Gibraltar
Gibraltar is divided into several major residential areas, all uniquely different, and each with its own benefits. If you are looking to buy or rent a property in Gibraltar, and you are not fully aware of how the districts on the Rock differ from one another, Insight offers this easy guide to help you make up your mind as to where to start your search. It goes without saying that prices vary in the different districts, depending on location, infrastructure, availability of parking spaces, and other factors.
Town Area
This is the heart of the Rock, and the area to which most of the tourists flock. Start at Casemates Square where you will find a plethora of al fresco restaurants, cafés and bars, then take a wander up Main Street, now pedestrianised, where there are a variety of retail shops, boutiques, convenience stores, restaurants and English pubs. The Town Area is a convenient place to live with everything within easy walking distance. Most of the residential property is located in the colonial style buildings and its worth exploring the many lanes and side streets that lead off Main Street where you will find townhouses, often split into apartments, set around courtyard patios.
Eastside
Plenty of choice for residential property on the Eastside, which is just a bus ride away from the town. Rows of brightly coloured houses sit along the beachside at Catalan Bay which lends a ‘village’ feel to this area. Once home to the Caleta Hotel, now demolished, it is set to be replaced by a new five-star Hilton Hotel. The soon-to-be completed E1 residential development offers an array of studios, one bedroom apartments and penthouses. Further along, located directly above Sandy Bay, Both Worlds is a residential complex that offers spectacular views.
South District
As it says, the South District is situated at the southernmost tip of Gibraltar. It is a popular residential area, benefitting from local schools. Many of the properties boast spectacular views of the Strait of Gibraltar and the African coastline. Developments in this area include The Anchorage, Clifftop House, The Cliftons, Rosia Plaza and Vineyards as well as some exclusive high end developments including Buena Vista Park, The Sanctuary and New Aloes.
The South District is said to enjoy its own micro-climate and during the summer months the areas of Camp Bay, a small rocky beach with a natural swimming pool, and Little Bay, a natural rocky cove that also offers a small children’s pool, are popular with bathers.
Westside
The main commercial hub of Gibraltar, this area is where many luxury developments have been constructed on reclaimed land, including Europort Business Centre and a mix of apartments and commercial spaces in Atlantic Suites. Other developments in this area include Europlaza, Waterport Terraces, Harbour Views, Peninsular Heights, Westview Park and Montague Gardens. Westside is also where the Port of Gibraltar is situated, sitting alongside Morrisons supermarket and St. Bernard’s Hospital.
Queensway Quay Marina is situated along the Westside. Only a short walk from the town centre, this offers a tranquil setting where you can enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the many restaurants lining the quayside. Ragged Staff Wharf, as the quayside at Queensway Quay Marina is called, is probably the oldest wharf in Gibraltar. Apart from Ragged Staff Wharf, the residential areas include Cormorant Wharf at its northern end; The Sails, which is lined on both sides by yacht berths; Ordnance Wharf with apartments, penthouses and town houses, and an open air swimming pool, framed on its western edge by The Island, a private development of nineteen luxury houses on reclaimed land.
Upper Town
Upper Town is reached by traversing steep hills and narrow streets, but once there it offers great views over the city centre. Also known as the ‘old town’, this area is being revitalised with many of the heritage buildings receiving investment. Parking spaces are at a premium, but the good news is that Upper Town is only a five minute walk down to Main Street! Within easy reach of the protected. Nature Reserve, the Moorish castle and some of the important fortifications that reflects its history.
North District
This is where Devils Tower Road, the long road that runs almost from the Airport to the beaches, can be found. The area is undergoing a transformation, and whereas in the past it was known as an industrial zone mainly housing warehouses, construction firms and car dealers, plans are afoot to revitalise this district into a more residential district with contemporary apartment blocks where people can work, live in communities and socialise.
Ocean Village
A short walk from Gibraltar Airport, the border crossing, and the World Trade Center, Ocean Village and adjacent Marina Bay offer a mix of residential apartments, commercial space and offices as well as boasting the berth for the world’s first five star yacht hotel, the Sunborn Gibraltar.
Ocean Village is Gibraltar’s prime destination for yachts, with a new superyacht marina under construction, and with a reputation as an entertainment and party area there are plenty of international bars and restaurants overlooking the marina that are frequented by crew members locals and tourists alike. Apartment buildings such as Royal Ocean Plaza, Grand Ocean Plaza, Majestic Ocean Plaza and Ocean Spa Plaza offer great sea views, some with large terraces and communal pools.
Whatever you are looking for in terms of property, whether to live, rent, or as an investment, there is definitely something for everyone here in the different districts of Gibraltar.
