Gibraltar is a small British Overseas Territory located across the border from the city of La Línea de la Concepción on the southern coast of Spain. Gibraltar covers an area of only 2.6 square miles (most of which is the famous Rock of Gibraltar) and has a population of approximately 32000 people as well as over 300 Barbary Macaque monkeys who are its most famous residents. It is a melting pot of British, Spanish and Moroccan influences however it almost feels like a “Little Britain” as not only is English spoken everywhere but you will find the same currency, red post boxes, traffic lights and shops as in the UK – it was so strange to travel overseas to somewhere I had never been before but which instantly felt so familiar at the same time!

Throughout history Gibraltar has been the subject of a tug of war between the UK and Spain and it has been under British rule since 1704. The Strait of Gibraltar is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and Africa is located just nine miles away – on a clear day you can see Morocco across the water.

I have written this blog and travel guide and tried to include as much up to date information that you need to know before your visit as well as things to see and do, directions, advice, photos, tips and tricks as I can to help anyone planning a trip to Gibraltar.

How to Get to Gibraltar

Despite its small size, Gibraltar has its own airport which is served from the UK by British Airways and Easyjet and the flight time is just over two hours. Gibraltar International Airport (GIB) is unique as Winston Churchill Avenue runs straight across the middle of the runway which gives you the unique opportunity that you would not get anywhere else to actually walk (or cycle) across the runway. As the airport is located so close to the city, it is completely possible to walk to your hotel when you arrive in Gibraltar.

Citibus routes X5, 5 and 10 stop opposite the airport terminal (Frontier Terminus stop) and you can then connect to other bus routes operated by the Gibraltar Bus Company at the Market Place Terminus (City Center North) stop. Taxis are also available at the airport to transfer to your accommodation.

The closest airports in Spain are in Jerez (XRY) as well as Malaga (AGP) which is a common diversion airport for Gibraltar when it is too windy to land there. When arriving into Gibraltar, it does not matter which side of the plane that you sit to get the view of the Rock of Gibraltar as you can approach the airport from either direction on the day.

If you are visiting Gibraltar for the day from Spain, it can be quicker to cross the border by foot instead of by car as there can be long lines of traffic – just do not forget your passport as you will need it to enter Gibraltar.

When to Visit Gibraltar

As Gibraltar is located in the Mediterranean, the summer months are hot and dry whilst the winter months are mild with occasional rainy days but they will never be freezing cold making Gibraltar a perfect year round destination.

During the summer holidays in Europe, it will be busy and if on a short trip, make sure to check if there are any cruise ships scheduled in port whilst you are there as this could increase the crowd levels. At a weekend there could also be a lot of daytrippers from Spain so visiting on a weekday is usually best.

How to Get Around Gibraltar

As Gibraltar is so small, it is possible to walk nearly everywhere if you want to but some of the roads especially the ones leading up to the Rock can be steep. However there is also a frequent and very affordable bus system and you can buy both single tickets as well as day tickets. An all day ticket for the Gibraltar Bus Company costs just £2.50 and you pay on the bus with either cash, card or contactless payment. If driving a car, one of the only differences to the UK is that in Gibraltar, cars drive on the right hand side of the road.

If you need to access mobile data whilst visiting Gibraltar, you can purchase a travel E-Sim through Airalo. If you would like to use my referral code NIKKI8866 when signing up, you will receive £2.50 / US$3 off your first purchase.

Where to Stay in Gibraltar

Due to the size of Gibraltar there are only a handful of hotels which are the Sunborn Gibraltar, the Eliott Hotel, the Rock Hotel, the Bristol Hotel and the Holiday Inn Express. When booking your trip to Gibraltar be careful as some booking engines will sometimes also show hotels across the border in Spain so make sure to check the address to see where they are located before booking.

Before my trip I was told that Gibraltar used UK plug sockets but we also had the European two round pin sockets in our hotel room so remember to pack a travel adaptor for both just in case when you visit.

What to Do in Gibraltar

Gibraltar might be small but there is plenty to see and do whilst you are there. As well as visiting Europa Point (on a clear day you can see Africa), the Alameda Gardens or one of the beaches you can also visit the Gibraltar Nature Reserve which is located on the Rock of Gibraltar itself and can be entered from the Moorish Castle, Jews Gate or by the Cable Car.

Once on the Rock of Gibraltar, you can see the Great Siege Tunnels, St Michael’s Cave, the Gibraltar Skywalk, the Windsor Suspension Bridge, the Apes Den, the World War II tunnels, O’Hara’s Battery and the Mediterranean Steps.

If only visiting Gibraltar for one day, it is very easy to get a lot done in a very short space of time due to everything being so close.

How to Get to the Top of the Rock of Gibraltar

No matter where you are in Gibraltar, you can see the Rock which is 426 metres high from everywhere. To get to the top you can take the cable car which takes six minutes each way and costs £19 for the return journey however it does not run during bad weather. A good suggestion when visiting is to get the cable car one way up to the top and then walk back down to the town passing all of the major sights (and monkeys) along the way. If you prefer not to walk as some of the roads and paths on the Rock can be steep and not easy to manage if you have limited mobility, you can also book a taxi tour.

Contrary to what I have read on several blogs online, it is also completely possible to walk both up and down the Rock of Gibraltar whether using the normal roads or the more challenging Mediterranean Steps. I have done the walk/hike myself and I would recommend it to anyone – just make sure to wear comfortable shoes and have a bottle of water with you.

What is the Currency in Gibraltar

The official currency of Gibraltar is the Gibraltar Pound which is linked to the British Pound. You can pay in both currencies however you cannot use any leftover Gibraltar Pounds that you might get as change when back in the UK so try to spend or exchange any that you have before leaving.

Where to Eat in Gibraltar

There is plenty of variety and choice from around the world in Gibraltar when it comes to eating and drinking and you definitely will not go hungry – even if you are not an adventurous eater, you will find British staples such as fish and chips as well as chain restaurants from home that you will recognise. You will also not struggle to eat if you have any special dietary requirements, in fact you will be spoilt for choice – as someone who does not eat meat, I was in food heaven during our stay in Gibraltar!

You will find a lot of restaurants in areas such as Casemates Square, Irish Town, Main Street, Ocean Village and Queensway Quay. Try to make reservations in advance for any popular restaurants as they do fill up. We made all of our bookings a few days before we travelled over Facebook Messenger as many restaurants do not have their own websites and each booking was confirmed in minutes.

Shopping in Gibraltar

The majority of shops in Gibraltar are located on Main Street between Casemates Square and Southport Gates and you will see many familiar UK high street brands. Gibraltar is known for its tax free shopping meaning there are bargains to be had especially on alcohol and tobacco however not everything is cheaper (due to the cost of importing goods there in the first place) so make sure to do your research before purchasing.

Remember if you are in Gibraltar that shops will be closed on Sundays and public holidays however there is a large Morrisons supermarket located close to the port which is open every day of the week.

Meeting the Monkeys in Gibraltar

A trip to Gibraltar would not be complete without seeing the famous Barbary Macaques. They can be found throughout the Gibraltar Nature Reserve on the Upper Rock but there are a few rules you should follow when you are near them as they are wild animals and can bite. You do not need to be scared but you should keep your guard up when near them and do not turn your back to them as they will probably jump on you.

Do not feed them (they are already given a supply of fruit, vegetables and water by the GONHS every day) or have any food, drink or plastic bags on display and keep any other bags in front of you as they do know how to open rucksacks and bags. They also recognise taxis and will jump on them when they see them drive up as they associate taxis with tourists and therefore food.

It is very easy to get plenty photos of the Macaques from a distance (this is when a zoom lens comes in handy) but do not get too close (especially if they have a baby with them) as they might feel threatened however they will not pay you any attention if you stay back and give them room.

Gibraltar is a perfect destination for a short break and if you have any questions about visiting, ask below in the comments and I will try to do my best to answer them.

Have fun and enjoy your trip to Gibraltar!

Since this blog post was written back in 2022, some of the information may no longer be accurate or up to date though I have tried my best to keep it updated. Be sure to do your own research and check official websites for the latest details before making any of your own travel plans.

Support Me and Buy Me a Coffee
Follow Me on Instagram
Pin this Blog Post on Pinterest
Follow Me on Bloglovin’