Gibraltar 2024: My post-Christmas escape

travel Jan 1, 2025

After the Christmas rush, I was keen to find somewhere reasonably warm, affordable, and easy to reach. Gibraltar, often referred to simply as “Gib,” checked every box. Tucked away on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, this British Overseas Territory combines a dash of the UK (think red post boxes, full English breakfast and paying in Pounds) with plenty of Spanish influences. The flight from London Gatwick via EasyJet only took about two hours and thirty minutes. Here’s a rundown of my visit, plus some handy tips for anyone looking to plan a short getaway.

Why Gibraltar?

Gibraltar’s tiny size (a jog around The Rock is about 20km) makes it perfect for a long weekend or a quick city break. English is widely spoken, though you’ll also hear Spanish. Also another handy element. Pounds are accepted everywhere and no card processing fees.

How long to stay?

You really only need three to four days. That’s enough time to see the main attractions, wander through the city centre, and even pop over the border into Spain. Despite Gibraltar’s compactness, there’s plenty to keep you busy, from the heights of the Nature Reserve to the waterfront promenade.

If you stay longer, you might want to look into additional activities, like trying out local spas or swimming pools. However, walking options can be limited because Gib is so compact: your best longer walk will be The Rock itself.

EasyJet plane taking off in front of The Rock.

Getting around

I chose to walk most of the time because Gibraltar isn’t very big. Taxis are available but can be expensive considering the distance (although traffic was very light when I visited). Another option is renting a scooter through a company called Hoppy. It’s £1 to unlock, then you pay per mile (£0.25). A fun, zippy way to explore, but watch the costs if you plan on riding a lot. Many of the locals have their own scooters. But mindful, these can only be ridden on the road, and a helmet is required. You do get a helmet with Hoppy.

Unique highlight: Crossing the runway on foot. Gibraltar’s airport runway literally intersects one of the main pedestrian roads. When planes take off or land, the runway closes to the public for around 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry or just not in the mood to wait, there’s a bypass. Still, walking across the runway is a novelty: plus you can snap some memorable photos.

Quick trip over to Spain

If you fancy a cross-border jaunt, it’s very straightforward to walk into La Línea de la Concepción, the Spanish town next door. The guards asked why I was visiting, so I showed them a walking route I’d planned. That was enough to get two stamps (one in, one out) in my passport. Some locals have reported issues trying to cross the border. It does seem some post-Brexit tension still remains. Therefore, the advice I had was to ensure you had a detailed plan of what you were intending to do in Spain. Visitors and locals are getting turned away daily.

The Rock: Gibraltar Nature Reserve

No trip to Gib is complete without tackling The Rock. I bought the £25 Nature Reserve pass, which granted access to:

Thrill Seekers Trail and Mediterranean Steps – Amazing coastal views, but be prepared for steep climbs and it isn’t for the faint hearted. It is a challenging hike.
St. Michael’s Cave – Impressive limestone formations and a light show inside. It is a shame that they’ve placed light effects everywhere, it means you only see the light effects and not the natural effect,
O’Hara’s Battery, WWII Tunnels, Great Siege Tunnels, Moorish Castle – This was a great adventure of Gib’s role in the War. It had a significant role and the extensive tunnel network is impressive. You can only walk a section of it; but gives you a sense of what it must have been like during the War. A fun little fact. There are more tunnels than roads in Gib.
Skywalk and Windsor Suspension Bridge – Heart-in-mouth moments with unforgettable panoramic views. When I went it was a bit windy; but hold you nerve and you can get some great snaps on the bridge

I walked about 20km in one day here, so sturdy shoes are a must. Also, the resident Barbary macaques are cute but can get pushy if they suspect you’ve got snacks.

City Centre vibes

Gibraltar’s central district is set within old fortress walls, so it’s brimming with history. You’ll see familiar British chains like Costa and Pizza Express alongside smaller local restaurants. Plenty of pubs selling UK beers at very affordable prices. Whether you’re after a quick coffee or a hearty meal, you’ll find plenty of choices. It’s a lovely place to wander around, shop duty-free, and soak up the mix of British and Mediterranean cultures.

Running in Gibraltar

I’m an avid runner, so I hit the pavements (and occasionally the tunnels) for a few different routes. A word of caution: some roads just end abruptly, so a bit of planning goes a long way. Locals run through Devil’s Tower Road Tunnels, though it’s not officially advised: if you decide to do it, make sure you’re visible and prepared to hug the wall when cars pass. Also, keep a few coins handy if you need water breaks along the way.

Final thoughts

For such a small place, Gibraltar delivers an outsized travel experience. You can walk across an airport runway, explore war tunnels, admire incredible sea views, and even hop over to Spain if you feel like it: all within a few days. I’d recommend three to four days to take in everything without feeling rushed.