Visitor Attractions

Flora - Alameda Gardens
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Great efforts are continuously made to ensure that the Rock of Gibraltar's natural environment is kept as unspoilt and beautiful for future visitors as it is today. A large area of the upper rock has been designated as a nature reserve and Gibraltar's famous public park, the Alameda gardens, has recently been transformed into a new botanical garden to rival the best in the world. Opened in 1816, adjacent to a historic parade ground, the Alameda gardens present a magnificent botanical collection. Mediterranean pines and olive trees form a canopy along with Dragon Trees and palms from the Atlantic islands. Beds display flora, cacti and succulent plants from far off sub-tropical places including South Africa, the Far East, Australia and California.
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Apes
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Visit the Apes' Den, home to some of Gibraltar's famous Barbary Apes, the only free-to-roam primates in Europe. According to legend, if the Apes leave Gibraltar it will cease to be British.
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Bird watching
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As the Strait of Gibraltar is the narrowest crossing point for birds migrating to and from Europe and Africa, the Rock offers unrivalled bird watching opportunities. Gibraltar also has its permanent residents such as the Barbary Partridge, which originally was only to be found in North Africa. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded, many of which are migratory.

The bird watching high season extends from February to June, and from July to October, although interesting species can be seen throughout the year. For example, Gibraltar also has its permanent residents such as the Barbary Partridge, not found anywhere else on the mainland of Europe.

Dolphins
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Visitor's who discover the families of dolphins leaping in the sparkling waters of Gibraltar Bay never forget them. A dolphin-watching trip is the most enjoyable way of seeing these fascinating mammals up close and there are several boat trips to choose from. In addition to no fewer than three species of dolphin, whales also migrate here, including the largest mammal of them all, the Blue Whale. The favorable Mediterranean climate makes for sightings of a variety of rare species of birds, dolphins, whales, fish and turtles.
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Great Siege Tunnels
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During the Great Siege, the gallant defenders were stunned when the Spanish and French besiegers dug into trenches too close to Gibraltar for the British to fire on them. Imaginative solutions were needed, and Seargent Major Ince suggested tunnelling to get to a projection of rock to allow the British guns to fire sideways on the attackers. While tunneling by hand through the solid rock, the dust was so stifling that air vents were created, and it was then realised these holes would make excellent embrasures for guns. The Great Siege Tunnels are a testimony to British ingenuity and to sheer courage and determination.
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Medieval Castle
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Dating back to the 11th century, this "Tower of Homage" is all that remains of the original castle complex that once stretched all the way down to Casemates Square, at the north end of Main Street. The Medieval Castle Complex is made up of various buildings, gates, fortified walls and its most dominant features, The Tower of Homage and The Gate House.
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Museums
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Situated in Bomb House Lane, the Gibraltar Museum houses the best-preserved Moorish Bath House in Europe. The Museum contains a rich collection of artifacts, weapons, medals, costumes, coins and postage stamps, together with a magnificently detailed old model of the Rock, constructed by officers of the Royal Engineers in 1865. Not to be missed is the Great Siege of Gibraltar exhibition and an art gallery in honour of Gibraltar's most famous painter, Gustavo Bacarisas. Following from here there is a large room which has been converted into a cave in which can be seen some of the spectacular prehistoric discoveries which have made the Rock famous.
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Son-et-Lumiere
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The spectacular sound and light show at St Michael's Cave is shown twice daily except Saturdays and Sundays. An impressive combination of light effects and projections together with digital sound brings the Cave alive. From the formation of the Pillars of Hercules through to modern times, a story of myths and legends takes visitors through the fascinating history of Gibraltar's most popular attraction.
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St Michaels Cave
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The spectacular natural caverns of St Michael's Cave begin about 350m above sea level and descend into the Rock. St Michael's Cave forms a huge auditorium, which makes an unforgettable setting for concerts and live shows. Walking the chambers beyond, reveals giant stalactites and stalagmites. Lower St Michael's Cave, visited by pre-arranged tours, contains an amazing lake.
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Upper Rock of Gibraltar
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Stand on top of the Rock of Gibraltar and you feel as if you were on top of the world. Europe is at your feet. Africa fills one horizon, while the gates to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic are on either side. The silent journey to the top of the Rock by cable car rewards you with a truly breathtaking view. From a height of 430m you will see the African coastline, where the waters of the Atlantic meet the Mediterranean, Spain's Costa del Sol and a panoramic view of the City far below, the quays, marinas and bays. Stroll the quiet path to St Michael's Cave and you will be alone with nature.
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