Gibraltar Travel Information

Gibraltar is a small British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. This tiny country, spanning just 6.7 square kilometers, is home to a rich history and culture that dates back to prehistoric times. Gibraltar is famous for its iconic Rock of Gibraltar, which dominates the landscape and provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding areas. If you are planning a trip to Gibraltar, here are the top 10 things to do.

1. Visit the Rock of Gibraltar

The Rock of Gibraltar is an iconic symbol of the country, and a must-visit attraction for any visitor. Take a guided tour of the rock and explore its many attractions, including the Moorish Castle, St. Michael's Cave, and the Great Siege Tunnels.

2. Explore St. Michael's Cave

Located inside the Rock of Gibraltar, St. Michael's Cave is a natural wonder that is filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can explore the cave on a guided tour and learn about its history and geology.

3. Meet the Barbary Macaques

Gibraltar is home to a population of Barbary Macaques, the only wild monkeys in Europe. Visitors can see these fascinating creatures up close in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, and even feed them under the guidance of a tour guide.

4. Take a stroll down Main Street

Main Street is the bustling heart of Gibraltar, and is home to many shops, restaurants, and cafes. Take a leisurely stroll down the street and soak up the local culture and atmosphere.

5. Visit the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens

The Gibraltar Botanic Gardens is a beautiful oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. Visitors can explore the many paths and gardens, and see a variety of local and exotic plants.

6. Explore the Great Siege Tunnels

The Great Siege Tunnels are a network of tunnels that were dug during the Great Siege of Gibraltar in the late 18th century. Visitors can explore the tunnels and learn about their role in the country's history.

7. Learn about the history of Gibraltar at the Gibraltar Museum

The Gibraltar Museum is a fascinating museum that tells the story of Gibraltar's rich history, from prehistoric times to the present day. Visitors can see artifacts, exhibits, and displays that bring the country's past to life.

8. Take a cable car ride to the top of the Rock

For a bird's-eye view of Gibraltar and the surrounding areas, take a cable car ride to the top of the Rock. The ride takes just a few minutes, and offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the coastline.

9. Enjoy the beaches

Gibraltar is home to several beautiful beaches, including Eastern Beach, Catalan Bay, and Sandy Bay. Visitors can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, and take part in a range of water sports and activities.

10. Visit Europa Point Lighthouse

Europa Point Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse that was built in the 19th century. Visitors can take a tour of the lighthouse and learn about its role in guiding ships through the Strait of Gibraltar. The lighthouse also offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.

Gibraltar has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, which makes it an attractive destination year-round. However, the best time to visit Gibraltar depends on your personal preferences and the activities you plan to do. Here is a guide to the climate and the best time to visit Gibraltar.

Climate

Gibraltar has a Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by mild winters and hot summers. The average temperature in winter is around 16°C (60°F), while in summer it can reach up to 30°C (86°F). The country receives most of its rainfall in the winter months, with the driest months being June to August. The sea temperature in Gibraltar ranges from 15°C (59°F) in winter to 23°C (73°F) in summer.

Best time to visit Gibraltar for sightseeing and outdoor activities

The best time to visit Gibraltar for sightseeing and outdoor activities is from April to May and from September to October. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, and the crowds are smaller than in the peak summer months. This is a great time to explore the Rock of Gibraltar, visit St. Michael's Cave, and see the Barbary Macaques. It is also a good time to enjoy the beaches and take part in water sports and activities.

Best time to visit Gibraltar for beach holidays

If you are looking for a beach holiday, the best time to visit Gibraltar is from June to September. During these months, the weather is hot and sunny, and the sea temperature is warm enough for swimming and water activities. The beaches can get crowded during this time, so it is best to plan ahead and book accommodations and activities in advance.

Best time to visit Gibraltar for cultural events

Gibraltar hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including the Gibraltar National Day on September 10th and the Gibraltar Music Festival in September. If you are interested in experiencing these events, the best time to visit Gibraltar is in September. The weather is warm and pleasant, and there are plenty of cultural activities to enjoy.

Best time to visit Gibraltar for whale watching

If you are interested in whale watching, the best time to visit Gibraltar is from April to October. During these months, several species of whales and dolphins can be spotted off the coast of Gibraltar, including pilot whales, killer whales, and striped dolphins. Boat tours and excursions are available from the marina in Gibraltar.

Best time to visit Gibraltar for budget travel

If you are traveling on a budget, the best time to visit Gibraltar is from November to March. During these months, the crowds are smaller, and the prices for accommodations, flights, and activities are lower. The weather may be cooler and rainier during this time, but there are still plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, such as museums and galleries.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

There are several hotels in Gibraltar, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options. Many of them are located in the city center and offer convenient access to attractions and amenities. Some popular hotels include The Rock Hotel, Sunborn Gibraltar, and The Caleta Hotel.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a popular option for budget-conscious travelers. They offer a more personal touch and are often run by families or individuals. Some popular guesthouses in Gibraltar include Bristol House, The Eliott Hotel, and The Convent.

Apartments

Apartments are a good choice for those who prefer a home-away-from-home experience. They are typically fully furnished and equipped with kitchens, which can help you save money on food. Some popular apartment options in Gibraltar include the West One Complex and Ocean Village.

Hostels

Hostels are a great option for solo travelers or those on a tight budget. They offer dorm-style accommodation and often have shared facilities such as kitchens and lounges. Some popular hostels in Gibraltar include The Cannon and Rock Hostel.

Walking

Walking is a popular way to explore Gibraltar, especially in the city center. Most attractions and amenities are within a short walking distance of each other, and the pedestrian streets are well-maintained and easy to navigate.

Bus

The Gibraltar Bus Company operates a comprehensive network of bus routes, covering most parts of the country. The buses are modern and air-conditioned, and the fares are affordable. There are several ticket options available, including single tickets, day passes, and weekly passes.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in Gibraltar and can be hailed on the street or pre-booked. They are metered, and the fares are regulated by the Gibraltar Tourist Board. Taxis are a good option for short journeys or when you have heavy luggage.

Bike

Biking is a great way to explore Gibraltar, especially if you want to venture beyond the city center. There are several bike rental shops in Gibraltar, and the terrain is relatively flat and easy to navigate. Biking is also a good way to get some exercise and enjoy the scenery.

Car

If you plan to explore Gibraltar at your own pace or venture into neighboring Spain, renting a car is a good option. There are several car rental companies in Gibraltar, and the rates are affordable. However, keep in mind that driving in Gibraltar can be challenging, especially in the city center, where parking can be difficult to find.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.