Gibraltar Holidays: The Rock, Apes, Caves & Getting There from the UK

T By Thomas · Updated 20 October 2026 · 4 min read

Airports

Gibraltar International (GIB); Málaga (AGP) is about 1h45 by road

Flight time

about 2h45 from London to Gibraltar

Best time to go

April-June and September-October; winter is mild but can be windy

Currency

Gibraltar pound (£), at par with sterling; pounds sterling accepted everywhere

Gibraltar is one of the most unusual places you can visit from the UK. A British Overseas Territory on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, it is dominated by the Rock, a 426-metre limestone ridge riddled with caves and tunnels and home to Europe's only wild monkeys, the Barbary macaques. Down below, Main Street has red post boxes, British high-street shops and pubs, while the views from the top stretch across the Strait to Morocco.

English is the official language, and you pay in pounds; the Gibraltar pound is at par with sterling and UK notes and coins are accepted everywhere. Plugs are the UK three-pin type, but cars drive on the right, as in Spain. Gibraltar is one hour ahead of the UK. It combines easily with Spain, especially Andalucía, and even Morocco. This Europe guide covers what to see, when to go and costs in 2026.

Entry requirements

British citizens do not need a visa to visit Gibraltar, but you need a valid passport to fly there or to cross the border from Spain. The UK and the EU reached an agreement on Gibraltar's future relationship with the EU in 2025, which is expected to change border checks, including Schengen checks at Gibraltar's airport and port, once it is implemented. If you cross into Spain, Schengen rules apply: you can usually stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period and the EU's Entry/Exit System registers you on entry. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.

Where to go in Gibraltar

The Upper Rock Nature Reserve

The heart of any visit. Take the cable car from the town to the top station, or walk, join a minibus tour or take a taxi tour. Tickets to the reserve cover the main sights, including the Skywalk glass platform, the Windsor Suspension Bridge and the Barbary macaques at the Apes' Den. Don't feed or touch the monkeys, and keep bags zipped; they are quick to steal.

St Michael's Cave

A huge natural cave with dramatic stalactites, lit with coloured lights and used as a concert venue. It is one of the most popular stops on the Rock.

The Great Siege Tunnels and the World War II tunnels

Dug by hand during the Great Siege of 1779-1783, the Great Siege Tunnels have gun positions with views over the airport and Spain. The separate World War II tunnels, run as guided tours, show how much of the Rock was hollowed out for defence.

Main Street and the town

Main Street runs the length of the old town, with VAT-free shops, the Convent (the Governor's residence) and the Gibraltar Museum, where you can learn about the Neanderthal finds made here. Casemates Square has bars and restaurants, and Ocean Village and the marinas are lively in the evenings.

Europa Point and the bays

At the southern tip, Europa Point has a lighthouse, a mosque and views of Africa on clear days. Catalan Bay, a former fishing village on the east side, and Eastern Beach are the best spots for a swim. Dolphin-watching trips run from the marinas into the Bay of Gibraltar.

Best time to visit Gibraltar

Getting to Gibraltar from the UK

Gibraltar International Airport (GIB) has direct flights from London Heathrow and Gatwick and from some regional airports such as Manchester and Bristol, taking about two hours 45 minutes. The runway is famously crossed by the main road into town. Málaga airport has many more UK flights and is about one hour 45 minutes by car or bus; walk across the border from La Línea de la Concepción in Spain.

Getting around

Gibraltar is under seven square kilometres, so you can walk most places, though the Rock involves steep climbs. Local buses are cheap and frequent, and taxis offer Rock tours. Driving across the border from Spain can mean long queues at busy times, so many visitors park in La Línea and walk across. If you hire a car in Spain, check you are allowed to take it into Gibraltar.

Money and costs

Gibraltar uses the Gibraltar pound, at par with sterling, and UK money is accepted everywhere; euros are often taken too, but at a less favourable rate. Gibraltar notes may not be accepted in the UK, so spend them before you leave. Hotels are limited and can be pricey, so many visitors stay on the Costa del Sol or in La Línea. Budget around £100-160 per person per day if staying in Gibraltar.

We research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.