The dramatic limestone outcrop of Gibraltar is an exceptional blend of rich, fascinating history and extraordinary natural beauty that continues to attract an international audience.
INTRODUCTION
Situated on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar sits at the crossroads of Europe and Africa.
Within this majestic Jurassic limestone rock, which dominates the horizon at a towering 426 metres, numerous caves and tunnels contain some of the British Overseas Territory’s biggest mysteries and secrets in a rich honeycomb of history.
The legendary story of Gibraltar, which weaves civilisations and cultures through the ages, begins in its pre-historic caves, the last known refuge for the Neanderthals over 30,000 years ago and considered the birthplace of modern man.
This historical legacy can still be enjoyed in Gibraltar’s numerous attractions, including St. Michael’s Cave and Gorham’s Cave Complex, which is of major significance in understanding the story of human evolution and adaptation.
Tales of battles and sieges from a bygone era are also told by the Great Siege Tunnels, which are widely considered a feat of military engineering and remain a must-see for any culture vulture.
Gibraltar’s testament to time is equally reflected in its people, whose warm, friendly hospitality keeps visitors coming back to experience the territory’s unparalleled beauty.
Wildlife flourishes on the rock’s porous limestone, not least the infamous Barbary Macaques, a species of tailless money and Gibraltar’s most famous residents, whilst its world-renowned flora and fauna are of conservational importance.
Complemented by a temperate climate and local events and customs that offer an equally warm cultural flavour, Gibraltar welcomes you to this unique corner of the Mediterranean.
Q&A WITH THE HON. CHRISTIAN SANTOS GMD MP, GIBRALTAR TOURIST BOARD
Discover all that Gibraltar has to offer as we revisit the Gibraltar Tourist Board and speak to The Hon. Christian Santos GMD MP, Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, who brings us up to date with the territory’s recent rebrand and its newly launched marketing campaigns.
Can you firstly talk us through the Gibraltar Tourist Board’s purpose and mission?
The Hon. Christian Santos GMD MP, Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism (CS): The Gibraltar Tourist Board is the marketing division of the Gibraltar government for tourism. Our objective and mission are to market Gibraltar abroad and make sure that everyone is aware of the gem Gibraltar is – the key to the Mediterranean.
How do you promote Gibraltar and everything it has to offer as a destination?
CS: We’ve just launched a rebrand of Gibraltar’s image as a whole, which includes a revamp of our website. We have a new advertising campaign focused within the UK, our main feeder market. We’ve got a new, ongoing marketing campaign called ‘Where the Med Begins’, with TV, digital, radio, and printed press coverage throughout the year. We also attend a lot of different conferences around the world to promote Gibraltar as both a leisure and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) destination.
We actively promote the cruise industry and advertise in buses, planes, and magazines. We have ongoing campaigns with EasyJet and British Airways, and there’s a lot of in-person conferencing as well. We have an office based in London, UK so our representatives can easily get to various industry and trade fairs.
What are some of the most popular experiences for tourists in Gibraltar?
CS: The jewel of our tourist product is the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. The rock is unique to us; it is complete with beautiful walks, sights, and attractions, and of course we have our Barbary Macaques. Observing them living in the wild is fantastic to see.
We’ve also got St. Michael’s Cave, a venue complete with a theatre inside which hosts lot of events, and Gorham’s Cave Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can see the tunnels from the Great Siege and World War II; Gibraltar is steeped in history, and a lot of our tourist product is formed from this, especially our rich military history.
Our gastronomy and lifestyle are a major selling point; Gibraltar is where the Mediterranean begins. We are fortunate to have the Mediterranean lifestyle reflected in our food, weather, and temperament, with British influences of language, culture, and history. Gibraltar is certainly unique and has so much to offer visitors who will appreciate this duality.
Equally, what upcoming events are happening that tourists can look forward to?
CS: We have a very rich cultural calendar year-round and hold a lot of our tourism-led events in the summer where outdoor living comes into its own. The Calentita Food Festival is a popular gastronomic event taking its name from one of our unofficially recognised national dishes. The festival puts the spotlight on the vast cultural diversity we are fortunate to have in Gibraltar.
Tourists can also appreciate our concerts and musicians whilst here. International group Nile Rodgers & Chic are playing here this summer, as well as Melon Diesel, a local band who found success in Gibraltar and Spain and are playing a concert in their hometown to celebrate their 25th anniversary.
Later in the year, we have the Festival of Lights and the new year celebrations, held at one of Gibraltar’s public squares. The festival officially opens up the Christmas season, which has become a time when there is an influx of visitors to Gibraltar. The spectacle includes music, dance, and potentially a visit from Santa who takes time out of his busy season to switch on Gibraltar’s Christmas lights. Gibraltar is always a pull for tourists who wish to spend their winter holidays in milder temperatures.
We are about to launch the speakers for this year’s International Literary Festival in November. We have a great line up of well-known authors and personalities coming from the UK to take part in this very successful and popular event, which is the highlight of our literary calendar.
What, in your opinion, is one of Gibraltar’s most underrated landmarks?
CS: Gibraltar is full of attractions. However, what may sometimes be underrated or overlooked is not physical landmark or attraction, but our unique lifestyle.
When on holiday, most of us want to immerse ourselves in the local culture, and this is something Gibraltar has in spades. We are a culturally diverse and inclusive community where you can relax, enjoy the weather and food, have great conversations, as well as visit historic landmarks and take part in fun adventures.
Why should someone visit Gibraltar in 2024?
CS: Gibraltar has a great energy with a welcoming community who will always make tourists feel at home. Our unique culture is its own attraction.
There is a wealth of offerings for the history buff, the nature lover, the beach goer, or the cycling or walking tourist. Our tunnels and caves have existed for millennia and this year we are opening the Northern Defences, an integral part of our protection during World War II. Investment in an interpretation centre has paid off, giving visitors an immersive experience taking you right back to the era.
Our Mediterranean lifestyle makes Gibraltar feel like home away from home; this is what makes the rock special and unique. You will quickly feel part of our community and will leave with plans to return!
Are you optimistic about the future of tourism in Gibraltar?
CS: I am extremely optimistic. Our recent rebrand and marketing campaigns will showcase Gibraltar to new audiences, and I am sure once people see what we have to offer, our tourism industry will increase further.
We exceeded our pre-COVID-19 pandemic numbers in the first quarter of 2024, and we show no sign of slowing down. We will continue working hard to ensure Gibraltar has a tourist offering which guests deserve and love.
GORHAM’S CAVE COMPLEX IN FOCUS
Covering some 28 hectares on the eastern side of Gibraltar, from sea level to the top of the rock, Gorham’s Cave Complex was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2016.
This steep, striking cluster of caves located on the eastern side of the Rock of Gibraltar is an exceptional testimony to the occupation, traditions, and material culture of Neanderthals and early modern human populations.
Gibraltar has a long-standing historical association with the former, as in 1848, the first complete Neanderthal adult skull was discovered here in a quarry.
Our closest extinct human relative, with many people living in Europe today having up to 2.5 percent Neanderthal DNA on average, the species lived in the Pleistocene Era between 30,000 and 400,000 years ago.
There has been extensive evidence of Neanderthal life provided by the caves, such as hunting birds and marine animals for food and the use of bird feathers and abstract rock engravings, indicative of their cognitive capabilities.
Gorham’s Cave Complex is significant in understanding this critical juncture of human evolution and adaptation. Having been archaeologically excavated over the last few decades, results have shown that Gibraltar was the last refuge of the Neanderthals over 30,000 years ago.
Through research and scientific debates, the archaeological and scientific potential of the caves continues to be explored, providing continuing opportunities for understanding Neanderthal life, including their capacity for abstract thinking.
Because of their archaeological sensitivity, the caves are subject to an annual quota of visitors, however, a viewing platform overlooking the complex provides spectacular views and interpretation of the site without damaging its fragile nature.
OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS
Eat:
FOR THE HOME OF AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE…
4 Stagioni
Do:
FOR A PICTURESQUE JOURNEY TO THE TOP OF THE ROCK…
Under the watchful eyes of the Barbary Macaques, travel to and from the top of the rock by cable car in just under six minutes. Enjoy spectacular views on your way up to the top, where three terraces offering unique viewpoints over the stunning surroundings await.
Sleep:
FOR A SUPERYACHT STAY…
Sunborn Gibraltar is the world’s first 5-star floating yacht hotel. Guests have the chance to enjoy a unique experience aboard the vessel that combines the privacy and exclusivity of an ocean-going superyacht with premium quality and comfort.
LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS
Barbary Macaques
One of Gibraltar’s most important tourist attractions and international symbols, the legendary Barbary Macaques are the only wild monkey population in the whole of Europe. Visitors are invited to take photographs, but as they are wild animals, keep a safe distance, refrain from shouting or making sudden movements, and allow these tailless monkeys to live a natural, free life.
St. Michael’s Cave
The Barbary Macaques are said to have originally come to Gibraltar through this awe-inspiring subterranean passage. The beautiful natural grotto was originally prepared as a hospital during World War II and has been in use as a theatre since the early 1960s with capacity for 600 people, making a unique auditorium for concerts, ballets, and dramas.
Upper Rock Nature Reserve
Feel on top of the world as you journey to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. This protected green area of Gibraltar is home to many historical sites and major attractions, including the free-roaming Barbary Macaques, and is renowned for its unique nature trails that meander through the reserve.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
By air, regular flights to Gibraltar International Airport operate from London, Manchester, and Bristol in the UK, as well as Morocco.
Many cross the airport’s runway to get into the city, making it one of Gibraltar’s most unusual tourist attractions. Visitors are often surprised to be walking across the runway they landed on just minutes prior!
Gibraltar is also accessible by road via neighbouring Spain, however, a valid passport is required to cross the border. The land frontier is open 24/7 and an unlimited number of crossings can be made free of charge.
With its prime location at the southern tip of Europe, Gibraltar is also an ideal port of call for cruise ships and yachts as it guards the gateway to the Mediterranean.
Local bus services and taxis operate throughout the territory, but it is easy to get around Gibraltar and its town centre on foot thanks to its relatively small size of just under seven square kilometres (sqkm).
For those with a head for heights, we recommend climbing the Mediterranean Steps. The walk is particularly appealing during the spring and early mornings, however, a late afternoon stroll in the summer also provides plenty of much-needed shade.
