📍 British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar, Andalusia

British rock with a Polish touch

This unique piece of British territory is located in southern Spain. Although it covers only 6.7 km², it's full of attractions, history, and surprises. Discover our Gibraltar guide.

Population and culture

Gibraltar is home to about 32,000 residents, mainly descendants of immigrants from Italy, Malta, Portugal, the UK, and Morocco. They speak English, but Spanish and the local dialect llanito—a mix of languages with a distinctive accent—are also widely used. It's a blend of cultures visible in the cuisine, architecture, and lifestyle.

British vibe and Polish trace

Gibraltar is a British overseas territory taken over in 1704. To this day, it's ruled by the British monarch, and prices are listed in pounds. In 1943, General Władysław Sikorski died here—his monument is located on the main road to the Rock. It's an important site for every Polish tourist: Sikorski—Prime Minister of the Polish government-in-exile and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces—died when the British Liberator II AL523 crashed shortly after takeoff from Gibraltar Airport. Of the 17 people on board, only the Czech pilot, Major Eduard Prchal, survived. Official version: the British investigation concluded it was a technical failure, though its source was never determined. No sabotage evidence was found, although conspiracy theories circulated.

Border crossing – what to know

ID card or passport is sufficient to enter. The border checkpoint is located in the Spanish town of La Línea de la Concepción. Avoid peak hours in high season to skip long queues.

Parking before the border

Right before the border, there is a large and well-organized parking lot: guarded, monitored, fenced. It's the best option for campers and SUVs. Daily rate for cars and campers is about 10 Euros. Nearby are fast food places and higher-end restaurants.
After crossing the border, driving larger vehicles around Gibraltar can be difficult due to narrow streets and limited parking.

Bus is quicker and more peaceful

Leave your car in the parking lot, walk across the border, and use public transport within Gibraltar. Tourist or local buses (e.g., lines 5 and 10) will take you directly to the Rock. Ticket costs around 2–3 pounds. Pay in exact cash—cards are not always accepted. Taxis also offer short guided tours, a good option if you're short on time.

Driving style – left side? Not here!

Although this is a British territory, Gibraltar uses right-hand traffic like in Spain. It's adapted to the surrounding road infrastructure.

License plates and port

License plates are white with black letters and marked with “GBZ,” not “GB” like in the UK. Gibraltar has a large seaport that welcomes luxury cruise ships from Southampton, Barcelona, Rome, and Lisbon. It's a key hub on the Mediterranean cruise map.

Red phone booth and selfie – a classic starter

Just past the border checkpoint, you'll find a genuine red British phone booth—it works and is a perfect photo spot.

Unique and free botanical garden – Alameda Gardens

Just below the Rock lies a beautiful, free botanical garden. A walk here takes about 45–60 minutes. You'll see exotic plants, fountains, and even land turtles. There are also scenic viewpoints and shady spots for resting before or after your mountain hike.

Going up – what's the best way?

The most convenient option is the cable car, with the lower station next to the botanical garden. A return ticket costs about £19–£20. In peak season, it's wise to book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. The ride is every few minutes, and the view is breathtaking. Without an online reservation, waiting time can exceed an hour.

Hiking to the top – what to know?

Mediterranean Steps – the most beautiful and challenging route

One of the most scenic yet demanding hiking routes to the top is the Mediterranean Steps trail. It's about 2.9 km long, rising nearly 420 meters and ending at the historic O’Hara’s Battery. Average hiking time is 1 hour 45 minutes, though it depends on pace, weather, and fitness.
The effort is rewarded with stunning views—on clear days you can see the African coast and the Strait of Gibraltar. Be aware that it's steep and narrow in places, which may challenge those afraid of heights or not physically fit.

Alternative routes – easier paths to the Rock

If the Mediterranean Steps seem too difficult, choose other hiking trails to the summit. Popular access points are near the Moorish Castle, the Jewish Cemetery (Jews' Gate), and the Devil's Gap Battery. These paths are less steep but still require some fitness, especially in hot weather.

How much time is needed for the hike?

The Mediterranean Steps alone take under 2 hours, but plan more time if you want to stop for photos or visit other viewpoints—up to 3–4 hours plus 2 hours for descent. For the full Upper Rock Nature Reserve, allocate 4 to even 5–6 hours.

If you choose to hike, bring grippy shoes, plenty of water, and a hat. The sun is intense here, temperatures high, and there is little shade.

Internet? Possible surprises

Warning! Roaming in Gibraltar might surprise you—it's not like in Spain. Your carrier may charge you as if you were outside the EU. Turn off mobile data and use Wi-Fi in cafes or buy a local SIM card.

Driving up or taxi?

Driving is allowed, but local taxis are a better option—they offer full Rock tours with stops at major sites.

What to see at the top?

The list of attractions on the Rock of Gibraltar is long:

Skywalk – a glass viewing platform suspended over a cliff.
Windsor Suspension Bridge – a hanging bridge with jaw-dropping views.
St. Michael’s Cave – a color-lit cave with a concert hall.
Great Siege Tunnels – tunnels carved during the Spanish siege.
O’Hara’s Battery – a viewpoint with a massive gun and view of the Strait.

For a relaxed visit with attractions, reserve at least 3–4 hours.

Macacs – the symbol of Gibraltar

Near the summit, you'll meet wild Barbary macaques. They're cute but may steal food or small items—and might bite if provoked. Feeding them is prohibited (fines apply).

Cuisine and recommended restaurants

Gibraltar offers English breakfasts, fish & chips, and Mediterranean dishes. Try local almond and marzipan pastries.

Recommended places:

The Clipper – classic British cuisine near Main Street.
Roy’s Fish & Chips – authentic British-style fish and chips.
Café Modelo – great coffee and light breakfasts on the way to the botanical garden.

Posted on: 2025-05-18 📅
British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar, Andalusia 📍🌍
#_devlifebalance, #camperlife, #vanLife, #workation, #freelance, #weekendspl 🏷️
gibraltar, travel guide, things to do, Gibraltar rock, monkeys, Mediterranean Steps, cable car, Upper Rock, British overseas territory 🚐