I lived there for four years, and this place holds a special place in my heart. I keep coming back for a holiday every year. It’s unique, and it might be a little confusing for first-time visitors. It’s small, but with many different parts and streets, so there is a lot to discover. People often say one day is enough to see it all, but I cannot agree. There are so many hidden gems that you’d miss if you rush through it.

A Runway Like No Other

There are a lot of curiosities about this place –let's start with the fact that Gibraltar is an overseas territory of Great Britain that is located on the south coast of Spain. The official language is English, but Spanish is also commonly used among locals, who normally blend these two languages, creating a new language mixture sometimes referred to as “Spanglish”.

One particularly unique feature is the airport and its runway. Gibraltar International Airport is one of the few in the world—and the only one in Europe—where a runway crosses the main road Winston Churchill Avenue from the border to the city centre. Not long ago, this was the only route for both vehicles and pedestrians, but in 2023, a tunnel named Kingsway was built and now all the cars don’t have to wait in a queue to wait for the planes to take off/land. This helps to solve a lot of problems with traffic. Pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooters still must wait through. So, if you are walking to work, as I used to, you need to count on some extra time just in case you catch a plane taking off and need to wait behind the barriers for around 10-15 minutes.

Nature’s Marvel in Gibraltar

Let’s get to the other curiosity, and that is The Rock – a huge limestone mountain that towers over the sea and is the most significant landmark of the territory. "The Rock" is a home to Barbary macaques, the only place in Europe where wild monkeys live freely in their natural habitat. It is also a place with its own microclimate, that’s why, many times, coming from Spain, you can see a big cloud hanging right above the mountain, even if the rest of the sky is completely clear.

The main rock that makes up the Rock of Gibraltar is limestone, made of a mineral called calcite. When rainwater, especially slightly acidic rain, seeps into the rock, it slowly dissolves the calcite over time. This natural process gradually creates caves, which is why Gibraltar has more than a hundred of them. The most famous is St. Michael’s Cave, located about halfway up the Rock. This cave is the largest and most visited, and is worth checking out if you’re exploring the area.

Credits: TPN; Author: Tereza Pedro;

The Moorish Castle sits on the northwestern slope of the Rock of Gibraltar, not far from the top. It’s one of the most iconic historic sites on the Rock and is hard to miss. The standout feature is the Tower of Homage—the part of the castle that really catches your eye. It's positioned at the eastern edge of the complex and offers a striking glimpse into interesting Gibraltar’s Moorish past.

It used to be free to walk up the Rock, but this changed a few years ago; now it is a part of the Gibraltar nature reserve and you need to pay a fee. It’s still worth going as the views from the top are breathtaking, plus you will see monkeys too. If hiking’s not your thing, you can take the cable car, which whisks you up in about six minutes and includes access to the reserve.

Duty-Free Deals on Main Street

And we still didn’t finish with all the interesting facts about Gibraltar. Did you hear it’s a duty-free territory? That means prices on items like perfumes, cosmetics, jewellery, alcohol, and tobacco are often significantly cheaper than in other parts of Europe. It’s a popular shopping spot for both tourists and Spanish people, who often pop over just for a day of bargain hunting. The best place to shop is Main Street, a lively pedestrian area that stretches through the heart of town. Here you can find popular British chain stores like Marks & Spencer, Next, and Matalan, alongside Spanish retailers, souvenir stalls, and plenty of independent shops. The area is mainly known for its perfumeries, watch and jewellery stores, with brands like Pandora, Swarovski or Hugo Boss.

Just off Main Street, away from the crowds, you can find Irish town. Lovely street where you can meet locals sitting in cozy cafés. It’s a quieter spot perfect for a break from the busy shopping strip. You’ll come across independent boutiques, bookshops and little restaurants. Keep in mind there are limits on what you can bring back into Spain or other EU countries, so it’s a good idea to check the rules before you load up on bargains.

If you still have energy left, visit Gibraltar Botanic Gardens - The Alameda, home to a plant species from different climatic zones throughout the world. Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park, a part of the Botanic Gardens, houses a collection of exotic and native animals kept for conservation and rescue purposes.

Credits: TPN; Author: Tereza Pedro;

Modern Vibes at Ocean Village and a View to Africa at Europa Point

While Gibraltar is rich in history, it also has a modern side—Ocean Village is a prime example. This stylish, vibrant marina is one of the newest in the territory, packed with cafés, bars, and waterfront restaurants. If you're looking for a place to stay, but want to try something different than a usual hotel, try the Sunborn Yacht Hotel—a luxury superyacht moored right in the marina.

On the opposite side of Gibraltar, you’ll find Europa Point, the southernmost tip of the Rock, with a perfect view of Morocco. Standing at Europa Point, you’re just a stone’s throw from the African coast. The coastline of Morocco is just 14 km away! Europa Point gives you a real sense of being at the edge of continents.


Beach Life on the Rock

Of course, no trip to Gibraltar would be complete without a bit of beach time. Despite its small size, there are several beaches to choose from, each with a different vibe.

Camp Bay, also called Rosia Bay, is a favourite among locals; it's more of a rocky cove than a traditional sandy beach, but the calm, clear waters make it perfect for snorkelling and diving. There’s also a playground and a children´s pool, making it a great spot for families looking to relax away from the crowds. Eastern Beach, Gibraltar’s largest and most popular sandy beach, which continues to the Spanish coast, is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Located right next to the airport runway means you might spot planes landing just overhead while you enjoy the sun. Another one to mention is Catalan Bay, a pretty, small, picturesque fishing village along the eastern coast, famous for its colourful houses. It’s one of the most charming areas on the Rock, ideal for a relaxed swim or seafood lunch by the water.

Author

Tereza Pedro is originally from Slovakia and now based in the Algarve, with a master’s in mass media. Passionate about lifestyle and storytelling, she captures the essence of daily life through a blend of creativity, international perspective, and coastal living—all while raising her son.

Tereza Pedro