There is plenty to see and do outside of the obvious destinations of Gibraltar city center and even the Upper Rock. Gibraltar has a quieter and less crowded side with natural beauty and views of the Mediterranean not to be missed.
Alameda Botanical Garden
The gardens serve as a lush and peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located next to the cable car station, just a 10-minute walk from the town center, the Jardines de la Alameda have been part of Gibraltar for many years. Here you will find an impressive and well organized variety of tree and plant species, together with quiet areas where you can have a picnic or rest in the shade. A small children’s playground is located at the lower edge of the park next to the Alameda outdoor theater, a magical place used during the summer for local shows.
Don’t miss the lovely wildlife conservation park that forms part of the upper edge of the gardens. Run by 3 full-time workers and a number of dedicated volunteers, the wildlife park is home to abandoned or homeless animals, many of whom have come by boat. Today it is home to many species of birds, terrapins, reptiles, bats, prairie dogs, pigs, monkeys, and more.
100 ton gun
Of the four 100-ton guns ever created at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, two remain in Gibraltar and the other two are stationed in Malta. Although never fired, the two 100-ton guns could easily hit ships in the Strait of Gibraltar.
Parson’s Lodge
This is an old British fort that was built to protect Rosia Bay and used by naval galleons to collect ammunition and supplies during the war. After the British victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, the damaged British flagship HMS Victory was taken to Rosia Bay. On board the ship, the dead body of Admiral Nelson was found inside a brandy barrel tied to the center mast. Subsequently, his body was transferred to another ship and taken back to England for his burial.
Beaches
If you like a natural and quiet beach in summer, we recommend that you go to the Atlantic beaches of Spain to find it. However, Gibraltar’s beaches offer their own interest in terms of local vibe and if you don’t mind the crowds they can be a good day out.
Most people come loaded with picnics and drinks in coolers, umbrellas and chairs, ready for a full day, although the beaches have basic kiosks for emergency drinks, sweets or ice cream.
Catalan Bay
The Bay dates back to the 18th century when Genoese fishermen settled here. Today it is a favorite summer spot for beach-loving Gibraltarians. As it is located on the eastern side of the Rock, the sun sets behind the summit sooner than it does on the western side, offering a welcome break from the summer heat. Don’t forget to stop for your morning coffee on the terrace of the Hotel Caleta and enjoy its panoramic views in an exquisite setting. Catalan Bay has a popular fish restaurant at the top of the hill and a few sweets or ice cream kiosks.
Sandy Bay
Continuing 200 meters down the road from Catalan Bay, you come to Sandy Bay, another popular beach, also with a small emergency refreshment kiosk. The beach is flanked by the Both Worlds apartment hotel complex.
east beach
This is the largest stretch of the three sandy beaches located on the eastern side of the Rock and is very popular with locals as it is the closest to the city.
To camp Bay
On the western side of The Rock, just past Rosia Bay (a concrete lido in need of repair), Camp Bay is located just past a small rock tunnel. At first glance, to be honest, it looks more like an ugly concrete lido jutting out into the sea. But take a closer look and you’ll find that it’s ideal for children with its large swimming pool and toddler pool, plus a play park, as well as a couple of kiosks, a bar/restaurant and a small sandy cove. Here you can also enjoy the great views across the Strait to Spain and the many ships anchored offshore.
little bay
Continue through another tunnel and you will arrive at Little Bay, another lido with pools and facilities on a smaller scale than in Camp Bay. The sea water in Camp Bay and Little Bay is generally crystal clear and is considered the cleanest in Gibraltar.
The Marinas
There are two marinas in Gibraltar: Ocean Village and Queensway Quay. Both offer first-class moorings and facilities, as well as a number of stylish quayside restaurants and bars. Ocean Village is the larger of the two and consequently offers a greater variety of bars and restaurants with terraces, as well as several estate agencies and boutiques.
From both marinas, several companies offer boat trips to see dolphins and/or whales in the wild. The boats not only allow you to see these magnificent creatures up close, but you can also enjoy great views of the Rock, Spain and Morocco, making the experience unforgettable.
Europa-Point
Still crying out for government investment, this stunning tourist spot offers its own brand of natural beauty in the sweeping, sweeping views it offers. This is the southern tip of Europe, from where you can see the Strait of Gibraltar, between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. On a clear day it is easy to see houses in Morocco and the mystical Rif Mountains.
Mosque
Built in 1997, the mosque is logically located in Punta Europa facing Morocco, to serve the Muslim population of Gibraltar. The mosque can be visited at certain times of the day.
The lighthouse
Sitting on the precarious Europa Point, this lighthouse has seen many shipwrecks fall to the dangers of the fierce winds and currents found at this point. The lighthouse dates from 1841 and stands 49 meters above sea level with a range of around 37 kilometers.
Dolphin and whale watching
The warm waters of the Mediterranean make Gibraltar an ideal place for dolphins. Regular dolphin safaris depart from Gibraltar for one to two hour tours of Algeciras Bay, home to a large community of dolphins. Boat trips depart from the popular Marina Bay and last from a few hours to a full day. Pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, common and striped dolphins can be regularly observed throughout the year. From April to June sperm whales migrate through the Strait of Gibraltar and in July/August orcas arrive in the area. From time to time, you will be lucky enough to see a fin whale, the second largest species of whale.
For more information on the above, contact the Gibraltar Tourist Office, tel. 00350 200 45000.
