Catalan Bay
Catalan Bay
4
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Catalan Bay
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
403 within 3 miles
Attractions
137 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
392 reviews
Excellent
161
Very good
144
Average
64
Poor
19
Terrible
4
Wozzergb
Exeter, UK25 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Recommended by our hotel as one of the nicer beaches, what they forgot to mention is the forest of umbrellas and chairs totally blocking the waterfront! Not that any were occupied mind you, they are all the locals who come out early and “reserve” virtually every inch of the seafront. My wife sat down near to one and was forcefully told to move by an aggressive woman who appeared from the buildings along the front. There’s no umbrellas or beds to rent so unless you come equipped you’ll be sitting on your towel looking at the sea through all the empty chairs and brollies. According to a local workman I was chatting to this is a daily occurrence. Frankly they can keep their beach along with its terrible restaurant, we’ll spend our money elsewhere.
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stella
Stockholm, Sweden2,088 contributions
Sep 2020 • Solo
Took a cab here (around £8-9 each way) from Main Street. I went around 6:30 in the afternoon and there were only a few people bathing who then left. By 7:45, the beach was quiet and it was so peaceful. It was perfect to take pics with a tripod. It was so beautiful and peaceful, especially with less tourists.
Written September 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DuckysWife
United Kingdom1,511 contributions
Oct 2020
Excellent beach with lovely sand and very clean. We enjoyed a nice walk along it's length to Caleta hotel. Good to see wheel car users have a flat wooden path to access the water. You can access the hotel via the pink walled steps. Colourful buildings in a quaint little village, what a nice place to live. People were playing football early evening, not many people there at that time in very warm early October. Proprietor at seafront cafe/diner kindly directed us to the path and steps up to the hotel as he was already closed for the day. Car park next to steps down to the beach which is quiet as the road is above.
Written October 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nnmercman
Camberley, UK14,273 contributions
Jan 2020
Catalan Bay is located on the east side of the Rock and therefore suffers from the prevailing wind so you won’t see many visitors here out of season. Catalan hotel, a number of restaurants and a small development are along the shore road. The surrounding area is currently undergoing construction work. Interestingly, early Genoese settlers named the shore rock “La Mamela” as it supposedly resembles a woman’s breast!
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dalou
London, UK24 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Came here with my friend (who’s a local), her family as well as my family. Well I can say that this beach was incredible. I usually don’t enjoy busy beaches however the atmosphere on this little gem was great full of local families all chatting and was brilliant to see so much socialising since covid.
A paddle board is a must for those going (I’m not sure if you can rent them) but it made our day so much more special when we could see the crystal clear water from above. 100% recommend and after day one of coming my kids were hooked and we came back everyday!!
Just a warning, if you’re coming from the British sun like me, might need to get a spray tan to blend in as everyone there has that Mediterranean glow and is pale folk stand out like a sore thumb. 😄😄
A paddle board is a must for those going (I’m not sure if you can rent them) but it made our day so much more special when we could see the crystal clear water from above. 100% recommend and after day one of coming my kids were hooked and we came back everyday!!
Just a warning, if you’re coming from the British sun like me, might need to get a spray tan to blend in as everyone there has that Mediterranean glow and is pale folk stand out like a sore thumb. 😄😄
Written July 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lynjowton
Leeds, UK316 contributions
Aug 2022
Last time we were here we had the beach to ourselves but then it was New Year's day. Really busy but had a good family vibe to it. LIfeguards visible and patrolling on a regular basis. Paddle boards for hire and a little bar with basic items to purchase drinks ,ice cream ect. Clean enough and the sea was pleasant to swim in
Written August 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarkMahoney
Aldershot, UK1,890 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Lovely beach resort with sand and clear water. Spacious and nice atmosphere. Great view across the bay and the rock. The showers and changing rooms are open late May to September. Theirs also a nice restaurant on the sea front. The church is a delight and the alleyways to explore.
Written May 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SBkent
Kent, UK6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Stunning setting for a lunchtime meal. Food was lovely but both staff and restaurant had that 'end of the season' feel. I left a tip for those who served us but they cycled off home! It must be a real magnet during the high season because of its location overlooking the sea. It also seemed to be the only place to eat at Catalan Bay.
Written October 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fitbit2018
Birmingham, UK8 contributions
Sep 2021
Love Catalan Bay. Have to visit every time I go to Gibraltar . Good places to eat, safe beach to swim from and a lot of history. I have been visiting here for several years the last time in September 2021.
Written September 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
walklim
LONDON78 contributions
When you see pictures in the brochures this beach area looks very nice but the reality is a bit disappointing. The sand is fine and it is a great experience to swim in the sea with the huge rock looming up above you. However the general area and promenade bit are really scruffy. No pretty plants or palm trees. It seems the tourist board have no interest in creating a pleasant beach side area in which to dine or go for a drink. It is just a concrete wall with a couple of cheap cafes. The cafes are ok food wise but certainly not places you would wish to linger. Right next to the beach is what looks like an industrial dump.
If I were in the tourist board I would spend abit of money landscaping/beautifying this beach. It is strange that they can`t see it ! It is a holiday destination....I can`t understand it.
If I were in the tourist board I would spend abit of money landscaping/beautifying this beach. It is strange that they can`t see it ! It is a holiday destination....I can`t understand it.
Written August 7, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you hire chairs here to sit on the beach ??
Written July 22, 2019
I went quite early in the season (May) and I didn't see any chairs around but maybe they are brought out later in the year.
Written November 13, 2019
What number bus goes to Catalan Bay from Casemate square
Written April 12, 2018
No. 4 or 8, just check the front of the bus says 'both worlds' as the destination or you'll go the opposite way, in which case just stay on it and sight see.
Written August 22, 2018
Visiting Catalan Bay in February. Is it cold? What is the temperature
Written December 8, 2016
Depends on the weather but anything from 12 to 22 degrees Celsius
Written November 29, 2017
Back to the centre and depending on the time of the day it should be about 6 pounds. The buses 4 and 8 are another option, both from the top of the hill near the beach. An all day ticket at 2,25 pounds is good value as you can use it for any other routes too. The number 4 is only every hour ( a quarter to) but the number 8 is more regular on the hour and half hour. Walking takes about 25/30 minutes.
from this stop but the
Written September 28, 2016
It would probably be around £6-£8 pounds. Never done it myself but have taken a taxi from Casemates to the airport which is about the same distance (however we probably paid more as we had suitcases with us) and this was £8.70. If your able to you could get a bus from outside the Caleta hotel which stops by Casemates, a one way fare is £1.50 or an all day ticket for use on all buses (except the bus to the border) is £2.25 (per person).
Have fun
Written August 28, 2016
Showing results 1-6 of 6
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing