Gibraltar

The island of Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located near the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar.

A unique natural environment

The island of Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located near the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar.

This tiny territory of just four square miles is home to 30,000 residents and shares a border with Spain. Gibraltar is famous for its limestone rocky mass which rises impressively from the surrounding seas and your MSC cruise ship is the perfect place from which to experience this impressive landmark.

Gibraltar is home to countless species of wildlife and is a paradise for nature-lovers. Unique to Gibraltar are the Barbary Apes - the only wild primates left in all of Europe. These curious monkeys can be seen in their natural habitat and are sure to be a key attraction for our younger passengers!

Gibraltar is widely recognised as a unique natural environment; a section of the Rock is a nature reserve. Ideal for a relaxing day away from your luxury MSC cruise liner , Gibraltar’s small size belies the large amount of attractions in this popular holiday destination.

One of the best ways to view Gibraltar is on foot, although the nature reserve can be accessed by cable car. British cruise passengers will feel at home in familiar retail outlets such as Marks & Spencers and BHS!

Make the most of your time in Gibraltar by choosing our day trip packages that offer the best deals on sights and attractions. From nature-lovers to history buffs and children, Gibraltar is a small but perfectly-formed destination on your Mediterranean cruise vacation!

Cruise to Gibraltar - Gibraltar - Mediterranean - MSC Cruises

Directions


Ship docks at 1.5 Km from the city centre. A shuttle bus service and taxi service is available.

Port average temperature

The climate is Mediterranean / Subtropical with mild winters and warm summers. There are two main prevailing winds, an easterly one known as the Levante coming from the Sahara in Africa which brings humid weather and warmer sea and the other as Poniente which is westerly and brings fresher air in and colder sea. Its terrain consists of the 430 metre high Rock of Gibraltar and the narrow coastal lowland surrounding it. Rain occurs mainly in winter, the summers are generally dry.

Its average annual temperature is 18 °C, 21 °C during the day and 15 °C at night. In the coldest month - January, the typically temperature ranges from 10–17 °C during the day, 5–12 °C at night, the average sea temperature is 15–16 °C. In the warmest month - August, the typically temperature ranges from 25–31 °C during the day, above 20 °C at night, the average sea temperature is 22 °C. Average number of days above 21 °C is 181, average number of days above 32 °C is 5-6. Average morning relative humidity, 82%, evening relative humidity, 64%. Sunshine hours is till 2,778 per year, from 150 in November to 341 in July.

The temperate figures shown are based on monthly average weather conditions for the selected port. Weather data is not real-time, and sometimes no data is shown for a specific date, month or port in general.

GIBRALTAR Months
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average high °C (°F) 16
(61)
16
(62)
17
(64)
18
(66)
21
(71)
24
(76)
27
(81)
27
(82)
26
(79)
21
(71)
18
(66)
16
(62)
Average low °C (°F) 11
(52)
11
(52)
12
(54)
13
(56)
15
(60)
17
(64)
20
(68)
20
(69)
20
(68)
16
(62)
13
(57)
12
(54)
 GIB03 - THE BEST OF GIBRALTAR (2 hours) - 2011/2012
Long Walking Tours  Walking on rough terrain:comfortable walking shoes advised  Level of difficulty: moderate  Limited Availability    The perfect excursion for history lovers, you can spend a few hours learning about the turbulent history of the Fortress of Gibraltar. We will drive from the pier to the British-Spanish border before continuing to the southernmost point of Gibraltar, known as Europa point for a view of the only Trinity Lighthouse outside Great Britain. On clear days, one can glimpse the African Continent so have your cameras at the ready ! The tour will continue to the top of Gibraltar Rock and to the Upper Galleries, a system of tunnels carved out of solid limestone. Next stop will be a visit to the first building ever constructed by the British in Gibraltar, now home to “A City Under Siege” exhibition. The excursion also includes a visit to around the pleasant and winding streets of the Upper town area. At the end of the excursion you may opt to stay in the town and return independently to the ship. 

Please note: this tour is not recommended for Guests with mobility problems as at the Upper Galleries there is a steep incline.

Price per person Starting from  (Not available) Adults  (Not available) Children

   


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 GIB04 - THE ROCK TOUR & CABLE CAR (approximately 2,5 hours) - 2011/2012
Long Walking Tours  Walking on rough terrain:comfortable walking shoes advised  Level of difficulty: moderate  Limited Availability    The Rock of Gibraltar stands at the gateway to the Mediterranean and is reputed to be one of the two legendary Pillars of Hercules. We will leave the pier and drive towards the British-Spanish border and on to the southernmost point of Gibraltar, known as Europa Point. Here you will see the only Trinity Lighthouse outside Great Britain; on clear days, one can glimpse the African Continent. Then you will drive to the Upper Rock area, a designated nature area, and to the Upper Galleries where you will walk through the Windsor Galleries to St. Georges Hall. Then you will reach the base station of the Cable Car with which you will travel up to the very top of the Rock. Here you will have a breathtaking view from what is reputed to be one of the two legendary Pillars of Hercules. At the end of the excursion you may opt to stay in the town and return independently to the ship. 
Please note: this tour is not recommended for Guests with mobility problems as at the Upper Galleries there is a steep incline. At the cable car there are numerous steps to reach the different terraces.

Price per person Starting from  (Not available) Adults  (Not available) Children

   


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 GIB05 - DOLPHIN WATCH (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes) - 2011/2012
Level of difficulty: easy  Limited Availability    Few people are aware that Gibraltar is one of the best places in the world to view dolphins year round and that the local waters are home to three different species of dolphin. If you have always dreamed of seeing these gentle creatures close up, join us on this memorable excursion. A short coach transfer from the pier to a sightseeing boat will take you out to sea where you can learn more about these friendly mammals.

Please note: some information may be given, only in English, by the boat pilot. The tour is dependant on weather conditions on the day of call. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed.

Price per person Starting from  (Not available) Adults  (Not available) Children

   


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The excursions in the programme above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call ; this programme is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine.


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