Rosia Bay, Gibraltar

Rosia Bay is unique in Gibraltar as its only natural harbour. Its deep water and sheltered cove made it an essential anchorage point for warships and merchant vessels alike. In the early 19th century, the British Royal Navy built the Victualling Yard here, a vital complex that supplied ships with food, water, and coal.

Rosia Bay is also linked to a poignant moment in British naval history. After the Battle of Trafalgar, Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson’s vessel, HMS Victory, returned to Gibraltar and was anchored here. It’s widely believed that his body, preserved in a barrel, was transferred at Rosia Bay before being taken back to England-a tradition that still earns the site the nickname Nelson’s Anchorage.

Perched at either end of Rosia Bay are two historic coastal batteries-Parson’s Lodge Battery to the south and Napier of Magdala Battery to the north. These fortifications were integral to Gibraltar’s defences, with Parson’s Lodge housing 10‑inch muzzle-loading guns in its heyday, and Napier of Magdala famously hosting the colossal 100‑ton Armstrong gun.

Today, Rosia Bay offers a quieter contrast to Gibraltar’s urban bustle-a place to enjoy the soothing bay scenery. It’s also a diving spot for the adventurous: divers can explore wrecks resting at depths of around 30 meters, where Mediterranean marine life flourishes.