Thinking about spicing up your trip to Andalusia with a little adventure? Taking one of the day’s tours from Malaga to Gibraltar is an excellent idea!
Gibraltar has stories to tell, wild monkeys to meet, caves to explore, and, yes, some pretty good deals on shopping, as it’s a duty-free area.
Whether you’re all in for a guided tour, spot dolphins playing in the waves, or go on a shopping trip, there’s a trip from Malaga that is just what you’re looking for.
Want to know more? This is a comprehensive guide with the information you need about the British Overseas Territory as well as the best day trips from Malaga to Gibraltar.
Day Tours from Malaga to Gibraltar – Overview
I understand you may not have the time to read this entire guide, so here’s the overall best day trip from Malaga to Gibraltar you can join, which has hundreds of positive reviews.
Best-Rated Tour
Full-Day Tour from Malaga to Gibraltar
- Best way to visit Gibraltar
- 10-hour trip to see all the key spots
- Fun group and guide to spend the day with
Includes
- Free time in Gibraltar
- Transportation from Malaga
- Tour around the Nature Reserve Rock
Where is Gibraltar?
Gibraltar is a unique British Overseas Territory located on Spain’s southern coast, at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. It’s famous for the Rock of Gibraltar, a towering limestone ridge with panoramic views.
Gibraltar blends British and Spanish cultures, offering a mix of historic sites, wildlife, and shopping opportunities, all under the warm Mediterranean sun.
How Far is Gibraltar from Malaga?
Gibraltar is approximately 130 kilometers (about 80 miles) southwest of Malaga. The road trip is straightforward, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the route.
There are different ways to get to Gibraltar from Malaga, including renting a car, joining a day tour, or taking a bus or a train (there are no direct connections, so I do not recommend it).
Should You Join a Tour from Malaga to Gibraltar?
While a day trip to Gibraltar seems short, it’s a smart choice, especially if you have limited time in Malaga or if you only want to see the key spots.
Tours often include transportation, a guide, and sometimes entry fees to major attractions like the Rock of Gibraltar, St. Michael’s Cave, or the Great Siege Tunnels, which is very convenient.
I personally recommend this day trip, but if you want more options, keep reading for other day tours.
Take a Day Trip from Malaga to Gibraltar on Your Own
Yes, you can definitely plan a day trip from Malaga to Gibraltar by yourself, though direct public transport options don’t exist.
Your best bet is to rent a car and drive into Gibraltar. Crossing the border into Gibraltar is straightforward, but remember to bring your passport.
Otherwise, you can catch a bus to La Linea, the Spanish town bordering Gibraltar, and then walk across the border.
Is Gibraltar Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! It’s a fascinating destination with its unique blend of British and Spanish influences, remarkable history, and stunning natural beauty. The iconic Rock of Gibraltar offers breathtaking views, and exploring the labyrinthine Great Siege Tunnels reveals the area’s strategic importance.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the famous macaques, Europe’s only free-living monkeys. How cool does that sound?
10 Best Day Trips from Malaga to Gibraltar
Now that you have more context and information about this unique place as a whole, let’s discuss the best day tours from Malaga that you can join, and I’m confident you’ll find the one for you!
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1. Full-Day Tour from Malaga and Costa del Sol to Gibraltar
⭐ Rating: 4.4/5
✔️ Reviews: 2,000+
🕗 Duration: 10 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
This full-day tour from Malaga to Gibraltar is an adventure you won’t forget, and it has more than 2,000 positive reviews, which guarantees a great time.
Starting with a comfy bus ride, equipped with all the essentials like WiFi, you’ll head straight to Gibraltar. The guide fills you in on cool spots and facts during the journey.
Once you cross Gibraltar border, a panoramic tour awaits, showcasing the Strait of Gibraltar, the mysterious St. Michel Caves, and the Barbary macaques, of course.
After soaking in the views and history, you’ll have free time in town. Lunch, shopping, or exploring sights like Marina Bay or the Mediterranean Steps are all on the table. After spending a few hours around, you’ll get back to Malaga with your guide, full of memories!
The catch? This excursion is the most popular by far, and I recommend booking now before they sell out.
2. Private Tour from Malaga to Gibraltar
⭐ Rating: 5/5
✔️ Reviews: 40+
🕗 Duration: 9 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: Viator
This private excursion from Malaga to Gibraltar offers an intimate look at the iconic Rock and its surroundings, and it’s a great alternative if you want to make the most of the day out.
The guide will pick you up at your hotel in the morning and you’ll head straight to Gibraltar. Booking private tours means that you won’t stop on the way to pick up other passengers, and that’s a great way to save some precious time.
Start the visit at Gibraltar’s peak, where views and photo ops are unparalleled. The tour covers the Pillars of Hercules, St. Michael’s Cave, the top of the Rock with its famous macaques, and the historically rich Great Siege Tunnels.
Along with exclusive insights from your local guide, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to explore, whether it’s tasting local dishes or shopping, making this tour tailor-made to get a unique feel for the British Territory.
Yes, it’s more expensive than other tours on this list, but it’s also relatively more convenient, pleasant, and enjoyable, depending on your taste.
3. Sightseeing Excursion from Costa Del Sol
⭐ Rating: 3.8/5
✔️ Reviews: 1,300+
🕗 Duration: 11 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
Kick off a day to remember with a ride from Costa Del Sol on a cozy, air-conditioned coach.
Upon arrival, a local guide takes the lead, introducing you to Gibraltar’s famed landmarks – the bustling port, the historical walls of the inner city, and the majestic Europa Point.
Then, you will visit St. Michael’s Cave. This stunning limestone cave is part of a complex network, with natural formations like stalactites and stalagmites creating an otherworldly landscape that you can’t find anywhere else.
Historically rumored to be bottomless, the cave was once believed to connect to Africa. Today, it’s a popular venue for concerts thanks to its natural acoustics, adding a cultural layer to its geological and historical significance.
After that, the highlight is spotting Africa from Europa Point, and while that’s a quick stop, it’s part of the experience and you can’t miss it.
Lastly, before going back to Malaga, you’ll have some free time in Gibraltar and you can take a stroll around Main Street and go shopping for souvenirs – You’ll find duty-free goods in town!
4. Day Trip to Gibraltar with Guided Tour
⭐ Rating: 4/5
✔️ Reviews: 200+
🕗 Duration: 10 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
This full-day tour kicks off with a ride from the Costa del Sol to Gibraltar. Enjoy the scenic drive on the way, listening to your guide sharing facts and stories about Gibraltar’s mythology and its status as a British territory.
Crossing into Gibraltar, you’ll immediately see the imposing limestone Rock, a landmark offering incredible views over the bay and, weather permitting, Africa’s northern coast.
The tour includes five hours of free time after parking, allowing you to go shopping, enjoy local food, and take photos all around.
This tour highlights Europa Point and the entrance to Saint Michael’s Cave, plus a chance to see the Barbary apes. Also, your guide can pick you up from Estepona (one of the best white villages to visit), Fuengirola, or Marbella, which is convenient if you plan to visit these too.
5. Malaga to Gibraltar Guided Tour with St Michael Caves
⭐ Rating: 3.5/5
✔️ Reviews: 500+
🕗 Duration: 11 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: Viator
Embark on a journey from the Costa del Sol to the landscapes of Gibraltar for a day filled with sightseeing and shopping. Traveling in an air-conditioned coach, you’ll discover the highlights, including the majestic Rock and the captivating St. Michael’s Cave.
Of course, you’ll have a chance to meet the Barbary macaques, as well as pay a visit to Europa Point, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.
After soaking in the history and natural beauty, enjoy ample free time to enjoy Gibraltar’s British-flavored shopping scene, from high-street stores to luxury goods, all offering great value thanks to duty-free pricing.
6. Gibraltar Shopping Tour from Malaga
⭐ Rating: 4/5
✔️ Reviews: 50+
🕗 Duration: 11 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: Viator
Set off on a shopping extravaganza with this full-day excursion to Gibraltar from the Costa del Sol. Your journey begins with a scenic drive along the Mediterranean coast aboard a deluxe coach, setting the stage for a day of retail indulgence.
Gibraltar’s Main Street is your playground, boasting a selection of department stores, fashion brands, and local craft shops. Here, you can indulge in tax-free shopping, snapping up everything from designer clothes to electronics and souvenirs.
Beyond the shopping spree, take the opportunity to experience the British heritage, maybe taking a break in one of its quaint pubs or eateries.
With about four hours of free time to explore and shop at your leisure, you’re sure to find that perfect item to remember your day by.
Note that you won’t stop at famous places like St Michael’s Caves or Europa Point with your tour guide, and you’ll have to go on your own, which can be nice, depending on your preferences!
7. Gibraltar Day Trip with Rock Tour
⭐ Rating: 3.9/5
✔️ Reviews: 200+
🕗 Duration: 10 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
Enjoy Gibraltar’s wonders on a day trip from Málaga, complete with an optional tour of the Gibraltar Nature Reserve.
Your expert guide will discuss the area’s history and traditions as you discover the Pillars of Hercules for breathtaking views of the Strait of Gibraltar and Africa.
Next, get into the heart of Gibraltar at Saint Michael’s Cave and its limestone formations. The adventure continues on the Rock to meet the famous Gibraltar monkeys, Europe’s only wild primates.
Wrap up your exploration with some free time for lunch, a nice walk around Gibraltar city centre, or shopping before the comfortable ride back to Málaga.
This itinerary combines natural beauty with cultural insights, offering a comprehensive Gibraltar experience that I’m confident you’ll love.
8. Affordable Gibraltar Tour from Malaga
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
✔️ Reviews: 20+
🕗 Duration: 11 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
If you’re travelling on a budget, this is another tour from Malaga to Gibraltar that you can’t miss. That’s right, while they have limited availability, it’s cheaper than other day trips, which is excellent.
Gibraltar offers unparalleled views where you can see Africa from Europe, three countries (Morocco, Spain, and England), and the junction of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Home to Europe’s only free-ranging monkeys, a visit to the Rock provides unforgettable photo opportunities with these charismatic animals.
Visit the WWII tunnels, the vibrant San Michael cave, the Skywalk, and the Windsor suspension bridge among other surprises on this rock full of history and natural beauty.
This full-day trip invites you to explore the diverse attractions of Gibraltar, making it a day packed with discovery and adventure that you won’t forget anytime soon. Needless to say, it’s a great way to take a break from your itinerary to Malaga!
9. Gibraltar Dolphin Watching by Boat from Malaga
⭐ Rating: 3.8/5
✔️ Reviews: 10+
🕗 Duration: 10 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
Looking for a unique experience? This day trip from Malaga to Gibraltar may just be what you need – Let me tell you more.
Set sail on a dolphin-watching adventure from Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. Starting with a scenic bus ride from Costa del Sol, your guide shares stories and history of this British enclave.
In Gibraltar, explore attractions like Casemates Square and Marina Bay before boarding a boat at The Square. For 1.5 hours, you’ll navigate the Strait, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, in search of the dolphins.
An onboard guide shares fascinating facts about these cetaceans. Post-sailing, enjoy more free time to shop, dine, or continue exploring Gibraltar’s sights, offering a perfect blend of fun and adventure!
10. Gibraltar Full-Day Tour from Malaga
⭐ Rating: 4.4/5
✔️ Reviews: 10+
🕗 Duration: 9 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: GetYourGuide
Last but not least on this selection of tours for visiting Gibraltar is one that includes all the key spots, like the famous rock and the caves.
Starting with a scenic drive along the Costa del Sol, you’ll then venture through tunnels and cliffs to Europe’s southernmost point, before ascending the Rock.
Highlights include the stunning Cave of San Miguel and encountering the Barbary Macaque in their natural habitat, a unique experience exclusive to Gibraltar.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Strait, Africa, and Algeciras, capturing the essence of this multicultural territory. The tour concludes with free time for shopping on Main Street or enjoying local cuisine, offering a complete Gibraltar experience.
Day Tours from Malaga to Gibraltar – FAQ
Now that you know all the best tours to Gibraltar you can join while visiting Malaga, let’s answer some frequent questions that first-timers often have and that you might find helpful too.
How Long to Stay in Gibraltar?
Typically, one day is enough to explore the main attractions of Gibraltar and you can visit key sites like the Rock of Gibraltar, interact with the Barbary macaques, and perhaps wander through the Great Siege Tunnels in just a few hours.
While compact, Gibraltar packs its highlights close together, making it possible to visit the best tourist spots without having to stay for days.
What is the Best Time to Visit Gibraltar?
The best time to visit Gibraltar is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) months.
These periods offer pleasant weather, ideal for exploring the outdoors and sightseeing, with fewer crowds compared to the busy summer season.
Where to Stay in Gibraltar?
If you end up staying in Gibraltar for the night and want to see the best places to stay, these are the nicest properties you’ll find for all budgets, from a luxurious hotel to a hostel.
Luxury: Rock Hotel
Mid-Range: The Eliott Hotel
Budget: Emile Youth Hostel
Final Thoughts: Day Tour from Malaga to Gibraltar
So, you’ve got the rundown on the coolest ways to visit Gibraltar from southern Spain. Whether it’s marveling at the Pillars of Hercules, chilling with Europe’s only wild monkey population, eating local favorites at the restaurants in town, or scoring some duty-free goodies, these tours pack a punch.
Gibraltar is a blend of British vibe under the Mediterranean sun, and it’s waiting for you to explore its corners.
Remember, it’s not just about the destination but the journey and the stories you’ll bring back. Thanks for reading until the end and I hope this guide was helpful to plan your trip!
