So, what is your “Rock of Gibraltar” in life? What gives you strength and stability? Well, there’s nothing like experiencing the real thing, to absorb the rock’s positive qualities. I truly had one of the best days of my life here, taking in the epic views. Where else can you see all at once the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Strait of Gibraltar, Spain and Morocco aloft from 426 metres high? Read on to discover more about my Rock of Gibraltar highlights tour and how to plan an incredible itinerary.
Rock of Gibraltar – Geology, Geography & Myth
In the British territory of Gibraltar, this rock is a monolithic promontory near the southwestern tip of the Iberian Peninsula of Europe. It’s on the east side of Algeciras Bay and linked to Spain by a narrow isthmus. Made out of Jurassic limestone, it rises to heights of 426-metre (1,398 ft). Overall, the rock is a peninsula looking out over one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes in the famous Strait of Gibraltar. This narrow strait connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, separating Europe’s Iberian Peninsula and Morocco in Africa. At the strait’s narrowest, the continents are separated by 14.3 km (8.9 mi).
According to Roman Mythology, the Rock of Gibraltar was one of the 2 Pillars of Hercules. The other pillar was Mt. Jebel Musa on the African side of the strait. The Greeks, Phoenicians and Romans all considered these 2 points marked the limit to the known world. Later, the British reinforced this symbol, by resisting 13 Spanish sieges during the 18th century and the WW II naval strategies. Thus, the Rock of Gibraltar is a Universal symbol of strength and resilience.
Flora, Apes & Birds – Rock of Gibraltar Highlights
Over 500 different species of flowering plants grow on the rock, such as, palms, jacaranda, lavender, clematis, jasmine, gladiolus, honeysuckle, geraniums and bougainvillea. The Gibraltar Candytuft wildly grows only in Gibraltar and is the symbol of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Also, the most common growing trees on the Rock are the Olive and Pine.
The upper area is home to more than 200 Barbary Macaques of Gibraltar. These are the only wild monkeys found in Europe. They are native to Morocco and currently endangered. Plus, Gibraltar is a bird-watcher’s dream. It’s an important migration point attracting bird watchers from all over the world to see the millions of diverse birds that stop over here between Europe and Africa.
Gibraltar – The British Overseas Territory
Bordered to the north by Spain, it’s area is only 6.7 sq km (2.6 sq mi). The town, with over 32,000 people called Gibraltarians is on the west side of the rock. Gibraltar has been a British Overseas Territory since 1713, after seized from the War of Spanish Succession. Historically, sovereignty of Gibraltar created friction between England and Spain, with both claiming the territory. The Gibraltarians rejected the Spanish claim in the 1967 and 2002 referendums. Therefore, today Gibraltar remains a British Overseas Territory. During WW II, most of Gibraltarians were evacuated, mainly to London. The Rock was strengthened as a fortress and chief military base. Over 200 years, the British built and utilized the Tunnels of Gibraltar, as an underground fortress.
The Town – Rock of Gibraltar
This town is a great place to start before heading up to the Rock of Gibraltar. It’s a nice walkable town with many restaurants, cafes and stores. The Casemates Square is the largest public space in the old city and not to be missed. It’s possible to spend a whole day in town just wandering and shopping. At the end of Main Street is the La Alameda Gardens, a peaceful sanctuary with subtropical plants for leisure and serenity.
Gibraltar Cable Car Top Station
At the southern end of Main Street, near the La Alameda Gardens is the Gibraltar Cable Car that takes you to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar. The Top Station, at an elevation of 387 m (1,270 ft), gives full access to the main highlights of the Rock, such as, the famous Barbary Apes, Upper Rock Nature Reserve, Skywalk, St. Michael’s Cave, the Tunnels, Top of the Rock Café and Mediterranean Steps to the summit.
Barbary Masques – The Most Famous Residents of Gibraltar
The upper area is home to more than 200 Barbary Macaques of Gibraltar. These are the only wild monkeys found in Europe. These monkeys are native to Morocco and currently endangered. However, they populated the Rock long before the British. There is a superstition that if the Monkeys disappear, so will the British. These are wild monkeys, so it’s advised to not approach or feed the Macaques. I saw numerous ones and got some good photos but kept a healthy distance.
Upper Rock Nature Reserve
The Reserve has 3 entrances through Jews Gate, Moorish Castle and Gibraltar Cable Car. It makes up 40 % of the peninsula and is an awesome place to see the millions of birds that stop while migrating between Europe and Africa.
Also, there are endless panoramic views from all directions of Spain and even Morocco. I even saw Hercules’ other pillar, Jebel Musa (Mt. Moses) across the strait in Morocco. Plus, the famous Macaques, historic tunnels and fortifications from the past all are here. Overall, the Reserve encompasses most of the highlights that I mention in next section.
Skywalk and Suspension Bridge
Wow, the Skywalk viewpoint is a historic reinvention of an old WW II military platform. I missed this new attraction just completed in 2018. Perched on one of the highest points at 340 metres of the rock in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, the views don’t get any better than this in all directions.
St. Michael’s Cave – Rock of Gibraltar Highlights
St. Michael’s Cave is the largest of the peninsula’s more than 150 caves, just .9 km down from the Top Station. This legendary cave is a spelunker’s dream with numerous stalactites and stalagmites, chamber and even a small lake. Also, there are concerts at Cathedral Cave, seating up to 400 people. This prehistoric cave was home to Neanderthals more than 40,000 years ago.
The Great Siege and World War II Tunnels
The 51 km of WW II Tunnels were dug out of the limestone for military purposes. First, the British excavated tunnels in the Great Siege of Gibraltar (late 18th century) in defense of the Spanish and French during the American Revolution. In just 6 weeks, they carved out these tunnels from the northern Face of the Rock. Mostly, these tunnels served as a hidden place from which to shoot canons. Then, more tunnels were added in WW II. I walked the labyrinth through the tunnels and saw mounted canons. The fascinating history really comes alive here and is a must-see attraction for military buffs.
Mediterranean Steps
The British military built the Mediterranean Steps in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. However, it’s now a pedestrian route to the summit. From Martin’s Path to Lord Airey’s Battery, this steep path zigzags near the summit with panoramic views in all directions.
Overall, Rock of Gibraltar Highlights
Truly, I spent one of the best days of my life here. Infinitely inspired, I to stood high and gained the awesome perspective from this unique vantage point of our planet. Overall, I absorbed its magnificence deep within, leaving me empowered from its mere presence and strength with humility.
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