Gibraltar Holidays & City Breaks

Gibraltar Holidays & City Breaks

Deals from £520 per person

Holidays to Gibraltar take you to a slice of Britain in the heart of the Mediterranean. With 300 days of sunshine, resident wild monkeys 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.

Its unique geographical position also means it's the only place in Europe where you can see Africa, a mere 14 miles across the Strait. 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 (2.5 hours), the "Rock of Gibraltar" is the perfect destination for a mini-city 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. You could even hop on a mini bus if you want to visit neighbouring Morocco.

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 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.

Nightlife

Gibraltar holidays offer plenty in the way of nightlife. From traditional British pubs to high octane clubs open 'til sunrise. For Hawaiian vibes, check out Paradise Tiki Bar. Its funky music, exotic cocktails and tropical vibes will keep you going long after the sun comes up. For live DJ sets and vast dancefloors, make your way to Dusk, one of the trendiest nightclubs in town. Those in search of some home comforts will enjoy a late evening at The Ship, with good old English beer taps, pub grub, karaoke, quiz nights and sport on the big screen.

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 its peak, you'll find a nature reserve teeming with cheeky Barbary monkeys waiting to greet you. Keep hold of your handbag, though. They do like to grab anything they can get their hands on. You mustn't touch or feed them either, but watching them swinging through the trees is quite a sight.

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 City Breaks

We also have travel guides available for City Breaks destinations, including: Berlin | Hong Kong | Marrakech | Prague

Map of Gibraltar

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27 ℃

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

2 hour 40 minutes

Gibraltar International Airport or North Front Airport (GIB or LXGB) is the civilian airport for Gibraltar.

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

Currency: Gibraltar uses the Gibraltar Pound the equivalent of English Sterling. Some shops will accept Euros

Local Time: Gibraltar is one hour ahead of the UK

Fly to: Gibraltar International airport just 10 minutes into the town centre

Flight time: From London just over 2.5 hour

Events in Gibraltar

Gibraltar offers a full calendar of international events throughout the year, from the Calentita Food Festival in spring to the MTV Gibraltar Calling Music Festival to the Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival. 

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

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