Gibraltar (and Algeciras)

The historic and forever functional Gibraltar is quite unique and a fitting endpoint for any journey from Blighty. Make sure to savour the experience of walking across the runway (following the green cross code at the pedestrian lights).

As gateway to the Mediterranean, Gibraltar has long been of strategic importance and indeed military history is everywhere.. A trip to the cemetery is worthwhile if only to see the simple headstones of Trafalgar war graves.

The outcrop's historical significance, however, extends further back into the mists of time with the Gorham's Cave Complex believed to be one of the last known habitations of Neanderthals in Europe. Due to the richness of the finds UNESCO has listed its four caves for their contribution to the understanding of human history.

The cosy nature of being in one of the most densely populated places on earth means that if you want a breather it's worth taking a trip to the Top of the Rock and getting some prime views of the Strait and Africa. The Rock is also home to the (in)famous population of tailless Barbary macaques.

Getting to Gibraltar from Madrid means going via the port of Algeciras which is worth a wander and it's where you can catch a ferry to Spanish Ceuta in Africa if you can't resist the pull south. Alternatively, you could catch a bus to Tarifa and pop over to Tangiers. 

Highlights

• Take a cable car up to the Top of the Rock for views of Africa - if you have a head for heights you might want to try the nearby Skywalk

• Explore the Gibraltar Nature Reserve which includes the Mediterranean Steps hiking trail, stalagmite / stalactite rich St Michael's Cave, Apes Den and Great Siege and WWII Tunnels

• Visit the Gorham's Cave Complex - the caves are subject to an annual quota of visitors because of their archaeological sensitivity - email neanderthals@gibmuseum.gi to check tour availability. (However, you can also see the site from a viewing platform with interpretation panels)

Station stroll ideas

Gibraltar tourist information have put together a series of walks which you can access here including details on crossing the runway.

Guided tours

If you would rather have a guided tour, then there are details here.

Luggage

If you want to stroll without a care in the world, including your luggage, you could try using the nannybag app to find a place that will take your bags.

Getting there

Trains from Madrid take 5 1⁄2 hours, but stop at two great places on the way - Ronda and Córdoba.

From Algeciras it's a 30 minute bus ride to Gibraltar. The bus stops at La Línea de la Concepción and then you can walk across the border.

From Malaga it's just over 2 hours by bus (to La Línea de la Concepción)

Useful links

Tourist information: https://www.visitgibraltar.gi/

UNESCO - Gorham's Cave Complex: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1500

Where next?

How about Córdoba, Malaga or catching a ferry to Africa? Tangiers in Morocco or Ceuta in Spain (a quirky anomaly like Gibraltar)