Gibraltar is tiny. The entire territory is about 2.6 square miles. It's a British Overseas Territory, so it's technically not part of Spain (or the EU). You need to cross a border to enter, and your passport will be stamped.
The Rock of Gibraltar is the main attraction. It's a massive limestone rock rising 426 meters (1,398 feet) above sea level. You can take a cable car to the top or drive up. At the top, you'll find the Barbary macaques (monkeys). They're the only wild monkeys in Europe, and they're cheeky. They'll steal food, sunglasses, and anything else they can grab. Don't feed them or touch them.
The rock has tunnels, caves, and viewpoints. The Great Siege Tunnels were carved out during the 18th-century siege. St. Michael's Cave is a natural cave with stalactites and stalagmites (it's used for concerts and events). On a clear day, you can see Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar (only 14 km/9 miles away).
The town at the base of the rock has British pubs, fish and chips, red phone boxes, and duty-free shopping. It feels like a strange mix of Britain and the Mediterranean. The main street (Main Street) is packed with shops selling electronics, alcohol, and cigarettes (all tax-free).
Gibraltar has an airport with one of the world's most unusual runways. The runway crosses the main road into Gibraltar, so cars have to stop when planes land or take off.
Gibraltarians speak English (with a British accent) and Spanish. English is the official language. The currency is the Gibraltar pound (pegged to the British pound), but euros are also accepted.
Getting to Gibraltar requires crossing from Spain. The border town is La Línea de la Concepción. You can walk across the border (it takes 10-20 minutes depending on the line). Once in Gibraltar, everything is walkable or you can take a bus or taxi to the rock.
Gibraltar is more expensive than Spain but cheaper than the UK. A meal at a pub is $10-15. Duty-free shopping can save you money on alcohol, cigarettes, and electronics.
When to go: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are mild. Summer (June-August) is hot but crowded with day-trippers. Winter (November-March) is mild but can be windy.
Gibraltar is quirky and interesting for a few hours. If you're in southern Spain, it's worth a day trip. Otherwise, it's skippable.
Gibraltar Travel Guide
Gibraltar is a tiny British territory on the southern tip of Spain. It has the Rock of Gibraltar (a massive limestone rock with monkeys), British pubs, and duty-free shopping. It's quirky, small, and you can see the whole thing in a few hours. The main attractions are the rock, the monkeys, and the views of Africa across the strait. It's more of a curiosity than a destination. Most people visit for a day trip from Spain. If you're nearby, it's interesting. Otherwise, it's skippable.