Anyone wishing to jet off to the Mediterranean for some winter sun or a summer beach holiday has plenty of options. One destination that is often overlooked is Gibraltar, and having spent a week there, I can share what I believe to be the perfect weekend travel plan.

Why Gibraltar?

There are several reasons why one might consider Gibraltar. Firstly, it offers something different from the usual destinations. While there is tourism here, it’s not nearly as saturated as neighbouring Spain. If you’re coming from the UK, Gibraltar can be a great starting or ending point for your trip. Climbing the Rock of Gibraltar will reward you with incredible views of Spain and Morocco, and you’ll have the chance to get up close to the monkeys that inhabit the area.

When to Visit

I personally suggest visiting in May or September, as the weather is still warm, but there are fewer tourists. Of course, winter will still offer a pleasant climate, and if you can tolerate the heat, the summers are great.

How Long to Stay

Unless you plan to relax, work, or simply watch the world go by, two full days are enough to see all the main sights.

Where to Stay

This depends on your requirements. If you have an early morning bus from Spain (as we do), I suggest staying near the border (next to airport). We stayed at E1 Spa Aparthotel, which is a 20-minute walk to the border, a 30-minute walk to the old town, and a 15-minute walk to one of the best beaches I visited (more on this later). Another bonus of staying near the airport/border is that you can watch the planes take off and land.

Getting Around

There is a good bus network running throughout Gibraltar. You need to pay in cash, and the service is reduced on weekends. You can rent bikes, and I’m sure you can rent a car as well. Personally, we walked everywhere, and it only took us two hours (with frequent stops) to walk from one end to the other. It’s a small place.

Other Notes

The currency here is British pounds; however, I’ve seen Euros accepted in some places. Gibraltar isn’t cheap, with everything costing noticeably more than in neighbouring Spain. Getting here can be a bit of a hassle, with direct flights only from the UK or via the border crossing from Spain. The official language is English, and most people also speak Spanish. The wall sockets are the same as in the UK, but driving is on the same side as in the EU. Finally it’s worth noting that on weekends many places shut. This especially rings true on Sunday where the entire place (apart from the beaches) feels like a ghost town.

Photography

This isn’t a top photography destination. While there is plenty to capture, especially when climbing the Rock, if your primary focus is photography, you might be better off heading to Spain or even Morocco. I found that a 35mm prime and a 24-70mm zoom lens covered everything I needed.

Day 1

The first day will involve climbing the Rock of Gibraltar. You can make this as long or as short as you wish. If you are pressed for time or unable to hike, there is a cable car service. Keep in mind that the queue can be lengthy and the price is steep. If you really can’t be bothered to walk but still want to enjoy the views on the way up, you can take a tour by car. However, the best way to get up is by hiking. On average, it will take you around an hour, assuming you make brief stops for water and photos.

There are many different routes up, so I suggest picking the one closest to you. The only exception is if you want to see the Union Jack Steps (a staircase with a British flag on them) or if you’re in the old town getting some breakfast. In that case, take the Devil’s Gap path.

We initially completed the Purple loop, then joined the Green trail, heading all the way to the Moorish Castle. We started a little late, but if you start early in the morning (the nature park opens around 9 am), you can cover every trail.

It’s worth noting that there is an entrance fee of around £20 per person. The money goes towards maintaining the area and looking after the monkeys (food, veterinary care, etc.). Finally, there are places to stop for food and drink on the way up, as well as public toilets.

Day 2

The second day will start a little earlier and involve a trip to the beach. Not just any beach, but a visit to Catalan Bay. We found this spot by accident, and it’s one of our favourite beaches to date. Catalan Bay is a beautiful, secluded little bay with colourful houses, perfect sand, and clear water that stays shallow for quite a distance. I suggest going in the morning when it’s quiet and the sun isn’t too hot.

For the rest of the day, I suggest walking all the way to Europa Point, the southernmost tip of Gibraltar. Depending on where you start, the walk will take between one and two hours. We had lunch in the old town and then proceeded south, staying close to the sea. Along the route, there’s also a nice botanical garden if you’re interested.

When you reach the tip, you’ll likely find there isn’t much to do other than walk around and explore. Once you’re done, you can catch the number two bus back to the old town. Keep in mind that the bus only takes cash.

Places to Eat

There are two standout spots for food. The Hummingbird Café serves delicious homemade food and is incredibly cosy. Sam’s Kitchen makes some of the best vegan food I’ve ever had. Both spots are located in the town centre.