All the information to visit Gibraltar

 

On the border between Europe and Africa we find this small town where a mixture of cultures converges that give rise to a charming town. Want to know more about Gibraltar and the possibilities it offers you? Here you will enjoy all the information.

History of Gibraltar.

The pre-English conquest era is quite unknown, as the city became functional with the corresponding occupation. However, evidence has been found showing the activity of some prehistoric colonies on the site, as well as remains of a wall of Muslim origin.

In 1704 the Rock of Gibraltar was occupied during the War of the Spanish Succession by a squadron of the English army, in this way, it was conquered and ceded to British territory after the treaty of Utrecht.

Since then, it has been the subject of disputes between Spain and the United Kingdom over what the country should be “owner of the territory”. Despite this, Gibraltar is a place rich in cultures, where Spaniards and English coexist without significant conflict despite being a recurring topic of conversation.

In 2021, following the UK’s departure from the European Union, an agreement was reached where Gibraltar was allowed to remain part of it, thus removing the border barrier for years to come.

What to see and do?

Due to the aforementioned multiculturalism and its unique geographical location, there are several options that you can choose if you take a trip to the city. 

The Rock of Gibraltar and its tunnels.

In addition to providing breathless views, this promontory has a peculiarity, and is that it is completely hollow because inside it extends a network of tunnels of more than 50 kilometers in length created in World War II. Although the purpose of the work was once defensive, in the present you can take an original guided tour of its interior.

Tuneles de Gibraltar

Main Street.

As the name suggests, it is Gibraltar’s main street. If you want to do some duty-free shopping or take a break on a terrace, here you will find most shops and catering establishments in the city.

Casemates Square

Another of the main areas of Gibraltar is this square located a few meters from Main Street. Casemates Square offers you the possibility to rest for a while in the sun while enjoying the views of the Rock and have a delicious snack in one of its many cafés.

Casemates Square Gibraltar

Trafalgar Cemetery

One of the most visited places in Gibraltar is this cemetery located at the end of Main Street. It is considered one of the tourist attractions of the city, because in addition to being a place full of beauty, it recalls the feats of some participants of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Cementerio Trafalgar Gibraltar

Gibraltar Cable Car.

One of the options to climb to the top of the Rock is to take the cable car. At a price of £16 (£7 for children and £14 for retirees), in a matter of 5 minutes you will find yourself in the highest area of the city, where you can enjoy the incredible views.  

Teleferico de Gibraltar

Skywalk

Once at the top, the bravest will be able to make a visit to this glass platform located on one of the limits of the Rock. Without a doubt, the views are spectacular.

skywalk Gibraltar

Visit the Monkeys.

Considered one of the main symbols of Gibraltar, you can find some of these Macaques “walking” through tourist attractions such as the Cable Car. They are divided into five groups that live in the Natural Reserve of “Cima del Peñón”, although you can find them where you least expect them. You should be careful, as they are wild animals that are not usually docile to visitors.

Punta Europa lighthouse.

One of the must-see visits in Gibraltar is this one. Located in an exceptional location such as the division between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, this lighthouse is responsible for guiding all ships crossing the Strait of Gibraltar.

Faro de Punta Europa Gibraltar

Recommendations for your visit.

If you are planning a visit to Gibraltar, please note the following instructions:

  • The official currency of Gibraltar is the Gibraltarian pound, so if you move from a place other than the UK, you will need to request a currency exchange before travelling. However, if you carry euros, in some establishments they also accept them.
  • If you have decided to travel by car, it is recommended that you leave it parked on the border corresponding to the Spanish territory and continue the rest of the road on foot. You can leave your vehicle in any parking lot on the Conception Line. This is because driving around the city is no easy task, you may be presented with problems finding parking and when entering you will encounter a vehicle control where they will ask for your documentation.
  • If you enter on foot, you will find a check where you will be asked for your documentation (members of the European Union will only have to present their National Identity Document). Minors must be accompanied by their parents and must carry the Family Book or the corresponding paternity certification.
  • If you are not a member of the European Union, you must show your NIE or Passport in control.
  • Another option to travel is to opt for the bus, plane or boat. If you choose any of these options, you will need to submit the same documentation as above.
  • It is recommended that you take with you the European Health Insurance Card or the corresponding health insurance if you are not a member of the EU.
  • The main languages of Gibraltar are English, Spanish and Portuguese.
  • The best time to travel is the summer time (July and August). It is not recommended to travel in autumn due to rainy weather.
  • Constantly monitor your belongings. You should keep in mind that it is a place full of tourists where you can suffer a robbery when you least expect it. You should also be careful with monkeys, as some may steal your most valuable devices like your mobile phone or camera.
  • The plugs use the British system, do not forget to bring an adapter if you think you will need it.

Where to eat?

Gibraltar is a place full of restaurants that offer all kinds of gastronomy. Here are some of the most recommended.

Yummy Tummies Restaurant

If you are of homemade tastes and looking for a good place to have breakfast or lunch, the Yummy Tummies restaurant offers delicious and varied dishes at an average price of about £4

Restaurante Yummy tummies Gibraltar

Café Roma Cheers

This multi-cuisine restaurant offers a variety of options. Whether you want to satisfy your hunger by sampling its tasty meals or looking for a quick drink with your own, visit Roma Cheers Coffee. It is ideal for children, as they offer American cuisine such as burgers and smoothies.

Cafe roma cheers

Noshas Healthy Options

If your body asks for healthy food, this fast-service restaurant offers a variety of healthy foods. They also specialize in vegan and vegetarian cuisine.

Noshas Healthy Options

Amar’s Bakery and Confectionary

And if you are one of those who do not forgive a sweet, this bakery prepares the best homemade desserts in Gibraltar. Don’t miss them!

Amar´s Bakery and Confectionary

Where to stay?

Gibraltar is not one of the cheapest places to visit, so if you are thinking of traveling there you will have to spend some time finding the accommodation that offers the best value for money. We recommend the following.

Holiday Inn Express Gibraltar

If you are looking for a medium priced hotel and good service, a good option would be to opt for a chain of hotels like Holiday Inn. This one in particular is very close to the city center, just 0’6 kilometers away. The average price is 110 euros per night.

One option that many travelers choose is to book their stay in places such as Algeciras or the Conception Line because the prices are cheaper than in Gibraltar itself. 

Holiday Inn Express Gibraltar

NH Campo de Gibraltar.

Located in Algeciras, this 4-star hotel is offered at a price of 48 euros per night

NH Campo de Gibraltar

AC Hotel La Línea.

Located just 2.5 kilometres from Gibraltar, you can stay at this 3-star hotel for a price of 60 euros per night with full views of the beach.

AC Hotel La Línea

How to get there?

If you decide to visit Gibraltar from Spain by car you must take the N340 road or the A7 (Carretera Cádiz-Málaga). Once in destination you must take exit 119 towards the N351, where you will arrive at the Concepción Line, in Cadiz. Once there Gibraltar is located just 2 kilometers away.

If you choose the option to take the bus, you can make the same route by car mentioned above and once you reach the border the bus station is a five-minute walk away.

Another interesting option to visit the city is by cruise, many visitors choose the option to link different destinations by sea, and some of them will offer you the option to make a stopover in Gibraltar.

Curiosities about Gibraltar.

  • The local language of Gibraltar is the Llanito, where it is common to use a mixture of words typical of Andalusia.
  • You can use the UK currency in Gibraltar but you will not be able to do it the other way around.
  • The time zone is the same as in Spain.
  • The population drives on the right side.
  • Gibraltar has a population of approximately 30,000 inhabitants.
  • Its Macaque monkeys are the only species in Europe.
  • If you are looking for a quick place to get married, in Gibraltar you can do so just a day in advance. Your marriage will be valid anywhere in the world.
  • The actor Mark Hamill (Star Wars) opened the Skywalk in 2018.
  • The runway of your airport is used as a means of communication of other means of transport, so it is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world.

Organize your visit to Gibraltar with Oway Tours

If you want to make a great visit to Gibraltar, do not hesitate to plan it with Oway Tours. We offer you the possibility to make a round trip on the same day departing from Malaga.

The tour will start in Malaga from Avenida de Andalucía 10. Bus stop no11, at 8:30h. There will be our guide and the bus that will take us to Gibraltar. It is recommended to arrive 10 minutes in advance as the bus will leave on time.

You can reach the address indicated as follows:

If you are traveling by bus, you must take any of these lines: 11, 14, 2, A, AVANZA L-

304 and M-231. Being such a central avenue, the possibilities are numerous. Yes

you prefer to go by train, you must take the C1 or C2.

If you are traveling by own vehicle, you must go to the end of the A-357 towards Malaga center.

We will arrive in Gibraltar at 10h (with time to pass the regulatory control and be able to walk through the shops). At 13:00h there will be a meeting for lunch and then you will have free time to visit the most typical tourist attractions of Gibraltar. There will be time to visit the city until 17:30h, when the trip back to Malaga will take place. 

The price of the tour is 27 euros for adults and 20 euros for children from 4 to 11 years old. Children under 4 years old can access it free of charge.

The rate includes the following services:

  • Malaga-Gibraltar round trip by bus. 
  • Company of our specialized guides.

If you want to know the mix of cultures offered by this small town Do not miss this experience!