Holiday in Gibraltar – The 6 places that you need to visit near Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a great place to visit all year round due to its sunny climate (300 sunny days a year!) and abundance of activities. Gibraltar has something for everyone, from sightseeing and history tours to hiking, wildlife watching and even tax-free shopping! But did you know there are many Spanish must-see cities and villages around the corner?

6 beautiful places to visit near Gibraltar

Gibraltar is relatively small, and located in the southern area part of Andalusia. Because of its geographical location, it is very easy to cross the border and enjoy some of the best Andalusian attractions. In this article, we share the 6 most beautiful places to visit near Gibraltar when you are on holiday in Gibraltar. Pack your bags and let’s go!

Tarifa

Tarifa is the most southern city from the mainland of Europe, on the Costa de la Luz, with 38 km of golden beaches, clear waters, and strong winds. It is a geographical location, at the narrowest point between Europe and Africa, in the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. This is the cause of an almost always prevailing moderate to strong wind. Combined with the warm southern climate, Tarifa is the most ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Tarifa is therefore called the European capital of windsurfing as its excellent conditions for water sports are recognized at an international level.

The town itself has many stores selling water sports equipment, clothing, and gear, of course, especially for windsurfing and kitesurfing. You can also find “Made in Tarifa” souvenirs. Several competitions in different categories (including speed, wave, and slalom) are held every year. The Tarifa Cup opens the competition season in January. In addition, many wind and kitesurfing schools can also be found.

Tarifa is approximately a 1-hour drive from Gibraltar.

Estepona

On the western side of the Costa del Sol, the port city of Estepona charms everyone with its picturesque old town. You will find yourself in a maze of small streets, surround by colorful flowers, authentic restaurants, and cute little stores. You can’t help but fall in love immediately!

A lot more modern, but certainly just as fun to visit, is the famous pedestrian promenade along the coast. Whether you feel like taking a morning stroll, getting a breath of fresh air at sunset, or plopping down on a terrace; el Paseo Marítimo has it all. Enjoy over three kilometers of footpath while taking in the beautiful surroundings and liveliness.

In addition, the “Ruta de los Murales” is highly recommended. Strolling through different neighborhoods, you can admire all 50 murals (wall paintings) in Estepona.

Casares

Have you ever wondered what Spain looks like outside the big cities? Then it’s time you get to know Casares, a beautiful village with white houses and panoramic views as far as the Mediterranean, Gibraltar, and the coastline of North Africa.  Casares is a Historic-Artistic site, offering the best of all the civilizations that have lived there over the centuries.

Many tourists begin their visit to Casares at the Casa Natal Blas Infante, the birthplace of the father of Andalusian nationalism and the most important person during the rebuilding of the Andalusian nationality. You will also find temporary exhibits featuring artwork by local artists.

Another must-visit is the Castle of Casares is located at the highest point of the town. It was built by the Arabs, who used the rocky hill as a base for their defense system. The castle dominates the valleys, plains, and hills from Serrania de Ronda to the Bay of Algeciras and the Rock of Gibraltar. In addition to the castle, there are a number of preserved towers and two gates, known as the Arrabal and Villa arches. Here you will find the Ethnological and Historical Museum.

Sotogrande

Sotogrande is an urbanization in the municipality of San Roque, in the Campo de Gibraltar region. The municipality has a population of 2,500, although it is estimated that the population swells to 12,500 during the summer season.

The exclusive urbanization of Sotogrande is home to some of the wealthiest and most influential families who spend their summers there and, above all, seek peace and quiet.

Sotogrande has five important golf courses, including Valderrama Golf Course, considered one of the best in Europe. It has one of the marinas with the largest capacity in Andalusia, which is also one of the largest in Spain. Sotogrande is also one of the most important polo centers in the world, both because of the quality of the facilities available and the level of international competitions organized by the various polo clubs in the area. Sailing competitions are also organized.

The ample sports facilities and hotel offers in the area have led to urbanization being considered one of the most important luxury residential zones in Andalusia, Spain, and even in Europe.

Sotogrande is approximately a 30-minutes drive from Gibraltar.

Castellar de Frontera

Castellar de la Frontera is known for the Fortaleza de Castellar Viejo, a 13th-century Arab fortress whose location atop a hill made it important for the defense of the Islamic kingdoms. It has an unusual layout and is surrounded by a wall with a number of smaller structures inside.

As for monuments, the Torre de La Almoraima, is a sight not to be missed. This monument still dates back to the Moorish era. This four-story octagonal tower on top of a hill is a real eye-catcher. Also, don’t forget to visit the Convento de San Miguel de la Almoraima. A visit to this beautiful 17th-century Baroque-style building is the perfect way to complete your trip to Castellar de la Frontera.

Castellar de Frontera is approximately a 30-minutes drive from Gibraltar.

Castellar Zoo

This is an animal rescue zoo in Castellar de Frontera. The animals that you will find in this park were homeless, nobody took care of them, many were victims of the black market and their chances of survival were very limited.

Thanks to the foundation of the Castellar Zoo, today they are protected and cared for. They have a home that resembles their natural habitat and their chances of survival have increased.

In the park you can meet animals such as tigers, rabbits, lemurs, guinea pigs, birds, baboons, reptiles, lynxes, Vietnamese pigs, vultures, monkeys, ocelots, llamas, tortoises, otters, rheas, crocodiles, blue-bearded macaw, hares, flamingos, cranes, fish, storks, lions, goats, baboons, etc.

Tickets to Castellar Zoo can be purchased on their website.

The zoo is open any day of the year from 10:00 a.m. to 19:00.