Travel to Gibraltar and ideas what to do in a weekend
Weekend in Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a little gem waiting to be explored. So if you have time before your sailing course, and looking for a weekend getaway with a blend of British charm and Mediterranean flair, here’s how to get around and make the most of your weekend.
Flights and arrival
There are BA flights from Heathrow and Easyjet from Gatwick direct to Gibraltar every day. Also flights form Bristol, Manchester and Luton. Gibraltar airport is next to the Spanish border so if you are travelling from Spain this Gibraltar travel info is the same:
As you will be sailing you will be travelling light, and is just a short walk from the airport to the marina. If going into town there is a bus stop 50m from the border. Or from the airport you can jump on a “Hoppy” E-scooter. You just download the app and then can whiz over the runway. No where else in the world can you talk/cycle or scooter over a runway. Drop the Hoppy off near Casemates Square where there are lots of cafes/shops and restaurants inside the old city walls.
Where to stay and eat
Depending on your budget here are a few ideas of where you could stay in Gibraltar.
1, The Sunborn Yacht Hotel is in the Ocean Village marina. A floating 5 start hotel which looks and feels like a cruise ship but does not move. It has a tiny dip pool on the roof. It is next to the marina where you meet us on Sunday at 6pm. You can practically fall out of bed onto your yacht. In Ocean village there are a variety of friendly buzzing bars and restaurants. My favourite restaurants are The Little Garden (Indian), Gauchos (steak), and Biancas (pizza).
2, If you want somewhere quiet in the old part of Gibraltar, The Elliot hotel is in town set off the Main Street. It has a nice roof pool and is walking distance from the Ocean Village marina, Queensway Quay marina and the Upper Rock Nature reserve. Main Street is busy with shoppers coming for British brands during the day but in the evenings is quiet. The Lounge in Queensway is a good place to have dinner and watch the sun go down.
3, Devils Tower Road as the name suggested is not the most attractive area and can be windy as you are under 400m of limestone cliff. However, it has some good options for studios and E1 has a spa. Best place to eat would be in Ocean Village at Wagamama or Pizza Express.
4, If you are looking for something more economical just over the border in Spain is a 4 star Ohtels which is overlooking the Alcaidesa marina and very well priced. Good place to eat in La Linea Spain is Chacras or go for tapas. Don’t wander around too much in La linea at night as it is easy to get lost down back streets.
Gibraltar Rock Tour.
There are various ways you can see the iconic Rock of Gibraltar.
1, Ebike
Trafalgar sailing guests get a 10% discount at Stuarts Ebike shop in the Ocean Village marina. Book ahead for a guided Gibraltar Rock tour or hire an ebike and go in your own time. Once at the summit, explore the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, home to the famous Barbary apes, the only wild monkeys found in Europe. Don’t miss St. Michael’s Cave, a stunning natural cave. History enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Great Siege Tunnels, a network of tunnels carved out during the Great Siege of Gibraltar in the late 18th century.
2, Cable car
You could ride to the top on the Rock by cable car and stop at the monkeys den (watch your bag and sunglasses here and some are cheeky) and then have a drink at the cafe at the top of the Rock for panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, the African coast, and the Spanish hinterland. Cable car open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM (last ascent around 6:30 PM). Hours can vary based on the season and weather conditions. It’s always a good idea to check in advance.
3, Taxi
If you have limited time as you arrive on the 11am flight from Gatwick and meeting us at 6pm you may just like to get a taxi at the border / airport and go on a private guided tour by taxi. It is more expensive but if you have your bags with you may be more convenient. Ask them to drop you in Marina Bay at the end not in town if you have your bags with you.
4, Walking
For those that are keen to stay fit, why not walk. You go up Main Street, past Trafalgar Cemetery, through the Alamenda gardens, up past the Rock hotel to The Jewish Gate. From here you can already see Mount Jebel in Africa on a clear day. You will have to pay an entry fee to get into the nature reserve and then the Mediterranean steps start on the left side. The trail from there is only about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) long to the summit of the Gibraltar Rock but a challenging hike due to its steep terrain. But rewarding for those who enjoy a safe, vigorous climb with panoramic sea views.
Gibraltar Lower St Michael’s Caves.
If you enjoy the big St. Michael’s Cave you may like to be a step more adventurous and go down into the Lower St. Michael’s Cave. This is a fascinating less visited part of Gibraltar’s renowned cave system with captivating geological formations. You don’t have to be so fit but you cannot be claustrophobic. The cave showcases impressive stalactites, stalagmites that have developed over thousands of years. You need to book a guide in advance. It is an unforgettable experience and lovely and cool inside the Rock on a hot summers day.
For travel/ hotel reservations try www.kayak.co.uk/