Welcome to the Gibraltar cruise port guide. Gibraltar is a little piece of old England. 30.000 people live on 6km2 with a 1400 ft high rock on it. This is what makes up iconic Gibraltar. It represents the pillars of Hercules, the entrance to the Mediterranean sea, the key location for commerce and war and the last remaining colony in Europe. So you could imagine it is an important piece of land that is desired by many.
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory. Since 1704 this tiny piece of land has been under British rule and if it is up to the British this isn’t going to change any time soon. Britain will never leave it and Spain will never forget.
Nowadays is known amongst many as the best holiday destination for the Brits and other nationalities. Gibraltar might be small but there is plenty to see. The nature reserve, airport, moorish castle, light houses, casemates square and tons of locations that tell you the history of Gibraltar. There is something to see and do for everybody.
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The dock is called North Mole. This is usually where cruise ships dock.
This cruise terminal is situated at the North Mole terminal that is about 1,5 km away from the main square. From the cruise terminal you can already see the rock itself. Inside the terminal you’ll find some facilities like tourist information, a taxi information desk and souvenir shops.
If your ship doesn’t provide a shuttle bus, find this sign in front of the terminal to hop on the local shuttle bus.
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Gibraltar Cruise Port Guide: dock
Cruise ships dock at Gibraltar’s North Mole. At this point there are only 2 options where the cruise ships can dock. This pier is called North Mole. From here it is approximately 1 mile / 1,5 km walk to get to Gibraltar’s main square. The cruise terminal itself offers all necessary services: tourist information, taxi booking desk, souvenir shop etc.
Transportation
There are a couple of options when leaving the cruise terminal building of how to get around. If you just want to shop in town either take the shuttle bus or walk to the main street. Find out underneath what forms of transportation is usually offered in port.
Shuttle service
Usually the port offers a shuttle service from the port to Casemates square (main square) which is normally a 25 minute walk. Find the stop right outside the cruise terminal building underneath the sign “Shuttle”. Cost is 3 euro one way / 4 euro both ways.
Public Transportation
Although Gibraltar has an effective public transportation system there is no public transportation offered at the cruise port. The first available bus stop is about 1 km walk. Find it at the first round about when walking away from the port area.
Keep in mind public transportation is not allowed in the Upper Rock Reserve. However it offers a convenient way of visiting to the border, the cable car and Europe point. Pay the bus driver directly, he takes pounds and euros.
Taxis in Gibraltar
There are plenty taxis waiting when you exit the cruise terminal. You can book a taxi through the taxi booking desk in the terminal or if the desk is closed, just walk outside and deal with the taxis personally.
The taxis advertise they have 2 different tours:
– The standard tour that includes 4 stops: The great siege tunnels, views from Upper Rock and Apes, St. Michael’s cave and the Pillars of Hercules. It takes 1,5 hours and this would cost 12 pound per person, entrance tickets are not included in the price.
– The extended tour that includes 6 stops: The Great Siege tunnels, Moorish Castle, Views from Upper Rock and Apes, St. Michael’s cave, 100 Ton Gun and Europe Point. This takes 2 hours and 15 minutes and should cost 20 pound per person, entrance tickets are not included in the price.
Keep in mind that you will probably be booked on a mini van that will take your fellow guests with it at the same time. Minimum is 4 people.
Destination and distance
Casemates square – 1,5 km east of the port
Main street – starts at 1,5 km east of the port
Cable car – 3 km south of the port
Mediterranean steps – starts 5 km south of the port (high up)
Europe point – 6 km south of the port
Moorish castle – 2,5 km east of the port (high up)
World war II tunnels – 2,5 km east of the port (high up)
Great Siege tunnels – 3 km east of the port (high up)
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Official currency – Gibraltar pound
Accepts Euro / Us dollars – Euro’s are accepted. US dollar usually not
Creditcards – are often accepted
Drives on the – left
Timezone – UTC +1
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Inhabitants – 32.000
Official language – English
Capital city – Gibraltar
Gibraltar – British Overseas Territory
Government – Representative democratic parliamentary dependency under constitutional monarchy
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– What is the difference between Brittish pounds and Gibraltar pounds?
Except for their appearance nothing. There is no difference. They both fall under the Great Brittish Pounds. Therefore The Brittish, Scottish and Gibraltar pound are the same and all should be accepted everywhere in Gibraltar and the UK, althouhg in theory this sometimes is not the case.
– Do they accept euro of dollars in Gibraltar.
Euro they accept in most places. Dollars is usually not accepted. Mastercard and Visa you can use widely ikn Gibraltar.
– What is better: ships tour or taxi tour.
It is up to you! Can’t decide that for you.
– Are the apes dangerous?
No, generally not. Although there are cases were visitors are bitten by them and need to go to the hospital. Be carefull with the apes. They seem cute but remember at all times they are still wild animals.
– Can I cross the border over to Spain? It depends on your nationality and itinerary, but in general if the political situation is stable it should not be a problem.
– Can I go to Morocco for the day?
We will never recommend to do this.
– Where can I find the berthing schedule?
You can find it at http://www.gibraltarport.com/schedules
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Facilities for people with a disability.
Please find a list underneath with information about wheelchair accessibility:
On the Upper Rock Nature Reserve:
– St Michael’s Cave – the cave is partly accessible
– Apes den – accessible
– Great Siege Tunnels – half of the tunnels are not accessible
– Moorish castle – access difficult, steps and narrow corridors
Other attractions:
– World War II Rock and Fortress tunnel tour: is accessible
– Gibraltar Museum: provides access to ground floor only
– Cable car: not accessible
– Alameda botanical gardens: Accessible
– Shrine of our lady of Europe: has good access.
Public toilet facilties for disabled users you can find at: Casemates square, Line Wall Road, Alameda Garden, Great Siege Tunnels, Catalan Bay, Ocean village and John Mackintosh Hall. For more toilet contact the Gibraltar Tourist Information
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Main streetThe main street is the pedestrian street that no visitor of the town should miss. It proudly displays a arrangement of buildings that shows the multicultural history. Spanish, Victorian, British colonial and Portuguese style stand side by side together with 12 different religions. Although the most important thing to say about Main Street: it the largest shopping street in Gibraltar where you'll find the duty free shops. From port it is 1,5 km / 20 min. walk to the east. -
Rock of GibraltarThe Upper Rock is the most recognisable rock of Europe. It is a protected park known for many things. In terms of wildlife look out for: Barbary Partridge, Wild Olive, Stone Pine, Yellow-legged Gull, Peregrine, Moorish Gecko, Gibraltar Funnelweb and Lesser Kestrel. In addition there are over 600 species of plant and over 300 species of birds. Get up the Upper Rock by foot, taxi or cable car. -
Bay of GibraltarThe Bay of Gibraltar is an incredibly busy body of water. Tons of ships lay at anchor to bunker their new oil. From the rock you are going to have brilliant views over the bay with all its ships at anchor. -
Cable CarThis Cable Car from 1966 is also a way to get up to the Rock. It takes you 412 meters above sea level. The views from the top are impressive. Expect there can be long lines for the cable bar. From port it is 3 km / 40 min walk tot he south. -
The famous airportThe airstrip is visible from your ship and from the rock. You’ll see that one and only road connection Spain and Gibraltar will need to come to a complete stop in order for a plane to land and take off. From port it is 2,5 km / 6 min. drive to the north. -
Barbary macaquesThe only wild monkey population of Europe is roaming free on the Rock of Gibraltar. Because they are wild you can never exactly say where they are although the top station of the cable car and the St. Michaels cave are popular spots. Be careful with them, they are most likely more than willing to pose for your pictures, but they can also be quite cheeky. No bag, plastic of sunglasses are safe when entering the apes territory. -
The beaches of GibraltarGibraltar is not the best beach destination. Most of the beaches are on the east side of the rock and thus in the shadow in the afternoon. Therefore focus on the sightseeing will be more worth it. -
Botanic gardenA project that began in 1991 to create an area for recreation for the residents of Gibraltar. From port it is 3 km / 40 min. walk to the south. -
Gibraltar bus stationNext to Casemates square you’ll find the bus station of Gibraltar. This is where you’ll find the bus to go to the border, Europe Point or the cable car. Pay the driver for a ticket. You can pay in pounds or euro. From port it is about 1,5 km / 20 min. walk to the east. -
Casemates squareThis is the main square of Gibraltar. On your walk to the city center this is most likely the first thing you'll come across (see map above). This is the social heart of the city. Always has, always will be. Back in the days people would come together here on Saturday morning around 12 noon to catch up on their gossip and enjoy a nice public hanging. Nowadays same thing minus the public hanging. From port it is about 1,5 km / 20 min walk to the east. -
Europe pointEnjoy the views at the only place in the world where you are able to see two sea's and two continents at the same time. Europe point is the most southern tip of Gibraltar. This is where, on a clear day, you can see the European and African continent as they is only 24 km / 15 mile between them. You'll also find the most important lighthouse of the area here. They call it the Trinity Lighthouse commissioned in 1838. From port it is 7 km / 15 min. drive to the south. -
Ibrahim al ibrahim mosqueAt Europe Point you'll also find this beautiful mosque. This building was a gift from King Fahd of Saudi Arabia. A small gift of 5 million pound. It officially opened in 1997. From port it is 7 km / 15 min. drive to the south. -
Mediterrenean stepsThe Mediterranean steps is an adventure. If you want to see the other side of the Rock, literally, make sure to start the hard hike the locals call the Mediterranean steps. It will bring you up from Jew’s gate all the way to the top, crossing battery and the caves where the last Neanderthals lived. It simply is a great adventure with scenery that is not to be missed. It is about a 90 minute hike with an 800ft elevation. See map for the location of Jew's Gate (start of steps) -
Roy's famous fish and chipsThis tiny establishment on the main square claims to have the best fish and chips of Gibraltar. Why not give it a try. From port the main square (Casemates square) is about 1,5 km / 20 min walk to the east. -
St. Michael's caveInside the Rock of Gibraltar we find 150 caves. St. Michael's cave is one of the largest naturally formed caves. The cave has the nickname "the cathedral" because of it echoing acoustics. Therefore you'll find nowadays it is not just a cave, there is an auditorium that can hold up to 350 people. It is also the location of many stories and legends. From port it is about 8 km / 20 min. drive to the south east. -
Trafalgar cemetryThe most famous cemetry of Gibraltar. The tombstones in the cemetry commemorate the dead of 3 yellow fever epidemics in the 19th century. Here you'll also find the victims of sea battles of the Napoleontic wars. From port it is 2,5 km / 30 min. walk to the south. -
Where's the wi-fi?There is no wi-fi in or around the cruise terminal. You'll have to go to the city centre to get wi-fi. The best place for it is at casemates square where there are lots of cafe's that provide wi-fi. This is about 1,5 km / 20 minute walk from the ship to the east.
