Gibraltar is warm well into October (Image: Getty)
As overcast skies become a more regular feature and tans begin to fade at the end of one of the most sunshine-filled summers in memory, the mind shifts towards sunny beaches overseas.
Across the continent, the mercury remains persistently high. In parts of Spain, Greece and Turkey, it’s been in the mid-30s this week, making a mockery of cosy autumn evenings.
For those who fancy one more portion of Northern Hemisphere sunshine this year, there is a small European land where the temperatures remain high well into October.
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory (Image: Getty)
The British overseas territory of Gibraltar sits on a tiny peninsula at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, sharing a land border with Spain. It belongs to the United Kingdom, which handles its defense and foreign affairs, and has King Charles III as its head of state, while sporting its own constitution, a local parliament, and a Chief Minister who manages internal affairs.
While a little further away from the UK than Spanish destinations, due to its position at the very south of the country, Gibraltar is easy to get to. British Airways flies there direct from London Heathrow, while easyJet runs services from Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester. Flights take a shade under three hours, with November, January, and February often the cheapest time to fly, when you’ll get fares starting around £35–£47 one-way.
As of July this year, border controls between Spain and Gibraltar have been lifted, making movement between the two much easier.
In terms of having a holiday in Gibraltar, there’s plenty to keep you busy for a few days.
The Windsor Suspension Bridge on the Rock of Gibraltar (Image: Getty)
St Michael’s Cave: A vast natural limestone cavern filled with stalactites and stalagmites, transformed by a colourful light-and-music show that fills the main chamber. Once believed to be the mythical link to Africa, it’s now Gibraltar’s most-visited attraction, hosting concerts in its natural amphitheatre. Wheelchair accessible via the main entrance, though queues can build midday.
Skywalk Gibraltar: A glass-floored platform cantilevered 340 metres above sea level, built on a former military lookout post. Step out and the Rock drops away beneath your feet, with panoramic views stretching across the Strait to Morocco on clear days. It’s windy up top, but the structure feels solid and secure — one of Gibraltar’s best photo spots.
Mediterranean Steps: A steep but rewarding hike climbing from the reserve’s southern edge up to O’Hara’s Battery, the highest point on the Rock. Around an hour each way for moderately fit walkers, past caves, geckos, and dramatic drop-offs. Sturdy shoes and water are essential, but the panoramic payoff over the Strait makes the climb worthwhile.
Apes’ Den: Home to Gibraltar’s wild Barbary macaques, Europe’s only free-ranging monkey population, believed to have arrived via North Africa centuries ago. They’re bold and curious — happy to rifle through open bags for food — so keep belongings zipped and don’t feed or touch them. A guaranteed highlight for kids and wildlife lovers alike.
Gibraltar Botanic Gardens: A free, hillside oasis of cacti, subtropical plants, and shaded walking paths, dating back to 1816. There’s a small paid wildlife conservation area, a stream, benches for resting, and views up toward the Windsor Bridge. A peaceful, unhurried counterpoint to the busier attractions higher up the Rock.
Moorish Castle: A 12th-century fortress tower, the Tower of Homage, built during Gibraltar’s Moorish period and later used as a prison. The steep climb up through town’s narrow lanes is an experience in itself, and the summit rewards visitors with sweeping views over the harbour, town rooftops, and the bay beyond.
Windsor Suspension Bridge: A 71-metre pedestrian bridge spanning a deep gorge on the nature trail, purpose-built to connect two of the Rock’s walking routes. It sways gently underfoot, giving a small adrenaline kick without feeling unsafe. Quick to cross, but a fun, photogenic detour that adds a bit of thrill to the walking circuit.
Lower St Michael’s Cave: A more adventurous, guided caving tour into the undeveloped lower chamber, requiring some upper-body effort and a head for tight spaces. Knowledgeable guides explain the geology behind the formations, illuminated dramatically as you descend. Advance online booking is required, and it’s a highlight for visitors wanting more than the standard cave visit.
World War II Tunnels: An extensive network of wartime tunnels carved into the Rock, used as command posts, hospitals, and storage during WWII. Interactive exhibits, military artefacts, and informative plaques (including a preserved Spitfire) bring the history to life. Well worth visiting with or without a guide — the scale of the network is genuinely impressive.
The Gibraltar National Museum: A compact but rich museum built atop ancient Moorish bathhouse ruins, covering Gibraltar’s natural and human history from Neanderthal remains to modern military heritage. Highlights include a reconstructed Neanderthal family, an Egyptian sarcophagus, and exhibits on Gorham’s Cave. A good indoor break from the Rock’s outdoor attractions.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
