Bobbys, Guinness, English pubs, pounds sterling, Union Jacks, and the Queen? That doesn’t sound like Southern Europe at all! “Gibraltar is boring, there’s really nothing to see there!” We had to listen to these sayings over and over again. Somehow, no one was really that enthusiastic about Gibraltar. But we wanted to see it for ourselves, so we just set off.

It can’t be that boring there! We could already see Gibraltar from Algeciras, or at least the striking, tall Rock of Gibraltar. After about 50 minutes of driving, we reached the border. We’ll tell you what we experienced in Gibraltar in the following article. You’ll also find out our best tips and highlights for Gibraltar. Have fun browsing and trying things out!

• The most important facts about Gibraltar
• Getting to Gibraltar
• Entry & Border control
• Currency and money
• Accommodation in Gibraltar
• Sights in Gibraltar
  • The airport runway
  • Europa Point and the view of Africa
  • Ibrahim al-Ibrahim Mosque
  • The famous Rock of Gibraltar
  • Main Street – everything so “very British”
  • The port of Gibraltar
• Beaches of Gibraltar
• Booking tours
• Conclusion

The most important facts about Gibraltar

Why is Gibraltar such a special place on earth? It’s simple! It is a British Overseas Territory, directly between Spain and Africa. Gibraltar is part of the United Kingdom, but is located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. The border between Spain and Gibraltar is an impressive 1.2 kilometers long. Off the coast lies the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates Europe and Africa. It is only 15 kilometers to Africa. In good weather, you can see the African mainland from Europa Point.

Arrival in Gibraltar

Gibraltar does have an airport, but it is only served by flights from London (British Airways and Easyjet). There are still no direct flights from Germany. The nearest Spanish airports are Malaga, Seville, and Jerez. Therefore, it makes sense to arrive via one of the airports in Andalusia.

Then continue by car to the border. You can take your car with you to Gibraltar or park it on Spanish soil and continue on foot. However, check beforehand whether your rental car is insured in Gibraltar. You can find large parking lots at the Grand Parade, the International Commercial Centre, and Europa Point.

Immigration & Border Control

Gibraltar Airport is very special because the runway is crossed by a four-lane road. As soon as a plane lands or takes off, the road is closed. It can take a while until it’s your turn to walk to the other side. Gibraltar is not part of the Schengen Area, which is why you must show your ID upon entry. By car, it takes a little longer than if you simply walk. Parking spaces in Gibraltar are usually overcrowded and very expensive anyway.

Coming from the Spanish side, you reach the British border control at the end of the road. At the first gas station in Gibraltar, we were amazed: “Look, the gas is so cheap! Only €0.80 per liter!” But we quickly realized that the prices weren’t in euros, but in pounds. Nevertheless, at €1.06, it was still cheaper than in Spain. Of course, we filled up the tank and were finally able to start our little “tour through England.”

Currency and Money

Since you’re not in the Schengen Area, you can also pay locally with the British pound or the Gibraltar pound. The official currency is the Gibraltar pound (GIP). In some shops, you can often also pay in euros. However, change is often given back in GIP.

The country is also a true tax haven. Many visitors come here just to shop. Spaniards from the surrounding area also stock up on cheap things (especially for gas). Cigarettes, spirits, watches, and jewelry are also very inexpensive. You can also get fashion and other items very cheaply.

You can withdraw money locally with your credit card or go to an exchange office. But be careful: Pay attention to which currency you can withdraw. There are pound sterling and Gibraltar pounds. You can’t exchange the Gibraltar pound anywhere else, so you should exchange any leftover money on site.

Accommodation in Gibraltar

The “Rock of Gibraltar” has some good accommodations for vacationers and tourists. You should book early, as Gibraltar is more popular than you might think. However, hotel prices are also significantly higher than in Spain. You may also be able to find cheaper alternatives next door in neighboring La Linea. We’ve selected a few hotels in Gibraltar for you below.

• Bristol Hotel*
• The Caleta Hotel Health*
• Marina Bay Gibraltar*
• O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel*
• Rock Hotel*

Sights in Gibraltar

The Airport Runway

We were lucky and were able to drive across the airport runway right after security. But when planes take off or land here, there’s a standstill. The only road to Gibraltar runs along the runway at Gibraltar Airport. Yes, you heard right! Either way, you first have to cross the runway.

Several times a day, you have to wait at the barriers until a plane has landed or taken off. Fortunately, there isn’t much air traffic here. You can only marvel at four to eight planes a day up close. Crossing a runway to reach a city is unique in the world and somehow really cool!

Europa Point and the view of Africa

This flat southern end of the Gibraltar peninsula juts out into the Strait of Gibraltar and is also the city’s southernmost point. Here you’ll find the Europa Point Lighthouse, a Roman Catholic pilgrimage church, a national shrine, and a mosque. On a clear day, you can see as far as Africa (14 kilometers). It’s kind of crazy! Standing in Gibraltar, you look across the sea to Morocco! Incredible! Completely different worlds so close together.

Ibrahim al-Ibrahim Mosque

The Ibrahim al-Ibrahim Mosque is also located here at Europa Point. It lies at the foot of the Rock of Gibraltar and was inaugurated in August 1997. The mosque is the southernmost mosque in Europe and one of the largest mosques built in a non-Muslim country. When we heard the clear and loud tones of the imam through the speakers, we paused for a moment. Even though we don’t belong to any religion, we are fascinated by the diverse religions and cultures.

The famous Rock of Gibraltar

The famous Rock of Gibraltar towers in the background of Point of Gibraltar. It is the main attraction on the tip of the earth in front of Africa. From here, you not only have a beautiful view of the hinterland, the city, and the sea. Europe’s only wild monkeys live here (Ape’s Rock). This is also the reason why so many tourists flock to the mountain. Caution is advised here: monkeys are the best pickpockets and like to steal glasses, cameras, and bananas.

Take the cable car in Gibraltar directly from the valley to the final stop at Ape’s Rock and enjoy the view from over 400 meters. The ticket currently costs 16 British pounds. The cable car is open year-round from 9:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. Between November and March, the last cable car departs at 5:15 p.m.

The limestone rock, which rises steeply from the sea, is 6 kilometers long and approximately 1.2 kilometers wide. Its highest point reaches 426 meters. Otherwise, Gibraltar is quite flat and consists only of sandy terrain. The rock was of great military importance from an early stage. It served as a defense system and, during World War II, as an underground fortress where almost 15,000 soldiers found shelter. There are 50 km of tunnels, the so-called World War II Tunnels, parts of which can be visited today. You can book tours of the Rock of Gibraltar and the siege tunnels here*.

Inside the rock is the St. Michael’s Cave cave system. This stalactite cave leads several hundred meters into the rock. Since the first cave even has good acoustics, it was converted into an auditorium and is now used as a concert hall.

Main Street – everything so “very British”

You were just in Spain and now you’re standing in the middle of another world. Everything in Gibraltar is so “very British.” Black metal fences, red telephone booths and mailboxes, children’s school uniforms, and the Queen smiling on posters again and again. Welcome to England! Well, not quite, but it almost felt like it. Main Street is a cozy pedestrian zone with many shops for shopping and strolling. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés here too, although unfortunately they are a bit overpriced. Book your guided city tour here*.

The Port of Gibraltar

From Main Street, we turned toward the harbor. It feels like you’re in Marbella, Mallorca, or Sardinia. One yacht next to the other, each boat bigger than the one next to it. You can stroll leisurely along the port of Gibraltar and enjoy the mostly really good weather. There’s no shortage of restaurants and cafés here, though they’re probably a bit more expensive than in the city. The Sunborn Hotel is also located here – a huge ship that serves as a hotel. A night in a double room costs around €250. Amazing! For that money, we were able to stay in our house in Tarifa for almost two weeks!

Beaches of Gibraltar

Can you swim and relax on the beach in Gibraltar? Yes, there are a few beautiful beaches where you can cool off. Wreck diving, dolphin tours, and sailing are also very popular here. The small bay “Catalan Bay” in the east of the peninsula. Here you’ll find a small fishing village, light sandstone cliffs, and beautiful, colorful houses. Sandy Bay is also a popular destination. The sand comes from the Sahara Desert.

Eastern Beach, which is also the largest beach in Gibraltar, is also popular. Watch the planes landing and taking off as you plunge into the waves. This beach is directly adjacent to the airport runway, which extends a little into the sea. In the evening, you’ll find delicious food and drinks in the beach bars and restaurants.

Book Tours

There are numerous tours and excursions you can book to Gibraltar. There are also some offers locally. You’ll find a wide selection at Get your Guide*. How about a sightseeing tour including dolphin watching, for example? Sounds good? Then take a look:

Conclusion

Gibraltar is worth a relaxed day trip. The British flair alone, the many British details, the quirky airport, and the beautiful view from the Rock of Gibraltar and Europa Point are anything but “totally boring.” And if you’re lucky, you might even see a plane or two take off or land. We had checked the airport’s website beforehand and were able to watch a British Airways plane land. Since we both find the world of aircraft incredibly exciting and interesting, this was a perfect end to our trip.