How to Take a Malaga to Gibraltar Day Trip
Are you looking for the best way to take a Malaga to Gibraltar day trip? This guide covers it all.
If you plan to visit Malaga for longer than a weekend, you’re probably looking at day trips. A day trip from Malaga to Gibraltar is fantastic. In less than 2 hours, you can visit a new country!
Unlike what some people think, for me, Gibraltar is a unique destination with beautiful beaches and nature, lots of history, breathtaking views, and mixed cultures. It’s British territory, but it’s located in the Spanish Peninsula.
Having visited Gibraltar a couple of times, in this blog, I’m going to tell you the best things to do in Gibraltar on a day trip from Malaga, why Gibraltar is worth visiting and other interesting facts and tips about this destination.
This post contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through and purchase something, I receive a small commission on the price at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep the content up to date and make other improvements to the blog.
How to get from Malaga to Gibraltar
Malaga to Gibraltar is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes or 1 hour and 30 minutes drive if you pay the toll, so it’s a realistic day trip from Malaga.
If you don’t have a driving license to rent a car, or can’t be bothered to drive. There are incredible day trips from Malaga to Gibraltar that you can book.
One of the times I went to Gibraltar, I did this one day tour Malaga and Costa del Sol to Gibraltar with Get Your Guide.
Although I didn’t have enough time to do everything, I got plenty of time to visit the main attractions. The guide was knowledgeable and helpful, but what I liked the most about the tour was the flexibility to choose between free time and guided tours.
I usually prefer to explore things alone, so this was a win-win. Despite that, the guide told us about Gibraltar’s history and culture during our coach trip, making our coach journey more enjoyable and interesting.
If you prefer exploring and learning about Gibraltar through a local guide, look at this tour. The tour includes tickets for St Michael’s Cave too.
The longest and most inconvenient way to travel from Malaga to Gibraltar is by taking public transport.
There is a bus from Malaga to Gibraltar which takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. However, the bus doesn’t leave you in Gibraltar but in Linea de la Concepción, which is a 10-minute walk from the Gibraltar border.
What to do in Gibraltar on a day trip from Malaga
1. Take the Gibraltar Cable Car
If you don’t want to spend time walking all your way to the Top of the Rock, I highly recommend taking the cable car, as it will take you there in less than 7 minutes, and you get impressive views of Spain and Gibraltar.
The cable car is located at the end of Main Street, right next to the Alameda Botanical Gardens, so it’s easy to find. My major question was what package to get, as there are different prices and activities.
Before getting into the ticket office, there were a couple of tour guides trying to sell us a different option to explore the Top of the Rock and the Nature Reserve.
They told us we could take a van tour to all the main spots, so we didn’t waste our time and energy walking. However, I wasn’t convinced at all since I always find walking and exploring myself more exciting, whereas the van tour offers limited time in each place!
Initially, I wanted to buy a return cable car ticket, which included admission to the Nature Reserve; however, I’m glad that the woman behind the counter was very friendly and highly recommended buying a one-way ticket and then walking down to visit more places.
Find cable car opening times and other important information here.
2. Explore the Top of the Rock and Upper Nature Reserve
This is Gibraltar’s most famous attraction and the first thing that comes to anyone’s mind. Top of the Rock is also known for its monkeys.
The views from Top of the Rock are impressive – you can see Spain, Gibraltar and Africa at the same time. Visiting this attraction is a must-do activity on a day trip from Malaga to Gibraltar, so it must be on your itinerary.
Top of the Rock is in the Upper Nature Reserve, which has other stunning attractions:
Skywalk
The Skywalk offers breathtaking 360º views of the Top of the Rock, Catalan Bay and other beautiful points. If you aren’t scared of heights and walking on a glass floor, you’ll absolutely love it.
The only thing that disappointed me was how small it was. If you check it out on the internet or Instagram, you may think it’s quite extensive. Despite that, it’s quite impressive!
Mediterranean Steps
Gibraltar is perfect for hiking, and the Mediterranean Steps will keep you fit. Hike to the highest point of Top of the Rock while you contemplate the stunning nature and impressive views.
Like many of Gibraltar’s attractions, the Mediterranean Steps were created as part of a communication system for soldiers to allow access to different defence posts, including the famous O’Hara’s Battery.
St Michael’s Cave
St Michael’s Cave is a network of caves made of limestone, which are found on the Rock of Gibraltar. It’s lovely to see the cave formations; however, you cannot access all the areas inside the cave.
Although you can see some colours in the picture below, these are simply the lights used inside the caves, but the caves don’t have these colours at all.
The most impressive part of St Michael’s Cave is the polished stalagmite. This stalagmite broke and fell thousands of years ago, and as a result, the Rock of Gibraltar was shaken. You can also see this type of stalagmite in the Caves of Nerja.
Apes’ Den
I must admit I was very excited to see these monkeys, known as Barbary macaques, living freely in their natural habitat.
However, once I got there, I got very scared. My partner and I came out of the cable car and went up some stairs to get to the viewpoint next to the restaurant, and there was a monkey with its baby.
They looked so cute, so my partner went to take a picture a bit closer and then passed to get to the other side, but the monkey jumped into his bag and tried to steal it. My partner moved quickly, and luckily, nothing happened!
I managed to go through without being attacked, but my heart was beating 100 per hour. Now, we laugh, but it wasn’t funny at that moment.
I am not saying all monkeys are like the one I’ve just told you about, but be careful and don’t touch them even if they jump to your back. At the same time, if you’re wearing a backpack, put it on your chest rather than your back, as it’s easier for monkeys to steal it from you.
Some of the monkeys I saw later seemed friendlier, and I saw a man taking a selfie with one. So it may depend on the monkey.
Anyway, you’ll see them eating fruits and vegetables that local restaurants provide. However, you aren’t allowed to feed them, and if you do so, you’ll get a fine.
Gibraltar is the only European country where this wild monkey population lives. They are originally from Africa, and it’s unknown how these monkeys arrived in Gibraltar.
Although the population of these monkeys is decreasing in Africa, the Gibraltar population is increasing, and nowadays, there are approximately 300 monkeys in the Gibraltar Nature Reserve.
A legend says that Churchill commanded bringing monkeys to Gibraltar as they were disappearing. For him, having monkeys on Top of the Rock was a symbol of Britishness, and as long as there were monkeys in Gibraltar, Gibraltar would belong to the UK.
3. Visit the Moorish Castle
This is probably one of the most important features of Top of the Rock. This castle was built in 1160 CE. However, the Spanish ransacked it, and what you can see today is the last rebuilt in the 14th Century by Abu-l-Hasan.
Please don’t make the same mistake as me. I thought you could access the Moorish Castle from the city centre, but that wasn’t the case, so I managed to get very close (to take the picture below), but unfortunately, I couldn’t get inside.
You need to access it through the Nature Reserve!
4. Find the Sacred Heart Church
Sacred Heart Church is a hidden gem in Gibraltar!
As I walked down from the Top of the Rock, I stumbled upon this beautiful and impressive church. Although I didn’t get in because it was closed, I loved the architecture and the vibrant pink flowers around it.
I just wish I could get in and contemplate it, as I’ve heard it’s very impressive inside, too.
5. Relax at Catalan Bay
Gibraltar has a couple of beaches, and Catalan Bay, also known as “La Caleta”, is my favourite for many reasons.
You can enjoy the clear turquoise water and white sand on this beautiful beach. But if you prefer to explore or you’re looking for a spot for pictures, this is your place too.
There are colourful pastel buildings that make this place more magical. Add it to your Gibraltar itinerary!
6. Wander the Main Street
Here is where you want to be if you’re looking for something to eat or shop.
Shopping is one of the main activities in Gibraltar, and the reason behind this is that you don’t pay VAT on many products (e.g., electronic goods, cigarettes, and alcohol, which are cheaper than in Spain.)
If you’re asking yourself what shops you’ll find in Gibraltar, there are many British High Street shops such as Marks & Spencer, Morrison’s, BHS, Evans and Dorothy Perkins. So it’s the shopaholic paradise!
There are also plenty of restaurants to eat at. You’ll find traditional fish and chips, Turkish kebabs, and much more, but I must say I struggled to find traditional Gibraltarian food.
I heard of calentita, translated as “the warm one”, which consists of chickpea flour, water and olive oil, all topped with a touch of salt and pepper.
However, I didn’t see any places to get it from. Apparently, it’s prepared at the Calentita festival, which promotes culture through food.
Apart from food and shopping, I loved exploring Gibraltar’s streets – colourful buildings, small terraces with flower pots, and stunning views from the hills.
7. Take a photo of Devils Gap Road
The location of this historic and instagrammable spot is near Sacred Heart Church. The steps have been painted with the Union Flag ever since Gibraltar’s first sovereignty referendum.
On the same street, you’ll also see an interesting house with plenty of pirate decorations encouraging you to take a picture.
Top tips for visiting Gibraltar
- Go early to avoid long queues at the Spanish border, and remember to bring your passport!
- If you’re visiting Gibraltar for a day or two, renting a car may not be worth it unless you plan to visit other nearby Spanish towns and cities. Everything is within walking distance, or you can easily use public transport.
- Book accommodation away from the city centre or in La Linea, the Spanish town next to Gibraltar.
- Get travel insurance for your trip. SafetyWing offers affordable and flexible health and travel insurance.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Gibraltar
How do I spend a day in Gibraltar?
You can do so many incredible things in Gibraltar in one day. Here is a list of unmissable things to do during your trip:
– Go to the Upper Nature Reserve and Top of the Rock to get panoramic views of Gibraltar, Spain and Africa and see the famous monkeys.
– Visit St Michael’s Cave, which is located in the Upper Nature Reserve.
– Go to the Moorish Castle.
– Discover the beautiful Sacred Heart Church.
– Shop at Gibraltar Main Street.
Can you walk everywhere in Gibraltar?
Yes, you can walk the island in 4 hours; however, if you’re visiting Gibraltar in one day and want to go to the other side, you’ll have to use public transport or a taxi to save time.
What is the best time to visit Gibraltar?
The best months to visit Gibraltar for sightseeing are April to June and September to early November. The best months to visit Gibraltar for a beach holiday are July, August and September.
So, is Gibraltar worth a day trip?
I used to hear that Gibraltar wasn’t worth visiting. I was told, “It’s tiny”, and “There is nothing to do there.” Although I listen to advice and recommendations, it doesn’t mean I take them. Many of these people had never visited Gibraltar, anyway.
You need to check things for yourself, especially when travelling somewhere new. What may not be interesting or beautiful to someone may be to you. So, go ahead and create your own perception of Gibraltar.
For me, the answer is yes, Gibraltar is worth visiting! There’s more than Top of the Rock in Gibraltar, and I wish I had stayed longer than a day.
You can easily spend two or three days exploring things slowly, spending a full day on the beach, or even going dolphin watching, where you can see dolphins jump freely in the sea.
Despite that, Malaga to Gibraltar trip is a great option to explore the main attractions if you don’t have much time, plus you’ll save some money as accommodation in Gibraltar can be quite expensive.
In case you stay more than a day in Gibraltar, I would recommend staying in a hotel in La Linea or Tarifa ,as you’ll find cheaper accommodation.
Some of the attractions I didn’t get to see were Europa Point and The Great Siege Tunnels, so take a look at them, and you may want to add them to your list.
Are you ready to explore this incredible destination? If you have any questions about going on a Malaga to Gibraltar day trip or how to spend one day in Gibraltar, leave them in the comments below.
Safe adventures!
Cristina xx
Save this guide on what to do in Gibraltar in one day for later
Things to do before visiting Gibraltar
- Check out and book flights with Skyscanner.
- Staying longer than a day? Book accommodation in Gibraltar with Booking.com
- Have a look at great experiences and excursions with Get Your Guide.
- Don’t forget to get travel insurance. This is a must for any trip! SafetyWing offers flexible and affordable health and travel insurance.
I have never thought about exploring Gibraltar before reading your article! How interesting! Catalan bay looks really stunning for example! Thanks for all the info!
I’m happy to hear that my post has inspired you to go to Gibraltar 🙂 Also, I agree that Catalan Bay is stunning!
That’s awesome! I went on a day trip to Gibraltar once during a Spain road trip back when I was ten and I loved it there. The monkeys are so adorable!
Oh, that’s amazing! 🙂 Gibraltar is a unique place for sure.
Really great info for a cool trip. I did this a while ago and found it really odd that the town looked so much like the UK – but with monkeys and sun!
Thank you, Katy! It’s odd indeed, but I love it.
Great guide. I had no idea there were monkeys in Spain! And that cave looked awesome.
Thank you, Bliss 🙂
St. Michael’s Cave looks INCREDIBLE!! And I totally agree with you – take advice but also let curiosity guide you 🙂 what may be uneventful to someone may be astounding to you!
I really enjoyed visiting St. Michael’s Cave, it’s beautiful! 🙂 Also, it’s nice to hear you agree with me!
Hey, Cristina…your post makes me feel like planning a trip to Gibraltar right away. Beautiful photos and a really good read. Thanks for sharing.
I’m very happy to hear that 🙂 Thank you so much, Rituparna.
This trip looks amazing. And I love that blue dress. Can’t wait to visit when I am able to!
Yes, you need to visit this place in the future 🙂
Gibraltar looks so beautiful! I was going to go there from Morocco to Seville last year, but I ended up just taking a short flight. I still have it on my bucket list though!
Gibraltar is a beautiful location, I was really impressed by it! I hope you can visit Gibraltar next time you visit Southern Spain 🙂
Gibraltar is so great although I did get attacked by monkeys there for having a packet of peanut M&M’s in my bag!
They are quite smart! A monkey tried to steal my boyfriend’s bag, but he had no food inside haha.
I hadn’t heard too much about Gibraltar other than the spanish/english influence so it is great to hear more about what makes this place so unique and special! Your photos are gorgeous and I can’t wait to visit one day 🙂
I’m glad you discovered more about Gibraltar by reading my blog. Thank you so much 🙂 I hope you visit it one day too.
I had no clue Gibraltar has so much to offer! The view from the cable car is breathtaking and I would love to visit St. Michael’s Cave 🙂
Yes, I didn’t know much about Gibraltar until I started planning my day trip. It’s amazing how such a small country has plenty of things to offer! 🙂
I was meant to visit Malaga & Gibraltar in April, but the trip got cancelled before I even got the chance to plan. So this has given me some great inspiration. LOVE the look of St Michael’s Cave – had no idea there was anything like that in Gibraltar! That lighting makes it look so eerie too…
Oh, I’m sorry to hear that! I hope you can go on this trip soon 🙂 Also, I’m glad my post has given you some inspiration for the future.
I barely even knew Gibralter existed before reading this, and now I REALLY want to go. Definitely adding it on the itinerary when I finally make it to Spain! Those caves were gorgeous and I had no idea there were wild monkeys anywhere in Europe!!
Amazing!! 🙂 If you liked the pictures, I think you’ll love it. Also, it’s a short and nice trip from Southern Spain.
Such a comprehensive overview guide. I’d love to visit the cave and hang out with the monkeys.
Thank you, Karen!
I had no idea it was so easy to do a daytrip to Gibraltar from Malaga, wish I’d done that when I was last there. One for the bucket list 🙂
I hope you can go on this trip next time 🙂
I love this! Especially the bit about the monkey’s! Who knew!? I hope to visit here someday, I saved this post for when I can finally plan!!
I’m happy to hear that 🙂 I hope you can go to Gibraltar too!
I wish I had this list when I was there! I’m saving for next time!
I’m glad to hear you’re saving it for later 🙂
Thank you for sharing, I have saved it for when I get chance to visit! It has always been high on the list! We meant to visit when we were in Granada and Seville but we run out of time.
I hope you visit Gibraltar next time 🙂
Wow, how interesting! I find it difficult to believe that a part of Spain is under English rule. It looks like a beautiful place to visit, and an easy day trip from Malaga. I hear time and time again about how ‘nasty’ monkeys can be.
So many amazing things to do. My parents actually visited Gibraltar and their pictures looked beautiful. They didnt quite get to all these places so thanks for sharing. I have heard stories about those monkeys.
I have always wanted to check out Gibraltar. However, my husband does not like monkeys too much…so that may be a deterrent.
What a lovely place. I would love to visit. So many interesting places to see on the island. The cave full of stalagmites, the colorful buildings on Main St., the Sacred Heart Church, the monkeys. Hope to visit one day.
These are great tips! We went on a day trip to Gibraltar but only managed to walk around the hill and get chased by monkeys!
Gibraltar looks beautiful I would especially love to explore St Michael’s Cave. I can’t believe I’ve been to Spain over 15 times and never even considered going to Gibraltar. It’s definitely on my wish list now 🙂