The 10 Best Day Tours from Malaga to Gibraltar for 2024

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.

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Where is Gibraltar?

Gibraltar is located on the southern coast of Spain, at the entrance to the Mediterranean. It’s famous for the Rock of Gibraltar, a limestone ridge with stunning views.

Gibraltar is a mix of British and Spanish, historic sites, wildlife and shopping under the Mediterranean sun, and that’s a must-do when visiting Andalusia.

How Far is Gibraltar from Malaga?

Gibraltar is about 130 km (or 80 miles) southwest of Malaga. The drive is easy, 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and route.

There are several ways to get to Gibraltar from Malaga – You can rent a car, join a Malaga to Gibraltar tour (I recommend the one above), or take a bus or train (there are no direct connections, so that’s not the most convenient option).

Should You Join a Tour from Malaga to Gibraltar?

A Gibraltar day trip from Malaga may seem short but it’s a good idea, especially if you have limited time in Malaga or if you only want to see the highlights.

Tours include transport, a tour guide, and sometimes entry fees to main attractions like the Rock of Gibraltar, St. Michael’s Cave, or the Great Siege Tunnels, very convenient.

I personally recommend this tour 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 do a day trip from Malaga to Gibraltar by yourself, but there are no direct public transport options. Your best bet is to rent a car and drive into Gibraltar.

It’s easy to cross the border and enter Gibraltar, just remember to bring your passport. Alternatively, you can take a bus to La Linea, the Spanish town that borders Gibraltar, and then walk across the border.

Is Gibraltar Worth Visiting?

Yes, Gibraltar is surely worth it. I’s a great place with a mix of British and Spanish, history, and nature – That’s one of the most unique spots on the old continent, with the best of Northern and Southern Europe.

The Rock of Gibraltar has amazing views and the Great Siege Tunnels are a labyrinth. Don’t miss the chance to meet the famous monkeys, Europe’s only wild monkeys. How cool is that?

10 Best Day Trips from Malaga to Gibraltar

Now that you know more about Gibraltar in general, let’s get to the best day tours from Malaga and I’m sure you’ll find one for you.

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 experience you won’t forget and has over 2,000 reviews so you know it’s going to be good.

You’ll start the day meeting your guide at the pick-up point and a comfy bus ride with all the essentials like WiFi and head straight to Gibraltar. The guide will tell you all the cool spots and facts along the way.

Once you cross the Gibraltar border a panoramic tour awaits, with views of the Strait of Gibraltar, the mysterious St. Michel Caves and of course the Barbary macaques.

Once you have had your fill of views and history you’ll have free time in town. Lunch, shopping, or sightseeing at Marina Bay or the Mediterranean Steps are all options.

After a few hours, you’ll get back to Malaga with your guide and full of memories! The only catch? This is the most popular tour and I would book 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 tour from Malaga to Gibraltar is a more intimate experience of the Rock and its surroundings and is a great way to make the most of the day.

The guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and you won’t stop to pick up other passengers on the way, that’s a big time saver.

Start at the top of the Rock where the views and photo opportunities are unbeatable – The Gibraltar cable car to get there is just as fun. The tour covers the Pillars of Hercules, St. Michael’s Cave, the top of the Rock with the famous monkeys, and the Great Siege Tunnels.

With your local guide, you’ll have the flexibility to stop wherever you want, whether it’s to try local food or shop, this tour is tailor-made to give you a real feel of the British Territory.

Yes, it’s more expensive than other Malaga tours to Gibraltar on this list but it’s also 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

Begin the day at the meeting point, and then proceeding with a ride from Costa Del Sol on a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. On arrival, a local guide will take the lead and show you Gibraltar’s main sights – the port, the inner city walls, and Europa Point.

Then you will visit St. Michael’s Cave. This beautiful limestone cave is part of a network of caves, with natural formations of stalactites and stalagmites that you won’t find anywhere else.

Historically it was believed to be bottomless and connected to Africa. Today it’s a concert venue due to its natural acoustics, adding a cultural layer to its geological and historical significance.

Then the highlight is to see Africa from Europa Point and although it’s a quick stop it’s part of the experience and you can’t miss it.

Finally, before going back to Malaga, you’ll have some free time in Gibraltar and you can take a walk around Main Street and do some 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 starts with a ride from Costa del Sol to Gibraltar. Enjoy the drive and listen to your guide telling you about Gibraltar’s mythology and its British colony status.

Crossing into Gibraltar you’ll see the imposing limestone Rock straight away, a landmark with amazing views of the bay and if the weather permits Africa’s northern coast.

The tour includes 5 hours of free time after parking so you can shop, eat local food, and take photos all around.

Europa Point and entrance to St. Michael’s Cave and see the monkeys in their natural habitat. Your guide can also pick you up from Estepona (one of the best white villages to visit), Fuengirola, or Marbella if you also want to visit these.

It’s simply one of the best Malaga to Gibraltar tours and you’ll want to book as soon as possible.

5. Malaga to Gibraltar Guided Tour with St Michael Caves

⭐ Rating: 3.5/5
✔️ Reviews: 500+
🕗 Duration: 11 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: Viator

Join an expert guide on this day trip from the Costa del Sol to the landscapes of Gibraltar. Travel in an air-conditioned coach and see the best bits, including the Rock and St. Michael’s Cave.

Of course, you’ll meet the Barbary macaques and visit Europa Point where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.

After all the history and natural beauty, you’ll have plenty of free time to shop Gibraltar’s British high street and luxury goods, all at duty-free prices.

6. Gibraltar Shopping Tour from Malaga

⭐ Rating: 4/5
✔️ Reviews: 50+
🕗 Duration: 11 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: Viator

Go shopping crazy with this full-day tour from Malaga to Gibraltar (you can also start anywhere on the Costa Del Sol). Your day starts with a scenic drive along the Mediterranean coast on a deluxe coach and then it’s shopping time!

Gibraltar’s Main Street is your playground with department stores, fashion brands, and local craft shops. Here you can shop tax-free, and buy everything from designer clothes to electronics and souvenirs.

After shopping you can experience the British heritage, maybe take a break in one of the pubs or restaurants.

You’ll have about 4 hours of free time to shop and explore at your own pace and you’ll find that perfect souvenir to remember the day by.

Note you won’t stop at famous places like St Michael’s Caves or Europa Point with your guide and you’ll have to go on your own, which can be nice depending on your preference!

7. Gibraltar Day Trip with Rock Tour

⭐ Rating: 3.9/5
✔️ Reviews: 200+
🕗 Duration: 10 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

See Gibraltar’s best on a day trip from Málaga with an optional Nature Reserve tour. Your guide will tell you all about the history and traditions as you see the Pillars of Hercules and the Strait of Gibraltar and Africa.

Then get into the heart of Gibraltar at Saint Michael’s Cave and its limestone formations. The adventure continues on the Rock to meet the Gibraltar monkeys, Europe’s only wild primates.

Finish the day with some free time for lunch, a stroll around Gibraltar city or shopping before the coach back to Málaga.

This tour has it all, nature and culture, and I’m 100% certain you’ll enjoy it.

8. Affordable Malaga Gibraltar Day Trip

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
✔️ Reviews: 20+
🕗 Duration: 11 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

If you’re on a budget, this is another Malaga to Gibraltar tour you can’t miss. Yes, they have limited availability but it’s cheaper than other day trips which is a bonus.

Gibraltar has views like nowhere else in the world 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 wild monkeys, the Rock is a must-see for some amazing monkey photo opportunities.

Visit the WWII tunnels, the colorful San Michael cave, the Skywalk the Windsor suspension bridge, and more on this rock of history and natural beauty.

This full-day trip lets you explore all the attractions of Gibraltar so it’s a day of discovery and adventure you won’t forget anytime soon. And of course, a break from your Malaga itinerary!

9. Gibraltar Dolphin Watching by Boat from Malaga

⭐ Rating: 3.8/5
✔️ Reviews: 10+
🕗 Duration: 10 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

Looking for something different? This Malaga to Gibraltar day trip may be just what you need – read on.

Set sail on a dolphin-watching adventure from Gibraltar where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. From Costa del Sol, take a scenic bus ride and your guide will tell you all about this British territory.

In Gibraltar, visit Casemates Square and Marina Bay before boarding the boat at The Square. For 1.5 hours you’ll cruise through the Strait, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, to see the dolphins.

An onboard guide will tell you all about the dolphins. After sailing, more free time to shop, eat or continue to see the sights of Gibraltar, fun and adventure!

10. Gibraltar Malaga Full-Day Tour

⭐ Rating: 4.4/5
✔️ Reviews: 10+
🕗 Duration: 9 Hours
🚌 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

And finally, the last of the Gibraltar tours is one that covers all the main sights, the rock and the impressive cave. From a scenic drive along the Costa del Sol, you’ll then drive through tunnels and cliffs to the southernmost point of Europe and then up the Rock.

Highlights include the San Miguel cave and seeing the Barbary Macaque in their natural environment, a Gibraltar exclusive.

See the stunning views of the Strait, Africa and Algeciras and get the feel of this multicultural place. The tour ends with free time to shop on Main Street or eat local food.

Day Tours to Gibraltar from Malaga – 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 of visiting 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 Malaga to Gibraltar 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 with the best day trip from Malaga to Gibraltar was helpful to plan your trip!