The Best Gibraltar Itinerary For 2025: 1, 2 or 3 Days
So, you’re heading to Gibraltar and trying to figure out how long to stay – and what to actually do when you get there…
Whether you’ve got one, two or three days to play with, this ultimate Gibraltar itinerary will help you make the most of your time, without feeling rushed, wasting time, or like you’re missing out on the best things to do!
I first came to Gibraltar on a short solo trip… and actually ended up moving there for a year (yep, really!), so I know a thing or two about the must-see spots in Gibraltar.
And yes, Gibraltar may be a tiny British Overseas Territory, but I promise it has so much more to offer than its iconic Rock and cheeky “monkeys”!
In fact, as a solo female traveller, I found it ridiculously easy to navigate, very safe and just quirky enough to always surprise me – even after I’d been living there a year!
In this Gibraltar travel guide, we’ll start with the big questions. Things like is Gibraltar actually worth visiting? Or how many days do you really need in Gibraltar? And then I’ll walk you through exactly what to do each day, from dramatic viewpoints and secret garden walks, to dolphin spotting and beach time!
Ready to plan an unforgettable trip to Gibraltar? Let’s get to it!
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Is Gibraltar Worth Visiting?
As you might’ve guessed from the intro, my answer is a huge yes!
Gibraltar is 100% worth visiting, especially if you’re travelling solo and want somewhere safe, unique, and surprisingly rich in history, breath-taking views, and possibly the most quirky culture in Europe!
Gibraltar is one of those tourist destinations that people often skip over in favour of neighbouring Spain or squeeze into a half-day cruise ship stop, but if you slow down even a little, I just know this tiny territory will surprise you – in all of the best ways!
I originally came to Gibraltar on a quick solo trip… and ended up moving here for a year. That’s how much this tiny place got under my skin!
The mix of British and Mediterranean culture, the crazy views from the top of the Rock, the weird and wonderful macaques, the sea breezes, the sunsets… They are just some of the things I love most about Gibraltar, and make it 100% worth visiting.
But if you’re still unsure, I’ve written a full guide breaking down the question: Is Gibraltar Worth Visiting? that covers exactly why this place is so much more than just a quirky border town with monkeys!
Katie’s Top Tip: Please don’t be fooled by the size. Gibraltar might be small, but it’s packed full of character, charm and genuinely unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. It’s well worth a spot on your Southern Europe itinerary, even if just for a day or two.
How Many Days Do You Need in Gibraltar?
The answer to this common question totally depends on your travel style and what kind of experience you’re looking for. Let’s break it down so you can decide what best fits your trip:
If you’ve only got a day in Gibraltar to spare, you can still see the major sights like the Rock, the macaques and the caves. A Gibraltar one day itinerary (when done right!) is both doable and an amazing experience.
But if you want to slow down, experience the beauty of this tiny territory without the day trippers, and not just run from attraction to attraction? I’d recommend you spend at least two days in Gibraltar.
And in my opinion, 3 days in Gibraltar is the sweet spot if you want to see all of the highlights, without rushing.
When I first came to Gibraltar, I planned to stay for a couple of weeks, to help out a friend at the University of Gibraltar… And you already know, that couple of weeks turned into a year pretty quickly!
So, if you’re wondering how many days do you need in Gibraltar, my simple answer is: more days than you might think!
Katie’s Top Tip: If your trip allows it, try to spend 3 days in Gibraltar (or more!) That way you’ll get to see both the daytime buzz and the more local, quieter evenings, once the cruise ships and day trippers have left.
What to Do in Gibraltar in One Day (The Must-Sees)
If you’ve only got 1 day in Gibraltar to spare, don’t worry. It’s still absolutely possible to experience the highlights and top tourist attractions in Gibraltar, without feeling rushed.
You just need to be strategic about your time (and wear comfy shoes!)
You’ll be spending most of your 1 day in Gibraltar itinerary up on the Upper Rock Nature Reserve (which honestly is the main attraction!), so let’s walk through it step by step…
Morning: Take the Cable Car to the Top of the Rock
Start your 1 day in Gibraltar as early as possible (ideally before 10am), by catching the cable car up to the top of the Rock from the base station, just a short walk from Main Street.
The cable car ride itself only takes six minutes, but queues build fast (especially on cruise ship days), and arriving early is essential for the quietest, most relaxed experience.
From the top, you’ll enjoy sweeping views across the Strait of Gibraltar, the Spanish coast and even Morocco on a clear day. It’s honestly breath-taking, so be prepared to spend a good deal of time at the panorama viewing platform!
Once you’re up the Top of the Rock (and have had your fill of those amazing views!), take your time exploring the rest of the nature reserve. The top sights are all central and easy to fit into one day in Gibraltar:
- The Gibraltar Skywalk – A panoramic, glass viewing platform 340m above sea level. If you’re fine with heights, it’s a must-visit for even more breath-taking views! (Seriously, I think the views here are some of the best on the Rock!)
- St Michael’s Cave – A dramatic, natural cave turned incredible sound and light display! It’s absolutely amazing to visit inside and is also a perfect break from the intense summer sun.
- Apes’ Den – The Rock’s famous, wild Barbary macaques are most likely to be found around Apes’ Den. And of course, they’re an iconic Gibraltar must-see, so you can’t skip this one! But, a word of warning: they’re bold, sneaky and totally unbothered by humans, so give them space, don’t feed them and don’t bring snacks in your bag.
- The Great Siege Tunnels – A fascinating network of tunnels that were carved into the Rock by British soldiers in the late 1700s. Inside the tunnels, you’ll find life-size mannequins, artifacts and fascinating information boards, explaining the intense conditions the soldiers worked in.
All of these attractions are included in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve ticket, which you can buy online in advance or at the cable car station.
Late Afternoon: Walk Down or Take the Cable Car Back
If you’re a quick explorer or just someone who needs to see it all (I get it!), there are also a few optional Top of the Rock sights you can add into your Gibraltar one day itinerary:
- Windsor Suspension Bridge – If you’re after an adrenaline hit, the Windsor Suspension Bridge stretches 71 metres over a 50 metre deep gorge in the Upper Rock nature reserve. It offers fantastic views and is only a short detour off the main path.
- Moorish Castle – This small castle is well worth a visit, especially if you walk back down to town instead of taking the cable car. The Moorish Castle was first built in 711 and was a working prison until 2010!
- City Under Siege Exhibition – Located close to the Moorish Castle, this tiny (and underrated), outdoor museum brings 1700s Gibraltar to life, with vivid (and a bit gruesome!) models and exhibitions.
- WWII Tunnels – Fascinating to explore if you’re into war history! These incredible tunnels once housed a 16,000 soldier garrison, plus stores for 16 months’ worth of supplies! They also played an important role in planning secret allied operations.
The Moorish Castle, WWII Tunnels and City Under Siege Exhibition are all very close together and slightly downhill from the cable car top station, which is why I would recommend walking back to Main Street from there if you want to explore them.
So, at the end of your 1 day in Gibraltar, you’ve got two options:
- Take the cable car back down from the top station#
- Walk into town via the Moorish Castle route, which takes about 15 minutes downhill from the castle.
Either way, head to Casemates Square for a late lunch, an early dinner or just drinks. After a long day exploring the best of the Upper Rock nature reserve, you deserve it!
Katie’s Top Tip: If you want to explore all of these highlights without having to figure out the logistics yourself (and add another must-see attraction: Europa Point), I would recommend booking this guided tour. The local guides are fantastic and will help you make the most of your 1 day in Gibraltar!
How to Spend 2 Days in Gibraltar: Culture, Gardens & Sunset Views
With 2 days in Gibraltar, you have time to explore deeper than just the classic highlights of the Upper Rock nature reserve.
So whereas day one was all about sightseeing, day two is all about slower exploration, a bit of culture, a magical sunset, and getting to know a bit more of the Gibraltar that locals love!
Morning: Main Street, Cathedral & British Quirks
Start day 2 of your Gibraltar itinerary with a stop in Casemates Square, at the northern end of Main Street. It has a great view of the Rock towering above and is the perfect place for a coffee or breakfast while people-watching!
Next, you should enjoy a relaxed stroll down Main Street, Gibraltar’s historic high street.
Main Street is also where you’ll find the very best examples of where British staples (aka red telephone boxes and M&S!), meet Mediterranean charm.
It is a truly fascinating street for a walk!
On Main Street, you’ll also find souvenir shops, perfumeries, fashion chains, jewellers, and cafes and restaurants, dishing out both English and Mediterranean dishes.
And those red telephone boxes under the (hopefully!) Mediterranean sunshine are also an iconic Gibraltar photo opportunity, if that’s your thing. In fact, the phone box just off Main Street is so popular I actually saw tourists queuing for photos most days in summer!
If that isn’t British, I don’t know what is!
As you continue to stroll south along Main Street, you’ll eventually come across the pale pink, Catholic Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned, dating back to 1462. You can enter between 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, or between 8:30am to 7pm at the weekend.
And finally, if you’re into history (or just want a bit of context about where you’re visiting!), the Gibraltar National Museum is just a few minutes’ walk away, on Bomb House Lane.
It’s small but packed with fascinating exhibits, from the time of the Neanderthals to how this tiny territory played such a huge role in World War II. There’s also a preserved 14th century Moorish bathhouse in the basement and archaeological excavations in the garden.
Afternoon: Alameda Gardens & Wildlife Park
After lunch, walk south along Main Street (back towards the cathedral), to the Alameda Botanic Gardens.
Or, if you don’t want to walk you can take the bus route 2, 4, 9 or 10 from Market Place (Casemates), to Trafalgar Cemetery.
The Alameda Botanic Gardens is a lush, terraced green space on the lower hillside of the Upper Rock. And, in my opinion it is seriously overrated – and often overlooked by most day trippers!
As a local, this was my very favourite place in Gibraltar. I used to come here to read or journal, and get away from the intense midday heat when I lived in Gibraltar.
The gardens are totally free to explore and they’re a great place to relax, especially if you’ve been doing a lot of walking! There are shady spots for sitting and even a few beautiful viewpoints over the bay.
The Alameda Gardens are a great place to slow down and relax without an itinerary, but in case you want a checklist – I’ve got you:
- The General Elliott Memorial
- Alameda Wildlife Park
- The Dell
- Fuente Marroqui
The Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park
Inside the gardens, you’ll also find the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park, a tiny sanctuary that cares for rescued animals, often confiscated from customs.
The enclosures are ethical and well-kept, the animals are well looked after, and you’ll get to see animals like lemurs, tortoises, barbary macaques, exotic birds and reptiles.
It only takes 45 minutes to an hour to explore, but it’s well worth a visit. Plus, your entrance fee (only £8 for adults), supports their incredible conservation efforts!
So if you’re an animal lover, the Alameda Wildlife Park is a great addition to your 2 days in Gibraltar itinerary!
Evening: Sunset at Europa Point
Europa Point, as the name suggests, is the southernmost tip of Gibraltar (Europe), before it meets Africa (Morocco), just 9 miles across the water.
And yes, on a clear day, the views are every bit as dramatic and breath-taking as they sound!
I would recommend you visit around sunset for a truly magical light, leaving a bit of time either side to relax and watch as the sky changes.
At Europa Point, you’ll also see the Trinity Lighthouse and the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, as well as the University of Gibraltar.
I wouldn’t recommend walking to Europa Point, but you can get here easily (and affordably!) by taxi or bus from the town centre.
The bus is my preferred option as it is most affordable. Simply hop on Route 2 from Market Place (Casemates) or Trafalgar Cemetery (Alameda Botanic Gardens & Wildlife Park), to Europa Point terminus.
How to Spend 3 Days in Gibraltar: Dolphins, Beach Time & Ocean Village
If you’re lucky enough to have 3 days in Gibraltar, your third and final day in this tiny territory is all about relaxing and enjoying the parts most visitors miss.
This third day in Gibraltar is also all about embracing the slower side of solo travel: watching wild dolphins leap out of the water, enjoying some well-deserved sunbathing, and ending your dream trip to Gibraltar with a relaxed marina dinner as the sun goes down.
This is the perfect way to close out a 3 day trip to Gibraltar!
Morning: Dolphin-Watching Boat Trip
Start the third day of your Gibraltar itinerary with a dolphin watching boat tour!
Gibraltar’s bay is home to three species of dolphins: common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and striped dolphins. Other marine wildlife in Gibraltar includes pilot whales, orcas, sperm whales and fin whales, and you can book specific whale watching boat trips in summer.
Most of the dolphin tours leave from Ocean Village Marina, and last between 1 to 1.5 hours.
These boat tours are typically conducted in small groups (and in my experience, the morning sailings are quieter anyway), so there is plenty of space to move around the deck and get the very best spot for photos!
And as well as the wild dolphins, you’ll also get beautiful views of the Rock from the water too – which I would say are well worth the trip on their own (but of course, those majestic dolphins make it even more exciting and worthwhile!)
Just make sure to book ahead if you’re visiting in the summer season, and try to go with one of the more eco-conscious operators. I personally recommend Dolphin Adventure.
Katie’s Top Tip: Be sure to bring plenty of water, SPF and a light jacket or coverup. (Yes, even in summer!) The breeze on the water can be chillier than expected – I learnt that the hard way!
Afternoon: Beach Break
After your morning boat trip, it’s time to fully unwind and head to the beach!
Eastern Beach is the biggest and easiest to reach, with a wide sandy shore and calm water, perfect for both swimming and sunbathing. Plus, it’s directly under the flight path for Gibraltar Airport, so you can watch the planes land or take off overhead!
To reach Eastern Beach, you can walk (takes approx. 25 minutes from Ocean Village), get the bus (route 4 or 8 from Ocean Village or Market Place), or get a taxi.
For something a bit quieter and more picturesque, head to Catalan Bay, a colourful former fishing village tucked further round the east side of the Rock. It’s smaller, more peaceful, incredibly photogenic, and perfect for both sunbathing and swimming.
To reach Catalan Bay, you can walk (takes approx. 30 minutes from Ocean Village), get the bus (route 4 or 8 from Ocean Village or Market Place), or get a taxi.
Gibraltar has six beaches in total, the others are:
- Sandy Bay is the quietest (and furthest away), of the eastern beaches. It is more local and very sheltered for swimming, thanks to the curved sea wall. Just be aware that Sandy Bay loses the sun quickest, thanks to the Rock. To reach Sandy Bay, you can walk (takes approx. 45 minutes from Ocean Village), get the bus (route 4 or 8 from Ocean Village or Market Place to Both Worlds), or get a taxi.
- Camp Bay is a rocky beach on the western side and super popular with locals. There is a large swimming pool, loungers and a beach bar here too. You’ll also find Little Bay right next to Camp Bay. To reach them, you can get the bus (route 3, 4 or 9 from Ocean Village or Market Place to Rosia Plaza), or get a taxi.
- Western Beach is near the Spanish border (located behind the Eroski supermarket!) and is almost always just used by locals. To reach Western Beach, you can get the bus (route 5 or 10 from Ocean Village or Market Place to the frontier), or get a taxi.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you want my recommendation, in terms of easiest to access, most spacious, and best for sunbathing and swimming, go for Catalan Bay or Eastern Beach.
Evening: Dinner & Drinks at Ocean Village
For your final evening, head back to Ocean Village – Gibraltar’s modern marina and one of the best places to enjoy an evening meal or drinks in Gibraltar.
The marina is lined with restaurants, bars and cafes, all offering spectacular views of the water, the iconic Sunborn yacht hotel, and the small boats bobbing in the marina.
Ocean Village has got a gentle buzz to it, with enough atmosphere to feel fun, but rarely so loud or rowdy that you feel out of place or uncomfortable eating or drinking alone, if you’re a solo traveller like me.
And many restaurants offer both outdoor seating with incredible views and cosy indoor dining options, if the weather isn’t playing ball.
It’s the perfect, relaxing way to end the final day of your Gibraltar itinerary!
Katie’s Top Tip: I love Biancas Restaurant and Charlie’s Steakhouse and Grill. They both have delicious food and drinks, as well as incredible front-line views across the marina!
Gibraltar FAQ: Everything You Need to Know For Your Gibraltar Itinerary
Is 1 day in Gibraltar enough?
It absolutely can be!
If you’re tight on time or coming in on a day trip from Spain or on a cruise, a well-planned Gibraltar one day itinerary will let you see the major tourist attractions in Gibraltar: the Upper Rock nature reserve, the macaques, the Skywalk, St Michael’s Cave and some seriously breath-taking views.
It’s definitely a packed day, but it’s totally doable (especially if you start early and focus on the Nature Reserve!)
But, one day in Gibraltar doesn’t leave much room for slower travel or Gibraltar’s more hidden gems.
So if you want time to stroll Main Street, visit the Gibraltar Museum, catch a sunset at Europa Point, or even just relax at the beach, you’ll be happier with 2 days in Gibraltar or even 3 days in Gibraltar, if you have time.
How do you get to Gibraltar?
There are three main ways to get to Gibraltar: flying, walking in via the Spanish border, or by cruise ship.
Gibraltar has its own international airport, and flying directly in is the most stress-free option. Flights operate daily from major UK cities like London, Manchester and Bristol. Plus you get to walk across the runway to reach the town (or you can of course take a bus or a taxi, but it’s less fun!)
If you’re already in Spain, the most common route is to walk across the land border from La Linea. You’ll go through Spanish exit checks and clear UK passport control on foot.
You can also arrive by cruise ship, as Gibraltar is a popular port stop on Western Mediterranean itineraries, and the cruise terminal is walkable to town.
When is the best time to visit Gibraltar?
The best months to visit Gibraltar are April to early June and September to October, as the weather is warm, the skies are generally still clear, and it’s not too crowded.
July and August can be very hot and humid (especially if you’re planning to walk the Upper Rock), and prices spike with peak season tourism. That’s not even mentioning the crowds and queues you’ll face!
Winter in Gibraltar is still mild, but rain and wind do pick up, and some of the more scenic outdoor spots (like Europa Point or the beaches), can feel a bit bleak. That said, Gibraltar never completely shuts down to tourists, so if you want to explore a more local side to the territory, winter is great!
Want to know more? I’ve written a full guide to the best time to visit Gibraltar that breaks down each season and month with pros, cons, weather stats and what to expect from each season.
What are the best things to do in Gibraltar?
There’s so much more to do in Gibraltar than you might think…
The Upper Rock Nature Reserve is, of course, the territory’s star: home to the Skywalk, St Michael’s Cave, the famous macaques and Gibraltar’s fascinating Great Siege Tunnels.
But don’t miss the less talked about gems either: strolling Main Street and Casemates Square, visiting the Alameda Botanic Gardens, sunbathing on Catalan Bay and watching the sunset at Europa Point.
Want the full list with local insights? I’ve written a detailed post on the best things to do in Gibraltar that includes all of my best practical tips and personal recommendations!
Where’s the best place to stay in Gibraltar?
It depends on your style (and budget), but here are the top picks I always recommend:
The Sunborn Hotel – This five-star superyacht hotel moored in Ocean Village has unbeatable views and location. It’s a splurge, but honestly? It’s a true Gibraltar icon and is well worth it!
The Rock Hotel – An iconic colonial-style hotel with sweeping views of the Bay and great afternoon tea. It’s a little more old-school but it is iconic!
E1 Suites (Adults Only) – If you want an apartment-style stay with a private kitchen, this is perfect. Great for longer trips or if you like that independent, self-catered vibe.
The Bristol Hotel – Your best bet for a budget-friendly stay. It’s central, safe and no-frills, but also very clean and friendly.
What currency does Gibraltar use?
Gibraltar currency uses the Gibraltar Pound, which is 1:1 to the British Pound (GBP).
British notes and coins are also accepted everywhere in Gibraltar, but Gibraltar notes or coins are not accepted in the UK, so make sure to spend or exchange them before you leave.
Most places also accept credit/debit cards, and contactless payment is very common.
Is Gibraltar expensive to visit?
Yes, Gibraltar is often seen as being expensive to visit, with key expenses like meals, accommodation and attractions feeling similar to London prices, especially during peak season!
But there are definitely a few ways to keep costs manageable:
- Make the most of free or low cost activities like exploring Main Street, watching the sunset at Europa Point, exploring the Alameda Gardens, or relaxing on the beach
- If you want to explore the Upper Rock, get the combo nature reserve ticket instead of buying tickets separately
- Take the reliable local bus service instead of taxis
- Stay in an apartment or a budget hotel
- Eat at local cafes or pubs (or, if you have a kitchen at your accommodation, head to Morrisons for affordable supermarket food)
- Walk (almost!) everywhere
- Watch out for peak season surges (and avoid if possible!) Hotel and flight prices jump in July and August
Final Thoughts on Planning Your Gibraltar Itinerary
Whether you’re spending a day in Gibraltar, 2 days in Gibraltar or going all out with a 3 day Gibraltar itinerary, I hope this guide has helped you map out a trip that feels doable and exciting!
From those iconic macaques and sea views, to hidden gardens and dreamy sunsets, this tiny British Overseas Territory has so much more to offer than most tourists expect.
And as a solo female traveller who came here for one trip and ended up staying a whole year, I can tell you Gibraltar is well worth visiting!
So whether you’re here for the history, the nature, the wild dolphins, or the relaxing beach days, you’ll definitely find something here that makes your trip to Gibraltar unforgettable!
Let me know: How many days are you spending in Gibraltar? And which part are you most excited about exploring?
Read More About Travel in Gibraltar:
- The Best Gibraltar Itinerary For 2025: 1, 2 or 3 Days
- Is Gibraltar Safe For Solo Female Travellers? (From a Local)
- Best Time to Visit Gibraltar (From Someone Who Lived There)
- 20 Best Things to Do in Gibraltar (From a Local)
- Is Gibraltar Worth Visiting? 11 Insights From a Local
