Rocking it up in Gibraltar

O.K., so here’s another update on my series of blogs about un-missable tourist destinations on the different ports of call we at cruise.co.uk send you all too. Again, bear in mind this is aimed at people who have never visited these ports before and it’s all based on my personal opinions and my favourite sites anyway. If you feel I’ve missed something important out or disagree with a point I've made please make a comment below to help other cruisers make up their minds.

THE UPPER ROCK

This can be reached by car but the road is narrow and winding. I’ve always found it easier to take one of the Rock tours organised by taxi or coach or by taking the cable car, especially if you’re only going to be there one day. Included in the tour are the Upper Rock Nature Reserve giving magnificent views of North Africa and the meeting of the Atlantic and Mediterranean; St Michael's Cave, the Apes Den, the historic Siege Tunnels plus Europa Point.

ST MICHAEL'S CAVE

This is a dramatic natural grotto. There is a cross-section of a stalagmite on view, which shows the history of its growth. The cave is also used as a venue for concerts and forms a magnificent auditorium especially for classical music.

GREAT SIEGE TUNNELS

During the late 18th century the sieges led to a network of tunnels being excavated into the Rock as defences. Amongst these were tunnels for a proto-type gun, the first one ever to be able to fire downwards. The tunnels are a honeycomb network covering some 32 miles. Some sections are open to the public and others by special arrangement only.

GIBRALTAR - A CITY UNDER SIEGE

This exhibition demonstrates the appalling conditions the soldiers lived under during the sieges. There is graffiti dating back to the 18th century. You can also see the old water supply system.

GIBRALTAR MUSEUM

Situated in the centre of town just off Main Street in Bomb House Lane. The Museum tells the history of Gibraltar from its prehistoric beginnings to the present day. I found this quite intresting, but kids would probably get a bit bored.

BOTANICAL GARDENS

Situated by Grand Parade and the Cable Car terminal. The gardens opened in 1816. The gardens are a sublime area of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The gardens have a wooded appearance with olives and Mediterranean stone pines plus Dragon trees and palms from the Atlantic islands.
Flowerbeds display flora from sub-tropical areas such as South Africa and Australia. Seek out the Dell with its waterfall, fountain bridge and plants - an oasis of peace.

And of course whatever you chose to do/not to do, you have to make sure you get your picture taken with one of the islands famous monkeys!

Happy Cruising