Is Gibraltar worth visiting on a cruise?

Absolutely. Where else can you stand on a British territory, see two continents at once, visit caves the Greeks thought led to Hades, and get photobombed by Europe's only wild apes—all within a few hours? It's wonderfully strange and utterly memorable.

What's the best thing to do in Gibraltar?

Take the cable car to the top of the Rock. The ride itself is spectacular, and once you're up there, you can visit St. Michael's Cave, meet the Barbary macaques, explore the WWII tunnels, and see Africa across the Strait.

What's the legend about the monkeys?

Local legend says that as long as the Barbary macaques remain on the Rock, Gibraltar will stay under British rule. During WWII, when the macaque population dwindled, Winston Churchill personally ordered their numbers be replenished.

Can I walk from the cruise port?

Yes. It's about a 10-minute walk straight into town and Casemates Square. Gibraltar is small—you can walk the entire length of Main Street in 15 minutes. The cable car station is an easy walk from the port too.

Gibraltar

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Photo Gallery

Aerial view of cruise ship docked at Gibraltar pier — Cruise ship at Gibraltar's Western ArmPhoto: WikiMedia Commons

Island Cruises ship docked at Gibraltar port — Cruise ship alongside Gibraltar's cruise terminalPhoto: WikiMedia Commons

Bay of Gibraltar with sailboats and Spanish coast in background — Bay of Gibraltar with sailboats and the Spanish coast beyondPhoto: WikiMedia Commons

Island Cruises cruise ship docked at Gibraltar cruise terminal on a clear day — Cruise ship at Gibraltar's cruise terminalPhoto: WikiMedia Commons

Image Credits

All port images: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)

Images sourced from Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licences.

Last reviewed: February 2026

Until I have sailed this port myself, these notes are soundings in another's wake. This guide draws from published accounts, fellow cruisers, and careful research — but it does not yet carry the weight of my own anchor. I am working my way through the world's cruise ports, one by one, to write what I see with my own eyes and feel with my own heart. This page awaits that day.

From the Pier

Main Street
Duty-free shopping, pubs, British red phone boxes — walkable from the port
10 min
Cable Car to Upper Rock
Barbary macaques, St Michael's Cave, WWII tunnels — cable car plus Rock access included
6 min ride
St Michael's Cave
Natural limestone cave — stalactites, concert venue, inside the Rock
at the top
Europa Point
Southernmost tip — Africa is 14 km across the Strait. Lighthouse, mosque, views of Morocco
15 min
The Runway
You may have to cross the airport runway to enter town — traffic lights stop for planes
depends

Ships dock at the Western Arm or North Mole. Gibraltar is tiny — 6.7 sq km — and walkable. Taxi tours of the Upper Rock run about $30. Currency is Gibraltar Pound (at parity with GBP); Sterling accepted everywhere. Do not feed the macaques.

Quick Answer: Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory since 1704, home to the legendary Rock—one of Hercules' Pillars—rising 1,400 ft above the Strait. Just 15km from Africa, it harbours 150+ caves including St. Michael's (300m high, the Greeks' "Gates to Hades"), Europe's only wild apes, WWII tunnels, and views spanning two continents.

Port Snapshot

TerritoryBritish Overseas Territory

PortWestern Arm / North Mole; 10-min walk to town

CurrencyGibraltar Pound (GIP) / GBP

LanguageEnglish

Best ForThe Rock, St. Michael's Cave, Barbary macaques, WWII tunnels

WalkingTown flat and walkable; Upper Rock steep — cable car recommended

Key Facts

Country: Gibraltar (UK)
Region: Oceania
Port: Western Arm / North Mole; 10-min walk to town
Currency: Gibraltar Pound (GIP) / GBP
Language: English

About the Author

Ken Baker

Founder of In the Wake; writer and editor of the logbook.

Flickers of Majesty

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About the Author

Ken Baker

Founder of In the Wake; writer and editor of the logbook.

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