World War II Tunnels and Europa Point
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Port
Gibraltar
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$90
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 2¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Board your mini-coach for a historic drive highlighting some of Gibraltar's most celebrated sites. Along the way, you'll pass the World War II airport runway, expanded with rocks blasted from the tunnels of Gibraltar, Princess Caroline's Battery, and the remains of an ancient Moorish castle, proudly flying the Union flag and still displaying the battle scars and canon dents from the sieges in Gibraltar.
The first thing that catches your eye on Europa Point is the beautiful, red and white striped lighthouse that dominates the landscape. Situated at the gateway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean on Europe's most southerly point, the lighthouse stands proudly over the area and is visible for miles. First lit in 1941, the lighthouse was a welcomed addition for sailors who knew the difficulty of maneuvering around Gibraltar Bay. Sharing the grounds is the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, another important monument for the sailors. Before the lighthouse was built, it was the glow from within this little chapel which would guide them. Coexisting on the site is the most southerly mosque in Europe, Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque. Given as a gift in 1997 from the late King Fahd Al-Saud, this lovely domed mosque is also a school, library and meeting hall.
Your tour of the tunnels begins at Hays Level, the entrance to the northern defenses sector. You'll be introduced to the tunnel's history through a static exhibition featuring photographs and a complete tunnel map. Then, continue with your guide and view the accommodation facilities and the various cave formations.
In May 2005, after years of abandonment, the World War II Tunnels of Gibraltar were opened to the public, offering a thrilling opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the leaders and soldiers who fought bravely for their country. In 1940, Britain was at war with Italy and Germany and the fate of Gibraltar was uncertain. British military leaders and Winston Churchill believed that Gibraltar was in great danger of an attack. To save the rock, a massive underground fortress was built, consisting of a network of tunnels, 30 interconnecting miles long that led to a hospital, power station, military headquarters and room to support 10,000 troops and civilians. Included in the tour will be an opportunity to step out onto Jock's Balcony, a unique lookout point that has incredible views of the airfield below.
When you exit the tunnels, re-board your mini-coach for a scenic drive back to port. If you wish to stay in town and continue to sightsee independently, you may do so and return to the ship on foot or via taxi.
Please note: You will be traveling in a mini-coach with driver/guide only. There is no storage for wheelchairs in the transport.