Taking a day trip to the iconic Rock of Gibraltar offers a welcome and distinctly different experience from touring the many cathedrals or castles found throughout Spain. This British Overseas Territory, jutting out from the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, holds historical significance as one of the two pillars believed to have been erected by Hercules, marking the mythological edge of the world.
The primary gateway to Gibraltar from Spain is the bordering town of La Linea. The border crossing itself is conveniently located just across from La Lina's main square, the Plaza de la Constitucion. We found it remarkably straightforward to cross from Spain into Gibraltar, simply waving our passport at the border control. But what makes this border crossing truly unique and memorable is that once you get through customs, you literally walk across the airport runway! Yes, the main road into Gibraltar is intersected by the runway of Gibraltar International Airport, meaning traffic (including pedestrians) can be blocked and stopped whenever a plane is about to land or take off, adding an unusual element of novelty and perhaps a slight thrill to your arrival.
From the border, we made our way to the top of the Rock (likely via cable car, a popular option offering stunning views on the ascent, or perhaps a taxi or even a steep walk). The views from the summit are breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas across the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, with Spain stretching out to one side and the coastline of Africa often visible on a clear day.
While on the Upper Nature Reserve of the Rock, we visited St. Michael's Cave. This natural grotto is a network of impressive limestone caves, and stepping inside is like entering a different world – the air is cooler and damp, and the rock formations are spectacular. The cave system consists of an impressive Upper Hall filled with countless stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the floor, formations that have taken millennia to create the otherworldly landscape. This main hall is connected by five passages with significant drops ranging from 40 to 150 feet (12-45 meters) to a smaller hall below, emphasizing the cave's depth and geological complexity. St. Michael's Cave has a fascinating history, having been prepared as an emergency hospital during WWII, although it was never actually used for that purpose. Today, it serves primarily as the tourist exit from the upper section, but the Upper Hall is also famously used as a unique concert venue due to its excellent acoustics.
As we emerged from the cave's tourist exit, we were greeted by a sight synonymous with Gibraltar: the famous apes. And indeed, there were lots of them right outside! These are Barbary macaques, and they are the only wild ape population found anywhere in Europe. Their presence on the Rock has a long history; they were most probably first brought here by the British in the early eighteenth century, with the earliest written record of them dating back to 1740. Their connection to Gibraltar is further cemented by a captivating legend that says the apes are a symbol of British sovereignty, and if they were ever to leave the Rock, the British would leave too – hence the local saying, "That's why we have to feed them." While interaction should be cautious as they are wild animals, seeing them living freely is a unique experience. Today, there are over 200 apes living free on the Upper Nature Reserve, divided into five distinct packs, each with its own territory on the Rock.
A day visit to the Rock of Gibraltar offers a truly unique blend of geographical novelty (walking a runway!), historical depth (ancient pillars, WWII history), stunning natural beauty (the Rock itself, the caves), and fascinating wildlife encounters (the famous apes), all wrapped up in its distinct British character. It's a memorable diversion and a welcome relief from the typical sights found elsewhere, making it a highly recommended addition to any trip in the region.
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