Plan • Explore • Stay A Compact Guide to Gibraltar
Welcome
Compact and well connected, the Rock brings nature, heritage, sea and city within easy reach. From skywalks and tunnels to beaches and marinas, you’ll find a modern, pioneering destination investing in sustainable experiences—and a warm Gibraltarian welcome at every turn.
A quick glance
Why Gibraltar? — Where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean: walkable and rich in history with sky-high lookouts, caves and wartime tunnels.
Getting here — Direct UK flights, easy frontier crossing and simple park-and-walk options once you arrive.
Map of Gibraltar — One-page overview visualising the Nature Reserve, town, marinas and beaches at a glance.
Top 10 Experiences — From the revitalised WWII Tunnels (with the dramatic Spitfire Hall) to the Skywalk, Windsor Suspension Bridge, St Michael’s Cave: The Awakening, Barbary macaques, Europa Point, dolphin watching, UNESCO Gorham’s Cave views, east-side beaches, VAT-free shopping and marina evenings.
Culture & Events — Discover and be a part of local events and feel the lively charm of Gibraltar.
Where to Stay — See our range of accommodation and top visitor tips ahead of your stay in Gibraltar.
Why Gibraltar?
Gibraltar sits where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean—a compact, walkable city anchored by the iconic Rock and a British spirit shaped by centuries of history. From summit viewing platforms you can gaze across open horizons, below, limestone caves, wartime tunnels and bastions tell a story of resilience and intrigue.
Nature is front-row here. Europe’s only freeroaming Barbary macaques, soaring raptors on migration, dolphins in the bay and sun-splashed beaches frame your day. Lace up for adventure on cliff paths, skywalks and suspension bridges; try kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or diving— then slow it down with a swim and a marina-side sundowner.
On the plate, cultures mingle deliciously: British comfort, Genoese heritage and Mediterraneanstyle flavours infuse markets, cafés and waterfront dining, with a laid-back rhythm that invites you to linger.
Getting here is easy by land, sea and air, with direct links to the UK and a port geared for cruise and yachting.
History, culture, nature, adventure and relaxation— everything in one sunlit place.
We look forward to welcoming you soon.
EDGE OF THE KNOWN WORLD IN ANCIENT TIMES.
Trinity Lighthouse at Europa Point, Morocco in the distance.
Getting Here
London to Gibraltar in ~ 3 hours.
Reaching the Rock is simple. Direct year-round UK flights link Gibraltar International Airport (GIB) with London Heathrow (British Airways) and London Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham. Typical flight time is about 2h–3h, making weekend escapes effortless. All current nonstop services originate in the UK and additional UK and selective European links are being explored with airline partners.
Park, walk, bus—Gibraltar made easy.
Prefer the overland option? Coaches from nearby Mediterranean coastal resorts deliver you to the frontier bus station, a short, well-signed walk to passport control—then it’s a quick hop by bus or taxi into town.
Driving is simple too: park at the frontier and stroll across, avoiding city traffic altogether. Once inside, everything is close—hotels, attractions, marinas and the historic town centre.
Arriving by sea? Visiting yachts are welcomed at Ocean Village/Marina Bay and Queensway Quay, steps from cafés and the waterfront promenade, while cruise ships berth close to town, keeping sightseeing effortless from the gangway.
However you arrive, traveling in Gibraltar is easy. Once here, it’s compact and well connected: most sights are an easy walk, with frequent, great-value buses linking everything else.
SUNNY AND SUPERBLY CONNECTED.
First flight from Birmingham arrives — greeted by the Re-enactment Association and Sea Scouts, alongside Minister Christian Santos and the Mayor of Gibraltar.
Top 10 Experiences
Gibraltar condenses big experiences into a compact, walkable destination where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. Beneath the limestone crown, the World War II Tunnels reveal a fortress carved within the Rock—kilometres of passages that once powered strategy and resilience, now reimagined as an immersive visit. The showpiece is the dramatic Spitfire Hall, where a full-size replica Spitfire hangs from the chamber, suspended over wartime exhibits to put you eye-to-wing with Gibraltar’s pivotal story. It’s a goosebump moment that brings the era into sharp, unforgettable focus.
A full-size Spitfire hangs in the WWII tunnels.
Above ground, the Gibraltar Nature Reserve is the jewel in the crown: a protected landscape threaded with trails, steps and ridgeline paths that stitch viewpoints to heritage. Start at the Skywalk for wraparound sea-horizon panoramas, then cross the Windsor Suspension Bridge, a graceful span above a steep gorge that adds a frisson of adventure to your route. Meet Europe’s only free-roaming Barbary macaques at Apes’ Den, climb towards historic batteries and gun emplacements and look out over deep time at the UNESCO-inscribed Gorham’s Cave complex from its coastal viewing platform. Across the Reserve, Gibraltar is making ongoing, sustainability-focused investments—protecting habitats, improving wayfinding and visitor flow and refining experiences—so the Reserve stays both wild in spirit and welcoming in practice.
Sustainably
evolving— protecting habitats, elevating experiences.
When the warmer months arrive, the Rock leans decisively outdoors. Mornings might begin glasscalm on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak, tracing the shoreline, with jet-skiing for a faster thrill. Late morning, head to the marinas for a dolphinwatching cruise, where resident pods arc alongside the boat. Afternoons invite trail hiking in the Reserve’s breeze-cooled heights or a swim at a sheltered beach; golden hour is for the Skywalk and sunset viewpoints. Evenings settle into a laid-back rhythm of waterfront cafés, open-air terraces and relaxed promenades.
What makes it effortless is scale and connectivity. Gibraltar is compact and well connected: most highlights sit within comfortable walking distance of one another, linked by clear paths and steps, with frequent buses for anything farther. You can do more in a single day—history, culture, nature, adventure and pure relaxation—without ever feeling rushed.
Turn the page for ten unmissable experiences that capture Gibraltar’s spirit: from underground legends and soaring lookouts to coastal calm, lively marinas and unforgettable wildlife—everything in one sunlit place.
1.
Great Siege & WWII Tunnels
From 18th-century gun galleries carved during the Great Siege to a newly revitalised WWII network that once formed a ‘city inside a city,’ explore Gibraltar’s underground story—now enhanced with a refreshed, multimedia route and a showpiece chamber where a full-size replica Spitfire hangs overhead.
2.
Skywalk & Windsor Suspension Bridge
Step onto a glass platform higher than London’s Shard viewing level for wraparound views, then test your nerve on a 71-metre suspension bridge over a 50-metre gorge—linked by trails across the Upper Rock.
3.
St Michael’s Cave & “The Awakening”
A cathedral of limestone turned immersive theatre. Wander past glittering formations, then watch the cavern come alive in a 360° projectionand-light spectacle that reawakens its stories.
4.
Barbary Macaques
Meet Europe’s only free-roaming macaques at Apes’ Den—local legends, wartime anecdotes and wonderful photo moments included. Please enjoy at a respectful distance. Never feed or touch them. For the best experience, head up via the Upper Rock trails at quieter times—early morning or late afternoon.
Europa Point & Trinity Lighthouse
Stand at the edge of the Rock where the lighthouse has guided seafarers since 1841; sea air, big-sky photo ops await. Stay for golden hour— Europa Point’s promenade is a front-row seat for Strait sunsets.
Dolphin Watching in the Bay
Head out by boat to watch resident pods arc through the water—an uplifting, family-friendly cruise that leaves from the marinas. Skippers share sightings year-round, with calm-morning departures best; expect playful bow-riding, sweeping bay views and occasional tuna or seabird cameos. 6.
UNESCO World Heritage: Gorham’s Cave
Look into deep time. From a purpose-built platform, take in the Neanderthal cave complex and interpretation panels that bring this globally significant site to life—without disturbing its fragile archaeology.
Beaches & Catalan Bay
Colourful houses, a sheltered cove and classic seafood: this former Genoese fishing village is one of Gibraltar’s most photogenic beach spots. Nearby Sandy Bay adds golden sands and calm water—ideal for stand-up paddleboarding and lazy swims, plus easy rentals and beach cafés steps from the sand. 8.
9.
Main Street VAT-Free Shopping
From perfumery and electronics to fashion and jewellery, Gibraltar’s walkable main artery is a byword for value—perfect for a browse between sights. Look for duty-free deals, heritage brands and welcoming side streets.
10.
Marinas by Day & Night
Queensway Quay and Ocean Village mix
superyacht views, global dining and evening buzz— leisure hubs just steps from the city. Queensway Quay leans relaxed with marina-front sunsets and wine bars; Ocean Village is livelier, with casino, nightlife and waterfront terraces, plus live music on weekends.
Culture & Events
Gibraltar’s culture is a lively blend shaped by centuries of arrivals—a cosmopolitan mix you feel in its street life and on the plate. Calentita, the open-air food festival, brings local dishes and global flavours together each summer, while Main Street and Casemates hum with Mediterranean café society by day and spill into a vibrant bar-andrestaurant scene at Chatham Counterguard by night.
The calendar is packed with signature fixtures. The Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival, hosted within fitting venues of historical and culural significance, draws renowned authors and public figures such as Jeremy Hunt and David Walliams. The Gibraltar International Chess Festival ranks among the world’s leading open tournaments. Alongside major events, expect intimate Concerts by Candlelight and chamber recitals in historic venues and community spaces such as the Garrison Library, John Mackintosh Hall, St Michael’s Cave and the Alameda Gardens’ open-air theatre.
Across the year, look for staples such as the Gibraltar International Drama Festival (March), the Classic and Vintage Vehicle Rally (May), Calentita (June) and National Day celebrations (10 September)—plus rotating exhibitions and performances that keep the city’s cultural rhythm strong.
Big
ticket moments at your doorstep.
Crowd at Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival, 2024.
National Day
Arrive in early September and the first thing you notice is colour: flags on balconies, red-and-white bunting, shop windows turned into little tributes to the Rock. The 10th of September - National Dayisn’t just a party; it’s a statement—joyful, confident and proudly shared with anyone who happens to be here. As a visitor, you feel it in the way strangers hand you a flag and involve you in the celebrations.
Pride you can feel.
Conversations turn, naturally, to self-determination. People speak about choosing their own future with a warmth that feels deeply personal yet welcoming—pride that isn’t pointed at anyone, but rooted in community, continuity and care for the place they call home. The music is loud, the speeches are brief and the mood is generous. Families gather, teens sing along, elders swap stories; the whole city becomes one big neighbourhood.
What stands out most is how open it feels. Gibraltar’s identity is confident without being closed: a small place with a big voice, resilient and future-facing—and keen to include you in the celebration.
Nature & Trails
Gibraltar’s Upper Rock Nature Reserve (URNR) is the jewel in the crown: a protected sweep of native flora and fauna stitched with picnic spots, heritage sites, wide horizons and nature trails that make exploring effortless. Paths rise quickly to viewpoints and batteries, with the summit at O’Hara’s Battery—home to a 9.2” gun and WWII displays— delivering commanding, sea-to-sea panoramas.
For big, breezy moments, step onto the Skywalk—a glass platform 340 m above sea level that links by trail to the Windsor Suspension Bridge and Apes’ Den, so you can chain viewpoints, bridges and wildlife in one loop. Test your nerve on the Windsor Bridge—71 m long over a 50 m gorge—before meeting the Rock’s most famous residents, the Barbary macaques, who roam freely in their natural habitat. (Enjoy at a respectful distance.)
Nature here is never just a backdrop: Gibraltar sits on a major bird-migration flyway, rewarding even casual walkers with raptor and passerine passages in season. On the coastline below, dolphin-watching boats leave from the marinas for close-up encounters in the bay—an easy add-on to a day of trails.
FROM RIDGE TRAILS TO SEA HORIZONS.
Gibraltar Upper Rock Nature Reserve featuring the Skywalk and the Strait of Gibraltar
At the foot of the Rock, the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, the Alameda (opened to the public in 1816) offer shaded walks among mature trees, historic military references and seasonal colour.
Summer brings performances to the open-air theatre, while the adjoining Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park (AWCP) cares for unusual and exotic species—an engaging, family-friendly pocket of conservation.
Conservation with every step.
Across the Reserve and Gardens, you’ll find refurbished trails—including the Mediterranean Steps—and clear wayfinding that keep the experience welcoming and modern while preserving the wild, open-air feel that makes Gibraltar special.
For a sense of deep time, round out your route at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Viewing Platform overlooking the Gorham’s Cave Complex— interpretation panels frame the story of the Neanderthals and the landscape sweeping from sea caves to the summit ridge and Mediterranean Steps.
Discover everything to see and do in Gibraltar.
Mediterranean Steps, Gibraltar Upper Rock Nature Reserve
48 Hours Gibraltar in
Europa Point Trinity Lighthouse, Gibraltar
Day 1 - Upper Rock Nature Reserve: sky-high views, caves & tunnels.
Morning | Cable Car to the Reserve. Start at Grand Parade and ride up for instant panoramas over the protected Upper Rock. Step onto the Skywalk (glass platform, 340 m), follow waymarked paths to the Windsor Suspension Bridge (71 m over a gorge), then meet the Barbary macaques at Apes’ Den— always at a respectful distance.
Late morning | St Michael’s Cave: The Awakening. Wander the cathedral-like caverns and catch the immersive light-and-sound show that runs on a loop.
Lunch in the Reserve (no need to leave!).
• Pack a picnic and use designated picnic spots along the trails, or;
• Grab a bite at the St Michael’s Cave café/cabin, or;
• Refuel at the Cable Car Top Station Café, or go back in time at the Tunnerler’s Mess caféteria at the WWII Tunnels for tea time.
Keep Gibraltar beautiful: stick to paths, bin or carry out litter and never feed wildlife.
Keep Gibraltar beautiful: take only photos, leave no trace.
Afternoon | On the trails. Continue exploring lookouts and batteries (O’Hara’s Battery is a classic), or stretch your legs on sections of the Mediterranean Steps for cliffside sea views before descending.
World War II Tunnels. Head down to the WWII Tunnels for an eye-opening tour of the ‘city inside a city’ —a revitalised, multimedia route that brings Gibraltar’s frontline story to life.
Golden hour (optional) | If time allows, finish at Europa Point Lighthouse for wide horizons and sunset photos before dinner back in town.
Sunset at the edge of the Rock.
Getting around and accessibility
Buses
Outside the Reserve, Gibraltar’s public buses are frequent, reliable and great value—handy for hopping between the Cable Car base, Casemates/ Main Street, the marinas, Europa Point and the frontier.
Taxi guided tours
If you have mobility concerns, opt for a licensed taxi-guided tour—door-to-door access to major viewpoints and attractions with minimal walking.
Activity note: The Nature Reserve involves steps, gradients and uneven paths—it requires more than a casual flat walk. Wear suitable footwear, carry water and choose routes that match your comfort level.
Meetings & Incentives
Small footprint, big impact. Gibraltar blends statement venues, smooth logistics and a bilingual workforce—ideal for compact, high-value meetings and incentives. Everything is close: transfers are short, timetables run tight and teams move easily between sessions, sea and skyline.
Venue highlights: Sunborn Gibraltar for contemporary ballroom and meeting suites beside the marinas; the historic Garrison Library for intimate conferences and talks; John Mackintosh Hall for theatre, conference and exhibition space; and St Michael’s Cave—a natural auditorium that turns presentations into performances. WWII Tunnels — Spitfire Hall: a dramatic underground conference and reception venue, set beneath a suspended full-size Spitfire, delivers unforgettable keynotes and product launches.
On the service side, Gibraltar’s workforce is largely bilingual (English/Spanish) with strong vendor networks and full-service catering that spans local flavours to global menus. Pre and post-session ideas come built-in: private tunnel tours, Skywalk and Windsor Bridge viewpoints, dolphin cruises and marina-front dining.
Whatever your brief—board meeting, leadership offsite, product launch or reward trip—Gibraltar has a venue (and a view) to match.
Commonwealth Digital Week - Gibraltar 2025, Sunborn Yacht Hotel, Gibraltar
Follow in the footsteps of John Lennon and Yoko Ono: say “I do” on the Rock. Gibraltar makes it remarkably straightforward—no residency requirement and typically just a one-night stay— with a choice of striking ceremony locations from heritage spaces to sea-view venues. Recent legislation also allows the Registrar to conduct ceremonies outside the Registry Office at approved venues, so you can tailor the backdrop to your day.
As Gibraltar is a popular place to marry, it’s wise to book well in advance and work with the Civil Status and Registration Office (CSRO), a recognised travel agent, or a local wedding planner to smooth the details.
Ape’s Den, Gibraltar Upper Rock Nature Reserve
Where to Stay
1.
The Sunborn Gibraltar
A 142-metre “super-yacht” hotel moored in Ocean Village Marina, elegantly spread over seven floors. A luxury base steps from waterfront dining and nightlife.
Tel +350 200 16100 reservations@sunborngibraltar.com
2.
The Rock Hotel
The world-famous heritage classic, perched above town with splendid Bay views. With seawater pool in secluded gardens where light meals are served through the day.
Tel +350 200 73000 reservations@rockhotel.gi
3.
The O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel
A stylish, full-service city-centre hotel minutes from Main Street—a convenient base for shopping, business and culture.
Tel +350 200 70500 eliott@ocallaghanhotels.com
4.
Holiday Inn Express
Modern and practical at the foot of the Rock and very close to Gibraltar International Airport (GIB). All-day café/bar, free Wi-Fi and breakfast included
Tel +350 200 67890 info@hiexgibraltar.com
5.
The Bristol Hotel
Central and near the museum, with an attractive walled garden and swimming pool. Many rooms offer Bay views—a classic, good-value town stay.
Tel +350 200 76800 reservations@bristolhotel.gi
Hotel Grading
Gibraltar follows the AA star classification (voluntary participation). Some non-participating properties display self-declared (black-star) classes.
Aparthotels & self-catering
Gibraltar offers a range of self-catering apartments/ aparthotel-style stays; for the up-to-date list visit the official Visit Gibraltar website.
Other Stay Styles
Emile Youth Hostel (budget/hostel)
Set on Gibraltar’s historic city walls, just a oneminute walk from Casemates Square and Main Street—simple, central and great for value-seekers.
Tel +350 200 51106 emilehostel@yahoo.co.uk
Visiting by yacht
Prefer to sleep aboard? Queensway Quay and Ocean Village are classy, modern marinas with dining, nightlife and excellent berthing facilities— handy for skippers and crews planning overnight stays afloat.
Essential Visitor Info
Getting here
By air: Direct UK flights to Gibraltar International; average flight time ~2h45.
Nearby airports: Málaga (AGP) and Jerez (XRY) are each ~1h30 by road to the frontier—useful for wider connections.
The frontier (land border)
Open 24/7 for vehicles and pedestrians; no limit on crossings.
Visa policy and forms: Gibraltar Borders and Coastguard Agency — gibraltarborder.gi (includes visa guidance and live frontier info).
Getting around
Compact and walkable town centre; most sights are within an easy stroll.
Local buses and taxis cover all districts; many visitors explore the core on foot.
Climate & best time to visit
Sunshine: around 320 sunny days each year.
Temperatures: summer often 30°C+; winter around 18°C.
Money, phones & power
Currency: Gibraltar pounds and UK sterling accepted; cards widely used; euros often accepted.
Dialling code: +350.
Voltage and plugs: 240V; UK 3-pin
Languages
English is the official language; Spanish is widely spoken.
Accessibility
Government-backed improvements at beaches and attractions.
Adapted public toilets available in several locations.
Shopping
VAT-free destination; Main Street and lanes are known for cosmetics, perfumery, tobacco, spirits, electronics, jewellery and fashion.
Everything is within easy walking distance.
Key attractions & experiences
Gibraltar Nature Reserve, Upper Rock — Skywalk, Windsor Suspension Bridge and Apes’ Den.
St Michael’s Cave — immersive ‘The Awakening’ light show (plays on a loop).
Great Siege Tunnels and WWII Tunnels — the Rock’s inside story.
Europa Point Lighthouse — wide-horizon photo ops.
Dolphin-watching in the Bay (typical cruise ~1.5 hours).
Beaches and marinas — East-side coves; dining at Queensway Quay and Ocean Village.
Culture & food
A lively mix of influences; local specialities include calentita, pinchitos, torta de acelgas and pan dulce.
Calentita food festival each summer; café culture by day, Chatham Counterguard buzz by night.
Accommodation
Choices from 3*–5* hotels to self-catering/ aparthotels (see visitgibraltar.gi for current listings).
Compact scale: transfers to the centre typically under 15 minutes.
Useful contacts & links
Visit Gibraltar — visitgibraltar.gi (general info and accommodation)
Gibraltar Borders and Coastguard Agency — gibraltarborder.gi (visas/frontier)
Gibraltar International Airport — gibraltarairport.gi (flights/routes)
Local buses — gibraltarbuscompany.gi
Taxis — gibtaxi.com
Tip: Always check official sites for the latest schedules, visa guidance and opening hours.
Barbary Macaque, Gibraltar Upper Rock Nature Reserve
Contact Information
Gibraltar House, London
Gibraltar House
150 Strand, London, WC2R 1JA
Tel: +44 (0)20 7836 0777
Email: info.london@gibraltar.gov.gi
Gibraltar Tourist Board
4.3.03 Eurosuites
3rd Floor, Block 4 Eurotowers, Europort Rd Gibraltar, GX11 1AA
Tel: (+350) 200 45000
Email: marketing@gibraltar.gov.gi
Socials
www.visitgibraltar.gi
@visitgibraltar @visitgibraltar @visitgibraltar_ @visitgibraltar_official Visit Gibraltar
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