Gibraltar is British at its heart but with Spanish and Moorish architectural influences. It offers easy access to both the beach and mountainous landscape – not to mention the imposing Rock of Gibraltar towering above the town. It might have a southern Mediterranean climate, but you'll pass red phone boxes, traditional pubs and authentic fish and chip shops as you walk around this compact British Overseas Territory. A fan of wildlife? It's also the last place in Europe where monkeys roam freely.
You'll find hostels in Gibraltar in the centre of town, with British pubs and high street shops minutes away on foot. Stay in a sweet stone-walled cottage or look out for spots where the staff are known for giving helpful travel advice. Some places even organise trips around Gibraltar, as well as nearby Spain and Morocco. A Gibraltar hostel with an outdoor courtyard is ideal for relaxing with other travellers in the Mediterranean sunshine.
Grand Casemates Square is the heart of Gibraltar's Old Town, and you can walk along Main Street from here to find the biggest cluster of pubs and shops. Upscale Irish Town runs parallel with plenty of wine bars to chill out in. The floating Ocean Village is the most contemporary area with its yacht hotel and waterside eateries. Head to Catalan Bay in east Gibraltar to discover a former fishing village with seafood restaurants that are perfect for leisurely dinners.
The limestone Rock of Gibraltar is the central attraction in town, towering 426m into the sky. You can hike up the Mediterranean Steps for views over the Strait of Gibraltar, meeting a Barbary macaque or two on your way. It's also home to the ruined 14th-century Moorish Castle and the 18th-century Great Siege Tunnels, which you can wander inside to learn more about the area's military past. Pay a visit to St Michael's Cave for the light show too. It sits over 300m above sea level, and sometimes even hosts plays or concerts in its grandest chamber.
Gibraltar is small, so it's easy to get around. You can take a cable car up to the top of the rock and walk down through the nature reserve. A bus goes between the border and the town every 10 to 20 minutes, while another runs to Europa Point. Buses also serve the southern part of town and Catalan Bay. They all stop at Market Place, just northwest of Grand Casemates Square. Gibraltar International Airport is a 15-minute walk across the runway into the Old Town.
