One Day in Gibraltar: An Amazing Rock Adventure
Not actually a country, but a British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar offers a distinctive blend of British charm and Spanish flair. Located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, the Gibraltar Rock towers over the Mediterranean Sea at an impressive 1,398 feet (426 metres) high. Explore its fascinating history, witness the playful Barbary apes, and marvel at the stunning panoramic views from the top of the Rock.
Gibraltar feels like stepping into a miniature Epcot or Disneyland version of England, complete with traditional red phone booths and double decker buses, but with a sunny Mediterranean twist. Everyone in Gibraltar speaks English, and most locals are fluent in Spanish as well, making it easy to navigate and interact with the friendly residents.
Whether you’re here for a day or planning a longer stay in this tiny territory, Gibraltar promises a unique and memorable experience. Let’s dive into a perfect one day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit!
A Brief History of Gibraltar
Gibraltar’s strategic location at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea has made it a coveted prize for centuries. Its people have witnessed countless battles and sieges, with ownership changing hands numerous times. From the Phoenicians and Romans to the Moors, and more recently the Spanish, French, and British, each has left their mark on this pivotal territory. You can still find many historic landmarks here reflecting its military past, including cannons and batteries, labyrinthine tunnels, and a medieval Moorish castle.
Today, Gibraltar is under British ownership, and the locals strongly support this. This is clear from the overwhelming majority in previous referendums, with a massive 98.97% voting in favour of remaining British in the most recent referendum in 2002. Although Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, it is also self governing with its own parliament and laws. However, the British influence is unmistakable when you visit.
Getting Around
Gibraltar is only 6.8 km², so is a very walkable destination. However, with its terrain essentially being a small mountain, there are many steep roads and pathways. So it’s completely understandable if you don’t fancy walking everywhere, especially if you’re visiting on a particularly hot day.
The good news is that there are buses, taxis, and e-scooters available, which the Gibraltarians seem to be big fans of!
Buses
Gibraltar has 10 bus routes that cover the territory, making it easy to get wherever you need to go. These routes can take you to pretty much all the attractions here, with perhaps the exception of the Upper Nature Reserve, which includes the Cable Car Top Station. Just like over the border in Spain, the buses in Gibraltar only accept cash, so be sure to have some change on you.
The official currency here is the Gibraltar pound (GIP), it is equivalent to the British pound sterling (GBP) which is accepted without hesitation. Just don’t try to pay with GIP in the UK… it won’t be getting accepted! Euros are also accepted on buses.
Taxis
Taxis prices here are fairly reasonable. Uber, Bolt, and similar alternatives are not permitted, and there is just one taxi company, the Gibraltar Taxi Association, which operates as a monopoly. However, the prices aren’t too extortionate, with a trip from the border to the southern tip costing under £20. If you do happen to require a taxi, their number is (+350) 20070027, and they are also available at Casemates Square throughout the day. They also offer Rock Tours, which you would need to prebook.
E-Scooters
We were surprised to see so many e-scooters, but it makes perfect sense for shorter distances. You’ll see the lime green e-scooters dotted around from a company called Hoppy. To use them, you need to create an account through their app. Now, a few rules with these: you must be at least 17 years old, wear the provided helmets, and only ride on the roads. You are not allowed on pavements or in pedestrianised areas. You are also prohibited from carrying passengers, and must adhere to all traffic laws, including those related to drinking and driving, mobile phone use, and indicating. Otherwise you could pick up a £300 fine, so don’t drink and scoot!
Gibraltar 1 Day Itinerary
Morning
Getting In
There are two ways to enter Gibraltar. You can either fly into Gibraltar International Airport or enter through the Spanish border in La Linea de la Conception (known locally as La Linea). If you’re arriving by plane, just step off the plane, then exit the airport, easy peasy. If you’re enter via La Linea, it’s also pretty straightforward. Simply walk up to immigration, show your passport or EU identification card, and you’ll be let through. Waiting times can vary, so be prepared for potential delays. While you can drive in, most people park in La Linea and enter on foot due to traffic.
Please note that there is no entry or exit fee in Gibraltar, no matter who asks, and it is open 24 hours. Another important point is that Gibraltar is not part of the Schengen area (even though Spain is), so ensure you have all the relevant paperwork or visa required for your specific nationality. You can check here. We saw a tourist from Saudi Arabia face some issues with this when we visited.
Once you’re through border control, you will enter by walking across the airport runway—right through the middle. Don’t worry; it’s all signposted, and barriers will be down if a plane is due. In which case, you’ll need to wait for the next flight to land before they are raised, allowing you to proceed. It’s definitely an unusual way to enter a destination and feels quite unique! The best way to cross, we found, is to put your left foot in front of the other. Then your right, and continue until you reach the other side of the runway. We’ve seen others start with their right foot, and that seems to work too.
Jokes aside, it’s definitely a unique experience and a pretty cool photo opportunity. Just make sure to stay in the designated walking lane and keep moving to avoid causing any delays.
Breakfast
Once you’re over the runway, and fully in Gibraltar, make your way to the Grand Casemates Square for breakfast. This historic plaza, about a 15 minute walk from the runway, gets its name from the British-built fortified gun emplacements once equipped with cannons to defend the peninsula. Today, it serves as the gateway to the city centre and hosts various cultural events. The square is lined with al fresco restaurants, cafes, bars, souvenir shops, and occasionally market stalls.
There are fair few choices for breakfast here, but since you’re visiting ‘Little Britain,’ why not go for a full English breakfast paired with a strong English breakfast tea? We opted for The Little Rock, which also offers a vegetarian version and did not disappoint!
Main Street
Now you’re sufficiently stuffed and slightly disappointed with yourself, it’s time for a stroll to burn off those calories. You are now strategically positioned at the entrance of Main Street, the heart of Gibraltar’s shopping district. This street feels like its taken directly from a quaint northern English town, complete with shops iconic British shops such a as Marks & Spencer, Holland & Barrett, Card Factory, Hotel Chocolat and Next, as well quite a lot of pharmacies and chemists (you can tell it’s pretty popular with the retirees!).
Main Street is also adorned with classic red telephone boxes and Royal Mail post boxes, traditional pubs, and even the police wear the same uniforms as in the United Kingdom. There are plenty of great photo opportunities.
Gibraltar is also a tax haven, meaning there’s no VAT on goods and services. As a result, you’ll find many stores selling perfumes, cosmetics, jewellery, tobacco, and spirits at discounted rates. So, take the opportunity to stock up before returning home!
Europa Point
Once you’ve had a mooch around, its time for a trip to southernmost point of Gibraltar. We suggest taking the #2 bus, from the Referendum Gates stop, opposite the BOOKgem bookstore. While you can walk there (we did), it isn’t very scenic and it is very hilly. Not a good decision on our part… take the bus. Once you arrive at Europa Point Terminus, you’ll rewarded with stunning views of over the strait of Gibraltar. You can even spot the mountains of Morocco on a clear day.
Walk along the Engineer Promenade, where you will see the Trinity Lighthouse standing proud. Serving as a beacon to all passing sea vessels, it marks the division between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. You cannot enter the lighthouse itself, but there are conveniently placed benches along the promenade to take in the dramatic views, surrounded by rugged cliffside.
Following the promenade further, the walkway connects to the military landmarks of Harding’s Battery, General Sikorski Memorial, and Harding’s Observation Point. Each of these sites has informative plaques honouring their significance as part of this old artillery spot.
You will also notice the striking Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque behind you. This mosque was a gift from the late King of Saudi Arabia and happens to be the southernmost mosque in Europe, as well as one of the largest mosques in a non-Muslim country. This impressive religious site is open to visitors and is regularly used by the Muslim residents, who make up around 7% of the population. It’s even more beautiful inside, and it’s free to visit, so definitely worth a look.
Once you’ve had your fill, it’s time to get the bus back to the city centre, getting off at the Fish Market Steps stop.
Afternoon
Lunch
There are many options for lunch with various cuisines in the centre of Gibraltar. In keeping with the British theme, why not try The Clipper for some classic pub grub? Located on the charming street of Irish Town, which is worth a detour regardless, this friendly nautical themed pub serves up good value food with great service. You can’t go wrong with the fish & chips or one of their chip butties. Or if you’re up for a taste of Morocco without having to get the ferry over, El Kasbah is another great choice. This unassuming restaurant over on Castle Street serves up delicious couscous dishes and refreshing Moroccan mint tea.
Top of the Rock
While it used to be free to walk up to the top of the prominent Gibraltar Rock, those days are gone. You can still hike up, but you must now purchase a ticket to go through the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Alternatively, you can take the Cable Car, which costs £19 for a return ticket. The journey takes 6 minutes, and they run every 10 minutes between 9:30am–7:15pm, with the last one down at 7:45pm. During winter, it closes earlier, and there’s no stopping at the mid-station (Apes Den) between April and October.
We were initially reluctant to pay (it’s our budget backpacker core), but it is totally worth it… even if it took Alec a while to admit it!! The views on the way up the cable car and from the top are truly spectacular! Not only do you get to enjoy the magnificent views, but you also encounter the famous Barbary Macaques, the only wild monkeys in Europe. These mischievous monkeys are a major attraction in Gibraltar, and they’re surprisingly tame and a lot fun to observe. However, while they may seem friendly, it’s important to remember that they are still wild animals, so keep a respectful distance. There’s also a souvenir shop and a cafe at the top, if you fancy another cuppa.
There is also the option of purchasing a combined Cable Car Return & Nature Reserve ticket, which includes access to all the sites in the Nature Reserve. This costs £38, and the fee goes towards continued conservation efforts. The top sites to visit here are the colourfully lit St Michael’s Cave, the glass panelled Skywalk, and the 70m long Windsor Suspension Bridge, which impressively (and slightly terrifyingly) spans across a deep gorge. Several walking trails connect them within an abundance of flora and fauna. Be sure to give yourself an additional 1-3 hours to explore if you choose this option, and bring plenty of water and sufficient sun protection.
A Free Alternative: Gibraltar Botanic Gardens
Don’t fancy paying the entrance fee to the Nature Reserve, or just not quite done with the greenery yet? Just next door to the bottom cable car station, the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, also known as La Alameda Gardens, are completely free to visit and open until sunset. Covering 6 hectares, these subtropical gardens showcase a beautiful blend of Moorish, Genoese, Spanish and British botanical influences, along with native species. The lush landscape features an array of pretty plants, trees and fauna, peppered with a few military monuments.
Within the Botanical Gardens, you can visit the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park. In addition to being home to a collection of native species, the park offers sanctuary and rehabilitation services to exotic animals that have been confiscated at the border or left behind by their former owners. The £8 entrance fee allows you to experience a variety of animals, including tortoises, snakes, various species of exotic birds, cotton-topped tamarins and a very playful ring-tailed lemur. Allow an additional hour for this visit.
Evening
Dinner
In keeping with the spirit, there’s nothing Brits love more then going for a curry, and Flavours of India 1947 is honestly one of the best Indian restaurants we’ve ever experienced. This small curry house is tucked away just off Reclaimation Road in the Ocean Heights Gallery. Everything we ordered was amazing. The Paneer Garlic Sagwala & Goanese Vegetable Curry are simply formidable.
If you’re in the mood for some Spanish tapas, nearby Gauchos and La Tapilla Sixtina are both excellent choices. Both restaurants offer a variety of tasty small plates that capture the essence of Spanish cuisine.
Can’t decide between tapas and curry? Try Red Chilli Indian Restaurant & Tapas Bar, where they’ve creatively blended the two to create a unique Indian Tapas menu. This fusion offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to enjoy an array of flavours in one meal.
For an aperitif before dinner, in true Mediterranean style, there are a few wine bars on the corner of Reclamation Road, perfect for unwinding with a sangria (or tinto de verano if you’re in the know) and setting the mood for your evening meal.
Nightcap
After dinner, there are a couple of great options for a nightcap. You can head back to Grand Casemates Square for a pint at one of the traditional British pubs. The square really comes alive when the sun goes down, offering a lively atmosphere. The Lord Nelson Pub feels like the most authentic boozer and often has live bands performing. It’s a great spot if you’re in the mood for some good music and a classic pub vibe.
Another option is to take a short stroll over to Ocean Village. Grab a drink at one of the bars surrounding the marina or check out the pubs along Admirals Walk. The views over the water are lovely. The Hendrix Pub is a popular one, with its warm atmosphere, welcoming staff, and they often have themed nights and karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays.
All the bars along Admirals Walk are pretty great choices though, and if you’re a sports fan, you’ll be able to catch the game pretty much anywhere along here. So, whether you’re into live music, a chill waterfront vibe, or catching the game, you’re sorted.
If You Have More Time
If you’re staying in Gibraltar for more than just the day, here are some more exciting options for your trip.
Back to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve
You can easily spend a full day exploring the Upper Rock Nature Reserve to be perfectly honest, so it’s worth exploring if you have more time. One of the key attractions here is the Mediterranean Steps. Although a very steep and somewhat arduous hike, the views once you reach the top are insane. Starting at the Pillars of Hercules, the trek takes about 1-2 hours, passing remnants of World War II bunkers before reaching O’Hara’s Battery, the highest point in Gibraltar.
On the opposite side of the nature reserve, you’ll discover the Moorish Castle, Gibraltar’s oldest structure. Originally destroyed during the brief Spanish reconquest in the 14th century, it was rebuilt when Abu Al-Hasan, the Sultan of Morocco, regained control. This historic site is conveniently located near the Great Siege Tunnels, World War II tunnels, and the City Under Siege Exhibition, all included in your Nature Reserve ticket and definitely worth exploring.
Beaches
While not as renowned as the nearby Spanish Costa del Sol for its beaches, Gibraltar is home to several coastal gems. Eastern Beach, the largest sandy beach in Gibraltar, is perhaps the most popular. Stretching along the coast to the airport, it offers the unique experience of watching flights land and take off while you enjoy a refreshing dip. The majestic north face of the Rock of Gibraltar behind you creates a spectacular backdrop. Also a fantastic spot for sunrises.
For a more tranquil escape, Sandy Bay is a smaller, secluded beach, that was actually created using sand imported from the Western Sahara desert. This calm oasis is perfect for catching some rays away the crowds.
Our favourite beach is Catalan Bay, a picturesque cove nestled amidst the pastel painted buildings of a former fishing village. This charming area retains its traditional character, having once been home solely to local fishermen and their families. Very pretty and incredibly photogenic!
The Gibraltar National Museum
Located just off Main Street on Bomb House Lane, the Gibraltar National Museum offers a fascinating journey through the territory’s history, culture, and natural heritage. Built on top of the restored Moorish Baths, this museum is an underrated find that surpasses expectations.
Despite its compact size, the museum boasts a diverse range of artefacts, providing a surprisingly rich experience. Exhibits span from the Neanderthals of 500,000 years ago to the present day, showcasing Gibraltar’s distinct blend of cultures. One of the unusual standouts is an Egyptian mummy that was unexpectedly washed ashore en route from Egypt to the UK.
The £15 entry fee grants access to all galleries, the Moorish Baths, the separate Natural History Museum, the archaeological excavations in the garden, and any special exhibitions. The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday, and from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Spirit of the Rock
Gibraltar’s only distillery produces the award winning handcrafted gin called Campion, named after the iconic flower that grows exclusively on the Rock and nowhere else on the planet.
This London Dry Gin has a distinctive citrusy flavour profile, infused with rosebuds from neighbouring Morocco, and campion seeds gathered from plants bought from Alameda Botanical Gardens, as this is a protected species and cannot be touched in the wild.
They also offer a delightful alcohol free version. It makes for a great gift to bring home or a perfect spot to pop in for a tipple.
Dolphin (And Possibly Whale) Watching
Did you know you can spot dolphins and even whales right off the coast of Gibraltar?
Join a dolphin safari to witness the bottlenose, common, and striped dolphins that frequent the Bay and Strait of Gibraltar for breeding and feeding, often hunting for flying fish – a truly spectacular sight! Between April and October, you might even be lucky enough to spot sperm or fin whales.
For a pretty much guaranteed dolphin encounter, we recommend booking with these guys on GetYourGuide or Viator, who offer a 99% success rate for seeing these incredible creatures so close you can almost touch them.
Day Trips
If you’ve got the time, why not venture beyond Gibraltar to explore the gorgeous Spanish coast. Here are a few popular day trip destinations. These estimated travel times are based on bus journeys, which you can book here. If you’re looking to save time, consider renting a car in La Linea, Spain, which can significantly reduce your travel time.
Marbella (around 1h 20m)
Known for its glamorous beaches, deluxe yachts, and glitzy nightlife, Marbella offers a taste of the luxury lifestyle. While you can certainly indulge in a day of sipping cocktails at a fancy beach club, there’s much more to discover.
Walk the Golden Mile, the palm-lined promenade that hugs the Mediterranean shoreline from Marbella to Puerto Banus, where you can window shop in the lavish boutiques along the flashy Puerto Banus marina. Or wander through the historic Old Town, a real hidden gem often overlooked by tourists. This quaint area features whitewashed buildings, flower draped balconies, elegant squares adorned with orange trees, intertwined by a maze of beautiful cobbled alleys.
Malaga (around 2h 15m )
We really love it here! Alec’s mum lives nearby so we’ve spent a lot of time in Malaga, and it’s just such a charming destination to explore with so much to see.
Stroll along the Palmeral de Las Sorpresas promenade next to the port, take in the breathtaking views from the hike up to the stunning Gibralfaro Castle, and explore the vibrant Central de Atarazanas food market. Wander the pretty tiled streets lined with beautiful buildings, and be sure to stop for tapas and coffee along the way of course. You won’t regret spending a day (or a few) soaking up the Andalusian atmosphere in this enchanting city.
Cadiz (around 2h 30m)
Steeped in history and surrounded by the sea, Cadiz is one of Spain’s oldest cities and a fantastic destination for a day trip.
The city’s maritime heritage is evident in its bustling port and ancient Torre Tavira watchtower, now featuring a camera obscura. If you’ve never experienced one of these, you really need to! Take a stroll along the seafront promenade, marvel at the golden domed Cadiz Cathedral, visit the San Sebastián and Santa Catalina castles, or relax at the iconic La Caleta beach that separates them. And if you’re a seafood lover, be sure order some pescaito frito, a local tapa of delicious small fried fish. Whether you’re a history buff, a beach lover, or a foodie, Cadiz offers a lovely blend of coastal beauty and cultural richness.
Final Thoughts for 1 Day in Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a destination not to be overlooked. From the sensational views atop the Rock, to the nooks of the Old Town, there’s so much to see and do. We hope this itinerary inspires you and provides a perfectly curated route to make the most of your short trip here.
Whether you’re enjoying a cool drink in one of the ubiquitous pubs or wandering through the charming streets, you’ll quickly realise that Gibraltar is like a little speck of the UK in the Mediterranean, but with much better weather! So grab your camera and your sense of adventure, and discover the wonders this Great British Rock.
