A guide to help you find some of the best things to do in Gibraltar in January
Travel is in everyone’s genes, but here’s why we would not want to miss the things to do in Gibraltar in January.
Think of the adventure of standing opposite another continent, the mild winter weather in Gibraltar in January, and mind-blowing historical sites.
Let this guide take us through the distinct character of the Southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula and unravel the mystery beyond the border.
Here are the top things to do in Gibraltar in January to start our wanderlust year!
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Psssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Southern Spain? Have a look at my other posts:
- Tourist attractions in Southern Spain
- Best cities in Southern Spain
- Where to stay in Malaga for couples
Overview: Our favorite Things To Do In Gibraltar:
- Explore the Rock of Gibraltar
- Visit Historical and Cultural Sites
- Take in the Winter Views
- Discover the WWII Tunnels
1. Explore the Rock of Gibraltar
There is no better way to introduce Gibraltar than the Rock, a rocky mountain that proudly represents the British territory.
At its summit, the views extending to another continent on a clear day will stun and inspire visitors.
But more awaits those with guts for heights and ride the cable car 1400 feet above sea level. – Check the guided tour here.
They’ll gaze at one of the best things to see in Gibraltar—two continents, three nations, and the meeting point of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean from above.
At the Upper Rock Natural Reserve, tourists can spot the famous Barbary macaques, Europe’s only free-roaming monkeys.
For those who ride the cable car and walk down from the top of the Rock, it’s one of the free things to do in Gibraltar in January.
St. Michael’s Cave is also within the park. Inside, colorful lighting showcases stalactites and stalagmites up the caverns making the cave a dramatic concert venue since the 1960s.
Down below, the Rock hid so much of Gibraltar’s past and the British ingenuity in defending Gibraltar at the 18th-century Great Siege Tunnels.
2. Stroll Through Gibraltar Town
Among the inevitable things to do in Gibraltar in January is shopping at Main Street, a long boulevard known for tax-free goods in the Mediterranean.
With a wide array of traditional shops and numerous British and designer brands, from perfume to electronics, we won’t have a hard time thinking about what to do in Gibraltar in one day.
At the northern end of Main Street, those who love local artisan crafts head to Casemate Square, a vibrant cobblestone plaza with pretty street lamps and plenty of outdoor dining tables.
Outside the square, tourists will also enjoy the lively local vibes at the traditional indoor market as they shop for fresh local produce.
But the town is not all about spending. Watching the glassblowers work as they shape glasses into elaborate crafts inside the Grand Casemates Gates is one of the things to do in Gibraltar for free.
3. Visit Historical and Cultural Sites
The diverse festive atmosphere in Gibraltar in January is reminiscent of The Rock’s former occupants, such as the Spanish and the Moors.
Among the best things to see in Gibraltar is the Moorish Castle Complex, in which the Tower of Homage proudly stands for over a thousand years.
With battle scars, it witnessed the triumphs and various sieges against Gibraltar’s past victors, making the site intriguing and more inspiring.
And going back to the city center, we will not only find the finest remains of the Moors in the peninsula such as the 14th-century Moorish Baths.
The collections that testify to Neanderthals’ occupation with ‘Nana and Flint’ are among the top things to see in Gibraltar at the National Museum.
4. Take in the Winter Views
Gibraltar weather in January tends to be windy on some days, but its usual sunny periods are best for things to do in Gibraltar for families.
One of them is a short trek to Europa Point, a great place to bond and enjoy the impressive views together.
It’s another spot where visitors look forward to seeing North Africa across the strait, and among the popular things to do in Gibraltar in winter is to visit the beautiful Trinity Lighthouse, an Instagram-worthy spot.
Those aiming for an ultimate panoramic vista need the same courage Gibraltar’s victors had. The Skywalk offers breathtaking 360º views of the region from a cliff-hanging glass deck on top of the Rock.
It overlooks the Thrill-Seekers Trail also known as the Windsor Suspension Bridge, one of the fun things to do in Gibraltar.
5. Enjoy Outdoor Activities
Despite a size of 6.8 square kilometers, the outdoorsy won’t fall short of what to do in Gibraltar in January.
Besides height-daring attractions and numerous historical landmarks to see, there are outdoor things to do in Gibraltar with kids and those like us who love to take active routes. – Get guided tours here
Though the chance of spotting dolphins is higher in March and April, joining a boat tour is one of the most popular things to do in Gibraltar in January to catch sight of a pod of common and striped dolphins.
A must among things to do in Gibraltar with kids, these friendly animals often cheer holidaymakers but several more interesting marine and bird species will impress nature lovers too.
Another outdoor highlight that awaits the hikers is the Rock’s 18th-century Mediterranean Steps. With a route of 1400 meters to the top, the climb starts near the Jews Gate with random steep, switchback stairs to the summit.
6. Savor Local Delicacies
If history and roaming around aren’t enough to immerse in Gibraltarian culture, local food won’t fail to do so.
Gibraltar has a booming culinary scene that champions different local ingredients, especially seafood.
Speaking of seaside delicacy, Gambas al ajillo, shrimp coated with delicate spices is a must-try, while pescado frito or fried fish showcases a strong Spanish influence.
But a sure favorite is Calentita, a simple flatbread with a perfect balance of chickpea flour and the Mediterranean unmissable ingredient—olive oil.
Appetizingly, Gib, short for Gibraltar, can’t keep its mixed influence on its cuisine flavors.
Serving vegetarians and meat lovers, Little Bay Indian Restaurant & Tapas is now an iconic landmark in Gibraltar’s culinary scene.
And for those craving traditional Iberian dishes, Monique’s at the exclusive Queensway Quay marina is worth a foodie splurge.
7. Embrace Gibraltar’s Winter Charm
Soaking up a relaxing ambiance while observing passing ships or bird-watching at the jutting tip of Gibraltar is a distinct winter experience.
Just like Southern Spain in Winter, Gib’s mild weather is an escape from the freezing temperature in most of Europe.
As we skip the winter blues, we can stroll Sandy Bay and Catalan Bay, one of the serene things to do in Gibraltar in January.
For some who wish to stay in town, the streets are quieter during this off-peak season.
The tranquil charm of winter is also an opportunity for unrivaled things to do in Gibraltar like birdwatching.
Being on the southern coast of Spain with the Rock’s lush vegetation, Gibraltar attracts numerous species of soaring birds and seabirds almost year-round.
8. Discover the WWII Tunnels
From being one of the Two Pillars of Hercules (Gibraltar in Greek Mythology) to medieval sieges to World War II, The Rock is undeniably far more than a symbol of one’s territory.
We don’t have to be history buffs to figure this out after we enter Hay’s Level of World War II Tunnels.
Gibraltar was a crucial fortress in controlling access to the Mediterranean and during wartime, the need for military storage was urgent and vital.
Churchill was well aware of these and used Gibraltar’s artillery brilliantly to protect the country and its allied forces. Networks of tunnels were excavated to accommodate the expanding troops and protect them from possible attacks.
Certainly one of the best things to do in Gibraltar in January is to join a tour from Malaga to Gibraltar for a full-day trip to explore these mind-blowing tunnels.
Visitors will walk through living quarters, and underground facilities like ammunition stores and get a glimpse of wartime operations.
Conclusion on things to do in Gibraltar in January
While snowy activities are always fun in winter, we want a more active, sunny, and unique yet still cozy experience.
One of these few places is Gibraltar, where rich history unfolds from a small territory that offers almost everything from a traveler’s checklist.
From red telephone boxes and mailboxes, Gibraltar may seem like just another British overseas territory for us.
But its unparalleled natural beauty at the top of the rock, the fusion of food flavors, and the history that goes way back more than a hundred years are everything that wanderlusts can’t miss.
It’s not a surprise that tourists of the best places to visit in Andalucia in winter and Malaga in winter follow their curiosity and explore what’s beyond the border and what to do in Gibraltar.
FAQ about visiting Gibraltar in January
Is Gibraltar good to visit in January?
Yes, the favorable weather in January gives way to diverse outdoor things to do in Gibraltar.
Holidaymakers or those from Andalucia in January can enjoy hiking, cultural visits, and a leisurely walk on the beach without needing heavy clothing—all these activities with likely special winter rates from many accommodations.
How warm is Gibraltar in January?
Gibraltar’s average daytime temperature in January is 15℃ (59℉).
A gentle breeze can make the nighttime cold but rarely drops below 10℃ (50℉). Some windy days happen during this month too.
What to do in Gibraltar on a rainy day?
Tourists may experience some rainy days in January, so an umbrella is a packing essential.
These are the best times for indoor things to do in Gibraltar in January like touring the National Museum and enjoying traditional English tea.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!