Western Beach: Gibraltar's Runway-Adjacent Sands
Experience sun, sea, and runway views at Gibraltar's Western Beach, a local favorite with a unique airport-side setting.
Western Beach, situated on the western side of Gibraltar, presents a distinctive beach experience unlike any other. What sets it apart is its unique location adjacent to the Gibraltar International Airport runway. Sunbathers can witness planes landing and taking off, creating an unforgettable spectacle. Once a beach exclusively used by families of the Ministry of Defence, Western Beach is now open to the public. Despite its accessibility, it remains a local favorite, often less crowded than other beaches in Gibraltar. The beach offers soft sands and calm waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. A chiringuito provides refreshments, serving seafood, tapas, and drinks. Western Beach is also known as a great spot to watch the sunset. Historically, Western Beach played a role during World War II as a staging area for Allied forces. Today, remnants of wartime structures can still be seen along the coastline.
Local tips
- Bring earplugs if you're sensitive to noise, as the proximity to the airport runway means you'll experience aircraft noise.
- Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy a relaxing swim followed by a spectacular sunset view.
- Check the airport schedule in advance if you're interested in watching planes take off or land.
- Enjoy fresh seafood and local tapas at the beachside chiringuito.
A brief summary to Western Beach
- Gibraltar, GI
Getting There
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Walking
From the Gibraltar International Airport terminal, exit and walk north along Winston Churchill Avenue. Turn left onto the first road, then continue walking west towards the coast. Western Beach will be on your right, approximately a 5-minute walk. There are no costs involved.
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Public Transport
From the city center, take bus route 3, 4, 7 or 9 towards the airport. Alight at the 'Frontier' bus stop, near the border with Spain. From there, walk along Winston Churchill Avenue towards the airport, then turn left onto the road leading to the beach. The beach is a short walk away. A single bus fare is £1.80.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Gibraltar, including at the airport and the border. A taxi from the city center to Western Beach will cost approximately £7-£10, depending on traffic and the specific starting point. The journey takes around 5-10 minutes.
