Gibraltar

Gibraltar, colloquially known as The Rock or Gib, is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Spain to the north; Morocco is a short distance across the strait to the south. Gibraltar has a population of 34,000 as of 2020.

Understand

Gibraltar is a unique place for the curious: a British community on the Iberian Peninsula, separated by a narrow gap of sea from Africa. The historic military legacy has created a veritable labyrinth inside "the Rock", with many secret internal roads and tunnels worth exploring. It is also worth climbing the Rock for its views and famous monkeys; the only extant population of wild non-human primates in Europe.

History

In Greek mythology Gibraltar was Calpe, one of the Pillars of Hercules, which marked the edge of the Mediterranean and the known world. In 711 Tariq ibn Ziyad, the Muslim governor of Tangier, landed at Gibraltar to launch the Islamic invasion of the Iberian Peninsula. The Rock took his name, Jabal Tariq (Mountain of Tariq), which eventually became Gibraltar.

Strategically important for international shipping, Gibraltar was ceded to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht and was formally declared a British colony in 1830. Despite it having been British longer than it was Spanish, Spain still claims sovereignty over the territory; however, Gibraltarians consider themselves British with no apparent interest in rejoining Spain: a referendum held in 2002 showed 99% of the population wished to remain British.

The topmost part of the Rock is still used as a British military installation, and is off-limits to the public.

Talk

Gibraltar's official language is English, although most local people also speak Spanish.

Most locals also converse in Llanito, which is essentially a mix of Andalusian Spanish and British English, unique to Gibraltar. Many businesses such as cafes and restaurants employ monolingual Spanish workers from across the border. In restaurants, it may not be that different from dining in Spain, in terms of language.

Get in

Entry requirements

The UK formally left the EU on 31 January 2020, and its transition period ended on 1 January 2021. There are plans for Gibraltar to join the Schengen Area, however this is not official yet. Although entering Gibraltar from Spain will technically invalidate a single-entry Schengen visa, in practice passports are only given a cursory check but not stamped at the land border with Spain, and people who enter and leave via the land broder are usually readmitted to Spain without any problems.

By plane

1 Gibraltar International Airport (GIB IATA or North Front Airport). Has daily scheduled flights to and from London Heathrow and London Gatwick. There are also flights from Bristol, Manchester and Casablanca (via Tangier).  

The most popular alternative airport for Gibraltar is 2 Málaga Airport (AGP IATA) in Spain, 120 km to the east, which offers a wide range of destinations. Málaga can be reached by bus, but there are only a few services available per day and the trip is approximately 3 hours. 3 Jerez Airport (XRY IATA) is normally the second choice, despite being closer to Gibraltar.

By car

Queues at the border may make it less time-consuming to park cars in the neighbouring Spanish town of La Línea de la Concepción and walk across. While there are charges for parking in La Línea immediately next to the border, there is free parking throughout town and next to the stadium if you are willing to walk an extra 1 km. Parking on the Spanish side of the border also has the advantage of avoiding Gibraltar's complex one way system with very narrow and badly signposted streets, and limited parking. The land border is open 24 hours a day, though expect delays when planes are landing as the only road into Gibraltar crosses the airport runway!

Motorists, and on occasion pedestrians, crossing the border with Spain have been subjected to long delays and searches by the Spanish authorities. Spain has closed the border during disputes or incidents involving the Gibraltar authorities.

Despite being an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, traffic in Gibraltar is on the right side of the road, the same with the rest of continental Europe.

By bus

At La Línea, Spain across the border, there are regular buses to and from Seville, Malaga, Cádiz, Granada and hourly to Algeciras (the latter one direct or with stops on the way). The station in La Línea is a five-minute walk from the border with Gibraltar.

The bus station in Algeciras is opposite the railway station and to get there from the harbour, turn left, walk along the main street for about 100 m and then turn right. Continue about 200 m along this street to the small building with railways. There is a small sign for the bus stop. This bus can get you to La Línea for €2.35 (January 2013), and it goes every 30 minutes during the day. Some buses run non-stop while others make intermediate calls. In La Línea you will arrive at the bus station about 500 m from the border with Gibraltar. In the summer it can take up to 2 hours to cross the border with a car.

Current info for Malaga bus station: Estación de Autobuses de Málaga

Tour buses and coaches can be available at all Andalucian major cities, holiday resorts and some mainland hotels.

By boat

There is an irregular (no more than 2 departures per month) passenger service from Tangier Med port in Morocco operated by FRS, 1:30 h, €37.50 (as of Jan 2023).

Gibraltar receives a large number of visits from cruise ships, and the strait of Gibraltar is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. Over 200 cruise ships call each year on the Port of Gibraltar with a passenger total approaching 350,000. The cruise port is at the western end of Waterport Road, about 1.3 km from Casemates Square and Main St. A port call is one of the easiest ways to get in to visit Gibraltar, especially given the occasional delays at the land border crossing with Spain.

By train

There is no train station in Gibraltar. The nearest is in San Roque-La Línea, which is outside of La Línea proper and about 15 km from the Spain-Gibraltar border. Buses and taxis are available for the last leg from the train station to Gibraltar.

Get around

On foot

Gibraltar is less than 7 km² in size, so much of it can be seen on foot. Some of the roads (especially up to the Upper Rock) are very steep. Taxis will take the strain out of the climbs, and all the taxi drivers seem to know all the Barbary macaques by name. Buses can be a cheap option to expedite things.

By bus

Though Gibraltar's area is small, it is long and thin, so distances can be a bit further than expected. There are two bus companies: privately-owned Citibus which operates routes 5 and 10; and government-owned Gibraltar Bus Company which operates the rest.

Buses can be paid for in pounds or euros (pay cash onboard, Gibraltar Bus requires exact change, Citibus does not.). Bus fares are the same regardless of distance; the euro price is considerably more expensive than the prevailing exchange rate (Oct 2019). The day ticket on Citibus is valid with either bus company, but the day ticket for Gibraltar Bus is only valid with that company. The return ticket on Citibus is valid for 2 trips on the same day on that company's bus.

Bus route 2 goes by the cable car station. It is the only bus that visits Europa Point, the southernmost point in Gibraltar, and the one with the view of Africa. Buses 5 and 10 go to the airport and frontier.

Bus times are available online: Gibraltar Bus Company, Citibus.

By car

There are a few roads in Gibraltar, mostly centred along its west coast.

Though the UK drives on the left, Gibraltar drives on the right due to its land border with Spain.

See

The tourist office is in Casemates Square; if entering by land, this is immediately after passing through Landport tunnel. The tourist office will give you a map and recommend the following basic itinerary using the blue city buses (check fares). Take bus #2 from Market Place, around the corner of the tourist office, to Europa Point. Take pictures and enjoy Europa Point with the rest of the tourists. Then take the bus #2 back towards Market Place but get off at the cable cars. Ask the driver for help, but you will see the cable cars before the stop. Take the cable cars up to see the Upper Rock and Nature Preserve. Then take the cable car down and window shop Main Street back to Landport tunnel.

Cable cars run from 09:30 until 17:45 to the Upper Rock, but the last car up the hill might leave as early as 17:00. A return ticket costs £17 adults, £8 children. You can buy a cable car + Nature Reserve ticket for £30 adults, £18.50 children. Forget about single tickets, the only single is cable car + Nature Reserve, £28 adults, £18.50 children so you might as well buy a return. Alternatively, a 'Taxi-Tour' (typically for 8 people in an MPV) will cost £30 for a 1½-hr tour, and this includes the fees for entry to the Cave, tunnels and Upper Rock.

A very informative Historic Walking Guide to Gibraltar can be purchased online or in local book shops and provides an excellent companion for those wanting to enjoy Gibraltar's best sites on foot.

• 1 Europa Point. The southernmost point of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, and from which the coast of Africa can be seen. (updated Apr 2017)
• 2 Upper Rock. Military installation, and nature reserve where the famous monkeys live (Barbary Macaques). (updated Apr 2017)
• 3 Gorham's Cave complex. A combination of four caves of such importance that they are combined into a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves are Gorham's Cave, Vanguard Cave, Hyaena Cave and Bennett's Cave. (updated Apr 2017)
• 4 St Michael's Cave. An impressive natural grotto used by the neolithic inhabitants of the Rock. (updated Apr 2017)
• 5 Siege Tunnels. A system of tunnels dug during the Great Siege which acted as a defence system. (updated Apr 2017)
• Dolphin Watching. Short trips in the bay. There are plenty of playful dolphins to see. (updated Apr 2017)
• 6 Gibraltar Museum, 18-20 Bomb House Ln, ? +350-20074289, enquiries@gibmuseum.gi. M-F 10:00-18:00, Sa 10:00-14:00, closed on Sundays. Admission £5 for adults, £2 for children under 12, free for children under 5. (updated Sep 2019)

• 7 The Mediterranean Steps. For those not afraid of climbing up steps cut out of rock, and with a head for heights, this is a hefty hike that starts at Jew's Gate bird observatory on the south end of Gibraltar, Queen's Road near Engineer Road and winds its way up the east side cliff face of the Rock to the summit: the views are fantastic. If you don't fancy the uphill struggle, you can always get the cable car up and then come down this way, although if trying to reach the steps from the cable car there are no signs posted on how to reach them until one has found the beginning of the steps. Make your way to the ape den, continue walking, then take the left (uphill) turn toward the military O'Hare's battery. The steps begin and end here. (updated Apr 2017)

Do

• 1 Dolphin Safari, 6 The Square, Marina Bay (cross the runway and take the first exit at the roundabout on the other side of the runway down Bayside Road. Approximately 100 metres walk down a small road on the right just past the pay and display carpark where the sign reads Marina Bay. At the end of that road in the bottom left hand corner walk through the black iron gates to see the two gold dolphins and the check-in offices), ? +350 200 71914. 10:00 - 18.00. See the wild Common, Striped and Bottlenose dolphins of Gibraltar so close you could almost touch them. Adults £25, children £15. 
• Victoria Stadium next to the airport is the multi-purpose arena, capacity 5,000, that hosts most big spectator events. This includes home games of Gibraltar's national football team, all the club football teams, and the rugby union team.

Buy

Money

The currency of Gibraltar is the Gibraltar pound (GIP), and is equivalent in value to the British pound sterling. British pounds are accepted everywhere in Gibraltar, in addition to the local version.

Gibraltar pounds aren't accepted outside of Gibraltar, not even in the UK. If you are travelling to the UK you will be able to exchange them there at a bank for a service fee. If you are travelling on to elsewhere, then you may not be able to exchange them at all. Best to change any leftover Gibraltar pounds before leaving, free of charge to British pounds, and to ask shops to give your change in UK notes if you aren't going to spend them there.

Gibraltar coins feature designs of local significance, but are otherwise identical in denomination, colour and size to sterling coins, and tend to circulate in the UK without question.

Most shops in Gibraltar will also accept euros and U.S. dollars, with the risk of getting a poor rate of exchange. Government offices and post offices do not accept foreign currency.

Credit and debit cards are sometimes not accepted in some shops and, especially, restaurants.

Shopping

1 Morrisons, Westside Road, Europort, ? +350-20041114. M-Sa 08:00-22:00, Su 08:00-20:00. Large supermarket, selection seems to be the same as in the UK 

Eat and drink

If you like to sit outside and watch the world go by, go to Casemates Square where a number of pubs and restaurants serve fairly similar meals.

• 1 Cafe Solo, Grand 3, Casemates Square, ? +350 200 44449. Good Italian. (updated Apr 2017)

Irish Town, the road which runs parallel to Main Street, has a number of pubs.

• 2 The Clipper, 78 Irish Town, ? +350 200 79791. Good food, friendly staff, and satellite television. They serve a hearty English breakfast. (updated Apr 2017)
• 3 Corks, 79 Irish Town, ? +350 200 75566. M-Sa 08:00-18:00; Su closed. Serves substantial lunches. (updated Apr 2017)

Queensway Quay is home to The Waterfront, which serves a good quality, if somewhat eclectic menu which ranges from steak to high quality local fish and Indian food. Casa Pepe's, on the other side of the marina is worth a splurge.

• 4 Casa Pepe's. (updated Apr 2017)

If you fancy dining waterside the marinas are worth trying, and includes the most southerly pub in Europe. Good food, draught Bass and many others on tap. Happy hour daily at 18:00. Full Sunday lunch available.

• 5 Wembley Bar. In the heart of the south district, it is the most southerly pub in Europe. Traditional English pub but with views to Africa. (updated Apr 2017)

Marina Bay is home to several restaurants. Bianca's and Charlie's Tavern at Marina Bay are worth a visit, the former being very well known for its busy ambience. Gibraltar's first Mexican restaurant has opened in Marina Bay.

• 6 Bianca's. (updated Apr 2017)
• 7 Charlie's Steak House & Grill (Charlie's Tavern). (updated Apr 2017)

Ocean Village, Gibraltar's newest marina, is an extension to Marina Bay. It is home to several pubs and restaurants, including a Chinese and an Indian.

• 8 O'Reilly's. On Leisure Island, part of the Ocean Village marina complex, styled as a traditional Victorian Irish pub. (updated Apr 2017)
• 9 The Gibraltar Arms, 184 Main Street, ? +350 200 72133, gibraltararms@events.gi. Next to Stag Bros' and is open from 07:30 (09:30 on a Sunday) serving meals all day until late. (updated Oct 2017)
• 10 The Star Bar, 12 Parliament Ln, ? +350 200 75924. Claims to be Gibraltar's oldest bar. With a menu and drinks selection to appeal to most tastes the pub seeks to cater to a wide clientele. (updated Oct 2017)
• 11 The Lord Nelson, Casemates Square, ? +350 200 50009. M-Sa 11:00-14:00; Su 11:00-00:00. The official home of the Gibraltar Rugby Club and Live Music Venue of the Year, with entertainment on stage every night. Offers free WiFi. (updated Oct 2017)
• 12 The Horseshoe, 193 Main St (near King St & Bombhouse Lane & Gibraltar Museum). Small pub with nice outdoor seating, decent prices, homemade pies on the menu, and offers the local beer Gibraltar IPA on tap. Free wifi. (updated Oct 2017)
• 13 Jury's Café and Wine Bar, 275 Main St (near the Gibraltar Bookshop and Governor's House), ? +350 200 67898. A nice little cafe located on main street. Good coffee, breakfasts, simple meals and takeaway sandwiches. (updated Oct 2017)
• Sai Darbar, 6a Prince Edward Rd, ? +350-20061312. 11:00-15:00, 19:00-23:00. Indian vegetarian take-away restaurant. Vegetarian burgers £3.50. 

Eating kosher

There are a number of kosher restaurants, bakeries and minimarkets in Gibraltar.

Sleep

Presumably due to Gibraltar's very limited space accommodation is expensive. Due to this, many opt for staying across the border in La Línea, Spain and walking across the border, although there are budget options:

Budget

• 1 Emile Youth Hostel, Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Rd (just off Casemates Square), ? +350 51106, +350 57686000, fax: +350 51106, emilehostel@yahoo.co.uk. Check-out: 10:30. A family-run hostel. Not the best, but closest thing to the border. They charge £5 for washing clothes and £5 for the wireless internet. You are not allowed to bring your own food into the hostel although they have their own café. Whilst relatively expensive, it's a quiet place near the border. Rates from £18 for a bed in a dorm, £25 for a single room. Cash only. 

Mid-range

• 2 The Bristol Hotel, 8-10 Cathedral Square (Near the south end of Main Street), ? +350 20076800, reservations@bristolhotel.gi. Rooms from £69. 

Splurge

• 3 The Elliot Hotel (O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel), 2 Governor's Parade (just off Main Street, roughly half-way between the Cannon and the Queens), ? +350 20070500, info@ocallaghancollection.com. Good location and good quality. (updated Apr 2020)
• 4 The Rock Hotel, 3 Europa Rd (about 400 m south of the entrance to Main Street, up a fairly steep hill), ? +350 20073000, +350 20073513, reservations@rockhotel.gi. Not as central as some of the others mentioned here, but has great views of the bay. It's one of the more expensive hotels in Gibraltar and was where John Lennon and Yoko Ono got married. All rooms have a sea view. Rooms from £105 off-season, from £135 in summer. 
• 5 The Caleta Hotel, Catalan Bay, ? +350 20076501, reservations@caletahotel.gi. On the opposite side of the rock from the town, about 2 miles (3.2 km) by road. The upside to the location is a quiet, relaxing atmosphere, one that you're unlikely to get in the Town Centre. (updated Dec 2018)

Work

Gibraltar has a favourable corporate tax regime, and many online gambling websites choose to make Gibraltar their base of operations and employ thousands of people in an ever-thriving jobs market.

• Jobs in Gibraltar, CTS Business Exchange, Ocean Village, ? +350 216 44400. 

Connect

Phone

Gibraltar's international telephone code is +350. All landline numbers in Gibraltar have 8 digits.

The prefix to dial prior to country code for international calls is 00 in Gibraltar.

Internet

Free wireless is available in the following places:

• Fresh - a cafe/bar just down through the archway when leaving the main square towards the bus stops.
• The Gibraltar Arms - about half way down the main street.
• The Lord Nelson - just by the tunnel exiting the main square.
• The Cannon Bar - behind the Catholic Cathedral.
• The Clipper - on Irish Town near Tuckey's lane.
• Corks Wine Bar - on Irish Town near the Clipper.
• The Horseshoe - on Main Street near the Gibraltar Museum & King Street.

Stay safe

Gibraltar has a low crime rate and a large and efficient police force to ensure it stays that way.

However, there have been reports of people being attacked on the Spanish side of the border while returning to Gibraltar on foot late at night. It might be sensible to take a taxi after dark if you have been drinking in the bars in Spain, especially if you are by yourself.

Barbary macaques

The Barbary macaques are wild animals and do bite. It is not advisable to feed them, despite encouragement from irresponsible taxi drivers. In addition, there are kiosks irresponsibly selling 'monkey food', further encouraging this: it is illegal, can incur hefty fines and is bad for their health. Never try to pick up a baby macaque: its mother will not be happy and then neither will you. If you are bitten by a macaque, you will require hospital treatment. Whilst the macaques are rabies-free, they can infect you with hepatitis, and they are most aggressive on the top of the rock, as the most successful animals claim the uppermost reaches of the rock, with their less successful brethren being forced down the rock in their social pecking order.

Stay healthy

Medical treatment

Gibraltar is part of the European Health Insurance Scheme and has a health service similar to the United Kingdom, with a modern hospital. If you are from a participating country, your EHIC card will entitle you to full free emergency medical treatment.

Cope

Consulates

• Belgium, 47 Irish Town, P.O. Box 185, ? +350 2007 8352, fax: +350 2007 8646. 
• Denmark, Cloister Building, Market Lane, P.O. Box 554, ? +350 2001 2700, fax: +350 2007 1608, consul@danconsul.gi. M-F 09:00-13:00 and 15:00-17:00. 
• Finland, 20 Line Wall Road, P.O. Box 130, ? +350 2007 5149, fax: +350 2007 0513. 
• France, 209 Main Street, ? +350 2007 8830, fax: +350 2007 5867. 
• Greece, Suite 1C, Imossi House, 1/5 Irish Town, P.O. Box 167, ? +350 2007 3500, fax: +350 2007 3550. 
• Iceland, 316 Ocean Hights, ? +350 5434 2000, fax: +350 2004 6857, anne.lundin@danish-alteriors.com. 
• Israel, Marina View, 39 Glacis Road, P.O. Box 238, ? +350 2007 7735, fax: +350 2007 4301. 
• Italy, 28 Irish Town, ? +350 2004 7096, fax: +350 2004 5591, italy@gibraltar.gi. 
• Malta, 20 Admirals Place, Naval Hospital Hill, ? +350 5733 9000, maltaconsulgibraltar@gov.mt. 
• Netherlands, Irish House, 92 Irish Town, ? +34 633 893 332, consul.netherlands@gibtelcom.net. 
• Norway, Sandpits Vaults, Off Rosia Road, P.O. Box 133, ? +350 2007 7242, fax: +350 2007 7342. M-F 09:00-17:00. 
• Poland, 35 Governor's Parade, ? +350 2007 4593, fax: +350 2007 9491. 
• Sweden, Cloister Building, Irish Town, P.O. Box 212, ? +350 2007 9200, fax: +350 2007 6189, consulgeneral@swedishconsulategibraltar.com. M-F 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-16:30. 
• Switzerland, Suite 206, Neptune House, Marine Bay, ? +350 2005 1051, fax: +350 2004 5450, gibraltar@honrep.ch. 
• Thailand, 120 Main Street, ? +350 2007 7890. 
• United Kingdom, ? +350 200 51725. Consular assistance for British nationals is provided by HM Government of Gibraltar Civil Status and Registration Office. 

Respect

People from Gibraltar refer to themselves as Gibraltarian or 'Llanito' pronounced Ya-ni-to. Even though the vast majority of Gibraltarians speak Spanish (with a local dialect), they are easily offended if referred to as Spanish because they regard themselves as Gibraltarians and are very proud of their identity. In fact, Gibraltarians have voted overwhelmingly to remain British in several referendums. Some Gibraltarians also feel sensitive to the erroneous use of the term 'colony' due to its connotations of being a deposited population or ruled by a foreign country and lacking in self-government, none of which apply to Gibraltar either now or historically. Additionally, the term 'colony' is legally incorrect; it is a 'British Overseas Territory'. The term 'colony' wasn't used in reference to Gibraltar until the 1830s, at which time there were other places that were colonies and Gibraltar was grouped with them under the term colonies, despite the circumstances being different.

Although the popular view is that the Spanish Government is the cause of many problems concerning Gibraltar, there is no animosity directed by Gibraltarians towards Spanish individuals in general; the thousands of Spanish tourists and workers experience no problems. The 2006 Cordoba Agreement opened up the relationship Gibraltar has with Spain.

Go next

You could cross the border to Cadiz in Southern Spain, or cities such as Algeciras or Jerez de la Frontera. Or you could go south, across the Mediterranean, and visit Morocco, with places such as Tangier and Casablanca.

Exercise normal security precautions

The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

The crime rate is low. Petty crime occurs, such as pickpocketing and theft of unattended baggage. Unattended vehicles are occasional targets. Exercise normal precautions and ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Road travel

Persons travelling overland between Gibraltar and Spain may experience delays at the border. Occasionally, overland travel is completely cut off, leaving air travel as the only way into Gibraltar.

Consult our Transportation Safety page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Emergency services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance. 

Health

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You are subject to local laws. Consult our Arrest and Detention page for more information.

Canada and United Kingdom are signatories to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in United Kingdom to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and British authorities.

Driving laws

Although Gibraltar is a British territory, traffic drives on the right. You can drive on a valid Canadian driver’s licence.

Money

The currency is the Gibraltar pound (GIP), which is at par with the pound sterling (GBP).

Credit cards and traveller’s cheques are widely accepted. Bank of England banknotes and coinage circulate in Gibraltar.

Climate

Gibraltar is subject to periodic droughts. It is also located in an active seismic zone.