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.
About Gibraltar
Inhabitants – 32.000
Official language – English
Capital city – Gibraltar
Gibraltar – British Overseas Territory
Government – Representative democratic parliamentary dependency under constitutional monarchy
Travel information Gibraltar
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
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)
FAQ about Gibraltar
– 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
Accessible facilities 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 information contact the Gibraltar Tourist Information.
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.
