Heligib

HELIGIB – GET THE OVERVIEW OF MOST SIGHTSEEING SITES IN GIBRALTAR  FROM THE AIR

The newest and probably the best attraction in Gibraltar if you are staying for the day only.  From the helicopter you  just simply see the Rock from the air, but also many of the actual sightseeing attractions from a distance. An efficient way to  start a visit in Gibraltar and then explore  in detail on groundaft er landing .  Check our Add-Ons  with a selection of combination packages.

Gibraltar Airport

The GibHeli Fonnafly operated Gibraltar Rock flights departs from the airport main terminal aftersecurity clearance. Hovering towards the eastern part of the runway  you get a good view of the steepest side of the rock on the right side  and the Spanish city of La Linea on the other side.  You will clearly see the tunnel openings in the wall where cannons defended the Rock during the great siege. The runway itself is built with masses taken from inside the Rock.

Reclaimed land on east side of the Rock

When airborne the helicopter makes a right turn and the first interesting view is  the works along the shoreline.  This is part of a land reclamation project in order to exploit the territorial rights of Gibraltar to useful land.

Catalan Bay

Next is the village of Catalan Bay with the characteristic multi color houses with Italian names.  Populated by Italian fishermen from Genova in  the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.  The Genoese language was widely spoken  at the time.

The Dunes and the old Water Catchment area

Above the Catalan bay you will catch a view of the original water catchment construction that supplied
Gibraltar with freshwater for a very long time  through an engineering masterpiece of chutes ,  tunnels  and deposits inside the Rock.  Visible best from a helicopter. The characteristic slope is made of  a very old sand dune, from thousands of years ago which came from the savanna land below when the sea was considerably  lower.

Off Port Limits

Following the shorelineyou cannot miss all the ships anchored at the Off Port  .  The area is used for delivery of bunker, provisions  and supplies by launch vessels form Gibraltar Port.

Gorhams cave

Next attraction coming up are the highly visible entries to the  Gorham Caves.  A UNESCO World Heritage site, the only one in Gibraltar. First inhabited about 55.000 years ago and the last known habitat of the Neanderthals.

Europa Point

In the next moment the helicopter is passing Europa Point and Trinity Light house.  The only lighthouse operated by Trinity House outside England.  On the same plateau you find the new university of Gibraltar , a sports arena under construction and   the mosque financed by King Fahd of Saudi Arabia .

The Strait of Gibraltar

At this point of the flight the view of  The Strait is unfolding.    You may clearly see Africa with the Spanish city of Ceuta and the mountains behind .  Together this forms the Pillars of Hercules known from ancient greec history as the guardians to the Mediterranean. You will see two continents, three countries and two world oceans at the same time ( weather dependent ).  At this point you can detect shoals  of dolphins and even whales s during certain times of the year.

The Port and , Town and Ocean Village

Turning northbound you will  notice a water fall coming out of a hole in the rock high above sea  level. This is result of waste water from the desalination where salt water is  turned into drinking water.  Proceeding on the west side of the Rock you will see Algeciras city and the  Bay to the left and the populated area of Gibraltar on the right hand side.

Camp Bay

The public beach Camp Bayappears.   Camp bay is a rocky beach within the Southern Waters of Gibraltar Special Area of Conservation. An EU protected marine reserve. In addition to its popularity with bathers, the beach is also very popular diving and snorkeling area which is home to one of Europe’s first artificialreefs.

Gibraltar Town

Proceeding northbound the  town appears behind the Gibraltar  Port.  From the helicopter you will notice a strange zigzag  construction running from just above the town and all the way up to the top of the Rock.  This is a defense wall built in 1540 to protect Gibraltar from attacking Barbary Pirates .

Gibraltar Land Reclamation

We are finally passing the cruise port terminals and get a very good view where “Old” and “New” Gibraltar meet.  The difference is noticeable. Moorish castle and the old defense bastions  encompasses the old city.  The newer developments are very noticeable expanding outwards in the Algeciras Bay.  The reclamation areas are land reclaimed from the sea  within Gibraltar territorial waters.

Gibraltar Tour change of direction

The helicopter changes the direction and  passengers sitting in the left part of the helicopter now has the best view of the Rock