Is Gibraltar Worth Visiting?

Gibraltar, tucked away at the southern tip of Spain, is often overlooked as a tourist destination.  It could be because of its tiny size, but don’t let that fool you – there are actually lots of things to do in Gibraltar.

Blending British quirks with Mediterranean charm, it’s full of surprises, from seeing the macaque monkeys to exploring nature reserves and ancient caves. Enjoy panoramic views of two continents, spot dolphins and relax on hidden beaches – it’s a lot more than just “a rock”.

Because we have family living in Gibraltar, we’ve got to know this destination pretty well.  Whether you go for a weekend or take a day trip from Malaga, Gibraltar is fun and definitely worth a visit. It’s even possible to visit Morocco from here.

In this post, we give you ideas of things to do in Gibraltar, as well as the best places to eat, useful information about flights, arrivals and Spanish border control.   We also include details on a day trip from Malaga and how to get to Morocco from Gibraltar!

How Big is Gibraltar?

At 6.8 km², Gibraltar is not big.  If you are looking for a comparison, it is smaller than New York’s Central Park and over 230 times smaller than London. Yet it packs into this space, an airport, restaurants and cafes, a high street, a massive rock, a marina, beaches and a nature reserve! 

Also, it’s not a country but a British territory.  You can walk from the most southern tip to the northern point in about 90 minutes.

Flights to Gibraltar

If you want to fly directly to Gibraltar, you can. But currently, there are only two airlines that cover this route, and they both depart from the UK. British Airways fly from London Heathrow and Easyjet from London Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester.

If these airports don’t suit you, check the schedules to Malaga.  Although it’s 135km away from Gibraltar, over 50 airlines operate to/from here, so there’s a lot more choice. It’s also why many tourists combine a day trip to Gibraltar with a visit to southern Spain.  Read more about this a bit later. 

Getting from Gibraltar Airport To Gibraltar

If you can fly directly into Gibraltar, then getting into the centre is incredibly quick.  Honestly, the first time we did this transfer, we could not believe how easy it was to get from the terminal into the town area. After arriving at GIB and clearing customs, exit the terminal.

You’ll see flags in front of you, border control and the signs to SPAIN. 

Turn left for Gibraltar and you will see the ‘Rock’ in front of you. Walk around 500m towards the runway to reach the main border gate. If the gate is open and there is no red light flashing, it means no flights are arriving or departing, and it’s safe to continue.

Walk across the runway …yes, I’ll say that again! You WALK ACROSS THE RUNWAY and head for Main Street or wherever your accommodation is.  There is no need to get a taxi from the airport unless you have a lot of luggage.

Things To Do In Gibraltar

Because of its size, most tourists visit Gibraltar either for a day or a couple of days.  Some arrive on cruise ships for a stopover, so check their schedules out (see our FAQ) if you want to avoid the crowds.  However, when you read our list of things to do, you might decide to stay for longer!

1. Visit the Rock of Gibraltar

The Rock of Gibraltar is a nature reserve, and exploring it is the most popular activity for tourists.  Rising 426m above sea level, it dominates the area. From the top, there are sweeping views of Gibraltar, Spain and beyond to Morocco. 

Until we visited, we had no idea about the numerous attractions in the upper area of ‘The Rock’.  As well as a nature reserve, there’s also loads of history here with WW2 bunkers and military tunnels. 

If you’re brave enough, you can even take a skywalk on a glass platform for spectacular views, and of course, there are the famous Gibraltar monkeys!  You have to pay to enter the reserve.

There’s a lot to see, so we recommend spending at least half a day here or longer if you plan to hike the nature trails.  Included in the Nature Reserve Fee and located in the Upper Rock area, you will find :

• WW2 Tunnels 
• Windsor Suspension Bridge 
• St Michael’s Cave 
• The Great Siege Tunnels: The Lime Kiln  
• Skywalk
• O’Hara’s Battery
• Moorish Castle 
• Mediterranean Steps
• Apes’ Den/Barbary Macaques
• Charles V Wall 
• Jews’ Gate Cemetery & Pillars of Hercules
• Range of Nature Trails to follow

Read more about these places on the official Gibraltar Rock website. Before you purchase your Reserve ticket, decide how you are going to get to the Upper Rock area.

There are three options: 

• Walk/Hike
• Cable Car (additional charge to add to the reserve fee)
• Taxi Tour  (additional charge to add to the reserve fee)

Hiking the Gibraltar Rock

If you are reasonably fit and have time on your side, then the challenge of walking/hiking to the top might appeal to you.   There are 2 main routes up.  

Hiking Route 1

The first is the Mediterranean Steps (often referred to as the Med Steps), which is the harder route, but the views are incredible. We’ve hiked this route, which takes around 1-1.5 hours to climb.

The pathway upwards, whilst steep and uneven in places, is well maintained. Also, it does have some rope bannisters to support you at various intervals.  The starting point for this is Jews Gate Entrance.  Pay the reserve park fee here.

When you head back down from the top of the Rock, follow the Douglas Path to Charles V Wall. 

If you take the steps from here down to Apes Den, watch out for the monkeys.  They love to lounge around on the steps, and you’ll have to step over or around them!

If you aren’t keen on monkeys, take the paved route down. Alternatively, buy a one-way ticket for the cable car and enjoy spectacular views over the bay as you travel down. 

Hiking Route 2

An alternative start and easier hike than the Mediterranean Steps is to head instead to the Moorish Castle and take the Signal Station Road Route. 

From here, it’s around an hour up a gentler paved path. 

Take the Cable Car

This second option is a popular way of getting to the top of the rock. Buy cable car tickets online or at the base station near the south end of Main Street, close to the Botanical Gardens.

If you’re in Spain, there’s even a free shuttle service which runs from the border to the base station.

The six-minute journey takes you to the Upper Station, where you’ll get amazing views and see the famous ‘rock’ apes roaming freely.

Facilities at the top include a souvenir shop, toilets, viewing terraces, a restaurant and a cafe. Currently, the cable car is not suitable for wheelchair users, but there are plans in place to resolve this.  

Book a Tour Taxi

Your third option is booking a specially licensed Gibraltar Rock Taxi, which is allowed to drive up the road to the rock.  These are not just general taxis, so think of them more as a tour.

The driver will stop at specific points on the rock and give you information.  Their shortest and cheapest ‘Bronze Tour’ lasts around 90 minutes.

🔍 Check Prices and Availability for Gibraltar Rock Tours

You will need to book these in advance or negotiate a fare at the stand near Casements Square in the town.  Using a taxi is a good option if you are short on time or if hiking or queuing for a cable car is not for you.  

We did see various taxis parked up on the rock behind each other and to be honest it did look really busy. Many of these are booked as part of the cruise stopovers. If you don’t mind sticking to time schedules, this may work for you.

Prices vary depending on the number of people in the vehicle and whether you choose a private or shared tour so check rates when you book.  As a guide, expect to pay between £40-£50 for a shared tour which last around 90 minutes.

2. Go on a Guided Walking Tour

We love walking tours as you get a bit of history, see the main landmarks and you can quiz local experts on their knowledge which is usually excellent.

For a couple of hours, it’s super value for money. Afterwards return to your favourite locations with a bit more information to hand. 

🔍 Check Prices and Availability for Walking Tours

3. Explore Main Street

It’s fun to wander down Main Street which as its name suggests is the main street in Gibraltar.

Start at Casemates Square which is a lively plaza with several cafes, pubs and restaurants. It’s a super place to sit and people watch. 

There is also a tourist information booth here where you can get maps and book tickets for excursions like ‘Rock Tours’.  Casemates Square often hosts events – when we were last there, they had a vintage car exhibition.  

Main Street is pedestrianised so no need to worry about cars and crossings.

Look out for the British Royal Mail red boxes as you walk. One of the UK’s most recognised stores, M&S, is also on Main Street.  If you are interested in glassware, head to Gibraltar Crystal.

There’s a couple of souvenir shops and of course more places to eat.  Choose from the British favourite of fish and chips or Mediterranean flavours of Spanish tapas.

Walk as far as John Mackintosh Square which is home to the Parliament Building.  The Clipper is a popular dining stop here.  More on our favourite places to eat a little later. 

4. Go on a Gibraltar Dolphin Safari

All year-round, pods of wild dolphins live in the Bay and Straits of Gibraltar.

Going on a dolphin-watching boat trip a top activity in Gibraltar for all age groups. There are two main tour operators – Dolphin Adventure and Dolphin Safari Gibraltar. They are located next to each other in Ocean Village Marina and tours leave from here. 

On our last trip we booked with  Dolphin Adventure and couldn’t have been more impressed! We found their tour excellent and it was no surprise to learn that  they were recently featured by the BBC for a documentary on dolphins. They truly know their stuff!  

They have a maximum number of passengers on their boats so there is plenty of room to move from side to side and follow the dolphins.

We were lucky enough to see plenty of them, many of which swam playfully right alongside our catamaran. The crew kept us informed about the different dolphin species we encountered.  

It’s always a magical experience seeing creatures in their natural habitat.  If wildlife travel inspires you, don’t miss our other animal adventures in Costa Rica, Kenya  and Uganda. 

🔍 Check prices and availability for Dolphin Tours

5. Relax on Gibraltar’s Beaches

There are several beaches to choose from in Gibraltar ranging from sandy stretches to rocky coves.  All beaches are public, free to visit and quieter on weekdays.  To get to them either walk, taxi or hop on a local bus.  Check Gibraltar bus routes and timetables here. 

Eastern Beach is the longest beach in Gibraltar and has sunbeds, beach bars and toilets as facilities.  A good choice for swimming and sunbathing. Also it’s close to the runway you can watch the planes arrive and depart! 

Catalan Bay is a popular beach set away from the town,  More like a fishing village with a sandy cove, lined with colourful houses and hosts a couple of restaurants.  It’s a good place to have lunch and stroll the promenade or rent a beach lounger and parasol.  

Sandy Bay our favourite, is accessible via Sir Herbert Miles Road. Quiet and offers soft sand (brought from Sahara desert) and calm swimming.  The cafe here only opens in peak season so bring your snacks outside of this time. 

Camp Bay on the Western Side is a rockier spot but has a children’s pool and play area so it’s good for families.  Also a popular spot for diving and snorkelling. Beach bar serving drinks and food is handy.

Little Bay Beach also on the west side is small and rocky.  Not great for swimming but good if you want fewer crowds.   Good Indian restaurant here if you stay for dinner so take a look under ‘Best places to eat in Gibraltar’. 

6. Explore Ocean Village Marina

As well as being home to the dolphin boat trips, this modern waterfront area is popular with tourists for its collection of restaurants, cafes, cocktail bars and relaxed vibe.

It’s well worth a stroll here whether you go to eat, have a drink or simply to stroll along the boardwalk. We’ve eaten in Bianca’s right on the waterfront where the food is good and with super marina views. Go at sunset time too for cocktails.

7. Take a Day Trip from Malaga to Gibraltar

You may be in Southern Spain and are thinking about visiting Gibraltar on a day trip. It’s popular to do this and in particular from Malaga. We’ve done this ourselves in both directions so here’s a few tips to help you plan.

• Driving is your best option to make the most of your time.  Check car hire prices here. 
• Distance from Malaga is around 135km which is about 2-2.5 hours driving each way depending on traffic.
• As you arrive at the Spanish/Gibraltar border, park in the Spanish border town of La Linea de la Concepcion. Then walk across the border into Gibraltar.  This is about a 5-10 minute walk. 
• Car parking charges start from €3 at IC Centro Car Park.  
• You will need to take your passport with you and be ready to show this at border control.  Then simply walk across the runway and into Gibraltar.  
• If you don’t want to drive, take the bus with Avanza or Interbus to La Linea bus station.  The journey by bus from Malaga will be around 3 -3.5 hours. Check options and book through Rome2Rio.

8. Take a day trip from Gibraltar to Morocco

Although only 9 miles separate Gibraltar from Morocco, there are no longer direct ferries between the two places. But if you have time and want an adventure, then it’s possible to do a day trip.   

If you want to do this independently, first you will need to cross the border into La Linea. From there head to the port of Tarifa (45 minute bus ride or take a taxi). 

Catch the fast ferry (1 hour) which takes you to Tangier Ville located right in the historic centre of Tangier.  This is definitely on our list for our next visit to Gibraltar! 

If you prefer to take a tour you can choose to go from Tarifa or Gibraltar. Tours include ferry tickets, a Moroccan lunch, luxury transport to all the main sights in Tangiers and a local guide. 

🔍 Check Prices and Availability for a 7 hour tour from Tarifa

🔍 Check Prices and Availability of a 12 hour tour from Gibraltar

Best Places to eat in Gibraltar

For such a small place, you’ll find a wide choice of good restaurants in Gibraltar.  We have tried all of these listed below and recommend them for delicious food and great service at a reasonable cost.

Check each one for location, opening times and menus by clicking on the links. Book in advance, especially in peak season. 

1. Aquaterra in Casemates Square is a real favourite of ours.  Offers fantastic range of dishes and we usually end up ordering several starters as we just can’t decide what to have!  Definitely recommend their goats cheese salad! Delicious.
2. The Lounge & Gastro Bar at Queensway Quay Marina serves breakfast till noon and tasty tapas throughout the day.  Head here for cocktails in the evening and if you like the vibe, stay for dinner.  Highly rated on Trip advisor so book in advance. 
3. Rendezvous Chargrill also at Queensway Quay is another favourite of ours. This is a family run restaurant.  Sharing boards and homemade breads are delicious here. Try their Mediterranean or Fish boards – you won’t be disappointed!
4. Vault 13  in central Gibraltar not far from Main Street.  Offers a range of food and small plates are popular, in particular their Bao Buns. A mix of Mediterranean and Asian flavours await you. 
5. Little Bay Bar and Indian Restaurant is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for Indian food. Winning many awards, it is favoured by both locals and tourists for its tandoori dishes, curries and naans.

Fancy Eating in Spain?

This may sound ridiculous but the beauty of being in Gibraltar, is that if you fancy going to eat dinner in Spain, then you can do this very easily.  Simply head to border control, show your passport and then walk to the La Linea area. This will take you around 20 minutes from Casemates Square.  

Here we recommend Restaurante Bodebar which has amazing tapas and wines on their menu. We have found eating in La Linea cheaper than in Gibraltar but the quality is just as good.  Next door to Bodebar is La Bodeguiya which is also excellent. Just remember to pay in EUROS!

🛏️ Where to Stay In Gibraltar

Our picks are based on location, links to transport hubs and value for money.

FAQs

So, yes Gibraltar is worth a visit!

We hope we’ve shown you why Gibraltar is a great destination and worthy of a visit. Exploring ‘The Rock’ is a top attraction unique to Gibraltar and that alone is worth exploring.

Combining this with dolphin safaris, hidden beaches and great restaurants, there’s lot to do! And with options for day trips to other countries and a Mediterranean climate, what’s not to love!

Gibraltar – Making It Happen!

If it’s helpful when planning your trip to Gibraltar, here are our top recommended travel resources. We use these ourselves again and again, otherwise we wouldn’t suggest them to you!

For more great travel planning essentials check out our Travel Resources full of ways to help you plan great trips with minimum stress!