Gibraltar Holidays & Short Breaks

Deals from £539 per person
Gibraltar Holidays & Short Breaks

Holidays to Gibraltar take you to a slice of Britain in the heart of the Mediterranean. With 300 days of sunshine, resident wild macaques (sometimes referred to as barbary apes) and plenty of English watering holes, the magic lies in its mix of the familiar and the exotic. As a British territory bordering Spain, it's like walking into a typical seaside town in Blighty with a subtropical climate. Expect fish and chips shops and red post boxes sitting alongside Andalusian style townhouses.

Gibraltar's VAT-free status also allows you to do some serious shopping at a fraction of the price. So if you're craving bucket-list-level scenery, beautiful sandy beaches and duty-free shopping, Gibraltar holidays are for you.

Things to Do

Just a quick hop from the UK (3 hours), the "Rock of Gibraltar" is the perfect destination for a short break or weekend away. Covering less than three square miles, getting around this compact peninsula is super easy and affordable. Grab a bargain on the duty-free Main Street, take in spectacular vistas from its famous rock, or while the hours away on its relaxing British pub scene. 

Shopping

One of our favourite places to visit in Gibraltar is Ocean Village. With its duty-free status and backdrop of high-end yachts, it's a shoppers' paradise. The pound sterling currency also means you won't be hit with any costly conversion rates. Lined with perfumeries, jewellery stores, boozy outlets and high-street names, you can shop ‘til you drop right into one of the many bars and restaurants along the strip. We recommend Sunborn Gibraltar for its casino and cocktails on the water.

History & Culture

Its strategic location has made Gibraltar one of the most fought after places in Europe. Explore the underground siege tunnels and 8th-century forts to glimpse into its epic military past. In the shadow of a Moorish castle is Casemates Square, a bombproof barrack built in 1817. This is now a bustling plaza filled with shops, bars, and restaurants. The square also hosts many grand military parades and National Day celebrations.

Europa Point

Just a short 15-minute bus ride from the centre of town is Europa Point. Sitting at the most southern tip of Gibraltar, you'll get to see some incredible views out to Africa and Tangier. A large cannon points out across the Mediterranean Sea, with plaques detailing the unique history of its location. There's also a mosque, small church, cafe and lighthouse to explore.

Cable Car to the Summit 

A holiday to Gibraltar would be incomplete without a trip to the top of the "Rock". While you can hike 5 miles to the summit, most visitors take a cable car to the top, taking just 6 minutes. At the midway point, you'll find a nature reserve teeming with cheeky Barbary monkeys waiting to greet you. Keep hold of your bag, though. They do like to grab anything they can get their hands on. You mustn't touch or feed them either.

Walk the Skies

Standing 340 metres above sea level is the famous Skywalk. Taller than the highest point of the London Shard, you're invited to walk across the glass-bottomed platform for uninterrupted views over three countries and two continents. Those seeking further thrills can stroll along the wobbly Windsor Suspension Bridge, high above a 50-metre gorge. If you'd prefer to keep your feet on the ground, there's another route around the bridge.

St Michael’s Cave

One of our favourite places to visit in Gibraltar is St Michael’s cave, a natural wonder filled with stalactites and stalagmites. A mesmerising light show illuminates the formations. The site has hosted many weddings, picnics and concerts in the Victorian era. Known also as the cathedral cave, the venue still hosts many live music events within its auditorium.

Family Fun

There are plenty of things to do with the kids in Gibraltar. One of our favourite attractions is the dolphin excursions. Many of these tours run from Marina Bay, taking you on a viewing vessel that cruises the Strait. And for a history lesson like no other, head to the WW2 siege tunnels, filled with marvels of military engineering. Another top family attractions in Gibraltar is the Rock Escape Rooms, where you can crack codes and riddles together.

More Short Breaks

We also have travel guides available for Short Breaks destinations, including: Dublin | Malaga | Marrakech | Palma | Seville

Map of Gibraltar

world_map
27 ℃

Best time to visit: During May or October the weather is most comfortable and crowds have gone home.

3 houra

Gibraltar International Airport or North Front Airport (GIB) is on the border of Gibraltar and Spain.

Gibraltar is best for...

Adventure seekers: Take a dolphin safari in the Bay of Gibraltar. To really get your pulse racing you can try rock climbing or scuba diving for an unforgettable experience.

History enthusiasts: Explore the Great Siege Tunnels, Moorish Castle and other historic sites that tell the fascinating story of Gibraltar’s strategic past.

Nature lovers: Hike up the Rock to see breathtaking views and spot the famous Barbary macaques in their natural habitat.

Fast facts for Gibraltar

Language: English is Gibraltar’s spoken language with many locals also speaking a local dialect called Llanito, a cross between Spanish and English. You’ll find some shops and hospitality venues employ mainly British staff, while others employ Spanish staff (who may speak limited English).

Currency: Gibraltar uses the Gibraltar Pound the equivalent of English Sterling. Bank of England notes are accepted universally. Some shops accept Euros.

Local Time: Gibraltar is one hour ahead of the UK

Fly to: Gibraltar International airport. Less than 2km from the central shopping streets.

Flight time from the UK: Around 3 hours.

Plug sockets: Type G, the same as in the UK, so no need to take an international adaptor. 

Tourist Information: Further information on what to do can be found on the Visit Gibraltar website.

Getting around Gibraltar

By bus: The local bus network extensively covers the lower part of Gibraltar, from the airport to the Moorish castle and Europa Point. You can buy a hopper ticket which covers unlimited all day travel. As of 2025 the cost is £6.60 for adults and £4.40 for children. La Linea Bus Station is just across the international border, where you can catch services to destinations along the Costa del Sol.

By car: Due to Gibraltar’s small size, hiring a car to get around has limited benefit. If you rent a car in Gibraltar for driving to destinations in Spain, be aware that crossing the border in a vehicle can be time consuming. For live updates visit the Frontier Queue website.

By taxi: Hiring a taxi is the same as in the UK. We don’t recommend taking offers from touts who may offer you a taxi tour of the rock, especially if the offer is made when you’re in the queue to buy tickets for the cable car. Some irresponsible drivers encourage tourists to pet or feed the Barbary macaques, which can lead to them becoming ill and people getting bites that need medical attention. 

By train: While there’s no train station in Gibraltar, you can catch a bus around the bay to Algeciras, from where there are rail services to towns high up in the Andalusian mountains.

Events in Gibraltar

World Music Festival: This annual event, each June, attracts international and local artists and features a lineup of pop, rock and indie music over an event-filled weekend. Don't miss performances in the stunning venue of St Michael's Cave.

National Day: On 10 September each year the whole peninsula turns red and white and celebrates with a huge street party, fireworks and a spectacular aerial display from the RAF.

Literary Festival: Each November acclaimed authors and poets gather for talks, book signings, and panel discussions in a stunning setting.

Gibraltar safety and security

Safety advice

Gibraltar is seen as a very safe destination. However, scammers and pickpockets do operate, especially around the Spain-Gibraltar border so it’s important to take care of your belongings.

When you’re up the rock it’s the Barbary macaques you need to be careful of. Don’t touch and keep hold of your possessions. Close interaction can result in them catching human cold and flu viruses, and it could leave you with a nasty infected bite needing medical attention. Maintaining sensible precautions keeps both you and the monkeys safe and happy.

Do I need a passport?

Yes, UK travellers will need a passport to enter Gibraltar. Your passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. However, if you plan to also visit Spain ensure your passport is valid for at least three months after the day you leave (check the ‘expiry date’).

Should I get travel insurance?

We always recommend that you purchase travel insurance for your holiday. That way, you’ll be covered for any emergencies while you’re away. Even though you won’t be charged for medical treatment in Gibraltar, there’s only one hospital on the peninsula so in an emergency there’s a chance you may have to be treated in Spain. Make sure to thoroughly check what is included in your policy, especially if you plan to take part in excursions and activities that require additional cover e.g. rock climbing.

 

Gibraltar weather

Over 300 days of sunshine, the climate of Gibraltar is Mediterranean/Subtropical with mild winters and warm summers. There are two main prevailing winds, an easterly one known as the Levante coming from the Sahara in Africa which brings humid weather and warmer sea currents and the other as Poniente which is westerly and brings fresher air and colder sea.

Best hotels in Gibraltar

Places similar to Gibraltar to visit