Square (8:30-09:15)
Start in Gibraltar´s main Square, Casemates Square, where you will find a wide array of cafe´s and restaurants to fuel up before your first day. If nothing, catches your fancy, a short walk up Main Street will give you more options such as, patisseries, brunch places, bakeries...
Walk through town(9:00–9:45)
Explore Casemates Square, Main Street, the Irish Town and the cathedral area. It is full of shops selling clothes, jewellery, cosmetics, antiques, electronics... A great window shopping opportunity to get some ideas for later.
Transport Up the Rock (9:45–10:00)
Your ticket to the Nature Reserve can be purchased online and at multiple physical ticket office points. It costs 30 pounds for adults and 22 pounds for children. You can walk up, but you will need more time, so for this trip we recommend starting at the Market´s Place bus station office where you can purchase your ticket and for 10 pound more, be driven up and down again in a mini-bus. This does not include being driven around from landmark to landmark- for this option book a private rock tour or mini- bus company.
Skywalk (10:00–10:30)
The Skywalk, is a glass viewing platform offering panoramic views of Gibraltar and its astonishing views. A fun fact for Star Wars fans, Mark Hamill, the actor who played Luke Skylwalker, inaugurated the Skywalk with a lifesaber. Continue to nearby viewpoints for additional perspectives.
The Apes Den- Meet the Barbary Macaques (10:30–11:00)
Walk down or catch your shuttle bus towards Apes Den, where you will meet the much-loved but bold Gibraltar monkeys. Watch them eat, play around with each other and look after their babies. Do not get too close, provoke them, touch them or feed them, as although they are calm, they are still wild animals. Read more>
St Michael’s Cave (11:00–11:40)
Just a ten or fifteen minute walk away are these spectacular caves. To get there you will pass Windsor Suspension Bridge, offering fantastic views.
St Michael’s Cave is one of Gibraltar’s most striking natural formations. The cave’s chambers, stalactites and stalagmites, lighting and light shows offer you one of the most unique experiences on the Rock. Besides the cave, you have a restaurant and a shop if you need some water or a snack. If you are lucky, you will probably get to see some more Barbary Macaques who like to hang just outside, although be careful if you bought food, it will defenitely be snatched from you by the hungry monkeys.
Mediterranean Steps(11:40-12:15)
Climb some of the Mediterranean steps towards O'Hara's Battery, the highest point of the Rock and look down at the panoramic views of the Mediterranean, Atlantic Ocean, Spain, Africa and Gibraltar ( a lot of views!). Then take the steps back down to where you were. The full route from the botton of the Rock to the top is gruelling and can take up to two hours. To see how to do the Rock tour via the Mediterranean steps, consult our other guides. Read more>
Tunnels & Moorish Castle (12:15-13:30)
Both the Great Siege tunnels and the World War II tunnels are on the other side of the Rock. A tranquil walk, luckily, mostly downhill, will lead you to the Great Sieges. Just 5 minutes downhill, you will reach the WW2 tunnel network. Explore the interactive and historical tunnels and experience how it would have been for a soldier in the 1940s.
If you have time have a short wander around the Moorish Castle. Located just below the WW2 tunnels, it is a historical castle which offers interactive features and spectacular views of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea.
Descend + Lunch (13:30–15:00)
On your descent you have to options: Walk down the hill and steps which will lead you to Main Street or grab your shuttle bus back down to Market Street.
Find a Restaurant on Main Street or Casemates Square with many options to choose from. Just across the road is Marina Bay /Ocean Village which also offers many restaurants looking over the sea. Read more>
Botanical Gardens(15:00–17:00)
Make you way to the Botanical Gardens, just a 20 minute walk or a 15 min bus drive. Take in the flowers and greenery and relax. It is free to enter, however, inside, you will find the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Centre, which costs 10 pounds, where you can meet more species of monkeys, otters, bats and even a wild pig!
Free leisure time (17:00- onwards)
Head back towards Main Street and town centre if you would like to stop for a snack or do some more shopping, wander around Ocean Village to look at some boats or head back to your acommodation for a nap!
For dinner, you can find great restaurants in the town centre, Marina Bay/Ocean Village looking over the sea or if you are searching for something more sophisticated, Queensway Quay has fantastic restuarants offering local cuisine, looking over the Marina and sunset. Read more>
Day 2 - A day being one with the ocean: Beaches, Europa Point and Water Activities
A more relaxed day focused on Gibraltar’s coastline and marine environment.
Catalan Bay / Caleta (8:30–10:00)
Start your day watching the sunrise on the East. Visit another side of Gibraltar, a colourful fishing village and sandy beach on the Mediterranean. Catch bus number 8 from Market´s Place Bus Station to William´s Way and walk 5 minutes to the beach or if you have the energy, the full walk could take you around half an hour.Read more >
Rosia Bay / Quarry (10:00–11:30)
Hop on bus number 4 and head to a western beachfront. Visit Rosia Bay, half way to Europa Point (our next stop), a beautiful natural harbour, perfect for snorkeling and to observe Gibraltar´s beautiful, rugged natural coastline.
Europa Point (11:30-14:00)
Gibraltar’s southernmost tip, offering views across the Strait toward Morocco, the Trinity Lighthouse and the meeting point of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Stroll along Europa Point promenade as you take in the sea views and dramatic cliffs. Retun to town centre on bus 2.
Lunch (14:00- 15:30)
Find a Restaurant on Main Street or Casemates Square with many options to choose from. Just across the road is Marina Bay /Ocean Village which also offers many restaurants looking over the sea. .Read more>
Dolphin Safari (15:30–17:00)
Have a wonderful experience on a dolphin watch boat tour, an experience you will likely never forget. These leave at Marina Bay/Ocean Village. Sail out to Gibraltar Bay and meet the playful dolphins which if you are lucky, swim right next to the boat! Read more>
Paddleboarding and Water Caves (17:00–19:00)
Jump on bus 4 or 8 from Market Place in town centre. Embark on a guided paddleboarding session exploring Gibraltar’s water caves and coastline. There are various companies which offer SUP (Stand up paddleboarding) guides and tours, the most recognized being In2Adventures (British Stand Up Paddleboarding Association school based right on the coast in Gibraltar). The excursions tend to begin on the Eastern side of the Rock, on beaches like Sandy Bay, which are slightly more sheltered.
Tours include exporing hidden coves and caves, meeting local dolphins who inhabit in the shore and surrouding the impressive and dramatic limestone cliffs which hug the shore. Disclaimer: this activity is for confident and calm swimmer.
Yacht / Marina Experience (19:00–20:30)
Sit back and relax on an evening yacht tour during sunset, with refreshments and observe the landscape from a peaceful perspective. You can embark on these boats at Marina Bay or Queensway Quay..
Dinner and drinks(20:30- onward)
Finish the day by retiring back into town, at Marina Bay or for something more sophisticated to follow your yacht tour, Queensway Quay.Read more>
These are some ideas for what you can do if you have a day to explore Gibraltar. If you have less time, but still would like to visit Gibraltar, consult our day trip itinerary or if you have even less, consult our half-day trip examples.
