Gibraltar Cruise Port — my experience and impressions: how I spent the day in this unique destination, what I managed to see, and a few tips for fellow cruise travelers.

Where the Cruise Terminal Is Located in Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. It includes the famous Rock of Gibraltar and a narrow strip of land connecting it to mainland Spain. The Rock itself takes up nearly half of the entire territory.

Here’s the view from my cruise ship balcony:

And if you look a bit further to the right, you can see the full shape of the Rock and the very end of the land—Europa Point. That’s pretty much the whole of Gibraltar in one photo:

Entry Requirements and How to Visit Gibraltar

As of 2025, cruise passengers do not need a visa to enter Gibraltar, provided their stay is no longer than 24 hours and they arrive by cruise ship. However, if you plan to enter Gibraltar overland from Spain, most nationalities will require a UK visa. That’s why visiting Gibraltar on a cruise is by far the easiest and most convenient option.

Here are a few quick facts about Gibraltar:

— Currency: Gibraltar Pound (pegged 1:1 with the British Pound Sterling)

— Territory Size: 6.5 km²

— Population: Around 29,000 people

— Driving: Right-hand traffic (same as mainland Europe)

Taxis and Tours at the Gibraltar Cruise Port

Here’s what most cruise passengers do: they walk out of the terminal and straight toward the line of taxis and minibuses waiting to offer sightseeing tours.

And honestly, that’s the easiest and most convenient way to explore Gibraltar. The tour typically takes you up to the Rock of Gibraltar, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It also includes a visit to St. Michael’s Cave, famous for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and a stop to see the Barbary macaques—Europe’s only wild monkeys, freely roaming the area. Afterward, you’ll still have time for a walk through the city center.

Why didn’t I join one of these tours? Well, if you scroll back to the earlier photo taken from my ship’s balcony, you’ll see that the weather wasn’t great that morning. The Rock was completely covered in clouds, and I figured there wouldn’t be much to see from the top. So I decided to skip the tour—at least for the time being—and just walk around the city instead.

In the end, I never took the tour, but I still recommend it if the weather is clearer during your visit.

Tour Prices and What’s Included

Here’s a photo showing the typical route and pricing:

As of 2025, tours from a city pickup point (not directly from the cruise port) cost £23 per person—entry tickets to attractions are not included. If you book directly at the port, prices may vary depending on the operator and demand.

And here’s what the tour minibuses usually look like:

Cable Car to the Top of the Rock

An alternative to bus and taxi tours is taking the Gibraltar Cable Car to the top of the Rock. The lower station is located here (Google Maps), and it’s walkable from the cruise port.

As of 2025, the round-trip ticket costs £19.00 per person (without access to the Gibraltar Nature Reserve) or £44.00 (including reserve entry). It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance online to avoid queues—because yes, there are often lines at the station.

Exploring Gibraltar on Foot

I spent my entire cruise day simply walking around Gibraltar—and here’s what I managed to see along the way.

There’s just one main road leading from the port to the city center, so it’s virtually impossible to get lost.

Although Gibraltar is a British territory, traffic flows on the right side of the road, just like in mainland Europe. Still, there are helpful reminders everywhere about how to cross the street safely.

After a 25-minute walk from the ship, you pass through a stone archway and arrive at Main Street—the heart of the city.

Here’s a sample of café prices on Gibraltar’s central square. Prices are in pounds. I paid £2.50 for a cup of espresso.

The town is full of pubs offering traditional British dishes like fish and chips and meat pies—but you’ll also find plenty of Spanish influence: jamón, tapas, and more.

Main Street is lined with boutiques, souvenir shops, restaurants, and pubs. It’s also home to several notable buildings like the Government House. If you enjoy shopping or just want to soak in the local atmosphere, this is a great place to spend a few hours.

Shopping in Gibraltar

Thanks to its special tax status, many products in Gibraltar are cheaper than in most other European countries—making it a popular destination for duty-free shopping.

Here’s what’s worth checking out:

— Alcohol – British whisky and more. Prices are noticeably lower than elsewhere in Europe.

— Cosmetics and perfumes – International brands at reduced prices.

— Electronics – Popular gadgets and tech products, often at better rates.

That said, Gibraltar is a small place, so don’t expect massive shopping malls or rare luxury brands. Most of the shops are small and specialized—especially in alcohol and fragrances.

Here are a few price examples from local liquor shops:

Botanic Gardens and a Quiet Break from the City

Main Street ends roughly where the lower station of the Gibraltar Cable Car is located. If needed, you’ll also find a free public restroom here (Google Maps).

Just to the right of the cable car station—past the parking lot—you’ll see the entrance to the Botanic Gardens. This is a great spot to unwind and escape the busy tourist center for an hour or two. It’s peaceful, beautifully maintained, and completely free to enter.

You might also like:

— Heraklion (Crete) Cruise Port: What to Do and See

— One Day in Catania: What to See During a Cruise Port Stop