What to do on a week in Gibraltar: active adventurers
Gibraltar’s geography and topography has created a unique and remarkable destination for those looking for activity and adventure. Within just 2.6 square miles Gibraltar has everything from vibrant city life packed with history to quiet mountain trails with an abundance of wildlife. And 320 days of sunshine a year!
Stay, Sail and Explore weeks are the perfect way to make the most of your holiday in Gibraltar this summer. The week includes Sat-Sat or Sun-Sun yacht charter (2-7 guests), based in Ocean Village. It also includes an on call skipper to take you out sailing, find the perfect anchorage to paddleboard, go dolphin spotting or teach you the ropes.
Here’s an idea of how you could spend your week…
Day 1: Settle in – If you have a ruck-sack or luggage with wheels, then take the 15 minute walk from the airport over the runway to Ocean Village – a bucket list must when you’re in Gibraltar! Arrive, check-in and familiarise yourself with your yacht and then chill out in one of the marina’s waterside cafes and take a stroll around Ocean Village.
Day 2: Top of Rock – Get up early to avoid the midday sun, have breakfast onboard, pack drinks and snacks and hike through the Nature Reserve to the top of the Rock and enjoy the stunning views along the Spanish Coast, the Gibraltar Straits and Africa. Visit the Ape’s Den but hold onto your hat and snacks – the Barbary Macaques like hats and snacks! Gibraltar is a popular spot for birdwatchers too, being on the migratory path for many species.
Day 3: Swimming, Dolphins and Sailing – An Allabroad Skipper can take you out sailing (any sailing you want to do during the week is included in the cost of Stay, Sail and Explore weeks). Dolphins love playing in the bay and our Skippers are first class at knowing where to find them – if the dolphins don’t find the boat first! Sit on the bow and watch them leap through the waves. Drop the anchor, go for a swim, jump off the side or chillout and read a book.
Day 4: History of Gibraltar & Sunset Sail – Explore the World War II tunnels, carved into the rock with amazing views over the runway and onwards to Spain. Visit the Moorish Castle. Learn about Gibraltar’s history from Neandertal to modern times. When it heats up in the afternoon, head into the spectacular St Micheal Caves for some cool air. Finish the day with a sunset sail and dinner onboard and see the Rock lit up in all it’s glory.
Day 5: Learn the Ropes – Ask your skipper to take you out and teach you some sailing skills. Get a taste of what sailing is all about, help set the sails, winch the sheets, take the helm. Enjoy the moment and get fantastic views of the rock and some spectacular photos. Anchor for lunch and jump in off the side of the boat to cool off, go paddle-boarding.
Day 6: Hiking and Coasteering – This morning, climb the spectacular Mediterranean Steps from Jews Gate at the southern end of the reserve, up towards O’Haras Battery at 419m above sea level – close to the peak. Visit the Skywalk before taking the 6 minute cable car journey back into town. Head around the the eastern side of the rock for coasteering, ziplining, climbing, jumping and abseiling.
Day 7: Casemates Square and Main Street Leave your bags at Allabroad reception, enjoy a leisurely alfresco breakfast at one of Ocean Villages many cafe’s and then take a walk up Main Street. Loose yourself in Gibraltar’s ancient twisting alleyways and stone steps cut into the rock. Stop for a cool beer in one of Irish Towns famous quaint pubs or hire bikes and head out to Europa Point, the most southerly tip of Gibraltar with stunning views of North Africa and the Gibraltar Straits.
Find out more:
More details on the day trips and activities mentioned in this example itinerary, and the costs, are available on the VisitGibraltar website