Thinking of going on a Malaga to Gibraltar tour? Before you go, learn what to expect on such a tour and read my personal review to see if this experience is for you.
By Liza S. | Updated 21 Mar 2024 | Gibraltar | Cities |
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Casemates Square in Gibraltar
Looking for an adventure that combines breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural experiences all within a day's journey from Malaga? Gibraltar, the British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, offers just that.
Known for its towering Rock of Gibraltar, friendly monkeys, and a fascinating blend of British and Spanish cultures, Gibraltar is a destination that promises an unforgettable day out. And with a guided tour from Malaga to Gibraltar, it’s easier than ever to visit this little slice of Britain along the Costa del Sol.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know before embarking on a day tour from Malaga to Gibraltar. From how to book your tour to making the most of your visit, you’ll get all the essentials to help you plan and prepare for the ideal day out in Gibraltar.
Plus, I'll share my personal review of a guided Malaga to Gibraltar tour to help you plan your dream visit. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or shopping enthusiast, Gibraltar has something for everyone.
Let's get started on planning your perfect day tour from Malaga to Gibraltar!
Already know that you want to book a day tour from Malaga to Gibraltar and just need the essential details?
Here’s what you need to know:
Check out the Malaga to Gibraltar Tour here.
Gibraltar might just be the day trip from Costa del Sol that you didn't know you needed. Located less than 2 hours’ drive from Malaga, this unique destination offers an intriguing mix of British and Spanish influences, stunning natural beauty, and a rich history that's palpable at every turn.
But what makes a day tour from Malaga to Gibraltar a must-add to your travel itinerary?
Well, there's no place quite like Gibraltar. It's where you can find British policemen, red phone boxes, and English pubs, set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean and steeped in centuries of history. From the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, home to the only wild monkey population in Europe, to its labyrinthine limestone caves, there's an abundance of natural and cultural treasures to explore.
Gibraltar's close proximity to Malaga makes it an ideal destination for a day trip. The journey itself is part of the experience, with scenic routes that offer glimpses into the diverse landscapes of the region.
While it’s certainly possible to visit Gibraltar on your own, by opting for an organised tour, you can enjoy a stress-free journey without the hassle of navigating foreign roads or managing border crossings.
One of the biggest advantages of choosing an organised day tour is the convenience. Everything from transportation and the day’s itinerary are taken care of. This means you can maximise your time exploring the sights rather than worrying about logistics.
Plus, with a knowledgeable guide, you'll gain insights and access to experiences you might miss if going it alone.
Day tours from Malaga to Gibraltar also often include access to popular attractions, ensuring you get the most out of your visit. Whether you're interested in the area's natural wonders, its rich history, or the unique blend of cultures, a day tour from Malaga to Gibraltar is structured to provide a comprehensive experience so that you can experience the best of this small territory.
A guided tour to Gibraltar from Malaga offers an easy, enriching, and hassle-free way to explore one of the most unique corners of the Mediterranean. With its combination of accessibility, rich historical heritage, and the sheer convenience of organised tours, it's an excursion that promises to be both memorable and fun.
Ape's Den in Upper Rock Nature Reserve, Gibraltar
The Gibraltar day tour that I went on is organised by VisitandDo.com, a reputable tour operator that runs various tours in the Malaga area.
What I love about their tour is that they have numerous pick-up points along Costa del Sol - so Malaga is not the only starting point which is super convenient. On this visit, I was based in Benalmadena so it was a no-brainer for me to select the nearest pick-up point in Benalmadena for my trip.
So if you’re looking for a Benalmadena to Gibraltar tour, this is a great option. Same goes if you’re based along Costa del Sol - just see the tour information page here and check if there’s a pick-up/drop-off point near you.
The drive from Malaga to Gibraltar typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and the specific starting point. The tour utilised a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, ensuring a pleasant journey. There was also a tour guide onboard who took care of us.
The route to Gibraltar wound through the various towns along the Mediterranean coast, with one toilet stop before we arrived at the Gibraltar border.
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, so entering from Spain involves a border crossing. It's usually straightforward, but can vary in terms of waiting time, particularly during peak travel seasons.
To ensure a smooth crossing:
Once you’ve crossed into Gibraltar, the adventure really begins. The territory, while small, is densely packed with attractions, shops, and cafes. Your tour guide will inform you about the day's schedule, including meeting points and times for group activities or free exploration.
If you don’t opt for any activities, you’ll typically have about 5 hours to explore Gibraltar on your own. There are also local tour operators on the ground or you can hire a taxi to take you around. If you’re added on a tour (more on that below!) or a dolphin-watching excursion, you should have about 2 hours of free time.
A popular option when visiting Gibraltar is to do the Rock Tour. You’ll spend 1.5 hours with a local guide who’ll take the group around the territory on a mini-bus, visiting a few key attractions. It’s a fun and easy way to discover the best of Gibraltar in a short amount of time.
Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll likely do a fair amount of walking. It’s also a good idea to bring water with you to stay hydrated (especially during the summer!). Be sure to pay attention to your guide’s instructions, especially regarding meeting times and places.
Gibraltar uses the Sterling Pound, not the Euro. Most places accept credit and debit cards, so it’s not necessary to exchange your Euros. But if you need to, it’s easy to find exchanges on Main Street in Gibraltar.
In total, day tours from Malaga to Gibraltar are a full-day excursion, taking 8 to 10 hours, depending on your pick-up and drop-off points. So it is a long day with an early start, but you can relax on the bus journeys.
Gibraltar Bay
A day tour from Malaga to Gibraltar has an early start, with pick-ups beginning at 7.00am in Malaga, with staggered timings across the towns in Costa del Sol. As I was based in Benalmadena, I had a 7.55am start time at the pick-up point closest to me.
I arrived at the pick-up point about 10 minutes beforehand and there were already other travellers waiting there. Do note that many tour operators use the same pick-up points, so don’t get on the wrong bus! Be sure to check with the tour guide before you hop on any bus.
Right on schedule, the bus by VisitandDo arrived and we got into a line to check off our names with the tour guide before getting on. We each also received a free tote bag to hold any shopping we might do in Gibraltar.
Once everyone was aboard, the bus went on to pick-up other tour participants along the way. There are a fair number of stops, but each pick-up was pretty quick and efficiently handled. I enjoyed the opportunity to just relax on the bus and enjoy the scenery.
When all the guests were on board and we were less than an hour away from arriving in Gibraltar, Susanna, our tour guide, introduced herself and the driver and gave a quick rundown of the day’s schedule.
She also shared historical information about Gibraltar, setting the scene for our arrival and time in the British territory.
For those who had only purchased the “Visit Only” option, there was a last-minute opportunity to sign up for either the Rock Tour or the dolphin-watching excursion as there were still vacancies on the activities. From my pick-up in Benalmadena to arrival at the Gibraltar border, the journey took about 2.5 hours.
Soon enough, we arrived at the border crossing and Susanna provided clear instructions about what to do and where everyone would regroup after going through immigration. Susanna would stay at the back of the group, just in case anyone had any issues getting through.
If you’re an EU national, you can zoom through the crossing using the automated gates. For the rest of us, there’s a separate line that moves pretty quickly. And as you cross into Gibraltar, there’s another UK officer who’ll look at your passport/ID.
It was all pretty quick and efficient, but during peak periods, this process can take longer.
As instructed, the group waited in an area just after the crossing and once Susana came through, she led us back to the bus where our Gibraltar adventure would begin. During the short journey from the immigration to the Main Street area, Susana gave us the key timings that everyone had to mind; most importantly, that the bus would depart from Gibraltar at 4.00pm sharp.
As I had already signed up for the Rock Tour, my time in Gibraltar would begin with the tour which is about 1.5 hours long and then I’d be able to enjoy some free time before we had to return to Costa del Sol.
For those who were going dolphin watching, they had about an hour of free time before having to reconvene for the excursion. Then afterwards, they’d also have some free time before getting back on the bus.
Some tour participants had not signed up for any of the activities and so, their time in Gibraltar was fully in their hands. Susanna provided some general information about what to do and advice on how to spend the day. But, if you decide on this option, I think it’s best to do your own research beforehand and create your own plan to avoid the stress of just winging it.
I really appreciated having the different options available as each traveller can pick the type of tour that most suits them. For me, I opted for the Rock tour as it covers many of Gibraltar’s highlights without me having to plan anything. It was nice to just sit back and enjoy the day, instead of worrying about logistics!
In total, we had about 5 hours to spend in Gibraltar.
After arriving in the coach parking lot in Gibraltar and having a toilet break, the small group of us that were doing the Rock Tour were gathered together and Susana handed us off to our local guide, Louie, and the mini-bus that would take us around the territory.
Born and bred in Gibraltar, Louie was fun and personable which made the tour feel like it was with a friend rather than a tour guide. He shared information about Gibraltar’s history and architecture and also some unique insights of Gibraltar as a military base as he used to serve in the military himself.
As we travelled through the narrow streets of Gibraltar, Louie would point out historical buildings and share interesting facts.
Europa Point, Gibraltar
The first stop on our Rock Tour was Europa Point, one of Gibraltar's most breathtaking and historically rich experiences.
As the southernmost point of Gibraltar, it provides unparalleled views of the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, and on clear days, the coast of Africa is visibly striking, presenting a tangible connection between two continents.
The panoramic vistas from Europa Point are simply unmatched. The area offers several viewing platforms where you can take in the majestic scenery. The meeting of two mighty bodies of water, coupled with the view of Africa’s Rif Mountains, creates a spectacle that is both humbling and awe-inspiring.
Dominating the landscape of Europa Point is the Europa Point Lighthouse.The lighthouse, with its iconic design, has been a symbol of guidance and safety for mariners since its inception in the early 19th century.
Europa Point is also home to a diverse array of religious and cultural monuments, reflecting Gibraltar's multicultural heritage. Notably, the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, a place of pilgrimage and worship that dates back to the Middle Ages, embodies the spiritual significance of the area.
Additionally, the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, a gift from King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, stands as a testament to the Islamic heritage of the region. These sites, along with the Hindu Temple and the Roman Catholic chapel, highlight the peaceful coexistence of diverse faiths in Gibraltar.
We only had 15 minutes here; I wished we had more time! There was just enough time to take in the views, snap a few photos, and marvel at the Rock of Gibraltar and the lighthouse. Sadly, it was a cloudy day so the views to Africa were obscured.
After that quick stop in Europa Point, we hopped back into the mini-bus as Louie took us further up the cliff and into the Upper Rock Nature Reserve to our next stop: the magical St Michael’s Cave.
As we got off the mini-bus, Louie handed us each an entry wristband which is actually the entry ticket for the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and all its attractions (this ticket is included in the Rock Tour). So, for anyone interested, you can still visit the other attractions after the tour with that same ticket.
A site of natural beauty, historical mystery, and cultural significance, St. Michael's Cave is a network of limestone caves deep within the Rock of Gibraltar. Its vast chambers and intricate formations draw visitors from around the world, making it a must-see destination on any trip to Gibraltar.
I was very excited to visit it and we had 30 minutes to explore and enjoy.
Archaeological evidence suggests that St. Michael's Cave has been known and used by humans since prehistoric times. It was long believed to be bottomless, giving rise to legends that it was a gateway to the underworld.
During World War II, the cave was prepared as an emergency hospital, although it was never used for this purpose. The network of tunnels and chambers was expanded during this time, adding to the cave's intriguing human history.
Today, the experience at St Michael’s Cave is enhanced with a light show that illuminates the natural beauty of the cave, creating an otherworldly ambiance that captivates visitors.
Multi-coloured lights are carefully positioned to highlight the intricate details of the stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological features. The play of light and shadow, coupled with the natural shapes of the cave, creates vivid images and an almost dreamlike setting that feels like stepping into another world.
The cave itself was just stunning and the light show added a fun dimension to the experience. In the Cathedral Cave, the largest chamber within St. Michael's Cave, there’s a seating area set up so that you can enjoy the light show in comfort.
Outside the cave entrance, along the street where the minibuses were parked, were Gibraltar’s most endearing attraction: its Barbary macaques.
These wild monkeys are not just a delight for visitors but also hold a unique place in Gibraltar's cultural and natural heritage, being the only wild population of monkeys in Europe.
The Barbary macaques have been residents of the Rock for hundreds of years, with many legends surrounding their presence. One popular belief is that as long as the monkeys remain on Gibraltar, the territory will remain under British control.
This legend was taken so seriously that during World War II, the British government took steps to ensure the monkey population was maintained, even amidst the pressures of wartime.
Outside St Michael’s Cave, scores of curious tourists were taking photos and videos of these cute monkeys. Even I wasn’t immune to their charm!
Some people got very close to them, taking selfies next to them and such but remember: while the monkeys are accustomed to human presence, they are wild animals. Despite their generally playful and inquisitive nature, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if they're seeking food.
We spotted more Gibraltar monkeys on our next stop, Ape’s Den, which lived up to its name.
But aside from the monkeys, this is a fantastic place to enjoy panoramic views of the town and Gibraltar Bay from the top of the Rock.
After about 15 minutes at Ape’s Den, we were back in the mini-bus and Louie pointed out other key attractions in the area like the Great Siege Tunnels and the Moorish Castle as we headed back to town.
While the Rock Tour is listed at 1.5 hours, our tour actually took almost 2 hours, with us being back in town at about 1.30pm. Time just flew back, and it definitely didn’t feel like 2 hours at all!
If you opt for the Rock Tour on your Malaga to Gibraltar day trip, you may want to spend more time in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve as there is so much to see and do in that area and you already have an entry ticket.
What you can do is to let the tour guide know that you’d like to stay up there and you can just stay on the tour until the last stop at the Upper Rock. After that, you can walk to the attractions in the Upper Rock that you’re interested in visiting.
My suggestions would be visiting the Great Siege Tunnels and the Moorish Castle which are downhill from Ape’s Den.
And you’ll have to walk back down to town as well. If you opt to do this, be sure to factor in walking time back to town and the departure meeting point.
I certainly wished I had more time to explore the Upper Rock Nature Reserve but instead I decided to explore the town itself.
Our Rock Tour ended where it started, the coach parking lot, which is about a 10-minute walk to Main Street.
The first order of business for me: lunch! And when in Gibraltar, what else should one have for lunch but fish and chips? Roy’s is the popular fish and chips place in town but I ended up walking in the opposite direction from it. So instead, I picked a local English pub (recommended by our guide Louie) for lunch.
After fuelling myself, it was time to explore Main Street.
Main Street in Gibraltar is the vibrant artery that runs through the heart of this unique territory. As the central hub for shopping, dining, and leisure, it offers a fascinating blend of British and Mediterranean influences, reflected in the architecture, the retail offerings, and the culinary delights available.
Walking down Main Street is like taking a step into a cosmopolitan blend of history and modernity. The street is lined with buildings that showcase Gibraltar’s rich past, from colonial-era facades to traditional Genoese and Spanish homes.
It was really interesting to observe the variety of building styles which is one of a kind.
The dining scene on Main Street is equally eclectic, offering a taste of local Gibraltarian cuisine alongside international dishes. From quaint cafes serving traditional English tea and scones to lively tapas bars echoing the flavours of Spain, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Main Street is also a shopping paradise where you can find everything from luxury brands to locally crafted souvenirs, all duty-free, making it a haven for bargain hunters and fashionistas alike.
I managed to walk the entire length of Main Street, from Prince Edward’s Gate and the South Bastion all the way to Grand Casemates Square, just taking in the vibe of Gibraltar.
Casemates Square, situated at the northern end of Main Street, is a lovely place for a coffee break or simply to people-watch.
Known as Gibraltar's bustling entrance and one of its most iconic landmarks, this expansive, open-air square is encircled by historic buildings that tell the story of Gibraltar's rich and varied past, making it not just a popular gathering place but also a significant cultural and historical site.
Originally designed as a barracks and later used for executions during the Spanish period, today's Casemates Square has transformed into the vibrant heart of Gibraltar’s social life. The square's name itself is derived from the British-built casemates — bombproof barracks — that line one side of the square, a reminder of Gibraltar's military significance through the ages.
Now, Casemates Square is alive with the energy of cafes, bars, and restaurants that spill out onto the square, offering a diverse array of dining options (including the famous Roy’s!).
By this point, my day in Gibraltar was winding down and it was almost time to head back to the coach parking lot to get on the bus back to Costa del Sol.
This Gibraltar tour merely whetted my appetite to visit again. I found Gibraltar very intriguing and there’s still so much that I wasn’t able to see and do. That’s usually what happens on day trips, right? With limited time, you can’t do everything… but I’m glad that I managed to learn more about the history and culture in Gibraltar and see a handful of its main attractions.
I got back on our bus about 10 minutes before departure time and the bus was already half-full. I suspect that everyone else had also had a full day in Gibraltar and were ready to rest and relax their feet!
Sharply at 4.00pm, with everyone accounted for, we headed to the border crossing to re-enter Spain.
It was a similar process: we had to get off the bus with all our belongings and go through immigration. EU nationals could use the automated gates or were waved through after an immigration officer examined their ID.
For other nationalities, there was a fast-moving line where they would scan and stamp our passports once again.
Then, we were back on the bus where we could comfortably rest on our journey back to Costa del Sol. Just like the morning, the bus stopped at the various pick-up points and it took about 2 hours for me to arrive back in Benalmadena.
Overall, despite it being a long day, I had a great time on this Malaga to Gibraltar tour.
I loved the convenience of it, as I didn’t have to worry about any planning or any logistics at all. The Rock Tour is a good way to see Gibraltar’s highlights when you have limited time and having free time to explore afterwards was relaxed and lovely.
Every aspect of the tour was well-communicated, from the pre-tour communications via email and WhatsApp to how our tour guides on the day communicated to the group. Everything was handled in a smooth and professional manner.
I do wish that we had more time in Gibraltar itself but it already is a long day, so I think that in the end, it’s a nice balance and 5 hours is sufficient time to get to the essence of the territory. And well, it’ll just entice you to return again for a longer visit!
If you’re looking for a hassle-free and enjoyable way to visit Gibraltar on your Costa del Sol holiday, this is definitely one of the best options to do so.
There are various tour companies and operators that offer day tours from Malaga to Gibraltar so it’s important to select and book the right tour for you. Here are some tips on how to navigate the booking process and what to consider when choosing the Gibraltar tour that best fits your preferences.
Gibraltar's unique appeal makes it a popular destination, so tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
To secure your spot and avoid disappointment, it's wise to book your tour well in advance. This also gives you a better chance of finding a tour that matches your schedule and preferences.
With numerous companies offering day tours to Gibraltar, deciding on one can be overwhelming. Look for operators with positive reviews and a track record of providing reliable, high-quality experiences.
As you’ve read, I went to Gibraltar with VistandDo.com, a reputable tour operator in the region with 8 years of experience and a reliable 4.7* rating on Google reviews. I had a great experience and have since taken other tours with them so I highly recommend them, if you’re looking for a tour company you can trust.
You can check out their tour offerings in Costa del Sol here.
Before booking, carefully review what the tour includes. Knowing what's included ahead of time can help you budget for any additional expenses. For instance, some tours might offer an all-inclusive experience, while others may provide more flexibility with free time for lunch or exploration, meaning extra costs for food and entry fees.
What I love about the Malaga to Gibraltar day tour by VisitandDo is that there are several options available which makes it easy to customise the experience based on what you want.
There are pick-up points all along Costa del Sol, so it’s convenient no matter if you’re staying in Malaga or further down the coast in Fuengirola or Estepona. You can also choose a free-and-easy day in Gibraltar to explore on your own, do a tour of Gibraltar, or go dolphin-watching!
While it's tempting to choose the cheapest option, it's important to weigh the cost against what's included. A slightly more expensive tour might offer greater value with more attractions covered and a knowledgeable guide, making it a better overall deal. That’s why I suggest going with the Rock Tour option as you’ll get to see Gibraltar’s main highlights in a 1.5 hour tour.
Lastly, ensure the tour is offered in a language you're comfortable with. While most tours from Malaga to Gibraltar are conducted in English and Spanish, it's always best to confirm beforehand.
Once you've chosen a tour, make sure you receive a confirmation email or document with all the details, including the departure time, meeting point, what to bring, and contact information for the tour operator. This is also a good time to ask any last-minute questions you may have.
On my tour by VisitandDo.com, I received an email confirmation immediately after booking. I appreciated getting an email reminder the day before my day trip with all the necessary information. They also sent me a message via WhatsApp with the information, which was handy to refer to on my phone.
By considering these factors, you'll be well on your way to booking the perfect day tour from Malaga to Gibraltar that meets your expectations and provides a memorable experience. Remember, the right tour not only offers convenience and value but also enriches your travel experience with insights and access to Gibraltar's must-see attractions.
It’s simple to book a day tour from Malaga to Gibraltar with VisitandDo.com as you can complete the process in under 5 minutes. Book online on their website for the best rate, make payment online, and get immediate confirmation!
If you just want transportation and plan your own day in Gibraltar, there’s a “Visit Only” option.
I recommend the version with the Rock tour (which is what I did) as it’s an easy way to see Gibraltar’s highlights on a day trip while still leaving you with some free time to explore on your own.
VisitanDo.com has a great cancellation policy that allows you to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance and you’ll receive a full refund.
Note that the availability of the Gibraltar day tour varies according to the season:
➡️ Click here to get all the tour details and book your spots on the VisitandDo.com website.
➡️ Prefer to use Get Your Guide? You can find their tour listing here.
So, there you have it – your essential guide to day tours from Malaga to Gibraltar. I hope this has inspired you to plan your own visit to Gibraltar - it’s a super easy day trip, especially when you go on a tour.
Gibraltar certainly surprised me. It’s a little slice of Britain under the Spanish sun, with more charm and history than you might expect from such a small place. From the moment you see the Rock to your last stroll down Main Street, Gibraltar packs a punch. I definitely want to visit again to discover more of its secrets.
So, grab your passport, lace up your walking shoes, and set off with an open heart. Say hello to the monkeys for me, but remember to keep your snacks to yourself.
Here's to making memories in Gibraltar that will keep you smiling long after you've returned home. Safe travels!
➡️ Check out the Malaga to Gibraltar Tour with VisitandDo.com here.
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