Passing through two different countries, you have plenty of chances to stop and explore along the way. Start at Bacalhoa Winery, or Palmela in the heart of Portugal’s wine country, for a tasty break with the views from the Moorish castle. Then continue to UNESCO-listed Evora to discover the historical side of Portugal, and walk through centuries of magnificent architecture. Lastly, stop by Arcos de la Frontera for a mesmerizing view of the bright white houses climbing a steep hill.

The Rock of Gibraltar dominates the city as the limestone promontory looms 426 meters (1,398 ft) above the sea. Half of the rock is a nature reserve protecting the famous Barbary macaques. Burrowed into the limestone, the Siege Tunnels turned this outcropping into an indomitable fortress.

The diverse population of Gibraltar makes it a perfect cultural melting pot. Aside from Gibraltarians, you’ll meet lots of British, Moroccan, Indian, and Spanish inhabitants. This mixture of cultures has filled Gibraltar with diverse architecture and even more diverse cuisine.

Timing is the key

Start early to make the most of the scenic drive. You’ll also have enough time to make stops and take your time exploring. Depending on the day, starting early might also save you from traffic jams.

Stay hydrated and energized

In summer, the heat can be intense; so have your water with you and use sun protection, especially when you are outside. Walking around, tasting wines, and climbing castles takes its toll. Keep your favorite snack on hand to stay energized while exploring.

Prep for tolls and border crossings when driving

If you’re driving yourself, the route mainly follows the A2 in Portugal and the A-49 in Spain, both of which include toll roads. Keep change or a toll device handy. Check your rental car's insurance and breakdown coverage to ensure they're valid across borders.

There's still border control

Because Gibraltar is a British territory, it's not in the Schengen area, so you need to pass through customs and border control to enter. Have your passport ready, and be sure to check the border laws and policies before you arrive. Most transportation options can only take you to the border.

Lisbon to Gibraltar by car

From Lisbon, take the A2 south towards the Algarve, then cross into Spain and continue on the A49 towards Seville. From Seville, take the AP-4 and A-381 to Gibraltar. You’ll be driving around six and a half hours without stopping. You’ll have the flexibility to stop whenever and wherever you want, but don’t forget to take care of tolls, your car rental’s cross-border policy, and parking in Gibraltar, since you likely won't be driving much in this tiny territory.

Lisbon to Gibraltar by bus

You can travel from Lisbon to Gibraltar by bus via companies like Flixbus. There are no direct routes, so you'll need to make at least one change, usually in Seville. It’s a cost-effective option, with tickets as low as $64, but takes around 10 to 12 hours, depending on the connection times. The bus will let you off at La Línea de la Concepción, the Spanish border, and you'll need to go through customs on foot.

Lisbon to Gibraltar by train

No direct train service exists from Lisbon to Gibraltar. You can take a train from Lisbon to Faro or Seville, then connect to a bus or another train to La Línea de la Concepción, the Spanish town bordering Gibraltar. It generally takes around 10-12 hours including transfers. Be careful and on time when managing the transfers, as usually there's only 1 or 2 a day. Like the bus, you'll need to go through border control on foot.

Lisbon to Gibraltar by plane

There are no direct flights from Lisbon to Gibraltar. You can fly from Lisbon to Malaga, then take a bus or a car to Gibraltar. Direct flights take around one hour, and the bus takes two hours. Buses run every two hours from 6:30 AM to 8:40 PM. After adding in the time getting to and fro the airport, and the 2 hours for check-in and security, it's still the fastest mode of travel if you time your arrival in Malaga perfectly.

Lisbon to Gibraltar by private car service

If all those changes and transfers sound scary, don't worry! There is a direct option: a private car service. The most comfortable and convenient way to get from Lisbon to Gibraltar, Daytrip will bring you from your accommodation in Lisbon to the Gibraltar border. The drive takes around seven hours, realistically making it the fastest option. But with the beauty of the route, we guarantee that it’ll feel shorter. And unlike on the bus, train, or plane, you can stop to stretch your legs or get a bite to eat!

Explore the Rock of Gibraltar

The Rock of Gibraltar is the obvious star of the show. Around 40% of the 426-meter-high (1,398 ft) promontory is a nature reserve where you can hike to spot a colony of Barbary macaques. Digging deeper, you can tour the network of siege tunnels and batteries that made the Rock of Gibraltar the world's mightiest fortress. Deeper still, the Gorham Caves UNESCO World Heritage Site was one of the last Neanderthal habitation sites in Europe.

Climb up to Europa Point Lighthouse

The Europa Point Lighthouse is situated at Gibraltar’s southernmost tip, which means it is blessed with breathtaking views where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. It stands against the backdrop of the Strait of Gibraltar and the African coastline. The surroundings of Europa are full of calm gardens and walking paths. Don't miss the nearby Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque and the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe to get to know more about Gibraltar’s cultural heritage.

Go dolphin-watching

Get ready for the happiest you’ll be at the sea! Gibraltar's location at the confluence of two major seas makes it an ideal spot for dolphin watching. There are many tours you can choose from that operate from the marina. Who wouldn’t want some close encounters with these wonderful animals? Plus, the Bay of Gibraltar is home to several dolphin species, including the Common, Striped, and Bottlenose dolphins. These excursions are eco-friendly and do not harm or disturb the dolphins.

Dive into the melting pot of cuisines

The range of cuisines you can try in Gibraltar is as diverse as its culture, blending British, Mediterranean, and Moroccan tastes. Walk around Main Street and its surroundings to try local specialties such as Valentina, a traditional chickpea flour bread, and Rosto, a Gibraltarian pasta dish. For a taste of the sea, visit one of the marina's restaurants such as Biancas to enjoy freshly caught seafood while watching the yachts and waters beyond.

Gibraltar also makes a nice winter getaway since the temperatures are almost always above 10 degrees, and prices are usually lower in the off season. Check here to stay updated about the weather forecast of Gibraltar.