With a vibrant mixture of beaches, rich history and sunshine all year round, Gibraltar is the place to take a trip this year.
Destination highlights
A diverse range of beaches and bays
Year-round sunshine and tropical breezes
Unique flora and fauna
Great for shopping
What are the best beaches in Gibraltar?
As Gibraltar is a rocky peninsula (not an island – who knew?!) there’s plenty of coast to explore. There are 6 main beaches, each with a distinct character, which means a beach holiday in Gibraltar has something for everyone. You can find everything from laid-back spots to soak up the sun, to natural havens teeming with marine wildlife.
Eastern Beach – The largest sandy beach in Gibraltar, and ideal for sunbathing as it's an iconic ray catcher - we're talking a day long toasty treat for your Gibraltar holiday.
Western Beach – A less populated but equally beautiful beach, a great spot to watch the sunset - get your camera at the ready.
Sandy Bay - It’s all in the name! Restored in 2014 with imported sand from the Western Sahara, this secluded beach has quickly become a local favourite.
Camp Bay - The number one destination for snorkelling and diving in crystal clear water.
Little Bay - The best beach in Gibraltar for family holidays, with a small bathing area and enclosed swimming pool for the kids.
Catalan Bay - Colourful and historical, the bay dates back to the 1600s and provides a great slice of local life.
Rosia Bay - I know we said 6 beaches, but we thought we could sneak you a lil something extra, this spot has a rocky shoreline so make sure you've got your flip-flops at the ready - there is a small beach area and snorkellers are low-key in their bag with this one.
Weather in Gibraltar
The temps in Gibraltar are pretty iconic all year round (yes, even for some winter sun), so it's no wonder people flock here like it's going out of fashion. A holiday to Gibraltar is never gonna go out of style, even beachgoers don't have to worry about the sea temp dropping to unbearable chills, so really, why aren't you booking already?
Summer's always gonna be the ole faithful, reliably providing toasty temps that sit between 18 and 28°C, we're talking hours of glorious sunshine perfect for a beach day or five. Towels and snorkels at the ready, you're never gonna wanna leave.
Spring and Autumn aren't gonna catch you out though if you're fancying something a lil quieter away from the school holiday crowds. Temps are not about to slip below 12°C during Spring and they can even tip the celsius up to 21°C in May, food for thought when you're booking, espesh if you're thinking about making this Gibraltar holiday a bit of a wander and explore kinda vibe. Catch the tail end of the Summer heat and visit in Autumn for temps between 14 and 26°C.
But even if you’re booking a last-minute holiday to Gibraltar in the winter you won’t need to pack your parka, temps usually only dip as low as 11°C and can even reach up to 16°C around the festive season. Make this a trip for souvenir shopping and tipples on balconies under the sun.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Gibraltar?
It takes about three hours to fly to Gibraltar from the UK/Ireland - not too long that you'll get dead legs, not too short that you can't take full advantage of some in-flight tipples.
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Gibraltar?
Gibraltar is one hour ahead of the time in the UK/Ireland - if we're being honest, you're not gonna tell the difference... no jet lag excuses for this one guys.
What currency do they use in Gibraltar?
The official currency of Gibraltar is the pound sterling.
What language do they speak in Gibraltar?
The official language spoken in Gibraltar is English.
Go deeper into the Rock’s history
Adventure-seekers and history buffs may find themselves drawn to the intriguing world that exists beneath Gibraltar’s surface. Head to The Siege Tunnels or old WWII tunnels for a slice of culture and a history lesson wrapped up in one.
Revel in nature’s bounty
Even travellers aiming for a cheap holiday to Gibraltar have unlimited access to the area’s lush greenery and beautiful views. The Botanic Gardens is a short walk from Main Street and houses an array of attractive plants and flowers, while confident hikers may prefer to experience the natural sights from on high, as they climb the Mediterranean Steps path.
Go ape!
Gibraltar is home to the only wild monkey population on the continent, and you’re bound to see the native Barbary Macaques swinging their way around if you venture into the nature reserve. Ape’s Den is a fun day out for all the family, where you may be lucky enough to see some babies!
Hit the shops - duty-free
Shopaholics can get more bang for their buck, as you don’t pay tax on products in Gibraltar, often making them much cheaper than on the mainland. Head to Main Street for all your favourite brands, or the vibrant Public Market to haggle like a local.
Dolphin Boatin'
These majestic creatures have eee, eee'd their way into the hearts ofe veryone, how could you not wanna see em up close? One of the best things about a Gibraltar holiday is... well that you can, these excursions are the perfect pick for the whole fam to hop on this cruise down the Strait of Gibraltar on a specially designed boat to catch a glimpse of the dolphins cutting about in their natural habitat.
Take yoursens to new heights
These new additions to Gibraltars excursions (like 2018 kinda new) are the perfect way to see the rock from way up high, the Skywalk (fittingly opened by Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill) is not one for height fearers. A swooping drop down onto the jurassic dunes below is one of the best ways to see the Strait of Gibraltar. You read right, we did say additions, they kinda fall into the same category though, again height fearers maybe give it a skip, but if you wanna snap some incred pics of Gibraltar, then make sure you take a stroll over the Windsor Suspension Bridge too, stretching 71 meters over a 50-meter gorge... that's a lot of meters.
What events can I go to in Gibraltar?
Some of the best entertainment can be found throughout the destination’s annual festivals and celebrations. If you’re thinking of booking a holiday to Gibraltar, these are some fab events to plan your travel around:
The Three Kings Cavalcade (January) - a colourful parade of floats marking the end of the festive season, complete with carol singing and marching bands
International Dance Festival (March) - a four-day competition showcasing a variety of dance styles from talented soloists and academies
The Queen’s Birthday Gun Salute (April) - 21 guns are fired in an impressive display of Gibraltar’s military traditions
Gibraltar Classic Car Rally (May) - vintage vehicle connoisseurs and petrolheads alike will have a great time admiring all the cars on show, with the opportunity to chat with the owners and fellow enthusiasts
Gibraltar-Morocco Yacht Rally (June) - an amazing chance to see boats from all around the high seas as they depart on their charity race from Gibraltar Bay
Calentita Food Festival (July) - with global food tents, live cooking displays, and dancing, this festival caters to everyone who loves good grub
Gibraltar Fair (August) - the nine-day fair kicks off the National Celebrations season, with rides and games for the young (and young at heart!), and nightly entertainment in the Family Pavilion
MTV Presents Gibraltar Calling Music Festival (September) - this yearly event has seen artists that rival any of the major festivals at home take the stage, and hopefully this year will see the same stellar line-up return
Gibraltar Gibunco Literary Festival (October) - book worms, this one is deffo your bag - we're talking readings, signings and discussions from renowned writers and poets... and we're sure you'll be picking up a few more holiday reads while you're there, save some space in your hand luggage, ehy?
Festival of Lights (December) - the perfect warm-up to the festive season, a big show that marks the switching on of hundreds of brilliant Christmas light displays across the peninsula
Where is the best nightlife in Gibraltar?
Evenings in Gibraltar offer a colourful mix of venues, from traditional pubs with live entertainment to Mediterranean-style terraces ideal for sipping cocktails. The pace of nightlife is more relaxed than some party destinations, but lovers of live music and throwing some shapes on the dance floor will be spoilt for choice on their holidays to Gibraltar. Here are our suggestions for the night owls among you:
The Gin & Wine Club, Chatham Counterguard - a chilled-out bar with an impressive range of gins, wines, and speciality cocktails
Dusk, Ocean Village Promenade - the biggest nightclub in Gibraltar, hosting local and guest DJs across three bars, plus plenty of terraces to cool off in the sea breeze after heavy dance sessions
Rock on the Rock Club, Town Range - an alternative venue where you’ll find everything from the best local rock bands to all-night drum and bass sets
The Ship, Ocean Village Promenade - a lively pub that shows many major sports matches and also hosts weekly karaoke, bingo, and quiz nights
Casino Admiral Gibraltar, Ocean Village - if you're feeling lucky then we've got just the place for you, a boujee casino that's gonna make your Saturday bingo games seem like child's play... not to worry though, this place is bringing a bar and club area to the table too complete with DJ's and live music... something for the adults.
What’s the food like in Gibraltar?
Food fans seeking a holiday to Gibraltar are in for a unique experience, as its cultural heritage has led to a mixing of international cuisines. Its status as a British territory means there are plenty of familiar favourites available, but you’ll also find Mediterranean fare - and some interesting blends of both! Here are some dishes to look out for:
Calentita- the national dish, an unleavened bread made from chickpea flour that’s served warm and fresh
Rosto- an Italian fusion of pasta and classic roast dinner ingredients
Rolitos- thinly sliced beef, rolled up to encase a finely chopped mix of olives, egg, and vegetables
Menestra de verduras- a classic Spanish stew packed with seasonal green veg
Japonesa- sticky sweet doughnuts filled with a creamy custard and coated in syrup
Be rude of us to tease you with all those delish bites and not provide the eateries that go with em. Here are some of our top picks across the peninsula:
Cafe Rojo, Irish Town - Mediterranean and British dishes served in a cosy atmosphere close to the Main Street
The Lounge Gastro Bar, Queensway Quay - high-quality gastropub fare with fantastic views of the marina
Vinopolis Gastrobar, John Mackintosh Square - delicious local tapas and wines in a quiet and relaxed location
The Kasbar, Castle Street - this quirky café is the rising star of vegan and vegetarian food in Gibraltar
Bianca’s, Admirals Walk Marina Bay - quayside spot serving British classics, with a popular Sunday lunch menu
The Waterfront, Queensway Quay Marina - we had to throw a seafood rec your way, and this one does not disappoint - offering gorge views over the Marina and boasting a top-notch menu that includes seafood paella and a tonne of tapas, this is a must visit on your Gibraltar holidays.
Places to visit
St. Michaels Cave
This cave system dates back to Roman times, so it's no wonder it has become a staple of Gibraltar, they don't call it the rock for nothing. Bursting at the stalactites and stalagmites with history from Spanish soldiers being led to safety through them to a shepherd knowing of a secret lil path into them, there's a whole world (kinda, literally) to discover beneath the surface. You'll be in for a constant eyegasm of fluorescent hues bouncing off the gorge rock formations and if you're feeling super adventurous you can head down to the lower cave system - this is by appointment only though guys, you need a guide and be fully prepared for climbing and sliding as you explore this recently discovered section of the cave system, there's even a small lagoon to feast your eyes on. There truly isn't a more unique marvel on the island and it's deffo not one to miss on your Gibraltar holiday.
Old Town
The old town of Gibraltar is a melting pot of different cultures all melding into one from the rocks past as part of WWII and beyond. You'll see a blend of British military style mixed in with the vibrant style of the Mediterranean, it'll feel like a bit of a time warp with plenty of rustic sights to see, oh, and make sure you're paying close attention to the street names, these weren't even given in English until the 1870's, so some of em are very literal, like Castle Street for example that leads to, you guess it, a medieval castle. Better yet you're close by to a tonne of shops, bars and restaurants, a perfect way to end a day exploring the streets of times gone by than heading back into present day for a cocktail while the sun sets.
Europa Point
Talk about views for days, this, the most Southerly point of Gibraltar is a top-notch spot for all things history and culture from the 19th-century Trinity Lighthouse to an old chapel and even a mosque. This blend of cultures is something that Gibraltar is known for and it seems fitting that this should be on your list if you're all about maritime history - no judgement, we know you're out there. While still a functioning lighthouse, the original bulb is no longer in use and if you wanna keep your history tour going it's on display at the University of Gibraltar. This is deffo one that you're gonna wanna pack your comfy walking trainers for so you can see all this spot has to offer and better yet, it's right in the shadow of the Rock of Gibraltar... just think of all the gorge new pics you're gonna snap for your insta-dump of your Gibraltar holiday when you get home.
Key facts about Gibraltar
Flight Time
3 hrs
Time Difference
+1 hr
Currency
Pound Sterling
Language
English
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Gibraltar?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday to Gibraltar?
There is currently no tourist tax to pay in Gibraltar.
Do I need a visa to travel to Gibraltar?
British passport holders don’t need a visa to visit Gibraltar. Holders of other passports are advised to check with their national embassy for any visa requirements.
