The Port of Gibraltar
ABOUT
The six square kilometres of the Rock of Gibraltar are steeped in history dating back over 100,000 years. The Moors first settled here in 711AD and since then then it has become a much prized site and subject to many seiges and battles.
In most recent history it has been fought over by the Spanish, French and British. It was finally captured by the British Fleet in 1704. It was then ceded to Great Britain in perpetuity under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. It did not stop other nations trying to capture it with the Great Seige taking place from 1779-1783.
It became an important base for the Royal Navy particularly during the Napoleonic Wars and World War II which we touch on below. It is also widely accepted that the Barbary Macaques that inhabit Gibraltar also play their part in its history.
There is also a link with Admiral Lord Nelson as upon his death at the Battle of Trafalgar he was initially brought to Gibraltar embalmed in a casket of wine. It was from here that he was taken home to England for burial.
The residents are very proud that Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory. Referenda in recent years have agreed with an overwhelming majority to remain `British’.
Population in 2024 was estimated at 39000
Currency is the Gibraltar Pound
THINGS TO DO
Gibraltar has a surprising amount of activities to choose from. Mostly available via your cruise ship excursions but also you can book many independently. Visit Gibraltar is one of many websites that can give you information.
The Rock Tour usually includes a visit to Europa Point, St Michaels Caves, The Apes and Seige Tunnels.
Cable Car tours often take in some of the above. Please note that this is often closed due to weather or maintenance. There is also a plan for a total upgrade but no definite dates.
Other tours include those of the World War II Seige Tunnels, boat trips to see the dolphins that live in these waters, plenty of shopping and of course pubs and bars to visit.
If you happen to be in port at the right time of day you may also see the infamous `cloud’ cascade over the rock.
THINGS WE LIKE TO DO
Unfortunately most ships only stop for a half day visit in Gibraltar, which is a shame when there is so much to do.
We have taken most of the tours available over the years. A particular favourite is the World War II Seige Tunnels. Poignant for Lindsey who had an uncle stationed there for 3 years with the Black Watch. Tour guides at this site usually have a military background meaning they can give a really good overview of how they were constructed.
Whether taking a trip or not, shopping is a must in the town with it being a Duty Free haven. Not all prices are a bargain though and watch out for the Duty Free allowances. Don’t forget to stop for a coffee or a beer and take in the atmosphere of this great place.
With so much to cover – our visits have been split into sections.
Inside the Rock
St Michael’s Cave has long been part of legend surrounding the Rock of Gibraltar. Originally believed to be bottomless it was thought to have provided a subterranean passage to Africa and a route for the famous Macaque Apes to come through.
Since the 1960’s it has been used as a concert venue. There is seating capacity for 600. The structure of the cave with its stalactites and stalagmites creates incredible accoustics and a dramatic setting.
We last visited the cave in 2024 during our cruise on Princess Cruises Sky Princess. We found that the route through the cave is well marked the pathways easy to follow. Some parts may have limited access.
During our visit we were able to watch The Awakening. The lights and pathways lead you through to the main cavern. Here you can watch a 20 minute immersive sound and light instalation. The show illuminates the layers of rock that are effectively frozen in time.
It is a beautiful way to appreciate this incredible natural structure. It is a relatively new installation so if you have not been inside the rock for a few years, it is worth going again.
The Apes on the Rock
The Barbary macaques, or Barbary Apes, of Gibraltar are recognised world-wide.
They are the only free-ranging Monkeys in Europe and live in the rock Nature Reserve. It is not certain how they originally arrived on the Rock but are certainly a major tourist attraction. Indeed we visited them when we were on Sky Princess in 2024.
The apes were protected during World War II as legend has it that Gibraltar will remain under British rule as long as they remain.
They are fed and managed by the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society and the Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic.
WARNING – Cute as they are you are advised not to get too close as they can be quite aggressive. Handling them or feeding them without the relevant permissions is an offence. It can also harm the monkeys and prevent them from living in a semi-wild state.
Tunnels in the Rock
When you head out on a Rock Tour you are very likely to have a visit to the Great Seige Tunnels included.
These tunnels were dug out of solid limestone by the British during the Great Seige of Gibraltar in the late 18th Century.
The work was slow to start with (it took thirteen men five weeks to dig a tunnel with a length of 82 feet (25 m)). Diggers were hindered by dust and fumes. Eventually ventilation shafts were created which made conditions much better. It also created gun emplacements – quite by chance.
Only part of these tunnels are open to the public but you can see some original guns in place (there are only 7 left in existence). There are also boards regarding this site.
The tunnels are a testament to the bravery and resourcefulness of the British military and are an engineering marvel.
During World War II Gibraltar was again strategically important. Tunnels were seen as a way to store provisions and equipment. It also gave protection from land, sea and air attacks.
At the start of the war the civilian population (all bar a few thousand) were evacuated and the garrison significantly increased. New tunnels were created by specialist companies from the Royal Engineers and Canadian Army.
Eventually these tunnels would become an underground city with 16,000 troops garrisoned. Provisions were stored with sufficient food for 16 months. There was even an underground telephone exchange, a power generating station, a water distillation plant, a hospital, a bakery, ammunition magazines and a vehicle maintenance workshop.
The 34 miles of tunnels inside the rock (55Km) is considerably longer than the miles of roads outside the rock. Some of these tunnels were opened to the public in 2005. It is fascinating to see inside and catch a glimpse of what these servicemen did.
Gibraltar Town
Gibraltar is also well known for the Duty Free Shopping and it’s local bars. We took a good look during our visit in 2024 when we sailed there on Cunards Queen Victoria.
The walk from the terminal into Main Street takes approximately 20 minutes. However there are plenty of taxis that will drive you there for a standard price. The kiosk just outside of the terminal sells them (cash only) and a return ticket is £4 each.
You will get dropped (and collected) just outside of the Grand Casement Gates. Just head through the gates into Casement Square and then along Main Street.
Here you will see all sorts of shops. Everything from souveniers to jewellery, perfume to tobacco products and alcohol – all at duty free prices.
However we suggest you are aware of your allowances and prices at home or on your ship in case there are bargains elsewhere.
There is much more to be said about Gibraltar than we can ever mention here. Whilst it divides opinion, it is worth exploring for its wealth of history.
For us, it is a slice of home and we enjoy our visits. Sometimes we take one of the tours, often we look for a drop of duty free but nearly always visit a couple of the local pubs. Particular favourites are The Angry Friar and The Lord Nelson.
And when it's wet .....
And when it’s wet, it can be really wet! Our visit to Gibraltar in early 2025 aboard Fred. Olsen‘s Borealis was proof of that.
We only had a part day docked there so could not hang around to see if the rain cleared.
So we headed off as intrepid explorers into the town. A very wet town and for once deserted. We had never seen the town this quiet but it was perfectly understandable.
We made our way to the Angry Friar as usual. This time though, we had hot chocolate instead of a pint.
Of course, as we thought it might, the rain cleared up around lunchtime. The familiar cloud crept over the rock and the sun came out – just as we were leaving the dock.
Never mind – until next time.
More Pictures from our Visits
To check out our experiences in Gibraltar just click the videos below – and if you enjoy the content simply ‘Like’ and ‘Subscribe’ to see more (subscription is free).