Gibraltar from a Cruise Ship
What to do when visiting the Gibraltar Cruise Port from a Cruise Ship?
Gibraltar, a British Territory since 1704 is located on the southern tip of Spain. It is a popular cruise port and appears on many itineraries. With the easily recognizable Rock of Gibraltar, this territory is on a peninsula jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea.
This small place has a unique currency, the Gibraltar Pound, but shops and restaurants will take Euros or British Pounds without any issues.
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What is Gibraltar known for?
Gibraltar has people on 2.6 square miles and a 1400 ft high rock and is considered to be the entrance to the Mediterranean sea. It is known for its strategic position where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean and where you can see 3 countries from the Top of the Rock.
And of course, it is famous for the Barbary Macaque Apes or monkeys, which is often the subject of debate (monkey or ape?).
Is Gibraltar worth visiting?
Yes, you can see 3 countries, the UK, Spain, and Morocco, from Gibraltar! It is a pretty little town at the foot of the rock of Gibraltar.
Where do cruise ships dock in Gibraltar?
Cruise Ships dock at North Mole, the Gibraltar cruise terminal, which is on the western edge of town, in the bay of Gibraltar.
The terminal is a 20-minute walk to Casemates Square on flat ground with sidewalks, or you can take local shuttle buses to town, which are provided for a small fee (around 3 Euro). The walk to the cable car is about 35 minutes.
The Port of Gibraltar cruise terminal has shops, a cafe, public toilets, security, public phones, a waiting area, and a tourist information office with maps and guides on what to do in a day in Gibraltar.
There is no wifi in the cruise terminal, you will need to go to the city center for wifi. Many of the cafes there offer free wifi.
Can I walk to the city center from the cruise terminal?
Yes, it is a 1-mile or 20-minute walk to the city center or Casemates Square from the cruise terminal. This is an easy walk on flat sidewalks and a straight shot from the cruise terminal.
How far is the Gibraltar port from the beach?
Beaches are located on the opposite side (east side) of the rock, so in the shade in the afternoon. Eastern Beach is the closest about 9 minutes or 1.9 miles. Catalan Bay Beach is a bit further at 10 minutes or 2.1 miles. Both are rarely crowded and there are cafes, bars, and restaurants near these beaches.
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11 Things to do when visiting Gibraltar from a Cruise Ship
1. Ape’s Den
Located in the mid-station on the cable car, Ape’s Den is a fun place to visit. Keep in mind that this stop on the cable car is not always available. You can reach Ape’s Den by walking either down from the top of the rock or up from the city center. When we visited the cable car did not stop here.
The Barbary Apes are not found anywhere else in the world. Despite the name, they are not apes, but monkeys. One of the few primates without a tail that is not an ape.
These are wild animals so give them their space. There are around 300 of them on the Rock. Be careful with your bags and food. We saw one steal someone’s lunch out of the open door of a tour bus. He seemed to enjoy it, but the tourist did not.
2. St Michael’s Cave
St. Michael’s Cave is located close to the Ape’s Den. It is 1200 feet above sea level. The cave has an amazing view of collections of minerals, stalagmites, and stalactites. The mineral drops in the cave range from 40-150 feet in length.
The caves contain a concert hall where concerts are held, often for up to 400 people. Also, live performances of ballet and drama have been held here. And if you are looking for a wedding venue, this may be the place for you.
St. Michael’s Cave is a 20-minute walk from the cable car’s top station, a relatively easy walk as it is downhill. This tour covers the highlights of Gibraltar, including St. Michael’s Cave and the Apes.
We saw our first Barbary Apes here, and this is where the lunch theft occurred. So, be on the lookout when you enter and exit your tour van.
3. Europa Point, Strait of Gibraltar, Lighthouse
Europa Point is the southernmost point in Europe and is where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Here, you can see both Morocco and Spain on a clear day. The video below starts with a view of Morocco and spans over to the lighthouse.
Also located at Europa Point is the 19th-century Trinity Lighthouse, a 15th-century Catholic Church (Shrine of our Lady), Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque (Europe’s most southern mosque), and the Cricket Ground of Gibraltar, the only one on Gibraltar. Many tours will stop by here. Here is one I recommend that includes Gibraltar Sightseeing: Classic Rock Tour (Private).
4. Cable Car
The Top of the Rock Cable car terminal is located 1.3 miles or 35 minutes walk from the cruise terminal. The terminal is on Red Sands Road (the south end of Main Street). You can also take a 10-minute taxi ride to get there.
The ride to the top lasts 6 minutes and can get very crowded, each car carries a maximum of 30 passengers.
At the top, you can see Barbary Apes, a view of Europe and Africa on a clear day, and both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Book tickets or a tour that includes the cable cars in advance if you are there during the busy season (or there are multiple cruise ships in the port).
Hikes are available through the nature reserve. Plenty of trails, but they are hilly.
5. Great Siege Tunnels (World War II Tunnels)
The Siege Tunnels are Part of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and were started in 1780 because of a siege by Spain. The tunnels are on the north side of the rock.
The World War II Tunnels are a separate tour. The Siege Tunnels and the World War II Tunnels consist of a 34-mile-long tunnel system that was constructed over a 200-year period, mostly by the British Army.
You can choose to tour one or the other, or both, if you are into history and tunnels.
6. Rock of Gibraltar (Top of the Rock)
To get to the Top of the Rock, you can travel by Cable Car, tour bus, or taxi. The Cable Car is the fastest, but you will miss some attractions if you are not intentional about visiting them. The Top of the Rock includes amazing views from the top, including, on a clear day, a view of Africa.
In ancient times, the Top of the Rock was known as one of the two Pillars of Hercules, the other one is Jebel Musa in Northern Africa, and the two flank the entrance to the strait of Gibraltar.
Part of the top is covered by a nature reserve. You can hike up, and I suggest if you do, you have comfortable shoes and plenty of water. You will definitely see the apes along the way.
7. Moorish Castle
Before the Spanish or British inhabitants, Gibraltar was part of the Islamic world. The Moorish Castle is a medieval fortification built in 711 by Marinid Sultans. It is located on the east side of town and the west side of the rock. Views of the sea and your ship are available from the castle.
8. Explore Gibraltar Town Center
The Town (or City) center is located at Casemates Square. You can walk from the ship in about 20 minutes. Casemates Square has lots of cafes, bars, shops, and people. The area is very British with red phone booths and fish and chips.
Gibraltar is also a VAT-free jurisdiction, so a great place to stock up on perfumes, water, jewelry, and fancy alcohol bottles at a good price. You can also take a Walking Tour to learn about the historical sites.
9. Drive across the active runway
Have you ever wanted to walk or drive across a commercial runway? Gibraltar International Airport is the only commercial airport in the world with a highway intersecting it.
The runway is owned by the Ministry of Defense for use by the Royal Airforce. It is 1.1 miles long and intersects with Winston Churchill Avenue. The road is closed with barriers and traffic lights to clear it during take-off and landing, thank goodness.
The closure is usually around 10 minutes. The runway was built in 1939 during World War II as an emergency landing base for the British Navy.
10. Kings Bastion
The Kings Bastion is a military fortress on the western side of Gibraltar. It has a large arrowhead-shaped wall that was used to defend Gibraltar against invading forces.
This fortress is located between Line Wall Road and Queensway and overlooks the bay of Gibraltar. The historical building was transformed in 2008 into the King’s Bastion Leasure Center and includes a bowling alley, fitness gym, arcade, movie theaters, restaurants, bars, and many events.
It includes a 12.5-38 ton gun and two 10-inch 18-ton guns. There seem to be lots of cannons and large guns all around Gibraltar. These are part of its history as a strategic location.
11. Dolphin Watch
Dolphins can be found all around this area. Dolphin tours are available in Gibraltar. Typically, a 75 to 90-minute tour on a boat designed to go along the side of dolphins
You can see 3 species of dolphins: Bottlenose, Common dolphin, and Striped dolphin.
Cruise Ship Shore Excursions
Most ships offer shore excursions that you can book on board. Click on the cruise line below to see the excursions currently offered.
Transportation in Gibraltar
You can travel by public transportation(bus or taxi), private tours, shuttle buses, or by foot. For public buses, the nearest stop is 0.6 miles from the Cruise terminal, and public buses are not allowed in the Upper Rock Reserve. Plenty of Taxis are available and offer tours as well.
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The Wrap-Up: Gibraltar from a Cruise Ship
Visiting Gibraltar from a Cruise Ship, you have many unique opportunities. From shopping in the city, meeting the Barbary Apes, appreciating the awe of St. Michael’s Caves, learning the history of the tunnels, visiting the beach, or enjoying the views at Europa Point or the Top of the Rock, your day will be filled with history and breathtaking scenery.
So whether you take a shore excursion from the ship or set out on your own, you are sure to make memories that will last you a lifetime.
