This Gibraltar travel guide post contains my Hotels.com, Expedia, Vrbo, and Viator affiliate links. I may receive a commission when you book a hotel or tour from this article, though at no additional cost to you. I hand-pick and recommend only the hotels and tours that I have thoroughly researched and feel comfortable recommending.

When it comes to destinations in Europe, the tiny overseas British territory of Gibraltar may be one of the most unique. Located on the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, right next to Spain, it is literally a slice of the UK amid all things Spanish. “Gib”, as the locals like to call Gibraltar, is one of fourteen remaining British Overseas Territories in what was once a vast British Empire.

However, the history of Gibraltar isn’t all British. In fact, the name Gibraltar actually comes from an Arab general, Gibel Tariq, who named it after himself after conquering Southern Spain in 711. Spain would remain under Moorish rule for over 800 years until Spain reconquered the country. However, Gibraltar would be lost to the British in 1704 and has remained under British rule ever since.

An All-You-Need Gibraltar Travel Guide

When you step foot in Gibraltar, your mind will be caught in a tug-of-war between the UK and Spain. Even though you are in the middle of Andalusia, the language, the currency, the famous red mailboxes, and everything else is distinctly British. It is a surreal and incredible place to visit. With my comprehensive Gibraltar travel guide, you will have all the resources needed to plan a trip you will remember for a lifetime.

Gibraltar Travel Guide Navigation Menu

At a Glance

Before you start making any travel plans, you need to be sure you meet the country’s entrance requirements. This includes all of the passport, VISA, and immunization requirements for the United Kingdom.

In addition, you need to make sure you have a clear understanding of what languages they speak in the United Kingdom. This way, you can plan any translation needs you may have. Not only that, but you will need to know what currency they use in the United Kingdom. Knowing this, you can plan to exchange currency before your trip if necessary.

I have included some of this key information in my Gibraltar travel guide below for you to review as you start to make your travel plans.

Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements

To assist you in navigating the legal requirements for visiting Gibraltar, I outline the key entry requirements below. For more information, please refer to the US State Department webpage for United Kingdom Travel.

This information is critical to understanding the requirements you will need to meet to ensure you are allowed entry into the United Kingdom. This includes the VISA, passport, customs, and immunizations requirements and recommendations.

Travel Immunizations

Before you leave for your trip to Gibraltar, you need to make sure you have all of the proper vaccinations.  Not only to protect yourself but to protect others.  You may have questions on what immunizations you need and what to look out for when getting them. If you do, I have included some general guidelines I can pass on to you from my experience below.

• Most specialized travel clinics will not accept insurance so you will have to pay for your travel consultation and immunizations and then request reimbursement from your insurance company later.
• Some immunizations aren’t accepted by every insurance company, so check with your insurance provider before getting your immunizations.
• Check with your regular doctor first, as often they can do a travel consultation for you and write you the necessary prescriptions for your immunizations, even if they aren’t able to give them to you.  This way you can ensure that at least your travel consultant will be covered by your insurance up-front.
• Check with Walgreens or other drug stores that give flu shots to see if they have any of the immunization shots that you require before going to a specialized clinic that doesn’t accept insurance to get them.  Walgreens can give you many of the immunizations necessary for international travel, and they accept insurance up-front.
• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website can be a great resource for answering any travel immunization questions that you have.

United Kingdom Immunization Recommendations

In case you are unsure of what travel vaccinations you might need, I have compiled a list below of some of what you might expect your physician to recommend.

• Hepatitis A & B (if you haven’t had them).
• Tetanus (if you aren’t current).
• Transderm SCōP Patch (for motion sickness) or at minimum Dramamine pills if you get motion sickness easily and you plan on getting out on the water or doing adventure activities.
• Flu Shot

Packing Tips

Outside of knowing the entry and immunization requirements, there is no pre-travel task more important than packing. Don’t worry, I am here to make sure you are packed and prepared for your trip. I have included links to my packing resources in my Gibraltar travel guide below for you to review.

Top Things to See and Do in Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a unique destination with a wealth of incredible things to see and do. Because of its status as an overseas territory, it has a unique blend of cultures and a fascinating history for visitors to enjoy. Whether you come to see the history behind this strategic fortress or to enjoy a clice of UK culture in the middle of Spain, Gibraltar certainly won’t disappoint.

If you are in the process of planning your trip and need to fill out your itinerary, I have included a list of my top things to see and do in my Gibraltar travel guide below.

View Larger Map

Reach the Top of the Rock

One of the most popular things to do when visiting Gibraltar is to get high up on the rock to enjoy the spectacular views. From up on top of “the Rock”, you can see across the Strait of Gibraltar to the continent of Africa on a clear day.

The straight is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, so you will also see a lot of large freight ships. It is an amazing sight to behold. Make sure you have a camera because you will want to remember these amazing views!

St. Michael’s Cave

One of the can’t-miss destinations when visiting Gibraltar is the amazing St. Michael’s Cave. Located in the heart of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, a legend says the cave is bottomless. The legend says that the cave is linked to a subterranean passage under the Strait of Gibraltar that connects with the continent of Africa.

While this legend certainly isn’t true, it doesn’t mean St. Michael’s Cave isn’t amazing in other ways. It has been used as a hospital, a hideaway, and most recently as a concert venue. That’s right, because of the cave’s incredible acoustics, it has been used as a concert venue since the early 1960s. In fact, it is set up with an amazing light system that changes the main cave room to a brilliant array of colors.

The Great Siege Tunnels

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Gibraltar is the Great Siege Tunnels. This incredible tunnel system is entirely man-made, which will blow your mind when you see it. They were carved out by the British Merchant Marines to defend Gibraltar from the French and Spanish during the Great Siege of 1779 to 1783.

When you tour the siege tunnels, you will see just how advantageous of a defense position Gibraltar is. This is especially true when the defenders are highly fortified in tunnels deep within the rock. It is an absolutely incredible experience to walk in the footsteps of these soldiers and understand the history behind Gibraltar. If you have the time when you visit, I strongly recommend a stop at the siege tunnels.

The Mediterranean Steps

If you love to get outside and hike, then you won’t want to miss the incredible Mediterranean Steps when you visit Gibraltar. This amazing series of steep steps was created by the British military back in the 18th century as a way for soldiers to access different defensive positions. This included the Levant, Martin’s, O’Hara’s, and Lord Airey’s Batteries.

Today, the Mediterranean Steps are more of a tourist attraction than they are a strategic defensive tool. That’s great because the steps are a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the incredible views of Gibraltar. However, you should be aware that this is not an easy hike. This 1,800-meter trek is quite steep, so it will test your endurance. However, if you are up to the task the views are nothing short of spectacular.

The Ape’s Den

One of my absolute favorite spots in Gibraltar is the renowned Ape’s Den. The legend has it that Winston Churchill once said that the British would retain control of Gibraltar as long as there were apes on the rock. Then, when the population of apes dwindled around the time of World War II, Churchill had more apes transported in from Africa to strengthen their population. So, these Barbary macaques play an integral role in Gibraltar’s history.

As the name suggests, you can almost always find the infamous “Apes of Gibraltar” roaming about near the Ape’s Den. Located at the cable car’s middle station, the Ape’s Den is a place where food is left out by the nature reserve to prevent the apes from pestering tourists. This makes it an amazing spot to see these delightful primates play with one another.

If you are planning a trip to Gibraltar, you should be aware that the cable cars do not stop at the middle station between April and October. So, if you are visiting between these months, you will need to either hike up to this spot or visit with a tour guide.

Europa Point

Another popular spot for tourists to visit in Gibraltar is the amazing Europa Point. Although it is the southernmost point of Gibraltar, Europa Point isn’t actually the southernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula. However, it is an important point because it defines the boundary between the Straits of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean.

When you visit Europa Point, there are five notable buildings that I recommend checking out. This includes Harding’s Battery, the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, the Shrine of Our Lady Europe, the Europa Point Lighthouse, and the Nun’s Well. I especially enjoyed the beautiful lighthouse, one of Europe’s most beautiful. In addition, Europa Point is also an amazing place to see all of the sea traffic around Gibraltar, which is incredible.

Shop on Main Street

When you have had your fill of sightseeing around Gibraltar, I suggest dropping by Main Street to do some shopping and grab some food at one of the area’s many incredible restaurants. This incredible street has a history that dates all the way back to the 14th century. Today, Main Street in Gibraltar is renowned for its variety of incredible stores that you can shop at. Each year, millions of visitors walk this street and enjoy the duty-free goods.

This includes one of the best glass-blowing stores that I have seen in my travels. You can actually sit and watch them blow the glass into elaborate bowls, vases, and dishes. It was certainly a highlight for us. Even if you aren’t a big shopper, a stop at Main Street to people-watch and grab a bite is a great way to soak in the culture.

The World War II Tunnels

Another aspect of Gibraltar’s history that you can tour first-hand is the defenses that the British military used during World War II. Because of its strategic importance between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar was critical for controlling access to the Mediterranean. Winston Churchill knew this and used the artillery at Gibraltar brilliantly during the war.

If you love history, then you won’t want to miss out on seeing the World War II tunnels. There are very few places left in the world where you can see actual artillery and artillery positions used during this important world event. You will be humbled as you learn how Gibraltar played a critical role in the Ally’s defense of Europe. Without a doubt, it is one of the top spots to see when visiting Gibraltar.

The Moorish Castle Complex

If you thought that the natural defenses of the Rock of Gibraltar were only used by the British throughout history, you would be mistaken. In fact, this strategic defensive position has been held, over time, by the Neanderthals, the Moors, the Spanish, and only most recently the British. In fact, some of the most impressive structures that you will find in Gibraltar to this day were created by the Moors.

The Moorish Castle Complex is a fortified set of structures and gates in Gibraltar. Two of the most prominent of these structures are the Gate House and the Tower of Homage. As you tour Gibraltar, it is really hard to miss the Tower of Homage. Thought to have been constructed during the 8th century, it is still an impressive structure to this day.

If you have the time, I recommend making a stop at the Moorish Castle Complex to learn more about this era of Gibraltar’s history. You will be amazed by the incredible craftsmanship of these structures and just how good of a condition they are over a thousand years after being built.

Ocean Village

If you are looking for some nightlife when visiting Gibraltar, then you need to look no further than the incredible Ocean Village. Located just a short walk from the Gibraltar airport and the frontier, this vibrant area includes a wealth of amazing restaurants and bars. Best of all, they all provide breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

When you are finished with dinner or your nightcap, you can take a leisurely walk on the area’s many cobblestone walkways. At night, these beautiful walkways are illuminated with colorful lights, providing a fun, soothing atmosphere for you to enjoy. So, whether you visit for a top-notch meal, or just stop by for a drink and a stroll, the Ocrean Village is a great spot in Gibraltar to unwind.

How to Get to Gibraltar

If you are traveling to Gibraltar from outside of Spain, the quickest way to get to the city is to fly into Gibraltar International Airport (GIB), previously known as North Front Airport. This is the civilian airport that services the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. It is the most convenient way to travel to Gibraltar from outside the region.

For those who are visiting Spain and plan to make a stop in Gibraltar, Spain has an extensive rail system and incredible roadways that you can use to get around. However, you should remember that there isn’t a train station in Gibraltar. To get there by train, you will need to take a train to the nearby cities of Algeciras or San Roque-La Linea. You can then take a bus from either of these stations to Gibraltar.

If you are starting to plan your trip and want more information, you are in luck. I have included some key information on how to get to Gibraltar for you to review in my Gibraltar travel guide below. This includes maps of airports in the region and how to travel by train and bus to Gibraltar. In addition, I have also included a table on travel times by train and car to Gibraltar from various cities in Spain for you to review.

View Larger Map

Travel Time to Gibraltar by Train and By Car

City	By Train (fastest)	By Car
Madrid	5hr 45min *	7hr 00min
Zaragoza	7hr 15min *	9hr 45min
Valencia	8hr 30min *	7hr 30min
Córdoba	4hr 00min *	3hr 15min
Barcelona	8hr 45min *	11hr 00min
Murcia	8hr 30min *	5hr 15min
Seville	4hr 15min *	2hr 15min
Málaga	2hr 45min *	1hr 45min
Bilbao	11hr 30min *	10hr 45min
Granada	4hr 45min *	2hr 45min
Segovia	9hr 30min *	7hr 30min

* Train travel to Gibraltar also requires the use of bus routes

Traveling by Car

If you are planning on renting a car to get around while you are visiting Spain and Gibraltar, there are some things that you will need to know before you arrive. To help you prepare for your trip, I have included some valuable driving tips for visitors in my Gibraltar travel guide below.

with you in the car at all times. For an overview of the required licenses and gear that you will need to have, please see the list I have included below.

Required Equipment for Driving in Spain

• Driver’s license and IDP (required)
• Insurance documents (required)
• Car title or rental documents (required)
• Fluorescent jacket for all occupants (required)
• Two warning triangles (required)
• An extra pair of glasses, if you wear them (required)
• Fire extinguisher (recommended)
• First-aid kit (recommended)

In addition to the necessary permits and gear, there are also several driving regulations that you will need to be aware of while driving in Spain. These regulations include the following:

Seat Belts

Passengers in the front and back seats are required to wear seat belts at all times.

Driving Age

In Spain, you must be 18 years old to drive a car and 21 years old to rent a car. Even if you have a valid driver’s license from the United States, you won’t be able to drive in Spain unless you are 18 years of age or older.

Alcohol Consumption

The legal limit for blood alcohol to drive in Spain is 0.05 percent or 0.25 milligrams per liter in exhaled air. You will want to pay extra care to obey this law as the penalties for drunk driving in Spain are very severe.

Cell Phone Usage

The use of cell phones while driving, unless you are using a hands-free system without headphones, is strictly prohibited. You are also not allowed to use screen-based navigation systems while driving in Spain.

Parking

In residential areas, avoid parking next to a yellow line or your vehicle will be towed.

Fuel

In Spain, leaded gasoline is called Super or Super 68, unleaded gasoline is called “sin plomo 98” or “Eurosuper 95”, and diesel is called “gasoleo”.

Moving Violations and Tickets

Unless you have a residence in Spain, you will likely be asked to pay all fines and tickets immediately upon receipt while visiting Spain.

Children

All children under 10 years of age or less than 4 feet, 5.5 inches (135 centimeters) must ride in a car seat.

Emergencies

Dial 112 from anywhere in Europe to be put in touch with Emergency services.

When driving in Spain, you will want to always be aware of the speed limit, even when you don’t see a posting. As a general rule of thumb, the speed limit for roads in Spain can be summarized as follows (unless marked otherwise):

Speed Limit Guidelines in Spain

• Expressways and major highways – 75 miles per hour (120 kilometers per hour)
• Other roads – 56 miles per hour (90 kilometers per hour)
• Urban areas – 31 miles per hour (50 kilometers per hour)
• Residential areas – 15 miles per hour (24 kilometers per hour)

Traveling by Train

If you do not wish to rent a car while visiting Spain and Gibraltar, the other popular mode of transportation with tourists is to use Spain’s incredible rail system. The rail network in Spain, and throughout Europe, is quite extensive, so you can get to most places by train if you want to. If you are thinking about using the rail system, I have included some tips for you to review in my Gibraltar travel guide below.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please keep in mind that there isn’t a train station at Gibraltar. Instead, you will need to take a train to the nearby cities of Algeciras or San Roque-La Linea. From here, you can catch a short bus ride that will take you to Gibraltar.

Tips for Using the Rail System in Spain

• If you plan on taking three or more long train rides while in Spain, then a rail pass is likely to save you money. Otherwise, you are probably better off just buying your train tickets without a rail pass.
• The two rail pass options you can purchase are the Spain Eurail Pass (good for use just in Spain) and the Eurail Global Pass (good for use in 33 countries).
• Rail passes for Spain cover all travel on trains run by Renfe, Spain’s national railway.
• Many train routes require a paid reservation, which must be paid even if you have a rail pass. This is why it may not make sense to purchase a rail pass if you aren’t planning on taking many longer, expensive rides.
• Rick Steves has a great article on whether it makes sense for you to get a rail pass for your trip to Spain that I would recommend reviewing.
• When purchasing rail tickets, purchasing a round-trip ticket instead of two one-way fares can save you up to 20% of the cost.
• Advanced purchase discounts for AVE trains are available about 60 days ahead of departure, so purchasing your tickets well in advance can save you money as well.

Best Times to Visit Gibraltar

One of the most important decisions you must make when planning your trip to Gibraltar is when to visit. Like most places, certain times of year are better than others. To help you decide what time of year to plan your trip, I have included some important annual weather information for you to review in my Gibraltar travel guide below.

Average Temperature (°F)

If you are looking for warm weather when visiting Gibraltar, you will want to target the summer months of June through August. This is where you will find sunny days and high temperatures that can reach into the 90’s. However, the spring and autumn months of April through May and September through October are also usually fairly warm.

During the winter months of December through February, low temperatures can dip into the 50’s. Because you are near the coast, it can get quite chilly when it is windy during this time of year. However, temperatures typically don’t get much colder than that.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

The wettest month of the year in Gibraltar is December, which is typically a fairly wet month. After December, the weather progressively gets drier as winter changes into Spring. The driest months of the year in Gibraltar are the summer months of June through August.

In fact, Gibraltar typically gets very little rain, if any at all, during July. So, if you want to have nice weather when you visit, I suggest avoiding the winter months and targeting a summer visit instead.

Best Months to Visit Gibraltar

While you will find the very best weather in Gibraltar between June and August, this is also the busiest time of year. Because of this, you will likely pay much more for accommodations and tours if you visit during these months.

For that reason, I recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons of April through May and September through October instead. You will still have nice weather but will spend a lot less on accommodations and tours.

Where to Stay in Gibraltar

An important decision you need to make when planning your trip to Gibraltar is where you will stay.  When you travel, the accommodations you choose are oftentimes amongst the biggest expenditures for your trip. 

So, not only do you need to be comfortable, but you need to be able to afford to stay there.  Finding the right accommodations for your trip involves looking at the amenities, the location, and most importantly, the price.

If you are starting to plan your trip to Gibraltar, you may be looking for some hotel and hostel suggestions. I included some great options at different price points in my Gibraltar travel guide below. As always, don’t be afraid to expand your search to room-sharing sites such as Airbnb or VRBO if you aren’t finding a hotel or hostel that meets your needs.

View Larger Map

Where to Eat in Gibraltar

When most people plan a trip, the primary focus is on how to get there, where to stay, and what is on the list of things to see and do. What many travelers neglect to plan, is where to eat when you are there.

Granted, it is sometimes fun to be spontaneous when choosing a restaurant while traveling, and it is always smart to get recommendations when you arrive. However, it can also be advantageous to have some ideas of restaurants you would like to try during your trip written down beforehand as well.

This way you can be assured that you won’t miss out on a highly recommended culinary experience that you will regret. To help you decide on some restaurants in Gibraltar to add to your list, I have included a list of some highly recommended options for you to review in my Gibraltar travel guide below.

Recommended Tours in Gibraltar

There is an abundance of amazing things to see and do in Gibraltar; one of the best ways to experience those things is on a tour.  If you are looking for fun tours and excursions to complete your trip, I have included some category links to recommended tours and excursions you can review in my Gibraltar travel guide below.

Gibraltar Photo Gallery

Gibraltar is one of the most unique and incredible travel destinations in Europe. The landscape, the melding of cultures, and the unique encounters with the local “Apes of Gibraltar” make Gibraltar a photographer’s dream. If you would like to see some of the other amazing photos I took while I toured the Rock, I have included a gallery in my Gibraltar travel guide for you to review below.

If you’re interested in exploring more of my travel photography, I’d love for you to join me on Instagram! Creating this blog to share my free guides, itineraries, and travel photography tips takes a lot of effort, and a follow on Instagram would truly mean the world to me. Your support makes it all worthwhile!

FOLLOW ME!

• Instagram

Don’t Forget to Subscribe to My Adventures!

Let Me Help You Save On Your Next Adventure!

‘Start Exploring Today’ Merchandise Available Now!