Cruise port · Gibraltar · Western Mediterranean
Gibraltar cruise port guide
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory at the tip of Spain, dominated by the 1,400-foot Rock, and ships dock a short walk or taxi ride from Main Street. Most cruisers ride the cable car or take a Rock tour to see the Barbary macaques, St. Michael’s Cave and the Great Siege Tunnels, then shop or grab fish and chips in town.
- Rock views
- Barbary macaques
- Military history
- Duty-free shopping
- Families
Photo: Steve, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- Gibraltar
- Region
- Western Mediterranean
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- English is the official language. Many locals also speak Spanish and Llanito, a local mix of the two.
- Currency
- Gibraltar pound, equal to the British pound; sterling is accepted. Cards are widely used, and euros are accepted at a less favorable rate.
- Best time to visit
- May–September
- Average highs
- 62–82°F through the year
About Gibraltar
Few places pack as much into a small area as Gibraltar. In less than 3 square miles (7 sq km) you’ll find red phone boxes and British pubs, a limestone monolith riddled with tunnels, a nature reserve full of wild monkeys and views across the Strait to the mountains of Morocco.
A port day usually starts with the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, by cable car or on a minibus tour, followed by time on Main Street for duty-free shopping and lunch. History buffs can explore the siege tunnels, the Moorish Castle and the WWII tunnels. Gibraltar suits families, first-time cruisers and anyone who enjoys a mix of nature and history. Shoppers hoping for big bargains may find prices only modestly lower than at home.
Where cruise ships dock in Gibraltar
Ships dock at the cruise terminal on the western side of the Rock, and Casemates Square, at the start of Main Street, is about a 15–20 minute walk or a short taxi ride away. Taxis and minibuses wait at the terminal offering Rock tours of about 1.5–2 hours. The cable car base station is at the far end of Main Street. Europa Point, at Gibraltar’s southern tip, is about 15 minutes by bus or taxi. The town is easily walkable, but the Rock itself involves steep roads.
Best things to do in Gibraltar on a cruise
- 1
Rock of Gibraltar and the Upper Rock Nature Reserve
nature
The cable car climbs to the top station in a few minutes, giving sweeping views of the Bay of Gibraltar, Spain and North Africa. The cable car can close in high wind. A ticket is needed for the nature reserve’s main attractions.
- 2
Barbary macaques
wildlife
Gibraltar’s famous tailless monkeys, Europe’s only wild primate population, roam the Upper Rock. Feeding them is illegal and they will snatch bags and food, so keep belongings zipped away. The Apes’ Den is the best place to see them up close.
- 3
St. Michael’s Cave
nature
This large limestone cave is filled with stalactites and stalagmites and lit with colorful lights. Its main chamber is used as a concert venue. It’s a standard stop on Rock tours.
- 4
Great Siege Tunnels
history
Dug by hand by British soldiers during the Great Siege of 1779–1783, these tunnels gave cannons a firing position high on the Rock’s north face. Walk through the galleries with views over the airport and Spain.
- 5
Skywalk and Windsor Suspension Bridge
adventure
The Skywalk is a glass-floored platform high on the Rock with a dizzying view down to the sea. The Windsor Suspension Bridge spans a gorge between two ridges. Both are on the upper Rock and suit those comfortable with heights.
- 6
Europa Point
scenery
At Gibraltar’s southern tip, Europa Point has a lighthouse, a large mosque and on clear days views across the Strait to Morocco. It’s quieter than the Rock and easy to reach by bus or taxi.
- 7
Main Street
shopping
Gibraltar’s pedestrian high street runs from Casemates Square past shops, pubs and colonial buildings. Prices for alcohol, tobacco, perfume and electronics are often lower than in Spain thanks to lower taxes. Stop at the King’s Chapel and the Convent, the governor’s residence.
Gibraltar weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 6216 | 6217 | 6418 | 6619 | 7122 | 7524 | 8127 | 8228 | 7826 | 7323 | 6820 | 6418 |
| Low °F (°C) | 5513 | 5513 | 5613 | 5815 | 6217 | 6619 | 6921 | 7122 | 6920 | 6519 | 6016 | 5814 |
| Rain in (mm) | 2.460 | 1.947 | 4.1103 | 1.947 | 1.127 | 0.26 | 0.01 | 0.12 | 0.410 | 2.769 | 3.076 | 2.872 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
What to eat and drink in Gibraltar
British pub classics are easy to find, including fish and chips, pies and a full English breakfast. Gibraltar’s national dish is calentita, a baked chickpea flour pie similar to farinata. Rosto, pasta with beef in tomato sauce, shows Genoese influence. Casemates Square and the marinas have plenty of restaurants and terraces.
Tips for your port day
- Don’t carry food or plastic bags around the macaques, and never feed them; fines apply.
- Taxi and minibus Rock tours are efficient if you have limited time; agree on the price and duration first.
- Gibraltar pounds are equal in value to British pounds. Card payments are easy, and euros are accepted at less favorable rates, with change given in pounds.
- Rules for crossing into Spain at La Línea have been changing; check current requirements before heading over the border.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk any part of the Rock; the roads are steep.
Cruise lines that visit Gibraltar
Often on the same itinerary
Gibraltar cruise FAQs
Can you walk from the Gibraltar cruise terminal to town?
Yes. Casemates Square and Main Street are about a 15–20 minute walk from the cruise terminal, and taxis are available for a short ride.
What is the best way to see the Rock of Gibraltar on a cruise?
The cable car is the quickest way up, while taxi and minibus tours cover the main sights, such as the macaques, St. Michael’s Cave and the siege tunnels, in about 1.5–2 hours.
Do you need a passport in Gibraltar?
Carry your passport. Gibraltar is British territory with its own entry rules, and you’ll need it to cross into Spain.
What currency is used in Gibraltar?
The Gibraltar pound, equal to the British pound. Cards are widely accepted. Euros work in many shops, but at a poorer exchange rate.
Are the monkeys in Gibraltar dangerous?
They’re wild and can bite if provoked, and they often grab bags or food. Keep your distance, don’t feed them and secure your belongings.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.