Gibraltar holiday guide: where to stay, eat and drink this summer

Arriving in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar, you feel you are somewhere exotic but strangely familiar at the same time. On the southern tip of the Iberian peninsula, with the Atlantic on one side and the Mediterranean on the other and just 15 miles from Morocco, it is dominated by the dramatic limestone Rock and covers an area of just over two and a half square miles. There is a lot packed into that small space though and it is really worth staying longer than a day, whether you’re interested in history, anthropology, geology, nature or marine life. Not to mention the shopping.  

What to do

Take the cable car to the top of the Rock

The cable car whisks you up to a dizzying height of 1,372 feet, where you can take in the spectacular views from the observation terraces and have a drink or something to eat. The famous Barbary macaques –tailless monkeys – scamper around trying to pinch your ice cream but don’t feed them as although they are used to tourists, they are wild animals. You can also see them in the Ape’s Den – the cable car’s first stop. The top of the Rock is a designated nature reserve, where there is a network of trails for visitors to follow.   

Contact: visitgibraltar.gi
Prices: Adults £16; children £7

Dip into history at the Gibraltar National Museum and Moorish Baths

You’ll get a lot more out of your visit after having a look around this museum, which charts Gibraltar’s history and heritage. The exhibits show how the Jurassic limestone promontory was formed and takes you through the long Moorish occupation and the vicissitudes of the British period, involving sieges, wars and a lot of political argybargy. In the basement are vestiges of a Moorish bath house dating back to the 14th century, which is one of the best-preserved in Europe.

Contact: gibmuseum.gi
Prices: Admission £5

Hit the shops

There is no VAT on purchases in Gibraltar, which justifies treating yourself to a few things. Head for Main Street, a pedestrianised strip lined with all sorts of shops, from familiar names on UK high streets to independent stores. Make up, perfume and jewellery are good buys and you might well be tempted by the designer sunglasses and watches. If you need a fancy gift for any weddings, anniversaries or special birthdays coming up, have a look in the crystal and porcelain shops. 

The best beaches

Eastern Beach

The biggest beach in the peninsula is on the Mediterranean coast, right by the airport. Although the north face of the Rock rises up behind the bay, it does not shade the sand and beachgoers can enjoy the sunshine at any time of day. There is an urban vibe here, with bars and restaurants right on the beach. It is easy to reach by bus and there are facilities for people with disabilities. 

Catalan Bay

Head south from Eastern Beach to reach this small bay, which is flanked by buildings in pastel colours – in the 17th and 18th centuries it was a fishing village populated by Genoans. The wide strip of golden sand is very popular with both locals and visitors, who also come to eat seafood at the string of beachside restaurants. 

Camp Bay

There isn’t much actual beach at this pretty spot on the Atlantic coast of Gibraltar as it is more of a seaside lido bordering a narrow strip of sand. It is a practical option for families though, as the children can splash safely in the swimming pools and there is a playground too. A handy bar and restaurant mean you can spend all day there. An artificial reef teems with marine life and is great for diving. 

Where to eat

Vinopolis Gastrobar

To get a flavour of contemporary Gibraltar, have a meal at this chic, laidback gastrobar with indoor and outdoor tables. More than 50 wines are available by the glass and the Mediterranean menu of small dishes features a Retinto sirloin steak – the breed that feeds on the herbs right by the sea on the Costa de la Luz – as well as aubergine with honey and smoked paprika and a range of vegan dishes.

Contact: vinopolisgastrobar.gi 
Prices: £

Casa Pepe

An old-school Spanish restaurant on Queensway Quay where you can order tapas or choose individual dishes if you would rather not share. The menu includes calamares, lobster paella and a fried fish platter, but ask them what they recommend on the day. The terrace has plenty of waterside tables for a leisurely lunch or a romantic dinner. 

Contact: casapepegib.com
Prices: ££

Little Bay

Superb Punjabi cuisine is the speciality at the Little Bay restaurant and bar in the Ocean Village marina with a terrace overlooking the water. You could maybe start with the Bombay-style John Dory, tandoori paneer and pani puri and then have a saag gosht or a coconut fish curry. They are pretty serious about their cocktails too and you are welcome to come in just for a drink. Try their signature Masala Mule, with vodka infused with Indian spices. 

Contact: littlebay.gi
Prices: £££

Where to drink

Lord Nelson

If you are hankering after the traditional British pub experience, have a pint in the Lord Nelson on Casemates Square. Although you should really sit inside for the full effect – the décor is inspired by HMS Victory – the chances are you’ll prefer to go a bit more Mediterranean and grab a table on the terrace instead. As well as a range of beers, all the usual drinks area available as well as an extensive food menu. There’s live music, sport on the TV and karaoke nights too. It has to be done.

Contact: lordnelson.gi
Prices: £

My Wines Gastro Wine Boutique

As the name suggests, there is a huge range of wines on offer at this smart shop, bar and restaurant. Housed in an historic building in Chatham Courtyard, My Wines also has an attractive terrace with great views – just install yourself at a table and start trying wines from around the world by the glass. Or the bottle, obviously. The food menu ranges from platters of jamón ibérico to salads and Thai curry, with plenty of vegetarian options. 

Contact: mywinesgibraltar.com
Prices: ££

Aqua Bar

The roof terrace of the Sunborn hotel – which is actually a ship – in the Ocean Village marina is a smart spot for a drink at any time of day but is particularly atmospheric at night. On the top deck by the pool, with soothing views of the yachts in the harbour and across to the Bay of Algeciras, the Aqua Bar is a strategic place to watch the sun go down with a cocktail too. You might find you are still there some hours later. 

Contact: sunborngibraltar.com
Prices: £££

Where to stay

The Caleta Hotel

At the southern end of Catalan Bay overlooking the Mediterranean, the four-star Caleta is a modern hotel with an Italian restaurant, Nunos, that is one of the best in Gibraltar, as well as good spa and fitness facilities. There is an outdoor pool and the bar has a lovely terrace for chilling out with a cool drink. Doubles from £140, including breakfast. 

Contact: caletahotel.com

The Rock Hotel

The grande dame of Gibraltar’s hotels has a spectacular location with panoramic views across to Africa. The splendid Art Deco building, with a large outdoor pool, dates back to 1932 and thoughtful restoration and modernisation means it still feels as glamorous as when it opened. All the rooms have views and most have a balcony.  Make sure you have time for afternoon tea, as well as a gin and tonic on the terrace. Doubles from £180, including a lavish breakfast.

Contact: rockhotelgibraltar.com
Read our review of The Rock Hotel here

Sunborn Gibraltar

When is a hotel not a hotel? When it’s a superyacht. The five-star static cruise ship is in the Ocean Village marina, where there are lots of shops and outdoor places to eat and drink. Décor veers from soothing natural tones in the rooms and suites to a zingy, glitzy vibe in the bars and restaurants. Doubles from £207, including breakfast.

Contact: sunborngibraltar.com
Read our review of the Sunborn Gibraltar here