Sandy Bay Travel Guide

Sandy Bay, located on the eastern side of Gibraltar, is a stunning beach that has been revitalized to its former glory. Once a victim of severe erosion, the beach was restored in 2014 with approximately 50,000 tons of sand imported from the Western Sahara. Today, it stands as a testament to coastal engineering and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.The beach is shielded by two curved groynes and a breakwater, which were constructed to protect it from the erosional impact of waves and to retain the shifting sand. These structures have successfully recreated a wide, sandy expanse perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the Mediterranean climate.Above Sandy Bay, you can see the remnants of Gibraltar's former water catchments on the slopes of the Great Gibraltar Sand Dune. These catchments, built between 1903 and 1961, were designed to collect rainwater, which was then fed into reservoirs inside the Rock. While no longer in use, the restored slope is now covered in native vegetation, adding to the area's natural beauty.Visitors can enjoy the beach's clear and shallow waters, ideal for swimming and paddling. A sectioned-off area provides a safe space for children to play, making it a family-friendly destination. The beach also features a restaurant where visitors can purchase food and drinks.