Filip’s Gibraltar Guidebook
Sightseeing
The most southern tip of Gibraltar. The place to see Africa from. As well as the Sikorsky monument.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Europa Point
The most southern tip of Gibraltar. The place to see Africa from. As well as the Sikorsky monument.
The fortifications on and around the site of the Moorish Castle were first built in 1160, or earlier. These were, however, destroyed when the Spanish re-conquered Gibraltar from 1309-1333. The Tower of Homage, its main feature, dominates the hillside and the landward approach to Gibraltar. A rebuilt tower dates primarily from about 1333 AD when Abu'l Hassan recaptured Gibraltar from the Spanish. On another occasion, the Count of Niebla attacked the castle, was captured by the Medieval defenders and his body was suspended from the walls in a barcina, a net for carrying straw.
The Tower of Homage proudly displays the battle scars inflicted during the various sieges. Here a Spanish governor held out for five months against the Duke of Medina Sidonia, who took Gibraltar from his own sovereign, Queen Isabel of Spain. In 1540, hundreds of people found safety inside the castle when Turkish pirates ransacked Gibraltar. The lower castle formerly stretched all the way down to Casemates Square, the Grand Battery area and the Old Mole. It is interesting to note that the courtyard of the Moorish Castle served as a prison up until 2010.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Castillo Morisco
5 Moorish Castle EstateThe fortifications on and around the site of the Moorish Castle were first built in 1160, or earlier. These were, however, destroyed when the Spanish re-conquered Gibraltar from 1309-1333. The Tower of Homage, its main feature, dominates the hillside and the landward approach to Gibraltar. A rebuilt tower dates primarily from about 1333 AD when Abu'l Hassan recaptured Gibraltar from the Spanish. On another occasion, the Count of Niebla attacked the castle, was captured by the Medieval defenders and his body was suspended from the walls in a barcina, a net for carrying straw.
The Tower of Homage proudly displays the battle scars inflicted during the various sieges. Here a Spanish governor held out for five months against the Duke of Medina Sidonia, who took Gibraltar from his own sovereign, Queen Isabel of Spain. In 1540, hundreds of people found safety inside the castle when Turkish pirates ransacked Gibraltar. The lower castle formerly stretched all the way down to Casemates Square, the Grand Battery area and the Old Mole. It is interesting to note that the courtyard of the Moorish Castle served as a prison up until 2010.
The spectacular Alameda Gardens were first opened to the public in 1816 and there are a number of commemorative busts and cannons which date back to the 18th and 19th century on view. For most visitors, however, it is the beauty of the plants and trees which make the Alameda such a magical place; many are native species while others are imported. At certain times of the year, various cultural events take place in the gardens’ open-air theatre. Tours of the Botanic Gardens are also available. Two important monuments can be viewed here, but pride of place goes to the General Elliot Column and the impressive bronze ordnance at its feet. At the entrance are two of the four Russian guns given to Gibraltar by Britain, for Gibraltar’s help during the Crimean War, in 1858.
Alameda Botanic Gardens
Alameda Botanic GardensThe spectacular Alameda Gardens were first opened to the public in 1816 and there are a number of commemorative busts and cannons which date back to the 18th and 19th century on view. For most visitors, however, it is the beauty of the plants and trees which make the Alameda such a magical place; many are native species while others are imported. At certain times of the year, various cultural events take place in the gardens’ open-air theatre. Tours of the Botanic Gardens are also available. Two important monuments can be viewed here, but pride of place goes to the General Elliot Column and the impressive bronze ordnance at its feet. At the entrance are two of the four Russian guns given to Gibraltar by Britain, for Gibraltar’s help during the Crimean War, in 1858.
With the entry of Italy into the War, and a powerful Germany dominating Europe, the strategic importance of Gibraltar grew. The problem of storage was urgent and vital; space became even more valuable; stores, food, and equipment had to be built up and protected, and siege accommodation was required for the troops. A tunnel system would meet these needs, and would give full protection from the then known types of air attack, as well as from sea and land bombardment.
At the start of the war, the civilian population was evacuated and the garrison was greatly increased in size. Numerous new tunnels were excavated to create accommodation for the expanded garrison and to store huge quantities of food, equipment and ammunition. The tunnelling was carried out by four specialised tunnelling companies from the Royal Engineers and the Canadian Army.
A new Main Base Area was established in the south-eastern part of Gibraltar on the Mediterranean coast, shielded from the potentially hostile Spanish mainland, and new connecting tunnels were created to link this with the established military bases on the west side. A pair of tunnels the Great North Road and the Fosse Way, were excavated running nearly the full length of the Rock to interconnect the bulk of the wartime tunnels.
The tunnels accommodated what amounted to an underground city. The entire 16,000-strong garrison could be housed there along with enough food to last them for 16 months. Within the tunnels there were also an underground telephone exchange, a power generating station, a water distillation plant, a hospital, a bakery, ammunition magazines and a vehicle maintenance workshop. The total length of the entire tunnel network inside the Rock is approximately 34 miles, 55 kilometres.
Licensed tour guides will take you on a tour lasting approximately 30 - 40 minutes and include static exhibitions and photographic displays.
World War II Tunnels
Willis's RoadWith the entry of Italy into the War, and a powerful Germany dominating Europe, the strategic importance of Gibraltar grew. The problem of storage was urgent and vital; space became even more valuable; stores, food, and equipment had to be built up and protected, and siege accommodation was required for the troops. A tunnel system would meet these needs, and would give full protection from the then known types of air attack, as well as from sea and land bombardment.
At the start of the war, the civilian population was evacuated and the garrison was greatly increased in size. Numerous new tunnels were excavated to create accommodation for the expanded garrison and to store huge quantities of food, equipment and ammunition. The tunnelling was carried out by four specialised tunnelling companies from the Royal Engineers and the Canadian Army.
A new Main Base Area was established in the south-eastern part of Gibraltar on the Mediterranean coast, shielded from the potentially hostile Spanish mainland, and new connecting tunnels were created to link this with the established military bases on the west side. A pair of tunnels the Great North Road and the Fosse Way, were excavated running nearly the full length of the Rock to interconnect the bulk of the wartime tunnels.
The tunnels accommodated what amounted to an underground city. The entire 16,000-strong garrison could be housed there along with enough food to last them for 16 months. Within the tunnels there were also an underground telephone exchange, a power generating station, a water distillation plant, a hospital, a bakery, ammunition magazines and a vehicle maintenance workshop. The total length of the entire tunnel network inside the Rock is approximately 34 miles, 55 kilometres.
Licensed tour guides will take you on a tour lasting approximately 30 - 40 minutes and include static exhibitions and photographic displays.
Beaches
The closest beach to town. 15 min walk from casemates, 5 min by bus (route 4 or 8) or 5 min by taxi. They have one beach club (a rarity in Gibraltar). Great sand and a lot of space. Downside is the construction of the two towers nearby.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Eastern Beach
The closest beach to town. 15 min walk from casemates, 5 min by bus (route 4 or 8) or 5 min by taxi. They have one beach club (a rarity in Gibraltar). Great sand and a lot of space. Downside is the construction of the two towers nearby.
Picturesque Sandy beach with a paddle boarding club. Bring your own beach towels, chairs and umbrella. This is the furthest beach from town, 10 min by bus (route 4 or 8) or car. The nicest sand and protected against waves. There is a funky bar during summer times.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sandy Bay
34 Sir Herbert Miles RdPicturesque Sandy beach with a paddle boarding club. Bring your own beach towels, chairs and umbrella. This is the furthest beach from town, 10 min by bus (route 4 or 8) or car. The nicest sand and protected against waves. There is a funky bar during summer times.
Catalan beach with its picturesque colourful houses, bars and restaurants is a great place to spend the day. Easily reached by bus (route 4 or 8) or car in 10 min, or you can kind of walk it in 20 min.
There aren’t any beach clubs so bring your own umbrellas, chairs and towels.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Catalan Bay Beach
Catalan beach with its picturesque colourful houses, bars and restaurants is a great place to spend the day. Easily reached by bus (route 4 or 8) or car in 10 min, or you can kind of walk it in 20 min.
There aren’t any beach clubs so bring your own umbrellas, chairs and towels.
The only organised beach club in Gibraltar and the only proper batching place on the western side.
Camp Bay is a small rocky beach located at the south eastern end of Gibraltar, facing the Atlantic side of Gibraltar. It is very picturesque, with rocky cliffs as a back drop, the busy shipping area that is the Bay of Gibraltar and Parson's Lodge Battery, an old British fortress overlooking the northern end of the bay. At the south end of the beach is a very beautiful, but un-natural waterfall exiting the cliff. This cascade is salt water returning to the sea from a water desalination plant.
The beach is a lido with two swimming pools for children and a popular bar restaurant. It is a popular beach for sun worshippers as it is south facing and being located away from the Rock itself, tends to escape any levanter clouds that may be shrouding the city centre. In addition, Camp Bay is home to what is claimed to be Europe's first artificial reef. The reef was created by activists who were concerned at the scarcity of marine life. This has since created a haven for marine life and is a popular diving site.
At the south end of Camp Bay there is a smaller bathing area, appropriately called Little Bay, much smaller in size. Little Bay is a natural cove and also provides a little swimming pool for children.
Camp Bay Beach
The only organised beach club in Gibraltar and the only proper batching place on the western side.
Camp Bay is a small rocky beach located at the south eastern end of Gibraltar, facing the Atlantic side of Gibraltar. It is very picturesque, with rocky cliffs as a back drop, the busy shipping area that is the Bay of Gibraltar and Parson's Lodge Battery, an old British fortress overlooking the northern end of the bay. At the south end of the beach is a very beautiful, but un-natural waterfall exiting the cliff. This cascade is salt water returning to the sea from a water desalination plant.
The beach is a lido with two swimming pools for children and a popular bar restaurant. It is a popular beach for sun worshippers as it is south facing and being located away from the Rock itself, tends to escape any levanter clouds that may be shrouding the city centre. In addition, Camp Bay is home to what is claimed to be Europe's first artificial reef. The reef was created by activists who were concerned at the scarcity of marine life. This has since created a haven for marine life and is a popular diving site.
At the south end of Camp Bay there is a smaller bathing area, appropriately called Little Bay, much smaller in size. Little Bay is a natural cove and also provides a little swimming pool for children.
Food scene
My pick on the best places to dine in Gibraltar
Best Sushi in town. What this restaurant might lack in outside spaces and charm, it makes up completely by the quality of the sushi and rolls. The Indian menu is also great! Reasonably priced
Curry and Sushi
Waterport RoadBest Sushi in town. What this restaurant might lack in outside spaces and charm, it makes up completely by the quality of the sushi and rolls. The Indian menu is also great! Reasonably priced
Fun place with great Latin American and tex mex food. The cocktails and pitchers are also of good quality. Try the burritos and tacos. It also turns into a night club on weekends. Reasonably priced.
Las Iguanas
Fun place with great Latin American and tex mex food. The cocktails and pitchers are also of good quality. Try the burritos and tacos. It also turns into a night club on weekends. Reasonably priced.
Best cocktails in town! At around 7 GBP and served on the 7th floor of the 5 star yacht hotel, overlooking the ocean village and sea. The food is mediocre so I recommend only going for cocktails. There is usually live music too.
Sunborn INFINITY Spa
Best cocktails in town! At around 7 GBP and served on the 7th floor of the 5 star yacht hotel, overlooking the ocean village and sea. The food is mediocre so I recommend only going for cocktails. There is usually live music too.
Best sports bar and live music venue in town. Great outside seating area with a huge screen and music stage. They either show sports or play live music on weekends.
THE ARENA SPORTS CAFE
Best sports bar and live music venue in town. Great outside seating area with a huge screen and music stage. They either show sports or play live music on weekends.
Atmospheric English pub with great ales and beer in old town. Situated just by the Governors office and government building, a great place to see the change of guard around noon but also to have a late night drink until around midnight.
The Angry Friar
289 Main StreetAtmospheric English pub with great ales and beer in old town. Situated just by the Governors office and government building, a great place to see the change of guard around noon but also to have a late night drink until around midnight.
The restaurant with one of the greatest views in the world! The dining room is situated at the ridge of the mountain and you can literally look down both sides of the rock whilst eating. The food is average and reasonably priced, but you get a complimentary cable car ride up to the restaurant if you show a booking confirmation to the cable car staff (enter via the usual exit staircase). The cable car costs around 25 GBP per person without the restaurant, and a meal costs around 20 GBP with a free cable car ride up and down. There is also a magnificent open viewing terrace and a lot of monkeys.
Mons Calpe Suite
The restaurant with one of the greatest views in the world! The dining room is situated at the ridge of the mountain and you can literally look down both sides of the rock whilst eating. The food is average and reasonably priced, but you get a complimentary cable car ride up to the restaurant if you show a booking confirmation to the cable car staff (enter via the usual exit staircase). The cable car costs around 25 GBP per person without the restaurant, and a meal costs around 20 GBP with a free cable car ride up and down. There is also a magnificent open viewing terrace and a lot of monkeys.
Jury's Café and Wine Bar
275 Main StNice wine bar and restaurant in the heart of old town.
Entertainment
The only cinema in Gibraltar with two screens, but very cosy and screens contemporary movies.
Leisure Cinemas
Line Wall RoadThe only cinema in Gibraltar with two screens, but very cosy and screens contemporary movies.
A leisure centre with a huge bowling centre, indoor climbing walls, two-screen cinema and games rooms.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
King's Bastion Leisure Centre
55 Line Wall RdA leisure centre with a huge bowling centre, indoor climbing walls, two-screen cinema and games rooms.
The main square of Gibraltar, occasionally hosting concerts and other events. Home to tapas restaurants and cafes.
Grand Casemates Square
The main square of Gibraltar, occasionally hosting concerts and other events. Home to tapas restaurants and cafes.
The John Mackintosh Hall Cultural Centre was opened by the Governor and Commander in Chief General Sir Dudley Ward on the 8th April 1964, containing a public library, a theatre / conference Hall, gymnasium, spacious halls for exhibitions and other public functions, and a wing for education. In the course of time, ideas about the use of the building have been modified, certain rooms have been put to entirely new uses, and an increasing emphasis has been given to adult and cultural activities.
The library now occupies the entire east side of the building and the theatre which was originally thought of as a multi-purpose school hall has changed in character so that it is now better suited to conferences – being fully equipped with simultaneous translation equipment – lectures, music and drama. It has fixed seating and additional space in the circle. It is fully air conditioned and provides for stage productions with modern lighting and equipment, whilst not claiming to be a professional theatre.
John Mackintosh Hall
308 Main StThe John Mackintosh Hall Cultural Centre was opened by the Governor and Commander in Chief General Sir Dudley Ward on the 8th April 1964, containing a public library, a theatre / conference Hall, gymnasium, spacious halls for exhibitions and other public functions, and a wing for education. In the course of time, ideas about the use of the building have been modified, certain rooms have been put to entirely new uses, and an increasing emphasis has been given to adult and cultural activities.
The library now occupies the entire east side of the building and the theatre which was originally thought of as a multi-purpose school hall has changed in character so that it is now better suited to conferences – being fully equipped with simultaneous translation equipment – lectures, music and drama. It has fixed seating and additional space in the circle. It is fully air conditioned and provides for stage productions with modern lighting and equipment, whilst not claiming to be a professional theatre.
Rock Escape Rooms offer the ever-increasingly popular entertainment and leisure activity of escape rooms. An escape room is a live-action adventure game where players are challenged to escape from a room, or a series of rooms within a 60 minute time frame. During the escape they are tasked with beating and solving a range of challenges, puzzles and other obstacles with the objective of getting out within the time allotted. If players get stuck at a certain point, clues are available to help them towards solving that section of the game. Each game has its own immersive style, theme and story to accompany the game solving.
Rock Escape Rooms
Rock Escape Rooms offer the ever-increasingly popular entertainment and leisure activity of escape rooms. An escape room is a live-action adventure game where players are challenged to escape from a room, or a series of rooms within a 60 minute time frame. During the escape they are tasked with beating and solving a range of challenges, puzzles and other obstacles with the objective of getting out within the time allotted. If players get stuck at a certain point, clues are available to help them towards solving that section of the game. Each game has its own immersive style, theme and story to accompany the game solving.
Consejos para la ciudad
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
Buses
Buses: are the most convenient way to get around town. They depart every 15-30 min and can take you anywhere you need to go in Gibraltar. With an single adult fare of 1.8 GBP and 2.5 GBP day hoppa fare they are great value. Day bus service stops around 9pm and continues with a reduced set of night buses. Google maps do not show buses in Gib, so you have to plan the route the old fashioned way via maps. But there is a convenient live bus tracker here: https://track.bus.gi/#/selectBRoute.html
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
Taxis in Gibraltar
Taxis in Gib can be a challenge. There are no apps, and you need to call to book or go to one of the taxi ranks. At busy times, they simple won’t come. The prices are reasonable, 8 GBP from airport into town. The number is +35020070027