For our family and friends travelling from abroad, we want you to enjoy the Rock as locals. Here are some of our favourite spots to eat, drink, and explore.
Activities
Upper Rock - Gibraltar Nature Reserve:
(all of these activities are covered in the Nature Reserve ticket so plan your trip before you head up the Rock! - link here)
Rock tours - A fab way to get a tour up the Rock is through the taxi or Blands bus service. They take you to all the best sightseeing spots such as St. Michael's Cave, the Skywalk and of course see the apes! - You can book mini vans or buses and they have lots of sightseeing tour options on their website. If you would rather a taxi tour, they are dotted around Casemates and Main Street so it is easy to book and find more info on them.
The Rock - You can hike up the Rock (it’s not an easy task in the heat) but it is doable if you didn’t want to do the driving tours! You have to pay an entry fee to go up the Rock but it gives you access to everything.
The Great Siege Tunnels - A good look into the history of the Rock, located in the Nature Reserve.
Ohara’s Battery - An artillery base at the highest point of Gibraltar!
Med Steps - We’ll be doing a Med Step trip on Friday morning which is our absolute favourite way to take in the beauty of the rock and the views.
WW2 Tunnels - Newly re-opened and a great one to visit for those who love history!
Everywhere else:
Europa Point Lighthouse - Where the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean meet. There’s a lovely little café here but be wary as it can get very windy. Often stated as the Southernmost tip of mainland Europe, it is home to the most Southern Mosque in Europe. Views across the Straits to Morocco and to Spain.
Dolphin Safari - A really enjoyable few hours out at sea with some really great chances of spotting dolphins.
Casemates and Main Street - If you fancy some shopping, you won’t be finding TKMaxx or Uniqlo, but it is a lovely walk to start at casemates and work your way up Main Street, finishing at the top of town.
Alameda Gardens - A real green haven in Gibraltar and a lovely place to explore.
Commonwealth Park - A nice pit stop if you’re town.
Beaches
Sandy bay - Our favourite out of all the beaches and where we’ve spent countless summers. There’s a lovely restaurant called the Kokonut on the beach and a kiosk which sells ice creams and cold drinks. The number 8 bus will get you here from Market Place
Eastern beach - The largest beach in Gib. If you’re getting on the number 8, I would stick on it and go all the way to Sandy! But if you’re staying in the Devil’s Tower area, this is the easiest beach to walk to.
Catalan bay - Monica spent a lot of her childhood at Catalan bay and holds lots of sentimental value. The beach is small but nestled in a quaint beach village of colourful houses. Be prepared if you are going here as it will be extremely busy on the weekends! The number 8 bus will get you here, but as a said… I would stay on for Sandy Bay.
Western Beach - This beach is a short walk across the runway! As the beaches are on the east side of the rock, the sun goes at around 6pm in September. If you want sun for longer, this will be your beach! Not the prettiest, and extremely small. The number 5/10 buses will drop you off near the beach.
Rosia bay - Finally we have Rosia. Technically not a beach, but a quarry with a small stretch of sand. You will find a swimming pool and a lovely restaurant called Dolphin Bar if you fancy sunset views and local fried fish. You can also dip into the sea from here or walk along the promenade for some great views of the straits of Gibraltar. A few shops sell ice cream and all sorts too! The number 3 will drop you nearby and you can walk from there.
Food
There are lots of restaurants and cafés we love visiting when we’re home. There are also some fantastic restaurants and bars across the border in La Liñea, if you have time during your visit and wanted to venture into Spain. If you want to, message us and we’ll give you some recommendations!
My Wines - A firm favourite and we’ll be here on Friday for our welcome drinks! Owned by Monica’s best friend’s family, we have a real soft spot for this place. Think Mediterranean classics but with some great twists and amazing wine to go with it.
Aquaterra - A tiny place on the edge of Casemates. They serve more traditional Spanish food that is all delicious. They do amazing jamón and Monica’s favourite is the pork cheeks!!
Bianca’s - A family favourite and a really nostalgic place for both of us. We have spent many a birthday meal here during our childhoods and love coming back, even if it’s for just a drink!
Pizzeria Plaza - If you’re in town and fancy grabbing a piece of pizza to go, THIS is your spot! Jack has one every visit home without fail.
Nuno’s at the Express - A great restaurant for traditional Italian food. If you’re staying in Devil’s Tower Road then this is a great spot for dinner.
Rendezvous - A little bit spenny but delicious food and a stunning setting along the waterfront at Queensway Quay. Perfect for catching the sunset! Their chocolate fondue is 10/10.
4 Stagioni - Great Italian restaurant loved by locals! Close to the south side of Gibraltar but a short work from Queensway Quay if you were there for a drink and fancied walking to dinner!
The Dolphin Bar - As mentioned earlier, the Dolphin Bar is a great place for some fried fish and always has great sunset views after a day at the beach.
Charlie’s - Another family favourite and next to Bianca’s on the Marina. There is literally something for everyone in this menu. If you do go, you must order what is hands down our favourite dessert, the Snickers Crumble.
Vinopolis - A really cosy gastrobar serving takes on traditional Spanish food. We also come here for a drink in the late afternoon or a coffee in the morning. Very flexible and very good!
El Kasbah - If you don’t know it’s here, you probably wouldn’t find it! A super cosy restaurant serving Moroccan food!
Drinks
Rather than give you specific recs we’re going to give you more locations with a few options for drinks.
Queensway quay - if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe away from the chaos of the centre, this is your place to go. Along the waterfront, there are a few restaurants and places for a drink- we’d recommend the Lounge or Monique’s for a drink during sunset!
Ocean Village - this is a great area to go for a drink and a bite to eat with loads of options! Bianca’s, O’Reilly’s, The Arena are all great places to soak in some sun and have a beer!
Chatham Counterguard - this small area has recently become a favourite of the locals to have some vino and a good old chat, if you can hear each other over the music that is!
Cafés
Casemates is a great spot for a morning coffee with lots of options
The Bastion Restaurant do great churros (some say the best in Gib) so a great morning breakfast option
The Lounge and Monique’s are great for coffee in the morning
City Mill Bakes - they genuinely make the best brownies in Gib
Café Louis - amazing selection of treats and along main street so a lovely place to stop and people watch