Where to Stay in Gibraltar: A Guide to “The Rock”
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. Located on a rocky cape on the Mediterranean Sea and sharing a 1.2-km land border with Spain’s Andalusia region, this beautiful enclave is famous for its 426-metres-tall limestone promontory (The Rock of Gibraltar), its beaches, its distinct culture and for having the only wild monkey population in Europe. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Gibraltar.
Why you should visit Gibraltar
Like most cities on the Mediterranean coast, Gibraltar has a rich (and complicated) history dating back thousands of years. Inhabited, first by Neanderthals and later by humans, since times immemorial, Gibraltar, especially The Rock, holds a special place in Mediterranean culture and folklore. Mons Calpe, as it was known in ancient times, was a sacred place for Phoenicians and Carthaginians. In Greek and Roman mythology, Mount Calpe was regarded as one of the Pillars of Hercules. Since medieval times, Gibraltar has been incorporated by different kingdoms, including Visigoths, Arabs, Spanish, and British and formed strong cultural bonds with Italy, Portugal, Malta and Ireland.
Because of its rich historic heritage, Gibraltar today is a melting pot of Mediterranean and British culture. This mix is present in all aspects of Gibraltarian culture including its food, music and, especially, its language. While English is the official language, most people from Gibraltar, (locally called Llanitos) are bilingual and speak a variant of Andalusian Spanish as a vernacular language.
Although Gibraltar is quite small (its total land area barely reaches 6.8 km2), its climate, coastal location, and status as a self-governed British territory have made this enclave an important tourist destination, especially among visitors from the UK. Thousands of Brits come to Gibraltar to enjoy its beaches, natural attractions, and low-tax shopping offer in the summer.
Gibraltar has no official administrative divisions but is loosely divided into two major areas; the largely uninhabited East Side is dominated by The Rock and holds most of the territory’s natural attractions, hiking trails and caves. More importantly, the East Side is home to the best beaches in Gibraltar, such as Catalan Bay, Black Strap Cove and Sandy Bay. Some of the natural attractions on the East Side include Saint Michael’s Cave, Europa Point, the Great Siege Tunnels, the Mediterranean Steps, the Windsor Suspension Bridge and Skywalk Gibraltar. See accommodation in Gibraltar.
Meanwhile, the West Side has a more urban feel to it. This is the area where most Llanitos live and work and where you’ll find many of the city’s cultural attractions, shopping areas and hotels. The main attractions in the town of Gibraltar include the Moorish Castle, Main Street, the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, The National Museum, the Gibraltar Cable Car and Marina Bay. See accommodation in Gibraltar.
When to visit Gibraltar
Like the entire Andalusian coast, Gibraltar is a very popular destination during the summer. In the summertime, thousands of visitors come to enjoy its beaches. As a result, the high tourist season in Gibraltar takes place from the end of June to the end of August. The best time to visit Gibraltar is in the spring, especially between May and June. During this period, the temperatures are warm enough to go to the beach, and hotels don’t yet have high season rates. The quietest time to visit Gibraltar is in the winter. From November to February, there are almost no tourists to be found, and accommodation prices drop.
Due to its coastal location, Gibraltar has a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild and occasionally warm winters. January temperatures typically range between 11 and 17 °C. On the other hand, in the summertime, temperatures usually hover between 20 and 29 °C.
Getting there & moving around
The Gibraltar International Airport is the main gateway to the city. Located in the north of the territory, right next to the Spanish border, this small airport offers a handful of connections to the UK and Spain. For a wider range of destinations, the Spanish Airports of Málaga-Costa del Sol and Jerez de la Frontera are located less than 100 km from the enclave.
Gibraltar is not connected by train. The nearest train station is located in Algeciras (22 km away). It offers regional connections to Málaga and Granada, from where you can reach most cities in Andalusia and the rest of Spain. See train and bus routes, schedules & fares.
When it comes to moving around the city, Gibraltar has an efficient bus network connecting its different areas. Additionally, Gibraltar is well-served by taxis, mobile apps, and you can always choose to rent a car for your trip. If you’re coming from the UK or Ireland, keep in mind that they drive on the right side of the road in Gibraltar.
Where to stay in Gibraltar
The best area to stay in Gibraltar is the Western Side. Home to the Town Centre, this Gibraltar district features the main museums and cultural attractions, a great nightlife and restaurant offer and some of the best hotels in the enclave. See accommodation on the Western Side.
Other great areas to keep in mind when choosing the best location for tourists in Gibraltar include the Eastern Side and the Spanish town of La Línea de la Concepción.
Keep reading to find more about the best areas to stay in Gibraltar.
The Best Areas to Stay in Gibraltar
1. Recommended area: Western Side & Town Centre
As its name implies, Gibraltar’s Western Side is the name given to the area located west of the impressive Rock of Gibraltar.
This elongated urban area, one of the most densely populated territories on the planet, is home to over 90% of the enclave’s population.
The West Side is also the territory’s main administrative, commercial, cultural and entertainment hub and home to the Port of Gibraltar.
Main Street crosses this lively central district. Gibraltar’s main shopping promenade is packed with British and European retailers and flanked by buildings displaying a blend of Andalusian, Moorish, Italian and British Regency styles.
Some unmissable cultural attractions in this area include the Gibraltar National Museum, offerings historical displays and artefacts dating back thousands of years; the Roman-Catholic Cathedral of St.Mary the Crowned, the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, The Convent, and the King’s Bastion.
For a little bit of endemic and exotic wildlife, the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens and the Alameda Wildlife Park are located in the Upper Town area, south of the town centre. Nearby, you can also find the Gibraltar Cable Car station, which can take you to the top of The Rock for breathtaking views of Gibraltar, the Spanish coastline and Africa.
Grand Casemates Square, located on the West Side’s northern end, is the main town square and gathering place. Not far, you’ll find the town’s marina, the Admiral Casino and the enclave’s ferry and cruise terminal.
Gibraltar’s Town Centre is small and very pedestrian-friendly. That said, in order to reach steep or outlying areas, the easiest way to get around Gibraltar is by bus. Gibraltar has five bus lines covering most of the territory (except the top of the Rock).
As it is to be expected from the main residential, business and tourist area of Gibraltar, the Western Side is also home to most of the hotel offer in the city. The accommodation in this vibrant area ranges from small family-run properties to luxury hotels and a great number of tourist apartments.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Gibraltar:
- Heart of the city
- Pedestrian-friendly
- Museums and historical attractions
- Best area for sightseeing
- Hotels of all kinds
- Great food and nightlife
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
The Eliott Hotel
In the heart of Gibraltar town, The Eliott Hotel has 2 restaurants and a fitness centre. The stylish hotel features a rooftop pool and terrace, offering views over the Gibraltar Strait.
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Budget
Engineer Guest House
Set in Gibraltar, within 2.6 km of Camp Bay Beach and 1.3 km of Cathedral of Saint Mary the Crowned, Engineer Guest House offers accommodation with free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms feature a kitchenette and a private bathroom.
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Luxury
Sunborn Gibraltar
Sunborn Gibraltar offers unique accommodation, onboard a yacht. Situated in Gibraltar, this luxury 5-stars yacht-hotel offers an infinity swimming pool, a casino, a spa, a gym and a restaurant. Guests can also enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout.
2. Eastern Side
The area located east of The Rock of Gibraltar is a largely uninhabited stretch of rugged coastal land.
This Gibraltar district is crossed north to south by Sir Herbert Miles Road and is home to the territory’s most popular beaches.
Eastern Beach, located next to the airport is the enclave’s largest. As you move southward, you’ll come into the Catalan Bay, home to the Caleta Hotel and where most of the residential developments are located, and Sandy Bay.
From here, you can take the legendary Mediterranean Steps, a steep trail leading to the top of The Rock.
Gibraltar’s Eastern Side is also known for its naturally occurring caves, such as the Gorham’s Cave Complex, a gallery of four sea-level caves with archaeological and paleontological remains dating back to the Neanderthals. St Michael’s Cave, located within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, offers a one-of-a-kind theatrical space with stalactites and stalagmites as a backdrop.
Gibraltar’s Eastern Side is connected to the town centre through bus lines 4 and 8.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Gibraltar:
- Beach areas
- Natural attractions
- Quiet area
3. La Línea de la Concepción
Across the border with Spain lies the Spanish city of La Línea de la Concepción.
Commonly referred to simply as “La Línea,” this Andalusian town is located on the sandy isthmus connecting the mainland to The Rock.
La Línea, which is part of the Cádiz municipality of Campo de Gibraltar (Field of Gibraltar), has always had a very close economic and social link to the British overseas territory.
Like Gibraltar, La Línea also has a great number of urban and wild beaches on its Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. The most popular urban beaches in la Línea de la Concepción include playa de Levante, playa de Santa Bárbara and playa de Poniente. Further north you’ll find several semi-virgin beaches like Torrenueva, Santa Clara and La Alcaidesa.
La Líneas city centre is also home to a handful of interesting attractions like the Museo Cruz Herrera, dedicated to the famous Spanish portrait artist, the ruins of Fort Santa Bárbara, and the Museo del Istmo.
The city’s coach station is located a few metres north of the border and offers long-distance connections to Barcelona, Córdoba and Algeciras.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Gibraltar:
- Cheap hotels
- Beaches
- Coach station with connections to Spain
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Ohtels Campo De Gibraltar
Just 500 m from the border with Gibraltar, Ohtels Campo De Gibraltar overlooks Algeciras Bay. An outdoor swimming pool and rooms with balconies are on offer in this 4-star hotel.
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Budget
Hostal París
Conveniently located in the centre of La Linea de la Concepción, this hotel is surrounded by bars, restaurants and shops. The beach and the harbour are only 550 m away.
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