Is getting a Gibraltar Rock Tour worth it?
Last weekend I enjoyed a short break to Gibraltar, a small British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, bordered to the north by Spain and overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. It is famously dominated by The Rock of Gibraltar, a monolithic limestone mountain standing at 426 metres tall.
Gibraltar is like a home from home, with all the British home comforts we all know and love, (a British Bobby, red phone box or a Sunday roast anyone?), but with the Spanish weather and lifestyle.
You can choose to walk The Rock and I saw plenty of people doing just that, or using electric bikes, but I chose to book a tour as my preferred choice of the Cable Car is currently closed for refurbishment.
We started the tour in Casemates Square, where we boarded a small white minibus. Joseph, our guide, then gave us a brief history of Gibraltar, along with current stats of what the population and weather is like.
The tour itself starts at the Pillars of Hercules, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. On a clear day, you will be able to see Morocco, North Africa, but sadly for me it the day started as dull and overcast.
From there, you jump back in the minibus and head up the hill to St Michael’s Caves.
The cave is easy access for anyone with mobility issues, although this natural phenomenon is created by rainwater slowly seeping through the limestone rock, so it can be quite wet and slippery underfoot.
The cave has an immersive light and sound installation expressing layer upon layer of history fused with the rock, every 8 minutes, which was surprisingly emotional. There is a large seating area inside, so you can sit and take it all in.
It is worth noting, that taking the taxi tour, you only get around 20 minutes to explore, so if you wanted to go deeper into the cave you would need to book something longer.
From the cave it is upwards to the top of The Rock and the Skywalk Glass Viewing Platform, which stands 340 metres directly above sea level and offers breath-taking 360º views spanning three countries and two continents.
It is an impressive sight looking down the sides of The Rock on both sides. The platform is also accessible for those with mobility issues as there is a lift if you cannot use the stairs.
From the Skywalk, you can also spend some time with the famous Monkeys at Upper Apes Den, although I chose to explore some more and headed up one of the walking trails to see what else I could see.
You will get another chance to see the Barbary Macaque Apes as they live at the upper rock nature reserve of Gibraltar and I saw them at several other points.
From the top of The Rock, you then drive to the north side of the Rock to visit the Great Siege Tunnels, which were carved out of the rock by hand during the Great Siege which took place between 1779-1783.
The tunnels were made in order to defend Gibraltar against the Spanish and French forces who were trying to recapture Gibraltar from the British.
Just walking through them makes you realise how impressive the defence system is and was devised by man at a time when we didn’t have the technology we do now.
From here, it was back down to visit the WWII tunnels.
The tour, which impressively starts with a pub, tells of Gibraltar’s crucial stronghold during World War II.
Using an extensive network of tunnels carved into the limestone, they created an underground city which stored essential resources, maintained military equipment, and housed a garrison of soldiers prepared for a prolonged siege.
The tunnels also provided a strategic advantage, allowing for surveillance of enemy movements in the Strait of Gibraltar and beyond and there are some stunning viewpoints at some of the tunnel exits.
For history buffs, there is lots of information and exhibitions detailing the lives and evacuation of Gibraltar’s inhabitants during the war, as well as articles from newspapers of the day and interactive activities for younger visitors.
Normally from here, the tour would take in the Morrish Castle and the City Under Siege exhibition, but sadly these were both closed for refurbishment during my visit.
In my opinion, getting a Rock Tour of Gibraltar is well worth it, especially if you are limited on time like I was. You can pick from a variety of options to suit your time and budget.
Disclaimer: I booked and paid for my Rock Tour. All thoughts and opinions are my own
