Gibraltar’s Botanic Gardens

Gibraltar is renowned for its amazing natural scenery, from mountainous skyline to gorgeous beaches and seafront. One of the big tourist destinations for holidaymakers and travellers is the Botanic Gardens in the centre of Gibraltar, which is where you’ll find all kinds of beautiful plants, flowers and wildlife. If you’re planning a trip to the wonderful territory of Gibraltar then it’s definitely worth adding this to your itinerary. Nature lovers will be amazed at the huge collection of flora and fauna in this paradise of greenery. The grounds are full of great photo opportunities, so if you have a camera be sure to bring it along so you can take back a collection of shots to show family and friends when you get home.

The Botanic Gardens cover an area of 15 acres and are in easy reach of your suite at The Eliott Hotel Gibraltar. The green paradise was initially commissioned by the British Governor of Gibraltar, General George Don in 1816. The purpose of the garden was to provide soldiers with somewhere to relax and spend their recreational time. It also provided cool shade for local residents that were looking to escape the intense heat of the Mediterranean sun. After years of disregard and a lack of maintenance, the Botanical Gardens eventually became unused and dilapidated. It was in 1991 that they were restored to their former glory with a full refurbishment and the introduction of a zoo.

The Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park is a small but lively zoo in the Botanical Gardens that is home to a variety of animals. It was created in order to protect animals from illegal poachers who were endangering the rare local wildlife. After providing a home for an increasing number of species, the small reserve was turned into a zoo so that the public and tourists could learn about local animals and the importance of preservation. Head to the AWCP to see some of the cutest and most colourful creatures in all of Gibraltar. You can snap pictures of parrots or take a selfie with a monkey. This is a perfect activity for the whole family; the kids will love exploring the park to see all the amazing animals.

If you want to explore the history of Gibraltar then the Botanic Gardens are full of ancient monuments that date back hundreds of years. The famous Eliott Memorial, which shares the same name as our accommodation in Gibraltar, can be found among the greenery of the gardens. Commissioned by General Don in 18515, the statue was built in memory of George Augustus Eliott and there’s an interesting history behind it. The original monument was made using wood taken from the Spanish ship San Juan Nepomuceno, but was replaced in 1858 by the bronze version that still stands there today. Head over to the Botanic Gardens and walk in the footsteps of some of the area’s most famous historical figures.