Rosia Bay
The bay where Nelson's ships came in after Trafalgar, with an old naval victualling yard.
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Rosia Bay on Gibraltar's western side is where HMS Victory was brought in after Trafalgar in 1805 with Nelson's body aboard, the only anchorage on the Rock deep and sheltered enough to take her. The naval victualling yard around it, with its water tanks and store buildings, was built to supply the fleet. The mole and the old buildings survive and the bay is quiet now. The victualling yard's water tanks were among the largest built anywhere at the time and supplied the whole Mediterranean fleet.
What you actually see
- The anchorage - the bay Victory was brought into after Trafalgar.
- The victualling yard - the naval store buildings and water tanks.
- The mole - the arm sheltering the bay.
- The Trafalgar connection - the 1805 return with Nelson's body aboard.
When to go
April to October is the mild season. The bay is quiet year round. Late afternoon light on the water is best.
Honest expectations
Much of the naval yard is derelict or redeveloped. Interpretation on the ground is limited. The bay itself is small and the visit is short.
Nearby
Camp Bay is north, and Europa Point is south.
What to pack for Rosia Bay
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
