Discover a slice of Britain in the tiny British colony of Gibraltar – nicknamed ‘Gib’ or ‘the Rock’.
Gibraltar was seized from Spain by Great Britain in 1704 and, despite several heated attempts by Spain for its recovery, remains British to this day.
The 425m-high limestone rock soars out of the sea at the southern tip of Spain and is only 5.8m2 in area. It has become an important offshore financial centre and shopping destination for many British residents of the Costa del Sol.
Stroll around the narrow lanes and streets off the Main Street, pop into the museum to learn more of this ‘country’s’ fascinating history, then take the cable car up to the Upper Rock Nature Preserve to see St Michael's Cave, the Apes' Den, the Great Siege Tunnels and the ruins of the old Moorish Castle.
Later, take the bus out to Europa Point, one of the two ancient Pillars of Hercules; the other pillar is just 23km away in Morocco.
Come on a day trip or stay longer at a choice of accommodation options, including the charming O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel, set in a pretty tree-lined square, or try Gibraltar’s most famous hotel, The Rock, surrounded by landscaped gardens with views across the Mediterranean to North Africa.
Sunborn Gibraltar
Location: Ocean Village, Gibraltar
Rating: 4.5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD322 per room
Description: Sunborn Gibraltar offers unique accommodation, onboard a yacht. Situated in Gibraltar, this luxury 5-star yacht-hotel offers an infinity swimming pool, a casino, a spa, a gym and a restaurant. Guests can also enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout. Each spacious room, apartment, or suite provides marina, rock, or sea views. With a large flat-screen TV, bespoke design furniture and air-conditioned, accommodation also offers a champagne minibar and an elegant bath or shower room. Guests on Sunborn Gibraltar can enjoy fine food and amazing ocean views from the on board restaurants. Sky Restaurant offers seasonal signature dishes prepared by an international team of chefs. Drinks can be enjoyed in the Sky or Aqua Bar. The top deck is home to the more informal restaurant and Aqua Lounge with an outdoor pool and bar. The spa at Sunborn Gibraltar offers indulgent beauty and hair treatments and a fully fitted out life fitness gym with latest equipment and saunas.
O'Callaghan Eliott Hotel
Location: 2 Governor's Parade, Gibraltar
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD225 per room
Description: In the heart of Gibraltar town, O'Callaghan Eliott Hotel has 2 restaurants and a fitness centre. The stylish hotel features a rooftop pool and terrace, offering views over the Gibraltar Strait. The bright and airy bedrooms have Wi-Fi access and air conditioning. The 4-star rooms also feature a private balcony, and a TV with satellite channels. The Rooftop Bistro serves fresh Mediterranean cuisine, with views towards the Rock of Gibraltar. Verandah Bar offers light snacks and an international menu, and hosts live jazz nights. The O'Callaghan Eliot is 1 km from Gibraltar Airport, and is surrounded by a great selection of shops, bars and restaurants. Parking is available at a surcharge, and Gibraltar Harbour is a 10-minute walk away.
Rock Hotel
Location: 3 Europa Road, Gibraltar
Rating: 4-star
Ave nightly price: AUD227 per room
Description: This magnificent landmark hotel is situated on the Rock of Gibraltar, and has stunning views. Built in 1932, it is decorated in a colonial style, and its famous past guests include Sir Winston Churchill. Rooms at Rock Hotel come with satellite TV and facilities for making tea and coffee. Each also has its own bathroom, and views of the sea. The hotel’s restaurant also has panoramic views across the Bay of Gibraltar, the Spanish mainland and the Rif Mountains of Morocco. Guests can enjoy an open-air seawater pool, which sits in its own secluded garden. The town centre is just 1 km from Rock Hotel, with a shopping centre within 2 km. There are botanical gardens to visit just 100 metres from the building.
The Caleta Hotel Health, Beauty & Conference Centre
Location: Sir Herbert Miles Road, Gibraltar
Rating: 4-star
Ave nightly price: AUD192 per room
Description: On the tranquil Eastern side of the Rock, this 4-star Gibraltar hotel boasts stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. It has a restaurant, a grill with al fresco dining and a health and beauty club. Recognised by the World Travel Award Organisation as Gibraltar's Leading Hotel in 2009 and 2010, The Caleta Hotel Health, Beauty & Conference Centre offers bright, air-conditioned rooms each featuring an LCD satellite TV and a minibar. Some rooms have views of the Costa del Sol coastline. The award-winning Nuno’s Restaurant specialises in home-made pastas and seafood, whilst The Garden Grill boasts a lovely courtyard setting. There is a lively lounge bar at the centre of the hotel. Guests at the Caleta Hotel’s can relax with one of a range of massages and beauty therapies. There is also a modern gym and a hair salon. The vibrant town centre on the west side of the peninsula is just 10 minutes’ drive. Gibraltar’s airport is 5 minutes’ car journey.
The Caleta Hotel Self-Catering Apartments
Location: Sir Herbert Miles Road, Gibraltar
Rating: 4-star
Ave nightly price: AUD419 per room
Description: With wonderful views across the Mediterranean Sea, The Caleta Hotel offers award-winning food and a modern leisure centre. The hotel is on the tranquil eastern side of the Rock of Gibraltar. Each of the stylish apartments has a modern bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. All apartments have air conditioning, and a living area with flat-screen TV, DVD player and private balcony. Guests can enjoy homemade Italian cuisine in Nuno’s Restaurant. In summer months, the hotel offers alfresco dining on Nunos Terrace, just a few metres above water level and with spectacular views across North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula.
The Caleta Hotel Self-Catering Apartments complex has a swimming pool with sea-view sun terraces. There is also an air-conditioned fitness centre and a hair and beauty salon, and free Wi-Fi is accessible. Caleta Self-Catering Apartments are just 10 minutes’ drive from Gibraltar town. The vibrant Western Bay and picturesque harbour are just 3 km away, and there is free on-site parking.
The best time to visit Gibraltar for a beach holiday is during summer, from late-June to early-September. For walking and general outdoor activity in Gibraltar, anytime from late-May to mid-September is good.
Gibraltar has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters.
More about Gibraltar weather
Gibraltar is located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, around 77km (47mi) west of Marbella. By road, Gibraltar is accessed by a causeway from the Spanish town of La Linea.
The most convenient route to Gibraltar is by air to Gibraltar International Airport (GIB), also known as North Front Airport, located within walking distance of much of Gibraltar.
A popular alternative airport for Gibraltar is Malaga Airport (AGP) located about 120km (75mi) to the east in Spain. A bus runs daily from Malaga Airport to La Línea taking around 2 hours.
Information on How to get to Gibraltar
Latest update: Where to Honeymoon in Gibraltar: 23 July, 2022
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