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, a sandy expanse on Gibraltar's western coast, offers a unique sunbathing experience with the Gibraltar International Airport runway bordering its southern end. Once exclusively for MOD families, it's now a public beach favored by locals for its quieter atmosphere and stunning sunset views.
A brief summary to Western Beach
- Gibraltar, GI
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.
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.
Discover more about Western Beach
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Western Beach
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Experience sun, sea, and runway views at Gibraltar's Western Beach, a local favorite with a unique airport-side setting.
Gibraltar War Memorial
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The Sundial
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Aqua Pool Bar
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Sunborn Gastrobar
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Sunborn Gibraltar
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Sapphire Lounge Bar
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Royal Marines Gibraltar Monument
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Royal Ocean Plaza
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Little Bay Bar and Indian Restaurant
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Portland House
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Holiday Inn Express Gibraltar, an IHG Hotel
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CANO Monumental Masons
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Grand Ocean Plaza
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Vivian's fall
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Unmissable attractions to see
Cradle of History
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paradise rock tours
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Fod check point
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Dolphin Safari Gibraltar dolphins
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Dolphin Adventure
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Gibraltar airport walkway
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Marina Bay Square
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Casino Admiral Gibraltar
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Ocean Village Marina
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Ocean Village
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North Front Cemetery
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Couvreport Battery
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Marina Bay
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North Bastion
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Grand Battery
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Essential places to dine
54 Dining & Cafe
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Charlie's Steak House And Grill
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Gill's Gibraltar
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Biancas Restaurant
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MasCafé
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La Playita
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GRILLE53
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Bruno's Bar Restaurant
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Barbary Restaurant & Lounge
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Las Iguanas
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Dive Charters
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Eroski Center
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Corner Shop Ltd
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Gibraltar Duty Free Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Hendrix Pub
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Laguna Bar
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