PalmaCoco Travel

Catalan Bay & Sandy Bay

Nestled along the eastern side of Gibraltar, Catalan Bay and Sandy Bay are two picturesque beaches offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city center. Located just a short distance from the famous Rock of Gibraltar, these beaches are ideal for those seeking a more relaxed, quieter atmosphere.

Catalan Bay is the more popular of the two, with its calm, turquoise waters and fine pebbly sand. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the views of the surrounding cliffs. The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds and parasols, and there’s a good selection of cafés and seafood restaurants lining the bay, offering traditional Mediterranean dishes and fresh local seafood.

Just a short walk away, Sandy Bay offers a more secluded experience. With fewer crowds, this hidden gem is ideal for those who prefer peace and privacy. It’s a smaller, more intimate beach, with golden sand and clear water, making it perfect for a quiet day of relaxation or a swim away from the crowds.

Both beaches are easily accessible, with free parking nearby and public transport options from Gibraltar’s city center. While Catalan Bay is home to a small community with a few hotels, guesthouses, and rental apartments, Sandy Bay is more low-key, offering a laid-back vibe ideal for beach lovers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Gibraltar’s main tourist areas.

Eastern Beach

Stretching along the eastern shoreline of Gibraltar, Eastern Beach is the territory’s longest and most spacious beach, offering a relaxing escape with stunning views of the Rock on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. Its wide stretch of soft golden sand and clear, calm waters make it an inviting spot for both locals and visitors looking to unwind by the sea.

Eastern Beach enjoys more hours of sunshine than most of Gibraltar’s other beaches, thanks to its open position away from the shadow of the Rock. It’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach games, with gentle waves that make it suitable for families and casual swimmers alike.

The beach is well-equipped with modern facilities, including sunbeds, parasols, showers, and lifeguard services during the summer months. A small selection of cafés and bars nearby offers refreshments and light meals, while the proximity to the airport gives the beach a distinctive character — it’s one of the few places in the world where you can watch planes land and take off as you relax on the sand.

Easily accessible by foot, car, or public transport from Gibraltar’s city centre, Eastern Beach provides a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere without feeling overcrowded. Whether you’re looking for a morning swim, a family outing, or a quiet afternoon under the sun, this beach perfectly combines convenience, comfort, and natural beauty.

British Connections

Despite its location on the southern tip of Spain, Gibraltar remains proudly British, offering UK visitors a familiar yet distinctly Mediterranean experience. As a British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar combines British institutions, language, and culture with a warm climate and relaxed southern European pace of life.

Everyday life here feels comfortingly familiar to UK travellers. English is the official language, the currency is the Gibraltar Pound (equivalent in value to Sterling and interchangeable with British notes and coins), and you’ll find red post boxes, British road signs, and even classic British pubs serving fish and chips alongside Mediterranean tapas. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, but cars retain UK-style number plates; a quirky blend of both worlds.

Gibraltar also retains many British traditions, from afternoon tea and St George’s Day celebrations to Remembrance Sunday services at the iconic Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. The territory’s political system mirrors the UK’s parliamentary model, and the Governor represents the British monarch, reflecting Gibraltar’s long-standing connection to the Crown.

For UK travellers, visiting Gibraltar offers the comfort of home, no currency exchange worries, no language barriers, and familiar brands and amenities. All within a destination that enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year. It’s a corner of Britain with a Mediterranean twist, offering a warm welcome that feels both British and abroad.

Barbary Macaques

No visit to Gibraltar is complete without meeting its most famous residents, the Barbary macaques.

These playful monkeys are Europe’s only wild primates and are native to North Africa, yet they’ve thrived on the Rock of Gibraltar for centuries.

You’ll find them mostly around the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, where they roam freely among the cliffs and trees. Visitors often encounter them near the cable car station or lookout points, where they provide endless entertainment with their antics and cheeky personalities.

While they’re friendly and fascinating to observe, it’s important to remember that the macaques are wild animals, so admire them from a distance and avoid feeding them.

They can opportunistic, mischievous and fast, so keep your snacks zipped in your bag and a watchful eye on your sun hat!

That being said, they are delightful to watch from a respectful distance.

Their well-being and natural behaviour depend on them being left undisturbed.

According to local legend, Gibraltar will remain under British rule as long as the macaques live on the Rock, a story that adds to their charm and enduring symbolism.

Watching them against the breath-taking backdrop of sweeping sea views is one of the most memorable experiences Gibraltar has to offer.

Weather

Gibraltar enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with long, sunny summers and pleasantly mild winters. The territory benefits from around 300 days of sunshine each year, making it a great destination for outdoor activities and sightseeing at any time.

Summer (June – August):
Summers in Gibraltar are warm and dry, with average temperatures between 26°C and 31°C. A light sea breeze from the Strait of Gibraltar keeps the air comfortable, even on the hottest days. It’s the perfect season for beach days at Eastern Beach or Catalan Bay, open-air dining, and exploring the Rock under clear blue skies.

Spring (March – May):
Spring is one of the best times to visit, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 24°C. The days are bright and sunny but not too hot, ideal for walking trails in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, visiting historical sites, or taking a leisurely stroll along the marina before the summer crowds arrive.

Autumn (September – November):
Early autumn remains warm and sunny, with temperatures between 22°C and 28°C and the sea still pleasant for swimming well into October. As the season progresses, the atmosphere becomes quieter and more relaxed, perfect for those seeking mild weather, fewer visitors, and beautiful sunsets over the Bay of Gibraltar.

Top ten attractions in Gibraltar…

1. The Rock of Gibraltar – Ride the cable car or hike up for panoramic views over the Mediterranean, Spain, and even Morocco on a clear day.
2. The Great Siege Tunnels – Explore these impressive 18th-century tunnels carved into the Rock, offering a fascinating glimpse into Gibraltar’s military history.
3. St. Michael’s Cave – Step into this spectacular natural cavern filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
4. Gibraltar Nature Reserve – Home to the famous Barbary macaques, as well as walking trails and historic landmarks.
5. Europa Point – Visit the southernmost tip of Gibraltar for breathtaking views across the Strait.
6. Moorish Castle – A medieval fortress that offers insight into Gibraltar’s Islamic past.
7. Dolphin-Watching Boat Tours – Set out from the marina to see pods of dolphins playfully swim by.
8. Catalan Bay – Relax on this sandy beach lined with colourful houses and seafood restaurants, perfect for a laid-back afternoon.
9. The Skywalk and Windsor Suspension Bridge – For thrill-seekers, these glass walkways and suspension bridges provide stunning views.
10. Main Street and Casemates Square – Gibraltar’s bustling shopping and dining hub.