Discover Gibraltar, a remarkable day out on Manilva’s doorstep
While we are the first to sing the praises of Manilva and its close surrounding area, it is also a great location for discovering other towns and villages nearby. One of the most popular excursions for a trip beyond the local vicinity is to the British territory of Gibraltar, less than an hour away.
Standing at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar is one of the most fascinating and unusual destinations you can visit from the Costa del Sol, offering a complete change of pace, language and even culture, all within a compact area that can easily be explored in a single day.
Crossing the border
Driving to Gibraltar is simple, but we suggest you park on the Spanish side in La Línea de la Concepción and walk across the border. Once you’ve crossed the short frontier, you’re stepping onto British soil, complete with red telephone boxes, English pubs and familiar high-street names. One important tip: remember to carry your passport, as Gibraltar is outside the Schengen Zone.
Exploring the town
Main Street runs through the heart of Gibraltar and is lined with duty-free shops, cafés and restaurants. The area is lively but compact, ideal for a leisurely stroll. Stop for traditional British fish and chips or a coffee in Casemates Square, where you can watch the world go by under the shadow of the Rock. The nearby marinas, Ocean Village and Queensway Quay, are worth visiting for a different feel, with modern restaurants and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere.
The Rock of Gibraltar
No trip would be complete without visiting the Rock itself. You can hike up, take the cable car, or join one of the organised minibus tours that include entry to the main attractions. At the top, the views stretch across the Mediterranean towards Africa on one side and over Spain on the other, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. The famous Barbary macaques, Europe’s only wild monkeys, are a highlight, though they’re best admired from a respectful distance.
The Rock is also home to the spectacular St. Michael’s Cave, filled with stalactites, dramatic lighting and the Great Siege Tunnels, carved into the limestone by British soldiers in the 18th century. These historic sites tell the story of Gibraltar’s strategic importance through the centuries, from its Moorish origins to its long-standing British ties.
Nature and sea views
Beyond the town and tourist spots, Gibraltar has surprising natural beauty. The Upper Rock Nature Reserve is a protected area with walking trails, rare plants and lookouts that make it easy to forget how small the territory really is. Spotting migratory birds is a treat as they fly from Africa to Europe and back with the changing seasons, while in summer, dolphin-watching trips from the marina are a popular way to see the surrounding waters.
Shopping and dining
Because Gibraltar is duty-free, it’s known for good prices on electronics, perfumes and spirits, although the real joy of visiting is in its mix of cultures. You can indulge in traditional British dishes for lunch and tapas for dinner, then end the day with a stroll along the marina or a drink at one of the waterfront bars.
Returning home
As the day draws to a close, walking back across the runway, yes, Gibraltar’s airport runway intersects the main road, is a fitting end to a day full of contrasts. Within an hour, you can be back in Manilva, reflecting on a visit that feels much further from home than it really is.
For NUBAY residents, Gibraltar is an easy and enjoyable day trip that combines fascinating history, culture and coastal scenery in one compact destination. Whether you go for the views, the shopping, or the novelty of crossing borders on foot, it’s a reminder of how much variety this corner of Europe has to offer.
Find your perfect base to explore it all at nubay.es.