14 Best Things to Do in Gibraltar
How to visit Gibraltar from Spain: Attractions & Sightseeing
Discover the best things to do in Gibraltar, the unique British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of Spain. Visit attractions like the famous Rock of Gibraltar, meet the iconic monkeys and enjoy spectacular sightseeing.
How to visit Gibraltar from Spain?
📌 Practical information: visit Gibraltar from Spain?
By car: If you have your own car or rental car, the easiest option is to park just before the border on the Spanish side. Aparcamiento Santa Bárbara is a large and affordable parking area located only a few minutes’ walk from the border crossing. After crossing the border on foot (don't forget your passport!), you will walk directly across Gibraltar’s famous airport runway before reaching the city centre within approximately 15 minutes.
Organised day tours: Convenient guided day trips to Gibraltar are available from several cities and resorts in southern Spain. Please pick your departure point: Seville, Málaga, Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona.
Check toursVisiting the Rock of Gibraltar
Gibraltar is best known for the famous Rock of Gibraltar, strategically located at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea and next to Andalusia. Here, the narrow Strait of Gibraltar between Morocco and the Iberian Peninsula of Spain is only about 14 kilometres wide. Gibraltar itself is very small, covering just 6.8 km² with a population of around 30,000 people. Despite its size, Gibraltar has played an important role throughout history thanks to its strategic location.
In 1704 Gibraltar was captured by an Anglo-Dutch fleet during the War of the Spanish Succession. Since the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, Gibraltar has officially been British territory. Today, Gibraltar has its own constitution and manages many internal affairs independently, although defence and foreign policy remain the responsibility of the United Kingdom. Over the centuries, Gibraltar developed into an important naval base for the British Royal Navy, while tourism has now become one of the territory’s main sources of income.
Attractions: Barbary macaques on the Rock of Gibraltar
The flag of Gibraltar
Spain vs the United Kingdom
To this day, Gibraltar remains a sensitive political topic between Spain and the United Kingdom. In several referendums, the people of Gibraltar have clearly expressed that they wish to remain British rather than become part of Spain. English is the official language, although many locals also speak Llanito, a unique local dialect influenced by English, Spanish and other Mediterranean languages.
Although Gibraltar feels distinctly British with its red telephone boxes, English pubs and traditional fish and chips, there are also noticeable Mediterranean influences everywhere. Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road, unlike in the UK, and border or passport checks are common because Gibraltar is not part of the EU Schengen Area. The official currencies are the Gibraltar pound and the British pound, although euros are widely accepted in most tourist areas. Visiting Gibraltar offers a fascinating mix of British and Mediterranean culture combined with spectacular views, history and unique attractions.
14x Best things to do in Gibraltar
 1. Must See: The Rock of GibraltarThe strategically located Rock of Gibraltar is the absolute number one attraction and the symbol of Gibraltar. Visit the 426-metre-high Rock of Gibraltar, see Europe’s only wild monkey colony in the nature reserve and enjoy spectacular views over Gibraltar Harbour and even Morocco on clear days. To visit the rock you need an entrance ticket for the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, which includes attractions such as St. Michael’s Cave, the tunnels, the Moorish Castle and the Skywalk (more information). A separate ticket is normally required for the cable car. Update 2026: The cable car is undergoing major renovations from 2025 until at least 2027. To reach the top of the Rock you currently have two options: a steep uphill hike recommended only for fit visitors. Organised minibus tours are also available (more information about minibus tours) which currently provide the easiest access to the Upper Rock area and combine highlights such as St. Michael's Cave and the wartime tunnels. Check tours |
 2. St. Michael's CaveThe Rock of Gibraltar is made of limestone. Due to rainwater erosion, more than 150 caves have formed inside the rock, with ‘St. Michael’s Cave’ being the most famous. The largest chamber is the ‘Cathedral Cave’, where concerts are regularly held. Research has shown that some caves in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve were once inhabited by Neanderthals. Visitors can explore this fascinating underground world of stalactites and stalagmites. Entry is included with the Upper Rock Nature Reserve ticket, which also covers several other attractions on the Rock. You can also reserve this guided tour which includes several highlights around the Rock of Gibraltar. |
 3. Barbary macaques on the RockLegend says that as long as monkeys live on the Rock of Gibraltar, the territory will remain British. Hundreds of Barbary macaques from North Africa live freely in the nature reserve on the Rock. Be warned: the monkeys are very used to tourists and sometimes climb onto visitors or steal food and belongings. Feeding or touching the monkeys is strictly forbidden. |
 4. Cable CarUpdate 2026: The cable car is currently closed for renovations until at least 2027! Normally the cable car takes visitors to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar and the Upper Rock Nature Reserve in just six minutes, where you can enjoy panoramic views, a viewing platform and a restaurant. During low season it is sometimes possible to stop at Ape’s Den, famous for the many Barbary macaques on the Rock. In high season monkeys can also be seen at the summit. To reach the cable car station simply follow Main Street (more information). |
 5. The Great Siege TunnelsDid you know that the tunnel network inside the Rock of Gibraltar is longer than the city’s road network? Over the centuries, around 54 kilometres of tunnels were excavated by the British military for defence, weapons storage and troop movements. The tunnels played an important role during the Great Siege between 1779 and 1783 when French and Spanish forces besieged Gibraltar. During World War II the tunnel system was expanded enough to shelter up to 16,000 soldiers. There are two locations where visitors can explore the tunnels, both open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:15 PM and included with the Upper Rock Nature Reserve ticket. You can also reserve this guided tour which includes several highlights around the Rock of Gibraltar. |
 6. Things to do: Dolphin watchingThe nutrient-rich waters around Gibraltar are home to many dolphins and whales. One of the most popular activities in Gibraltar is therefore taking a boat trip to spot dolphins in the bay. Dolphins can often be seen year-round, while whales such as sperm whales, orcas, humpbacks and pilot whales are seasonal visitors. The tour operators below offer dolphin-watching trips in the bay (advance reservations are recommended). |
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 7. Botanic Gardens (The Alameda)Next to the cable car station you will find Gibraltar’s free Botanic Gardens. Established in the 19th century, they are a peaceful place to walk among exotic plants, trees and historical monuments. Inside the gardens you will also find a small wildlife park with rescued exotic animals (£5 entrance fee, Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, more information). |
 8. What to do: Shopping on Main StreetMain Street is Gibraltar’s main shopping street filled with international chain stores, pubs and cafés. Gibraltar promotes itself as a duty-free shopping destination, although prices are not always significantly cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. Still, Main Street remains one of the most recognisable places in Gibraltar. |
 9. Grand Casemates SquareThis is the largest square in Gibraltar’s city centre and the liveliest part of the territory thanks to its many restaurants, pubs, shops and cafés. The name comes from the historic military casemates surrounding the square. |
 10. Sightseeing: Moorish CastleThe Moorish Castle is one of Gibraltar’s oldest historical landmarks and dates back to the period of Moorish rule in southern Spain. Originally founded in the 8th century and expanded in the 14th century, the impressive Tower of Homage remains visible from many parts of Gibraltar. The castle is currently undergoing renovations before reopening to visitors. |
 11. AirportGibraltar Airport is one of Europe’s most unusual airports because its runway crosses Winston Churchill Avenue, the main road between Spain and Gibraltar. When aircraft land or take off, barriers temporarily stop all traffic, similar to a railway crossing. Visitors entering Gibraltar on foot will also cross the runway. |
 12. Europa PointEuropa Point is the southernmost point of Gibraltar and the Iberian Peninsula. Highlights include the lighthouse, Harding’s Battery, the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe and the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque donated by Saudi Arabia in recognition of the region’s Moorish history. |
 13. Ocean VillageOcean Village is Gibraltar’s newest marina district filled with restaurants, bars, shops and a casino overlooking the harbour; one of the best places in Gibraltar to spend the evening. Unique hotel: Looking for a special hotel in Gibraltar? Ocean Village is home to the enormous Sunborn yacht hotel, now operating as a luxury 5-star floating hotel (more information). |
 14. National MuseumWant to learn more about the fascinating history of Gibraltar? Visit Gibraltar’s National Museum in the city centre and discover the military history, culture and natural heritage of this unique British Overseas Territory (website). |
Visit Gibraltar from Spain
You want to visit Gibraltar from Spain? You will not need more than one day to explore Gibraltar, which is why Gibraltar is mainly visited as a day trip destination. Gibraltar is located within easy reach of popular resorts such as Marbella, Fuengirola and Torremolinos, making it a perfect excursion while staying in Spain. It can also be visited on a day trip from Seville. Several organised tours are available from cities in Andalusia to Gibraltar. These are the day tours we recommend. Please pick your departure point: Seville, Málaga, Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona.
Best hotels in Gibraltar
Looking for a good hotel in Gibraltar? One of the most unique places to stay is the Sunborn. Located in Ocean Village, this enormous cruise ship now operates as a luxury 5-star floating hotel. Another excellent option is the historic Rock Hotel, a beautiful colonial-style hotel with panoramic views over Gibraltar Bay. The centrally located The Eliott Hotel offers modern rooms and a rooftop swimming pool.
Best time to visit Gibraltar
Like Andalusia, Gibraltar has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. Thanks to its location at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar experiences two dominant winds. The eastern wind, known as the Levante, brings warm and humid air from the Sahara and North Africa, while the western Poniente wind usually brings fresher air and cooler sea temperatures. Summers in Gibraltar are generally dry and sunny, while rainfall mainly occurs during the winter months. Compared to many other parts of Spain, Gibraltar enjoys relatively mild weather throughout the year. The best time to visit Gibraltar from Spain is during spring and autumn when temperatures are pleasant and sightseeing conditions are ideal. Summer is sunny and busy, while winters are mild compared to most of Europe.
| Weather | j | f | m | a | m | j | j | a | s | o | n | d |
| avg. max (°C) | 16 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 23 | 25 | 28 | 29 | 26 | 23 | 19 | 16 |
| avg. min (°C) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 21 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 11 |
| rainy days | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 9 |
| sunshine hours / day | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
Video: Gibraltar sightseeing
Where is Gibraltar located?
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. It shares a border with the Spanish region of Andalusia, which is why Gibraltar is often included in tours through southern Spain. The territory is especially popular as a day trip from the Costa del Sol. Gibraltar is located approximately 200 kilometres from Seville, while Jerez de la Frontera lies around 120 kilometres away and Ronda around 105 kilometres away.
FAQ about visiting Gibraltar
What are the main attractions in Gibraltar?The most famous attraction is the Rock of Gibraltar. Visitors can explore the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, home to the Barbary macaques, St. Michael’s Cave and the Great Siege Tunnels. Other highlights include Europa Point, Main Street and Grand Casemates Square.
How much time do you need for Gibraltar?Most visitors explore Gibraltar as a day trip from southern Spain. One full day is enough to visit the Rock of Gibraltar, St. Michael’s Cave, the monkeys and Europa Point. Visitors wanting to hike or enjoy dolphin watching may prefer staying overnight.
Do you need a passport to visit Gibraltar?Yes, in most cases you will need a valid passport to visit Gibraltar. Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, and border controls are in place when entering the territory. Travelers from the EU, the UK, and many other countries are generally required to present a valid passport upon arrival, also for a day visit from Spain.
Where can you see the monkeys in Gibraltar?The famous Barbary macaques live in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve on top of the Rock of Gibraltar. The monkey colony consists of several hundred animals. Although they are used to tourists, they can be quite cheeky and sometimes steal food or belongings.
Which country does Gibraltar belong to?Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory. It has its own government responsible for domestic affairs and justice, while defence and foreign policy remain the responsibility of the United Kingdom.
Where is Gibraltar located?Gibraltar is located at the southern tip of Spain near the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. The British Overseas Territory borders the Spanish region of Andalusia and lies only 14 kilometres from Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar.
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