Thinking about a day trip to Gibraltar from Málaga? Discover my personal experience with an organized tour, from crossing the border and exploring the Rock to spotting monkeys, visiting St. Michael’s Cave, and enjoying free time in the city.
Why I decided to visit Gibraltar
When I moved to Málaga, one of my first ideas was to look beyond the city itself and see what other places I could easily reach. Among those, Gibraltar stood out as a unique option. This British Overseas Territory sits at the very edge of Europe. It’s not somewhere most people would travel thousands of kilometers to see, but when you’re based in Málaga, it feels almost within arm’s reach. So I finally took the chance and booked a one-day trip to Gibraltar.
My vision for this trip
Wanting everything to be well organized, I chose to book through GetYourGuide.com, a platform I often use for hassle-free excursions. Here I left a link for this trip. There are two versions of the tour: a standard option (€33) covering transport and free time in the city, or the Full Rock Tour (€89) which includes a guided minibus ride around Gibraltar, visits to viewpoints, the Rock itself, and St. Michael’s Cave.
For me, the extended option was the only choice. The idea of trying to arrange all this on my own felt unnecessary when such a well-structured tour was available.
The journey from Málaga
The bus departs Málaga at 7:15 am, close to El Corte Inglés, and picks up more travelers along the Costa del Sol. These stops double as quick breaks for coffee or the restroom. The ride itself takes about three hours, but thanks to the comfortable coach and short pauses, the time passes easily.
Crossing the border into Gibraltar
To enter Gibraltar, you need a valid ID card or passport if you are a citizen of the EU or UK. Travelers from outside these regions should check whether a visa is required. For most visitors, the border crossing is smooth and relatively quick.
Gibraltar is home to fewer than 40,000 people, and while small, it would be impossible to explore its highlights on foot in just one day. That’s why I was glad I had chosen the Full Rock Tour. Upon arrival, we switched into a smaller bus with a local guide who immediately began sharing stories and facts about the territory.
A special viewpoint
Our first destination was the famous Point of Gibraltar. Unfortunately, true to its British identity, the weather was grey and cloudy that day, so the view of Africa was only a faint silhouette behind the mist. Still, the experience was striking. As a Pole, I also appreciated the chance to see the memorial to General Władysław Sikorski, who died here in a 1943 plane crash while serving as Prime Minister of Poland’s government-in-exile.
Visit at famous rock
From there, we drove higher up the Rock of Gibraltar, stopping at viewpoints once visited by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. The highlight was meeting the famous Barbary macaques, Europe’s only wild monkeys, who roam freely across the Rock.
We also explored the spectacular St. Michael’s Cave, filled with stalactites and illuminated chambers. It was one of the moments that impressed me most, showing the raw natural beauty hidden within the Rock itself.
Free time in Gibraltar
After the guided part of the tour, we had around three hours of free time. Armed with a map provided by our guide, I set off to explore. I strolled along Main Street, visited Ocean Village, and couldn’t resist the unique experience of walking across the airport’s runway, which doubles as a road when planes are not taking off or landing.
Finally, I treated myself to a very British meal: fish and chips with a pint of beer. It felt fitting to end my visit in such a way, a reminder that Gibraltar really is a blend of Britain and Spain.
Border delays on the way back
The only downside came on the return journey. Although no one had issues with their documents, for some unknown reason our bus was held at the border for about ninety minutes before being allowed to cross. We sat on the pavement waiting, but eventually the situation cleared, and we made it safely back to Málaga. This is not a reason to worry as sometimes such random delays can happen.
Is Gibraltar worth visiting?
Despite the hiccup at the border, I can wholeheartedly recommend a day trip to Gibraltar. The territory has a unique atmosphere: a hybrid between British and Spanish culture. Signs and institutions are British, yet cars drive on the right-hand side. Architecture mixes English and Andalusian influences. Some locals speak Spanish, others English with a distinct British accent. The currency is pounds, yet euros are widely accepted.
It’s a fascinating mix that creates an experience you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you book an organized tour like I did, or decide to go independently, a trip to Gibraltar is well worth adding to your Málaga stay.