Gibraltar Travel Guide

Explore the best attractions, outdoor adventures, food and drinks, local culture, and tips for visiting Gibraltar, Europe.


Introduction to Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a small British Overseas Territory located on the southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. The island measures just 2.6 square miles and is inhabited by over 30,000 people. Gibraltar is known for its stunning natural beauty, cultural diversity, rich history, and strategic location. The Rock of Gibraltar, a 1,400 ft. limestone formation, dominates the island’s skyline and is a popular tourist attraction.

In this travel guide, we will explore the best things to do and see in Gibraltar, including hiking and biking routes, culturally important attractions, outdoor adventures, food and drinks, where to stay, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Gibraltar

Here are the must-visit places in Gibraltar:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Gibraltar has a rich and vibrant history that has left its mark on the island’s landscape, architecture, and culture. Some of the most culturally important attractions include:

  • The Moorish Castle: Built in the 8th century, the Moorish Castle is a stunning fortress that sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city.
  • St. Michael’s Cave: This spectacular natural cave system is filled with ancient stalactites and stalagmites and has hosted concerts and events over the years.
  • The Gibraltar Museum: This museum showcases Gibraltar’s rich history from the Stone Age to modern times.
  • The Great Siege Tunnels: These historic tunnels were built during the 18th century to protect the island against invading forces.

Natural Attractions of Gibraltar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Gibraltar may be small, but it’s big on natural beauty. Visitors can soak in the stunning views and enjoy outdoor adventures such as:

  • The Rock of Gibraltar: The limestone rock that dominates the island’s landscape offers some of the best scenic trails for hiking and biking.
  • Europa Point: Located on the southernmost tip of Gibraltar, this is the best place to see where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Upper Rock Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is home to over 300 Barbary macaques, Europe’s only free-ranging monkeys.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a hiker’s paradise, with trails for all levels of expertise. Here are some of the best trails:

  • Mediterranean Steps: A challenging 1.5-mile trail that offers some of the most breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding sea.
  • The Rock’s Secret Nature Reserve Trail: A 10-km hike that takes you through the heart of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve.
  • The Old Town Trail: A guided tour of the historic Old Town of Gibraltar, with stops at the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Best Things to Do in Gibraltar: Activities and Tours

Gibraltar has a lot to offer visitors in terms of activities and tours, such as:

  • Dolphin Watching: Take a boat trip and see some of the resident dolphins in their natural habitat.
  • Jet Ski Tour: Enjoy a thrilling jet-ski tour of the coast and see Gibraltar from a different perspective.
  • Gibraltar Pub Crawl: Explore the city’s nightlife on a guided pub crawl.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gibraltar

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long visit to Gibraltar:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Rock of Gibraltar and Upper Rock Nature Reserve
Day 2 Take a walking tour of the historic Old Town
Day 3 Explore the Great Siege Tunnels and Moorish Castle
Day 4 Take a day trip to Morocco
Day 5 Go dolphin watching or snorkeling in the Mediterranean Sea
Day 6 Hike the Mediterranean Steps or take a jet-ski tour
Day 7 Relax on one of Gibraltar’s beaches or visit Europa Point

Food and Drink Scene of Gibraltar

Gibraltar’s cuisine is influenced by the diverse mix of cultures that have occupied the island over the years. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Calentita: A savory, pancake-like dish made with chickpea flour, olive oil, and garlic.
  • Rosto: Slow-cooked beef or pork with onions and herbs served with potato chips or rice.
  • Llanito: A fusion dish made with fried eggs, potatoes, and chorizo served on a baguette roll.

Local Beverages

  • Gibraltar Beer: A light, refreshing beer brewed on the island.
  • Gibraltar Gin: A local gin made from wild juniper berries and other local botanicals.

Where to Stay in Gibraltar: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Gibraltar offers a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets. Here are some of the best:

  • The Rock Hotel: A luxury hotel with stunning views of the sea and the Rock of Gibraltar.
  • O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel: A centrally located hotel with modern amenities and easy access to all of Gibraltar’s attractions.
  • The Cannon Hotel: A budget-friendly option located in the heart of the Old Town.

What to Buy in Gibraltar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Gibraltar has several unique and locally produced souvenirs and products. Some of the most popular ones include:

  • Crystal Glassware: Gibraltar is known for its high-quality glassware such as vases, tumblers, and wine glasses.
  • Marzipan: A traditional sweet made from ground almonds and sugar.
  • Gibraltar Coins: Collectible coins featuring iconic images of Gibraltar.

Local Culture and Customs of Gibraltar

Gibraltar has a unique culture that has been shaped by its diverse mix of inhabitants over the years. The official language is English, but Spanish is widely spoken. The local culture is a blend of British and Spanish influences, and there are several festivals and events throughout the year that celebrate this mix of cultures.

Best Time to Visit Gibraltar

The best time to visit Gibraltar is between May and October when the weather is warm and dry. The peak tourist season is in July and August, so be prepared for bigger crowds and higher prices during those months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gibraltar

Do:

  • Visit the Upper Rock Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is one of the highlights of Gibraltar.
  • Try the local cuisine: Gibraltar has a diverse mix of cultures, and its food reflects this.
  • Take a boat trip to see the dolphins: Gibraltar’s resident dolphins are a must-see.

Don’t:

  • Feed the monkeys: While the Barbary macaques are a highlight of Gibraltar, feeding them can be dangerous.
  • Park illegally: Gibraltar has strict parking regulations, and illegally parked vehicles can be fined or towed.

Safety and Health

Safety in Gibraltar

Gibraltar is generally a safe place to visit, and crime rates are low. However, visitors should take the usual precautions when traveling, such as keeping an eye on their valuables and avoiding unlit areas at night.

Health in Gibraltar

Gibraltar has a modern and efficient healthcare system, and most doctors and healthcare professionals speak English. Visitors to Gibraltar should have comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage.

Getting to Gibraltar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Gibraltar

The nearest airports to Gibraltar are:

  • Gibraltar International Airport: The airport is located just a few minutes from the city center.
  • Malaga Airport: Malaga airport is located approximately 130 km from Gibraltar and is served by several airlines.

Bus Stations Near Gibraltar

There are several bus services that connect Gibraltar to nearby towns and cities, including:

  • La Línea: This Spanish town is just across the border from Gibraltar and is served by regular bus services.
  • Marbella: This popular resort town is located approximately 80 km from Gibraltar and is served by several bus services.

Other Options

Visitors to Gibraltar can also travel by ferry or train. There are regular ferry services that connect Gibraltar to Tangier in Morocco and Algeciras in Spain. The nearest train station is in San Roque, just across the Spanish border from Gibraltar.

How to Get Around in Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a small island, and most attractions can be reached on foot. There are also several bus services that connect the major attractions to each other.

Where to Go Next from Gibraltar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Gibraltar is located in a beautiful part of southern Europe and is an excellent base from which to explore the region. Some of the nearby destinations and excursions include:

  • Costa del Sol: The southern coast of Spain is just a short drive from Gibraltar and is home to several popular resorts such as Marbella and Estepona.
  • The Andalusian Villages: The white-washed villages of Andalusia are among Spain’s most iconic attractions.
  • Morocco: Tangier and other Moroccan cities can be reached by ferry from Gibraltar.

Conclusion

Gibraltar is a fascinating and beautiful destination that offers visitors a unique blend of cultural history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. From hiking the scenic trails of the Rock of Gibraltar to exploring the historic Old Town to trying the local cuisine, Gibraltar has something to offer everyone. So why not plan your next vacation to this beautiful island today?

Rock of Gibraltar and Europa Point Lighthouse (lower right) Rock of Gibraltar and Europa Point Lighthouse (lower right) Visa policy of Gibraltar Visa policy of Gibraltar Strait of Gibraltar perspective (looking east) with a 3x vertical exaggeration. The Rock of Gibraltar is on the narrow peninsula in the back left. Strait of Gibraltar perspective (looking east) with a 3x vertical exaggeration. The Rock of Gibraltar is on the narrow peninsula in the back left. Gibraltar Airport runway and the border crossing with Spain (top) Gibraltar Airport runway and the border crossing with Spain (top) Gibraltar Cruise Port from cable car Gibraltar Cruise Port from cable car Cable cars at Gibraltar Cable cars at Gibraltar Barbary Macaque; see caution in ''Stay safe'' section below Barbary Macaque; see caution in ''Stay safe'' section below Mediterranean Steps: A Jews Gate, B Levant Battery, C Martins Cave, D Goats Hair Twin Caves, E Tunnel and Pumping Station, F WW2 Observation Posts, G View point, H Top of Steps Mediterranean Steps: A Jews Gate, B Levant Battery, C Martins Cave, D Goats Hair Twin Caves, E Tunnel and Pumping Station, F WW2 Observation Posts, G View point, H Top of Steps Queensway Quay Marina Queensway Quay Marina The summit of the Rock and Africa in the background The summit of the Rock and Africa in the background Aerial view of the queues to enter Gibraltar (2013) Aerial view of the queues to enter Gibraltar (2013)