Gibraltar 1 Day Itinerary: Is Gibraltar Worth Visiting?

I was apprehensive about visiting Gibraltar, because honestly, I had pretty low expectations. I mean, it’s a tiny speck on the map—a British territory tucked into Spain with nothing but a big rock and some monkeys, right? But let me tell you, this little piece of not-quite-country blew me away. Gibraltar is like the UK with a spicy dash of Spanish flair. After days of navigating the chaos of Andalusia, Gibraltar’s blend of British order and great infrastructure and Mediterranean warmth, tapas, and weather felt like a breath of fresh, sea-salted air.

Oh, and English everywhere, add that too. Even though I speak some Spanish, having everything in English makes life so easy. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy an adventure, but sometimes, easy is good. Especially after almost dying in the heat of Sevilla and not understanding a word in Bilbao (other must-visit destinations if you’re on a longer Spain itinerary). You’ll see when you get to Gibraltar, the sudden English everywhere is bizarre (in a good way).

Granted, Gibraltar might not be overflowing with attractions—it has a harbor, an airport runway that literally stops traffic, a lighthouse, and the Rock. And that’s basically it. Squeeze 33,000 people into the small but cosmopolitan-feeling city and you’ve got yourself a Gibraltar.

Fun fact: Did you know that Gibraltar is the 6^th most densely populated country in the world? Just in case you were wondering why there’s so much traffic and no parking… that’s why.  

Is Gibraltar worth visiting?

Out of all of Andalusia, I liked Gibraltar the most (even though it’s not officially part of it)
 

I’ll tell you right now that Gibraltar was my favorite place on my Andalusia visit, so I think that speaks for itself. Yes, I loved Andalusia, and no, Gibraltar isn’t even part of Spain, but Gibraltar still made it to the top of my Andalusia highlights list and left everything else in the dust. The Rock, the food, the weather, it was all so perfect. Whether you’re coming on a day trip to Gibraltar from Malaga, or staying the night, Gibraltar is a special little piece of country that’ll leave a lasting impression on any visitor.

In this itinerary, I’ll show you what to see in Gibraltar in one day, explain how to get there and guide you through the border process, tell you how the cable car works, and give you all the info you need to plan your Rock visit. At the end of the article I’ve put my hotel and restaurant tips and the ultimate FAQ section: from when to come and what to eat, to how come you can use British Pounds in Gibraltar but not the other way around.  

 

 

Itinerary overview: What to do in Gibraltar for 1 day + map

Gibraltar is about 4.2 km (2.6 mi) from top to bottom, stretching from the northern border with Spain down to Europa Point at the southern tip
 

Gibraltar is the perfect destination for a day trip, because it simply doesn’t have anything to do for more than a day! Sorry Gibraltar, I love ya, but you’re tiny and I can’t spend days on end eating fish and chips and pretending that counts as traveling. Once you’ve seen the Rock, you’re basically done.

Here’s a list of stops on this 1-day Gibraltar itinerary:

1. The Rock cable car and nature reserve: Allow half a day for this monster—take in Morocco views from O'Hara's Battery and include stops like the Skywalk and the suspension bridge.
2. The Great Siege Tunnels (part of the Rock): Get lost in history (literally) as you wander through a small part of these wartime tunnels with epic views.
3. Europa Point: The southernmost tip of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Med—perfect for spotting ships and feeling like you're at the edge of the world.
4. Main Street and Irish Town: Mostly for strolling, dining, and a touch of British flair—grab a pint as you walk through the lively streets looking for red phone booths.
5. Ocean Village: A lively marina with waterfront restaurants and bars—ideal for a late afternoon or evening drink or a bit of people-watching by the sea.
6. Optional: Beaches: If you’ve got some extra time, relax on Gibraltar’s largest beach—a prime spot for watching planes land so close you’ll feel the jet wash. Or, choose the smaller, African-sand option.

My top tips for a day in Gibraltar

Gibraltar was truly the Next Level of Travel
 

I’m about to hit you with a detailed load of Gibraltar travel advice, so here’s the teaser in the form of some top tips to know before you go:

• Start early: The Rock takes time, so kick off your day as soon as you can. Remember that the drive from Malaga will take 1.5 hours, and that’s without traffic.
   
• Have your documents ready: You need a valid passport or EU ID card to cross the border.
   
• Park in La Línea: Avoid Gibraltar's traffic and parking chaos by leaving your car in La Línea in Spain and walking across the border.
   
• Park at Europa Point: If you decide to drive into Gibraltar and the parking situation proves too annoying, park at Europa Point for the day. It’s free and easy. Then take bus no. 2.
   
• Watch the traffic: Check the online border camera to dodge long waits, especially if a plane is about to land. There are around 5 incoming and 5 departing flights each day, mostly in the mornings.
   
• Get your Rock ticket in advance: Book online to snag a free shuttle ride from the border.
   
• Money matters: Gibraltar has its own currency, the Gibraltar Pound (GIP), which has the same value as the British Pound (GBP). GBP is accepted in Gibraltar, but GIP is not accepted in the UK. They accept euros too—but the exchange rate won’t be great.
   
• You’ll understand! Everyone speaks English, and almost everyone speaks Spanish too.

How to get to Gibraltar from Malaga

If you drive, as I usually do, you can get from Málaga to Gibraltar in an hour and a half
 

Most people come over on a day trip to Gibraltar from Malaga, but it’s also convenient to visit from Sevilla or Cadiz, or any of the beach resort towns along the Costa de Sol. A day in Gibraltar is all you need, but of course you can also check into one of the few good hotels and spend the night as well.

Getting to Gibraltar is easier than you might think, with multiple options depending on your starting point and travel preferences—train, bus, car, plane? Heck, you can even walk, and there’s a high possibility that you will!

I say drive to Gibraltar, because the bus takes too long and the train is absolutely useless. You only have one day in Gibraltar, so you don’t want to waste most of it getting there, right? Sometimes, the journey is NOT the destination. Here’s the full breakdown of transportation options:

• Driving from Malaga to Gibraltar: Renting a car in Malaga is the most flexible way to travel and it makes the most sense. The drive from Malaga to Gibraltar takes about 1.5 hours along the scenic AP-7 highway, or, if you’re basing yourself in the highly recommended Hacienda Fresneda María, it’ll take you about 2 hours. Many travelers opt to park in La Línea de la Concepción, the Spanish town right at the border, and walk across to avoid traffic. More on this option below.

The scenic AP7 motorway is the best option to get to Gibraltar
 

• Bus from Malaga to Gibraltar: Buses from Malaga to Gibraltar run regularly; the direct service takes almost 2.5 hours at the least. And by direct service, I mean they drop you off on the Spanish side of the border and you then have to walk into Gibraltar. This is a more budget-friendly option but it comes with the little fact of you’ll spend most of your travel day on a bus. That’s a no from me, but I’m sure it works for some people.
   
• Trains from Malaga to Gibraltar: Don’t do it! Gibraltar has no railway. The trains from Malaga drop you off in either San Roque-La Linea or Algeciras, they are not direct, and will take 3.5–4 hours + another hour on a bus to the Gibraltar border and you know this is the worst option that I can’t imagine anyone ever choosing. Why the heck would you?!

Getting to Gibraltar by plane

Gibraltar airport—easily flights from the UK, not so much from Spain. Funny...
 

Gibraltar International Airport a small airport that’s well-connected if you happen to be coming from the UK, with direct flights throughout the day. Otherwise, it’s slim pickings. For example, if you want to fly into Gibraltar from Spain, you’ll have a connecting flight in the UK! Hilarious, really.

If you do come to Gibraltar by plane, traffic will halt for you to be able to land, which will make you feel like a rockstar. And once you land, you’re practically in town already—the airport is so central that you’ll see plenty of close-up plane landings during your day in Gibraltar.

Crossing Gibraltar border on foot

Lots of tourists will either bus it to or park in La Linea on the Spanish side and walk across the border into Gibraltar… that’s in addition to about 15,000 Spaniards entering Gibraltar every day for work! SO if you’re crossing into Gibraltar on foot, they’re ready for you. Just look for the well-signposted pedestrian lane and in you go. The crossing is straightforward—just have your passport ready, and you’ll be strolling through in no time.  

From Spain to Gibraltar the border checks are more thorough, from Gibraltar back to Spain you can already see the typical southern relaxed approach as you blaze straight through
 

From there, it’s a quick walk to Gibraltar’s Ocean Village, or hop on one of the waiting taxis or a local bus that take you straight from the border to the city center. If you’re visiting the Rock (duh, isn’t everybody?) and you bought your tickets in advance, you don’t need to worry about getting into town, because all you need to do is find the free shuttle bus from the border to the cable car station and you’re set.

Walking across the runway: Just like when you’re driving, you’ll also need to walk across the airport runway when you’re walking from the border into town. It’s a pretty unique experience! They stop all traffic, clear out the runway, clean it quickly so a plane doesn’t trip over any garbage lying around, and, after the plane lands, everything goes back to normal street mode until the next flight.

How to visit Gibraltar by car: Parking and practical tips

Driving to Gibraltar offers flexibility, and getting there doesn’t take too long:  1.5 hours from Malaga or Cadiz and 2.5 hours from Sevilla. But visiting Gibraltar with your car comes with some issues that you’ll want to be aware of before you go:

Traffic tips

Be prepared for possible delays at the border, especially during morning and afternoon rush hours. This can be caused simply by a high number of visitors if you’re visiting in the warmer half of the year, but also because if an airplane is landing or taking off, they stop traffic on Winston Churchill Avenue—the main road—since it intersects with the airport runway. If the main road is blocked, so is the border. It’s a quirky detail that adds to Gibraltar’s charm, but it can be frustrating when you’re stuck in a long line of cars, counting down the minutes you still have left on your day trip.

When’s the last time you drive over an airport runway? Traffic jams at the border are created simply because cars cross the runway, and they need to block the main road whenever a plane arrives or departs
 

Parking in Gibraltar

Parking can be a challenge, as spaces are limited, regulations are strict, and locals take up most of the free spots anyway. Many visitors opt to leave their car in La Línea and walk across, but if you’re set on driving into Gibraltar, you need to be ready for narrow parking spots that are either expensive or mostly taken.

Staying the night? Find a hotel with parking. Try The Rock Hotel—finding a place to stay with parking is a lifesaver, and this hotel provides parking free of charge.

Also, be aware of Gibraltar’s color-coded parking system: yellow spaces are for residents only, blue are paid spots (but parking machines are known to be out of order), and white parking is free but almost always occupied by locals. The cable car parking lot follows this system too and is notorious for its parking lot mafia that is quick to boot your car the moment you park in the wrong spot and demand EUR 85 for its removal—the absence of signs explaining how to park works to their advantage.

Parking and views are free at Europa Point
 

Pro tip: The parking lot at Europa Point is free and usually has more spots available because it isn’t as conveniently located. You can leave your car there are take bus no. 2 into town.

Leaving your car in La Línea and walking across the border

If Gibraltar’s traffic and parking hassles sound like too much, leaving your car in La Línea de la Concepción is a great alternative. This Spanish town just across the border has plenty of parking options. This parking lot is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the border and costs EUR 17 per day.

Once you’re through the border, hop on a taxi, bus, or your free shuttle to the Rock (comes with online tickets).

The livestream from the border can help you make the decision to leave your car at the border or not.

Gibraltar border crossing requirements

Crossing into Gibraltar is generally straightforward as long as you’re aware what documents you need to get in.

• If you're an EU citizen, you can enter Gibraltar with a passport or just your EU ID card.
   
• Non-EU citizens, including Americans, will need a valid passport and get stamped in and out.
   
• Visas are not required for short stays for most nationalities, but it’s always wise to check specific requirements based on your nationality before you go.
   
• Gibraltar is not part of the Schengen area, so that may affect you if you’re traveling back and forth to Spain after your day in Gibraltar. I have an easy-to-understand article about travel documents that explains the ins and outs of traveling in the Schengen are (among many other rules related to international travel).
   
• There is no entry or exit fee in Gibraltar, but there are occasionally people posing as officials asking for money at the border. Don’t be scammed!
   
• The border in Gibraltar is open 24/7.

Border control is over and now it's just a full day in enchanting Gibraltar!

Hotels in Gibraltar with parking

You might think you’ll only need one day in Gibraltar, but you might be surprised, as was I, by how welcoming it feels and how much you won’t want to leave. It would be easy to extend your stay for at least a night. If you’re one to soak in the atmosphere, you’ll easily entertain yourself for another day in Gibraltar.

Here are the best hotels I found in Gibraltar that include parking—a must for me because I am a rental car type of guy. Book them in advance, because there is just a small handful of good quality accommodation in Gibraltar and they tend to be full faster than in other places.

The Eliott Hotel**** is a top contender located right in the center of town. The rooftop pool and bar with sea views alone are worth staying there. Private parking available (for a fee).

The Rock Hotel**** is right by the bottom cable car station and has free parking, a pool, and incredible breakfasts. Decorated with cozy cream colors and sea views.  

And now, it’s time to guide you through your day in Gibraltar. Here is a trip plan that will allow you to see all the highlights, complete with practicalities like prices, logistics, and directions. I put an extra effort in putting together information about visiting the Rock of Gibraltar, because that alone will take up most of your itinerary. Have fun!

 

 

Stop 1: The Rock of Gibraltar | Entry fee: USD 50, Opening hours: Daily 9:30 am–7:15 pm

The Rock
 

• Time spent here: 3–4 hours
• Opening hours: Daily 9:30 am–7:15 pm (last cable car down at 7:45 pm)
• Price: GIP 38 (USD 50) for a return cable car ticket (includes entry to the Rock nature reserve and all attractions there)
• Buy tickets in advance (official website)

The highlight of any day trip Gibraltar is without a doubt a visit to the Rock, the huge limestone mound that takes up most of the land Gibraltar sits on. The Rock is about 1,400 feet high (420 m) and the top of it is a nature reserve with the most magnificent views and some surprisingly big monkeys.

You can get to the top using the cable car, and then spend hours on the many walking trails and visiting the attractions like the suspension bridge, the Skywalk, and the unbelievable web of underground military tunnels. On a clear day, you will be able to see all the way to Africa from the many viewpoints. There is also a decent café and an overpriced restaurant up by the top cable car station if you need a bit of a rest.

Along with the view of Gibraltar, you'll probably also often enjoy the view of these cheeky monkeys
 

It’s incredibly interesting to realize that the Rock isn’t just a solid lump of rock with nice views—there’s more than meets the eye. Instead, the Rock is like a big block of Swiss cheese! Just think about the 55 km (35 mi) of tunnels that are dug into it! That’s more than twice the length of all of Gibraltar’s roads! It even houses one of Gibraltar’s two desalination plants (where they turn sea water into drinking water), with underground water reservoirs excavated underneath it. A marvel of engineering, isn’t it? But really, how is that thing still standing?!  

Small disclaimer: Taxis go up the Rock, and it is annoying as heck. You’ll spend too much time weaving around them on the narrow roads you’ll be sharing with them. Yes, roads. There are plenty of them up in the nature reserve, which I’m not really sure why they call a nature reserve. Just focus on the views and you’ll have a good experience.

Gibraltar cable car cost and tickets  

You can get your tickets to the cable car and the nature reserve (it’s an all-in-one ticket) on the day of your visit either at the ticket office right after the border crossing or at the cable car station. Unless you get there early in the morning, be ready to stand in line with everyone else that didn’t think to purchase their tickets in advance. Or…

Buy your cable car tickets online. This also gets you a spot on the free shuttle from the border to the cable car station and can proceed to the fast-track lane at the cable car itself.

The cable car in Gibraltar is an experience not to be missed (unless you want to walk up the Rock)
 

The price for a return cable car ride and the entrance to the nature park is GIP 38 (USD 50). You can buy the ticket as far as a year in advance. Once you activate it at the cable car station, it allows 1 day of access to the nature reserve.

The Gibraltar cable car ticket includes access to the entire nature park and includes access to all the attractions up there like the suspension bridge, the Skywalk, and the tunnels.  

How the Gibraltar cable car works

The cable car is an easy, 6-minute ride up the Rock during which you can enjoy the views and save your energy for what’s to come; some people walk up the Rock, but that seems excessive to me. You’ll do plenty of walking when you’re up there.

• The base station is located in the cable car parking lot on Red Sands Road (next to the Botanical Garden). 
   
• The parking lot uses a color-coded parking system that is very strict (read: they like to fine unsuspecting tourists). Only use the blue paid spots or the white free spots to park your car. Do not use the yellow residential parking spots!
   
• The cable car runs every 10 minutes daily between 9:30 am–7:15 pm, the last one down is at 7:45 pm. During the winter it closes earlier, but it does stop at a mid-station called the Apes Den. There’s no stopping at the middle station between April to October. 

6 minutes and you’re up on top of the Rock

Can you walk up the rock of Gibraltar?

You can walk to the top of the Rock, for example using the Mediterranean Steps on the southeast end. There are a total of 3 access points to the nature reserve that you can walk to: Jews Gate, Moorish Castle, Devils Gap. That’s if you super duper love hiking or want to prove something to yourself (like that you enjoy hiking up steep, tall stairs in the heat). 

Tickets to the nature reserve for you hikers cost GIP 19 and don’t include the cable car. 

Rock of Gibraltar attractions

Once at the top cable car station, you will meet the monkeys. I was surprised by how big they are! They are Europe’s only wild monkeys, and they’re pretty cocky. They are either funny or extremely annoying, depending on if you’re the one who’s bag they chose to search, or if you are watching some other poor tourist take them on.

Fun fact: There’s a superstition that says that if the monkeys ever leave the Rock, the Brits will finally leave Gibraltar. From the size and attitude of those things (the monkeys I mean), I wouldn’t hold my breath for this to come true!

They don't look like they’re leaving Gibraltar anytime soon

1. The views 

Even if you just walk aimlessly up there you will be blown away by the views. To the south, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, you will be able to see Morocco. To the west, you see the entire town center at the base of the Rock, the impressive harbor with huge ships and, over the bay, Spain.  

I want to stress that the views are incredible, in case I wasn’t clear already. You almost want a thunder storm to pass over you just to highlight how dramatic the vistas are! Ok, not really. But maybe? It would be cool!  

2. The walking trails

There are 4 official walking trails to explore on the Rock, ranging from 3–4.5 km but you can mix and match them as you please. I recommend making the effort and walking all the way to the southern tip of the Rock and brave the climb to O'Hara's Battery, because the views there are nothing short of jaw-dropping.

Don’t expect unaltered nature up on the Rock, there are actual roads there too, often full of taxis

3. The Skywalk  

One of the popular attractions on the Rock is the Skywalk, a glass viewing platform that’s a little out of place up there in my opinion, but it adds to the tourist appeal, I guess. Not everyone is into unaltered nature! It’s in the price of your ticket, so you might as well go check it out.  

4. The Windsor Suspension Bridge

Another man-made attraction is the Windsor Suspension Bridge. It’s quite a hike down (maybe 20 minutes?), which means it’s then an extra hike back up. There is an elevator too, but it’s known to not work.

The bridge is pretty cool and good for a photo, but if the thought of walking across a narrow bridge that sways in the wind isn’t alluring to you, feel free to skip it. The thrill of walking on the bridge is the main attraction, the views aren’t the best ones you’ll get.  

Tip: If you stay at The Rock Hotel, you can see the suspension bridge from the pool, point to, it, and yell “Heeey, look how far up we were!” True story.

The Windsor Suspension Bridge 

5. St. Michael’s Cave

St. Michael’s Cave is like stepping into a natural cathedral. Located deep within the Rock (and also included in your nature reserve ticket), this ancient limestone cave was long believed to be bottomless until… they found the bottom. It now dazzles with stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by colorful lights, which is borderline kitschy. I can’t decide if I’m team “love” or team “loath”.

A visit only takes about 20 minutes. Expect a lot of stairs. The main chamber is so large that it’s been used for concerts and events, thanks to its stunning acoustics.

 

St. Michael’s Cave 
 

This next attraction was a standout feature for me, so I’ve added it as a separate stop, but it is still part of the Rock Nature Reserve:

Stop 2: The Great Siege Tunnels | Entry fee: included in your Rock ticket, Opening hours: Daily 9:30 am–7:00 pm

The Great Siege Tunnels have “balconies” at the end, one of which you can visit too
 

• Distance from last stop: The tunnels are part of the Rock nature reserve
• Time spent here: 40 minutes
• Opening hours: Daily 9:30 am–7:00 pm
• Price: Included in your Rock ticket which costs GIP 38 (USD 50)

I’m putting the tunnels on the Rock separately because they are something a bit different than just places with yet another unbelievable viewpoint on the Rock. They are still part of the “nature reserve”, so you do need the full Rock ticket to enter, but they deserve a standalone spot on this itinerary because they are super interesting.

The Great Siege Tunnels are located at the northern end of the Rock.  I am a history and military buff, so these tunnels were super interesting to me, but I think everyone will find them at least fun to explore. It takes maybe 40 minutes to walk through the tiny part of the tunnels that is open to the public as a sort of museum. If that’s not enough for you, there’s the WWII tunnels close by.

A little history lesson: The Great Siege Tunnels were the brainchild of British soldiers who needed a way to defend Gibraltar during the Great Siege by the Spanish and French in the late 18^th century. Their purpose? To create strategic gun emplacements and a network of defenses that could blast away any invaders daring enough to approach. It worked! Spain and France gave up and went home after 4 years.

Only a fraction of The Great Siege Tunnels is open to the public
 

Like I mentioned, only a very short section, about 300 m (1,000 ft), is open for tourists—remember that the total length of the tunnels is 55 km (35 mi)!—and most of the tunnels are still looked after by the Ministry of Defense due to safety and preservation reasons. They are included in the price of the basic cable car/nature reserve ticket, you get an audio guide, and parts are set up to show how they would be used (with figurines and beds and other furniture). 

The tunnels start out flat but then go downhill steeply, so be prepared to walk up hill on the way back. Do make sure to get to the end though, as you will get to the balcony on the other side of the Rock!  

Want more tunnels? If military tunnels fascinate you, there is another section open nearby called World War II Tunnels. These are not part of the price of the ticket you have and must be booked as a guided tour separately. In their day the tunnels were set up as an entire underground city, able to house all 16,000 military personnel with enough food for almost a year and a half! There was even a hospital and a bakery. I tell you, I was like a kid at Christmas—super interesting stuff!  

Stop 3: Gibraltar’s Europa Point | Entry fee: Free, Opening hours: Always open

The Trinity Lighthouse on Europa Point
 

• Distance from last stop: 3 km (1.8 mi) 
• Time spent here: 30 minutes  
• Opening hours: Always open (there’s nothing to close)
• Price: Free (there’s nothing to enter)

Europa Point is the southernmost point of the Gibraltar peninsula, just one high-five away from Africa. And man, does it deserve a high-five for the views! The destination you’ll be aiming for is Trinity Lighthouse.

Now let’s use real numbers to describe what you’ll be seeing: Gibraltar's Europa Point is 22 km (15 mi) from the northern coast of Africa. On a clear day, you can easily see the Rif Mountains in Morocco from Gibraltar. The Strait of Gibraltar, which separates Europe from Africa, is one of the world's narrowest international waterways, making this view particularly impressive.

The lighthouse deserves an award for the second most Instagram-worthy place in Gibraltar. I loved it. You can’t go inside the lighthouse; the main reason to visit Europa Point is for the views and perhaps the walk to get there. You can walk along the walkways; the scenery of all those ships passing by is impressive. Just beware, the wind can get very strong here, so pack a windbreaker. Or, take cover at Bistro Point restaurant (it tends to close silly early though, so you may be out of luck).

You can see the Moroccan mountains from Europa Point (a good zoom can help with that!)
 

The Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque that stands close to the lighthouse is one of the largest mosques in a non-Muslim country. It was gifted to Gibraltar by Saudi Arabia, and they really didn’t spare any costs. You can’t miss it—it’s huge and bright white.

History buffs (where my peeps at?!) will appreciate Harding's Battery, a restored 19^th-century gun battery nearby. The canon at Harding’s Battery is massive!

Just beware, the wind can get very strong here, so pack a windbreaker. Take a look around, enjoy the views, and then head back to town.

Take a look around, enjoy the views, and then head back to town.

Walk, drive, or bus to Europa Point Gibraltar

Gibraltar is easily walkable, so I walked to Europa Point. You can see the mosque in the back
 

Walking: Europa Point is quite a walk from the bottom cable car station of the Rock—about 3 km (1.8 mi), which will take you about 45 minutes.

Driving: If you’re driving to Europa Point, there’s a large parking lot there that’s free! I know people that avoid the parking problems in town by leaving their car here and just taking the bus to town.

Bus: If you don’t have a car (or legs), you can easily take bus no. 2 to Europa Point. It starts at Casemates Square and makes several stops, including close to the bottom cable car station.

Stop 4: The city 

Leave some time for a walk around the city
 

• Distance from last stop: 3 km (1.8 mi) 
• Time spent here: 2 hours including food and drinks 

By now, you probably won’t have time for much else on your Gibraltar itinerary, so I think it’s just about dining o’ clock. Because what is life if not a time to reward yourself for all that hard work of sightseeing? Carve out time in the day for a stroll and a food break before heading back to Málaga (or wherever your Andalusia itinerary takes you). Main Street is the heart of town, bustling with life and full of the typical British red phone booths.

 

 

Shopping warning: Don’t get too excited about the shopping. Sure, you’ll hear "duty-free" tossed around a lot, but unless you’re after cigarettes or whiskey (and maybe not even that), it’s like shopping at the airport—duty free but more expensive than in the city center. Most shops are closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.

For a great meal, stop at my favorite spot, Jury's Café and Wine Bar. It’s small, charming, and serves up fantastic fish and chips with a cold beer—exactly what you need after a day of exploring.

As you walk further north, you’ll wander through the narrow, picturesque streets of Irish Town, a cozy little area with its own unique vibe, plenty of shops and more restaurants.

The United Kingdom can’t deny itself in Gibraltar!
 

And then finally, you’ll reach Gibraltar’s main square: Casemates Square. There’s nothing really special about it, but I find it’s always a good orientation point. There’s a fantastic restaurant nearby called The Queen's Picturehouse & Eatery.

You could also head over to Ocean Village at the northern end of the marina if you prefer your restaurants with a side of ocean. Honestly, the establishments I tried here aren’t the best quality or value, so if you do come here, stick to drinks instead.

Bonus stop: East Beach or Sandy Bay Beach

Gibraltar is one of those funny places that’s surrounded by the sea but surprisingly isn’t a beach destination. There are endless superior beaches in Spain, both on the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, but if you can’t help wanting to get sand between your toes in Gibraltar, you have a few options.

Sandy Bay Beach

The best Gibraltar beach award (decided by me) goes to Sandy Bay Beach. Granted, there isn’t much competition. Gibraltar only has 4 official beaches. All are on the eastern side except for the rocky Little Bay, but that isn’t even what I’d call a beach.

Sandy Bay Beach
 

Sandy Bay is a little beach with golden sand hauled in from Africa, backed by an apartment complex. It’s and enclosed beach so there are little to no waves. You can get a drink or a bad coffee at the little drinks place. Note that the Rock hides the sun from about 6 pm, so visit before or after that time depending on how much shade you prefer.  

Fun tip: When you are up on the Rock, look down at Sandy Bay. It’s very distinct with its artificially crafted area, looking like a manta ray’s head.  

Eastern Beach

Eastern Beach is way up north right next to the airport (on the east coast). This is a long beach that is often deserted, or so it feels—there’s just a lot of room to fit everyone. Great for plane-spotting if that’s your thing. Just check departure and arrival times beforehand, this isn’t Heathrow you know. You could be staring up at nothing for hours on end if you don’t plan right.  

Beware that this isn’t the Caribbean and the close proximity of the Atlantic Ocean keeps the water at a cooler temperature than some like.

Beach tip: For a proper beach vacation, head to Mallorca!

Eastern Beach
 

After that, it’s time to head home… err, to your hotel I mean. Let me make another push for Fresneda Maria near Malaga. You NEED to stay there. Of, maybe you’ve decided to turn your day in Gibraltar into a day and night in Gibraltar? Well, let me remind you of the hotels I recommend:  The Eliott Hotel and The Rock Hotel. Both are 4* and have sea views, pools, and parking.   

 

 

 

The best places to eat in Gibraltar

Gibraltar is the perfect hybrid of Spain and the UK
 

It may sound strange to you now, but restaurants that sell tapas and fish & chips on the same menu are awesome! Things like these remind you that Gibraltar is a UK/Spain hybrid, and they make a travelers’ life easy. Sometimes, it’s great not having to choose and just getting a mix of everything.

My personal favorite restaurant in Gibraltar is Jury’s Café and Wine Bar. It’s small and charming and the fish and chips with beer are great. Service can be slow because they are always busy, but slow and friendly is still better than fast and why-did-we-even-come-here frowny. Located on 275 Main Street, which is the far south end. 

Another good restaurant I found was right next to the City Hall, and also has wine in the name, which doesn’t make much sense because I prefer beer. Vinopolis Gastrobar deserves a nod for the incredible service and tapas that don’t bother to pretend they aren’t British.

Up towards Ocean Village is the stylish and strangely named The Queen's Picturehouse & Eatery. The name makes sense once you realize it is a nod to the former theater that used to be here; it still has a luxurious screening room you can rent out! The food is divine and there’s a lovely patio too.

You won't leave Gibraltar hungry
 

I can see your brain churning with a bunch of questions pre-Gibraltar day trip! Here’s a FAQ section that aims to answer them all:

FAQ 1: When’s the best time to visit Gibraltar?

The best time to visit Gibraltar is from May to September, when the sun’s out and the rain has taken a holiday. June is the sweet spot—warm weather, fewer tourists, and just enough breeze to keep you cool while you conquer the Rock. Avoid the peak summer crowds in July and August unless you’re into sharing your views with busloads of fellow sightseers; August is also the hottest month of the year. And if you visit in winter, don’t say I didn’t warn you about the rain!

FAQ 2: Is Gibraltar nice in the winter?

Gibraltar in winter is like a mild-mannered Brit—mostly pleasant, but prone to surprise showers. With temperatures ranging from 55-65°F (13-18°C), it’s a far cry from a harsh winter. The rain might pop in uninvited, so keep an umbrella handy. But on the bright side, you'll have the place nearly to yourself, without the summer hordes. If you don’t mind dodging a few raindrops, winter in Gibraltar can be a refreshingly quiet escape.

FAQ 3: What language is mostly spoken in Gibraltar?

The people of Gibraltar speak the official language of English, plus most also speak Spanish. Mix the two together and you get the vernacular called Llanito. Over 50% of Gibraltar’s workforce commutes from Spain, so you will still hear a lot of Spanish.

Spanish and English are both common in Gibraltar

FAQ 4: Is Gibraltar pound the same as UK?

Gibraltar pounds are technically different from UK pounds, but they’re valued the same and used interchangeably within Gibraltar. The value of the Gibraltar pound (GIP) is on par with the British pound (GBP), but the actual notes and coins are different. The funny thing is that British pounds are also accepted within Gibraltar, so you may end up with a mix of both currencies in your pocket. On the other hand, using Gibraltar pounds in the UK? Not happening.

FAQ 5: Do you have to pay to drive into Gibraltar?

No, you don’t have to pay to drive into Gibraltar, there is no entry or exit fee, no matter how you reach the country. There are reports of scammers asking for fees at the border—ignore them or give them the stink eye, and then ignore them.

FAQ 6: What is special about Gibraltar Airport?

Gibraltar Airport is unique because it has a road that crosses the runway. Yes, you heard that right—cars, buses, and pedestrians all have to stop when a plane is landing or taking off. They clear they way, send little cleaning vehicles out to rid the runway of any dangerous garbage, create a huge line at the border, and then planes proceed to land and depart.

FAQ 7: Can you drive a car into Gibraltar?

Yes, you can drive a car into Gibraltar, but be ready for potential border traffic and limited parking once your inside. If you’re not a fan of navigating narrow streets and tight parking spots that are impossible to find, consider parking in La Línea in Spain and walking across the border instead—lots of people do this daily. Alternatively, park at Gibraltar’s Europa Point, where the parking is free a easy, and explore Gibraltar from there.

FAQ 8: Is it better to drive or walk into Gibraltar?

It’s usually better to walk into Gibraltar, especially during morning and afternoon rush hours when border traffic can be a nightmare. In the mornings especially, it’s not just the tourists and thousands of people from Spain going to Gibraltar for work, it’s also the time when the most planes land and depart Gibraltar. Each time that happens, the main road gets blocked (because it crosses the runway!)! That’s why it’s standard practice to park in La Línea on the Spanish side and stroll across the border instead. If you have your Rock tickets bought online in advance, you can hop on the free shuttle at the border that takes you directly to the cable car. 

I say walk around Gibraltar on foot

FAQ 9: How much does the Gibraltar cable car cost?

A round-trip ticket on the Gibraltar cable car costs GIP 38 (USD 50). Your ticket also includes entry to the Nature Reserve and all the attractions within it (like the Skywalk, suspension bridge, Great Siege Tunnels), so it’s more of a package deal. And hey, free monkeys!

FAQ 10: Is the cable car in Gibraltar worth it?

Absolutely, the Gibraltar cable car is worth it if you’re looking for an easy way to reach the top of the Rock and soak in those killer views. Sure, it’s not the cheapest option (GIP 38 or USD 50), but considering the alternative of sweating your way up the hill, it’s money well spent. Plus, the panoramic views of the Mediterranean and beyond make it a no-brainer—because who doesn’t love a scenic shortcut?

FAQ 11: How much is the Gibraltar Skywalk?

The Gibraltar Skywalk is included in the Nature Reserve entry fee of GIP 38 (USD 50), so there’s no additional cost. All the attractions on the Rock are “free” aka included in your ticket. If you don’t use the cable car, the nature reserve entrance fee it GIP 19 (USD 25). 

FAQ 12: Can I drive to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar?

No, you can’t drive to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar unless you’re a taxi. For regular folk, it’s your legs or the cable car. Park at the bottom cable car station and up you go.

 

You can't drive up the Rock

FAQ 13: How do you get to the top of Gibraltar Rock?

You can reach the top of Gibraltar Rock by cable car, hiking, or taking a guided taxi tour. The cable car is the most popular, offering a quick, 6-minute ride with panoramic views. Once you’re at the top, it’s walking all the way. If you’re up for a challenge, the Mediterranean Steps hike is another option that’ll get your heart pumping, as well as other trails that take you to one of 3 pedestrian access spots. The taxi tours annoy everyone that isn’t taking a taxi tour, so be ready to be hated if you take one.

FAQ 14: Do you have to pay to go up Gibraltar Rock?

Yes, you do have to pay to go up Gibraltar Rock: tickets that include a return cable car ride and all the attractions in the nature reserve cost GIB 38 (USD 50). If you’re walking up, you pay GIP 19 (USD 25) just for entry to the nature park and its attractions. No matter what you choose, the fee is worth every penny for the views and the cheeky monkeys!

The views are worth it, trust me!

FAQ 15: Is Gibraltar technically the UK?

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, meaning it’s under British sovereignty but not technically part of the United Kingdom. It has its own government, laws, and currency (the Gibraltar pound), but its defense and international affairs are handled by the UK. Spain has long claimed Gibraltar and wants it back, arguing it’s geographically part of Spain. However, Gibraltar has been British since 1713, and its residents overwhelmingly wish to remain British. So, while it’s not the UK, it’s definitely not Spain either.

 

You might also be interested in reading:

• 10-Day Spain Itinerary
• 10 Best Places to See in Mallorca
• 5 days in Barcelona (with day trips)
• How to Visit the Alhambra in Granada
• Andalusia Itinerary: Southern Spain in 10 Days

 

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