Area Guide to Gibraltar

Notre Dame

Tel: 00350 20075182
Type: Government sponsored

St Anne's Lower Primary

Tel: 00350 200 77161
Type: Government sponsored

Eastside is quiet and that's the way the locals like it!  Certainly not a destination dining district, but what it lacks in numbers, it makes up for it quality and charm:

Seawave Bar is a cosy restaurant by Catalan Bay with stunning views over the water

Karma Chiringuito is a family run restaurant on Eastern Beach

This is where the action is at.  Eastside is home to - arguably - Gibraltar's best two beaches, being located onthe Mediteranean side of the Rock:

Catalan Bay is the second largest sandy beach in Gibraltar.  It is a former fishing village on the eastern side of the Rock and is poopular with both Gibraltarians and tourists.

Sandy Bay is the third sandy beach located on the eastside of Gibraltar, to the south of Catalan Bay and adjacent to the Southern Waters of Gibraltar's Special Area of Conservation.

Eastside is a long, narrow district nestled between the steep eastern cliffs of the Rock of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea. For much of its history, it was relatively isolated; before the construction of the Dudley Ward Way tunnel, the area effectively ended in a cul-de-sac, cut off from through traffic. Today, however, it forms part of the scenic coastal route that loops around the eastern side of the Rock.

Historically, this side of Gibraltar is believed to have been used seasonally by Genoese fishermen, who took advantage of the sheltered waters and rich fishing grounds. Permanent settlement did not begin in earnest until the 17th and 18th centuries, as Gibraltar developed into a more established civilian and military hub.

In the present day, Eastside has become a popular leisure destination. Its sandy beaches and open sea views attract both visitors and locals, particularly during the long Mediterranean summers, when the promenade and shoreline are lively with day-trippers and holidaymakers.

Notre Dame

Tel: 00350 20075182
Type: Government sponsored

St Anne's Lower Primary

Tel: 00350 200 77161
Type: Government sponsored

La Parilla - An innovative concept from Chef Himanshu, at The La Parrilla branch of Forbes combines the flavors of India and China to create a breakthrough restaurant experience that encompasses both authentic dishes and inspired new favorites with sublime coffee at its forefront.

Nunos at the Express – The second restuarnt to make our list, Nunos opened in September 2018 and is located next to the entrance of the Holiday Inn. The restaurant serves both quality interpretations of classic dishes (pizza, pasta and deli) and daring new ventures into the uncharted territories of Italian cuisine.  All their pasta is handmade every day. No Italian experience is complete without traditional wines and cocktails, and desserts, like their much-loved Tiramisu alla Fragola!

Facing Spain across the land frontier, the North District encompasses the flat isthmus area north of the Rock of Gibraltar, including the airport and surrounding reclaimed land, positioned between Eastern Beach and Western Beach.  This low-lying stretch of land forms Gibraltar’s only land connection with mainland Europe and has long held strategic importance due to its geography and access points.

Historically, the North District and surrounding isthmus have played a crucial role in Gibraltar’s military defences.  The area has been the focus of numerous sieges and fortification efforts over the centuries, with defensive measures shaped by its exposed position facing the Spanish border.  Among the most notable historical features are the extensive Great Siege Tunnels, engineered during the late 18th century to provide strategic vantage points and defensive positions overlooking the isthmus.  In addition, land reclamation and defensive works, including the creation of the lagoon area where the modern Laguna Estate now stands, reflect the ongoing effort to control and protect this vital approach to the Rock throughout Gibraltar’s history.

St Paul's Primary

Tel: 00350 200 71696
Type: Government sponsored

Bayside Secondary

Tel: 00350 200 74500

www.baysideschoolgibraltar.gi 
Type: Government sponsored

Charlie's Steakhouse & Grill offer an extensive and diverse Menu that includes the finest Steaks and Indian Cuisine in Gibraltar.  Enjoy an unforgettable steakhouse experience like no other.  Savour top quality Filet Steaks, rib-eye, Rack of lamb amongst other savoury dishes elaborated by their professional Chefs. For those with a spicy taste they offer from a Passage to India menu a delightful range of Tandoori and varied Indian dishes and starters elaborated by their specialist Indian Chefs. Their very extensive wine list will appropriately accommodate your choice of dinner.

Little Bay Bar and Restaurant launched in April 2016 andquickly established themselves as the premier Indian restaurant in and around Gibraltar. Favoured by the locals, tourists, visiting celebrities, royalty and politicians including Gibraltar's own Chief Minister, i'ts  hard to find anyone that doesn't have positive things to say about Little Bay.

Being a marina where the shore has been built onto quaysides, there are no beaches in Ocean Village itself.  However, a short hop over the airport gets you to Western Beach near the frontier.

Ocean Village is located on the western side of Gibraltar, south of the airport and facing Spain across the Bay of Gibraltar.  Its prime waterfront position places it close to both the Town Area and key transport links, making it one of the most centrally located marina developments on the Rock.

Historically, the site formed part of HM Dockyard Gibraltar, established in the 1890s as a key Royal Navy base.  The dockyard played an important role in Gibraltar’s naval and military operations for much of the 20th century.  From the 1980s onwards, the area began to undergo significant redevelopment and modernisation, transitioning away from its industrial and military past.

Over the following decades, continued regeneration transformed the former dockyard into today’s vibrant mixed-use marina development.  Now known as Ocean Village, the area has evolved into a modern residential and leisure hub, combining waterfront apartments with restaurants, bars and marina facilities, and is now one of Gibraltar’s most lively and desirable neighbourhoods.

St Mary's Lower Primary

Tel: 00350 200 75946
Type: Government sponsored

Little Harvard Nursery and Preschool

Tel: 00350 200 77754
Type: Private Nursery

Queensway Quay is renowned for high quality al fresco dining, here are a couple of our favourites:

Rendezvous is a new concept in Queensway preparing quality homemade breads, perfect steaks, tapas, longboards and full a la carte menu, all cooked in an authentic wood and charcoal oven they call Big Bertha.

The Lounge Bar is a family owned businss offering freshly prepared, quality but casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere right on the Marina's quyside

Camp Bay is a rocky beach within the Southern Waters of Gibraltar's Special Area of Conservation; an EU protected marine reserve.  In addition to its popularity with bathers, the beach is also a very popular diving and snorkelling area which is home to one of Europe's first artificial reefs.  It is located just beyond the end of Queensway Road, on Rosia Bay.

Queensway is located on the western shoreline of Gibraltar, offering attractive views across the Bay of Gibraltar towards Spain, with the Westside district to the north and the South District to the south.  Its waterfront position places it within easy reach of the Town Area while maintaining a more relaxed marina setting.

At the heart of Queensway Quay Marina is Ragged Staff Wharf, widely believed to be one of the oldest surviving wharves in Gibraltar.  Originally constructed during Spanish rule and later developed further by the British in 1736, the wharf has long been associated with Gibraltar’s maritime and military activity.

Modern residential development of the marina began in the early 1990s, transforming the historic dockside into a sought-after residential enclave.  Over time, this regeneration introduced a series of landmark developments including The Sails, Cormorant Wharf and more recently Kings Wharf, establishing Queensway as one of Gibraltar’s most desirable waterfront addresses.

LORETO CONVENT

Tel: 00350 20075781
Website: www.loreto.gi

Type: Private 

St. JOSEPH’S

Tel: 00350 20078515

Type:Government sponsored nursery, first and middle school

The Edinburgh Arms is a traditional Gibraltarian pub offering quality drinks and a simple food offering.  A great place to mingle with the locals.

The Dolphin Restaurant and Cabana Beach Bar are located on Camp Bay and offer quality Moroccan food with drinks by the seaside.

Europa Point Cafe is great for a cost-effective lunch if you're down by Europa Point.

Camp Bay is a rocky beach within the Southern Waters of Gibraltar's Special Area of Conservation; an EU protected marine reserve.  In addition to its popularity with bathers, the beach is also a very popular diving and snorkelling area which is home to one of Europe's first artificial reefs.

Little Bay is a small rocky beach within the Southern Waters of Gibraltar's Special Area of Conservation.  Located just up from Camp bay it stend to be a bit quieter than it more raucus neighbour!

As the name suggests, the South District sits at the southern end of Gibraltar, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar with views stretching towards Morocco.  Its position at the base of the Rock provides direct access northwards along both the eastern and western sides of the territory, connecting easily to areas such as Eastside and Queensway.

Historically, this part of Gibraltar has long held significance due to its strategic coastal location and early settlement history.  It is believed to be one of the earliest points of Moorish landing on the Rock, with evidence of religious presence in the area dating back as far as 1309.  Despite this long history, the South District remained largely undeveloped in modern times until more recent decades, when it became the focus of larger-scale residential development.

Today, it is characterised by a more spacious and established residential environment, reflecting its later development compared to other parts of Gibraltar while still retaining strong historical and geographical importance.

ST. MARY’S

Tel: 00350 20075946

Type: Govt sponsored primary 

HEBREW SCHOOL

Tel: 00350 20078425
Type: Govt sponsored nursery, primary and middle
Religious character: Jewish, but open to all denominations

GIBRALTAR GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

School Annex 3 Convent Ramp, John Mackintosh Hall
Tel: 00350 20041815

Type: Private secondary school for girls
Religious character: Jewish
Fee paying: Yes

GIBRALTAR BOYS SECONDARY SCHOOL

13 Town Range 
Tel: 00350 20050596

Where to begin?  Town Area houses the majority of Gibraltar's bars and restaurants with many clustered around Casemates Square or lining Main Street.  Here are a few of our favourites:

Tapas by Gauchos bring you their passion for flavour, a love of traditions, the freshness of the best iingredients and the joy of tapas dining, located in the ever fashionable Chatham Counterguard.

The Queens Picturehouse and Eatery is a beutifully decorated restaurant providing quality dining in a quiet corner of Casemates Square.  They even have a cinema room available for private hire.

Vinopolis offers fine Mediteranean style dining with a modern twist, located just off John Mackintosh Square with a great outdoor dining area.

Jury's is located next to Gibraltar's Court House on Main Street, offering high end casual dining from breakfast until dinner, turning into a bar in the evenings.

As the name suggests there are no beaches directly in Town Area (despite Casemates Square actually being a beach originally before it was built over by the Moors).  There are many bus routes leaving from either end of Main Street that will take you directly to the Eastside beaches, while Camp Bay is a pleasent stroll away.

Town Area sits on the gentle western slopes of the Rock of Gibraltar and is relatively flat compared to the steeper districts above it.  It is overlooked by Upper Town as the terrain rises to the east, while to the west it borders Westside across the historic Line Wall, placing it centrally within easy reach of most parts of Gibraltar.

This area is widely regarded as the historic core of modern Gibraltar.  It was first settled in 1106 by Moorish settlers arriving from North Africa, with early development concentrated in the northern sections beneath the Moorish Castle.  Over time, successive periods of Spanish and British rule saw the settlement expand gradually southwards, shaping the street layout and architectural character that can still be seen today.

By the mid-19th century, the Town Area had largely taken on the form we recognise now, blending layers of historical development with later Victorian and contemporary additions.  As a result, it remains one of the most historically significant and continuously inhabited parts of Gibraltar, reflecting centuries of cultural and architectural evolution.

ST BERNARD’S

Tel: 00350 200 73863
Type: Govt sponsored nursery 

Prior Park School

Tel: 00350 200 62006

Type: Private Secondary School 

Mons Calpe Suite If you're feeling adventurous, Mons Calpe Suite is about as high as you can get on the Rock.  It's worth the climb though, the views and the food is suburb.  If you can't face the walk, it's located right at the top of the Cable Car so there's no excuses not to visit.

The Rock Salt is the rooftop restaurant located on the 8th floor of the Elliott Hotel.  Featuring magnificent panoramic views of Gibraltar, it is an idylic spot for guests to sit back and take in the stunning views of the Mediteranean coastline.

Unsurprisingly, Upper Town is as far away from Gibraltar's beaches as you can get - certainly from a height perspective.  Don't worry though, the number 1 bus goes from here.  But who needs a beach when you have those views?

Upper Town sits to the east of Town Area, where the gentle western slopes of the Rock of Gibraltar gradually become steeper as they rise towards the Upper Rock.  In theory, the area extends into the highest parts of the Rock, although the Upper Rock Nature Reserve itself contains very few residential properties.

Much of the housing in Upper Town dates back to the early Victorian period, reflecting a long history of hillside development.  Over time, many of these older buildings have been subdivided, extended or adapted, often with varying degrees of architectural sensitivity, resulting in a diverse mix of historic character properties and more altered residential units.

The distinctive stepped street network that defines Upper Town largely developed towards the end of the Victorian era, as transport and infrastructure evolved.  With the arrival of the motor car, it became more practical to route vehicles along gentler gradients, leaving the steepest and most historic streets primarily for pedestrian use.  This change helped preserve the character of the area, which still retains its traditional alleyways, stairways and winding routes that reflect its layered history and hillside setting.

St Paul's Primary

Tel: 00350 200 71696
Type: Government sponsored 

Governor's Meadow

Tel: 00350 200 71696

Type: Government sponsored 

Bishop Fitzgerald 

Tel: 00350 200 77162
Type: Govt sponsored middle school

Westside Comprehensive

Tel: 00350 200 74525
Type: Govt sponsored secondary

The cluster of restaurants in Westside are along Chatham Counterguard, just outside of the Line Wall.  These are mostly Tapas bars such as Gaucho's or Chimneys, or also My Wines Gibraltar which offers casual dining from breakfast to evening.

As you would expect, the central business district around EuroCity hosts some great places to grab lunch, while the territory's only McDonalds is also located in Westside.

With the majority of the shoreline in Westside put to use as apartments or logistical purposes, residents tend to take the short bus ride down to the beaches around Rosia Bay

Westside is situated on reclaimed land extending from the western edge of the Rock of Gibraltar, north of Queensway.  As a result, it is one of the flattest and lowest-lying parts of Gibraltar, with a modern, planned layout that contrasts with the older, more historic districts elsewhere on the Rock.

Because much of Westside did not exist in its current form until relatively recent land reclamation projects, it has comparatively little built historical fabric on the land itself.  However, the surrounding waters and coastline have long been of major strategic importance.  This stretch of the Bay of Gibraltar lies closest to the Spanish mainland and historically formed the primary maritime approach to Gibraltar via Waterport, making it a focal point for naval activity and conflict over the centuries.

Many of the significant sea battles and naval engagements associated with Gibraltar took place in the waters off what is now Westside, reflecting its importance as a key entry point to the territory.  Today, the area’s modern residential and civic developments sit on land that has been shaped by these extensive reclamation efforts, transforming a once strategic battleground at sea into one of Gibraltar’s principal urban districts.