2026-06-02
Are you planning to visit Gibraltar soon? This article will help you make the most of your visit, with suggestions on things to do and see in Gibraltar, where to stay and even the best shopping. In addition, we’ll shed some light on passports and entering Gibraltar, so that you arrive prepared.
Gibraltar, located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, is an excellent destination for those exploring the south of Spain.
In this guide, you’ll find the best tips for visiting the iconic rock, such as the monkey-watching experience in the Nature Reserve, as well as the impressive panoramic views over the Mediterranean.
What’s more, if you’re looking for accommodation, we’ll give you suggestions for comfortable places to stay to suit all tastes and budgets. And for those who like to shop, Gibraltar is known for its duty-free stores, where you can find good opportunities.
This article also shares essential tips on driving in this city, which can be a bit challenging because of the narrow roads and heavy traffic.
And you can’t miss the unique experience of crossing the airport runway, as this is unique.
I’m sure that with this information, your visit to Gibraltar will be even more enjoyable than you thought.
What to do and visit in Gibraltar
Gibraltar has a rich history and culture dating back to ancient times.
So if you’re interested in the history of the place, you should understand its strategic importance, as well as its cultural influences, which include British and Spanish elements on a visit to the territory.
Visiting the Moorish Castle
Visiting the Moorish Castle comes first on this list of things to do in Gibraltar because, in my opinion, it’s a place worth visiting.
It’s a medieval castle and you can still see the fortified walls; in fact, it’s one of the oldest landmarks in the area.
The castle was built in the 8th century by the Moors and over the centuries it has played a crucial role in defending the territory.
I recommend that you explore its buildings and towers, and whenever possible, look out over the infinite from the top of the walls.
The fact is that from the top of its walls, you can have an unobstructed view of the city, the Atlantic Ocean and even the Mediterranean Sea! On cloudless days, you can even see the coast of Africa.
Although formally the castle may not be as famous as other attractions in Gibraltar, the truth is that it’s one of my favorite places on the Rock.
See the Gibraltar Monkey Colony
The monkeys of Gibraltar, or Barbary macaques, are one of the Rock’s best-known tourist attractions.
For me, as an animal lover, I have conflicting feelings about this because I feel that the animals are too vulnerable to unethical behavior on the part of some tourists.
So I recommend you behave respectfully when you see the monkeys that live in the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, as this monkey colony is one of the few wild populations of Barbary macaques in Europe.
It’s common to find tourists taking photos of the monkeys, who often approach visitors. However, as I mentioned before, it’s important to remember that these animals are wild and must be respected.
The monkeys’ diet is varied and includes fruit, nuts and even scraps of food they may find. The interaction between monkeys and visitors can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior, so it’s important to follow the safety rules and keep a safe distance.
Gibraltar is known for its incredible viewpoint, where monkeys can be observed in their natural habitat.
Going up the Gibraltar Cable Car
Going up the Gibraltar Cable Car is a great experience, as it’s the best way to enjoy incredible 360-degree views of the rock, the strait and even Morocco on clear days.
In fact, the cable car is a practical way to reach the top of the rock, especially for those who want to avoid the steep climb on foot. The journey takes just six minutes to get to the top.
And being at the top, its a great opportunity to admire the beauty of the Mediterranean and the landscapes of both continents.
However, the experience can be challenging, specially for those with a fear of heights like me.
So, if you are like me, I recommend not to risk it and opted to explore the rock in other ways, such as the trails and guided excursions. After all, there’s so much to see in Gibraltar!
If you take the cable car, go early to avoid the queues. And don’t forget to take a bottle of water, especially in the warmer months.
In short, taking the cable car is an experience recommended for adventurers and lovers of panoramic views, but there are interesting alternatives for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground. In any case, put it on your list of things to do and visit in Gibraltar!
Going to the Lighthouse at Europa Point
Going to the lighthouse at Europa Point is one of the most recommended activities in Gibraltar, and I’m not the only one who says so! After all, this is the southernmost point of the territory, and the views are simply spectacular!
Moving away from the city center, you arrive at Europa Point.
Here, from the iconic lighthouse, you can enjoy incredible views, especially on clear days. It seems as if the coast of Africa is just an arm’s length away, with Ceuta and the Rife Mountains visible on the horizon.
In addition to the views, Europa Point also has other points of interest, such as the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque and the Shrine of Our Lady of Europa. Both places are worth a quick visit.
The journey there is easy and can be done by car or even on foot and if the weather is good, it’s worth spending an afternoon exploring the area.
Exploring the cruise port
If you what to learn about the maritime history of this overseas territory, exploring Gibraltar’s cruise port is a great option!
Also, the port area is very busy, with cruise ships and fishing boats passing through on a daily basis.
In fact, the port of Gibraktar has a long tradition of maritime trade and is one of the most important strategic points in the Mediterranean.
And the best way to understand this importance, both for trade and defense, is to explore the region.
You can take a guided tour of the port, in order to see the cruise ships up close and learn more about the port’s activities. What’s more, there’s always the possibility of one or other surprise, such as dolphins visiting the port!
For those traveling with the family or who like water attractions, a must-see is the Gibraltar Sea Adventures Aquarium.
This aquarium offers an immersive experience with the region’s marine life. Another interesting attraction is the Gibraltar Fish Market, where you can watch local fishermen at work and even buy fresh fish.
Accommodation in Gibraltar
Although it’s a small town, it’s a good idea to stay a night or two in Gibraltar.
So, in the center, The Eliott Hotel has a rooftop swimming pool and two restaurants. The rooms also have balconies with spectacular views.
If you prefer to stay in an apartment, then the Sylvain Suites-Hosted by Sweetstay is a good choice. It’s centrally located, has a kitchen and free Wi-Fi.
If none of these solutions appeal to you, I suggest you check the following link for availability and prices of accommodation in Gibraltar.
Tourism in Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located on the south coast of Spain.
It is known for its iconic Rock, which stands at a height of 426 meters and has a variety of flora and fauna, including the famous Barbary macaques, the only wild primates in Europe.
Tourism is an important part of Gibraltar’s economy, with many visitors wanting to see The Rock and its attractions, such as the Museum, the Great Siege Tunnels and the Cable Car.
The city itself is a mixture of British and Spanish influences, with a historic center, a busy port and a very interesting shopping center to visit.
In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Gibraltar has a pleasant Mediterranean climate and several beaches, including Eastern Beach and Western Beach.
There are also a number of outdoor activities available in the area, such as hiking, climbing and diving.
Everything you need to know before traveling to Gibraltar
Do I need a passport to visit Gibraltar?
Passports are required by all visitors to Gibraltar, except EU nationals who are in possession of a valid national identity card.
Do you need a passport to go to Gibraltar by car?
You’ll need a valid passport or ID to enter Gibraltar, meaning that if you are a UE citizen, your ID is enought, and all other nationals will need to present a valid passport.
Is there passport control between Spain and Gibraltar?
Yes, there is passport control between Spain and Gibraltar. On the Spanish side, the Civil Guard and National Police handle customs and identity checks. In Gibraltar, HM Customs and the Borders and Coastguard Agency manage passport control.
How many days do I need to visit Gibraltar?
Gibraltar is a small destination, and the length of your visit will depend on your interests and the time you have available. Here are some factors to consider when planning your trip:
What you want to see and do: there are many attractions to visit, such as the Rock, the Gibraltar Museum, the Great Siege Tunnels and the Gibraltar Cable Car. Depending on your interests, you can set aside more time to explore these attractions and other places in the territory.
How much time you have available: If you have limited time, you should concentrate on the main attractions. If you have more time, you can include activities such as hiking, climbing or diving, or take a day trip to nearby destinations in Spain.
Your travel style: some people prefer to travel slowly and explore a destination at a leisurely pace, while others prefer to pack in as much as possible in a short period of time. So consider your travel style and how much time you want to spend exploring Gibraltar.
Ultimately, most people will be able to see Gibraltar’s main attractions in two or three days, but you may want to allow more time if you want to do more activities or explore the territory in more depth.
What is worth buying in Gibraltar?
Here are some things you might want to buy while you’re in Gibraltar:
Souvenirs: The region has a rich history and culture, and you can find a variety of souvenirs that reflect this, such as postcards, key rings and T-shirts with images of the Rock of Gibraltar or the Barbary apes. You can also find souvenirs with British or Spanish themes, such as teapots or sombreros.
Stamps: Buy exclusive stamps, which are popular with collectors. You can find a variety of stamps at stamp dealers or at the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau.
Duty-free items: Gibraltar is a duty-free zone, so you can find a variety of duty-free items at prices that may be lower than in other countries. This can include items such as alcohol, tobacco and perfume.
Jewelry: Take a look at the jewelry stores that sell a variety of gold and silver jewelry, including rings, bracelets and earrings, and take home original gifts.
Do they accept euros in Gibraltar?
Although the currency in Gibraltar is the pound sterling, some places accept euros as payment. However, the exchange rate is almost always unfavorable to those paying in euros.
Therefore, my recommendation is that you take a credit card with no fees for foreign currency payments.
Do I need a passport to go from Portugal to Spain?
You can cross the border between Portugal and Spain and all EU countries belonging to the Schengen area without presenting your Citizen Card or passport.
Tips to avoid problems in Gibraltar
Some rules to bear in mind when entering Gibraltar, as it is part of the United Kingdom, are that smoking is prohibited in public spaces such as shopping centers, hotels and restaurants.
However, driving is on the right, as in Portugal and Spain, and has the disadvantage that the bends are quite tight, so keep your speed down.
The currency in Gibraltar is the pound, although some places accept euros. In any case, the exchange rate is almost always to disadvantage to those paying in Euros.
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