Gibraltar Day Trip from Marbella: Wild Monkeys, Hidden Tunnels & British Quirks in the Sun

Looking for a family adventure just a short drive from Marbella? Gibraltar is the perfect day trip if you're up for something a little different – think wild monkeys, dramatic sea cliffs, and suddenly paying in pounds instead of euros. Yep, it's like teleporting from the Costa del Sol to a mini version of Britain... but with way better weather.

Getting There

From Marbella, it’s about a 1.5–2 hour drive (depending on traffic) down the coast. You’ll cross the border at La Línea – remember to bring passports for everyone, even the kids! Parking is easiest on the Spanish side, then you can just walk across and catch a local bus or taxi.

Pro tip: try to go early in the day – Gibraltar can get busy, especially in summer.

First Stop: The Rock

You can't miss it – literally. The famous Rock of Gibraltar dominates the landscape and is home to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. That’s where you’ll meet the real stars of the show: the Barbary macaques, Europe’s only wild monkeys.

They’re cheeky, clever, and absolutely unbothered by your snack rules. If you have kids, prepare them: no feeding, no touching, and definitely no opening backpacks near the monkeys unless you want to lose your lunch. 🐒

The Views

Ride the cable car to the top of the Rock (super fun for the kids), or if you're feeling brave – and your legs are ready – hike up! The views are stunning. On a clear day, you can see across to Morocco, and spot where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic.

World War II Tunnels

History buffs in the family? The WWII tunnels are fascinating – miles of secret passages carved into the Rock, with stories of spies, soldiers, and secret operations. Tours are available and surprisingly engaging, even for tweens.

Other Highlights

• St. Michael’s Cave – a natural limestone cave that’s part nightclub, part fairy tale.

  

• Main Street – pick up some British snacks (hello, Cadbury!) or grab fish and chips if you’re missing UK flavours.

• Dolphin watching – optional, but highly recommended if you have time.

Back to Marbella

After a full day of exploring, head back to Marbella for a well-earned evening by the pool (and maybe a glass of Rioja for the grown-ups 🍷).

Why we loved it as a family:
✅ Just the right mix of nature, animals, and adventure
✅ Everything walkable once you cross the border
✅ Enough history to be interesting, but not overwhelming
✅ Monkeys. Did we mention the monkeys?