Self-Catering in Gibraltar: Supermarkets, Groceries & the Sunday Trap
Where to buy groceries near Marina Bay and Ocean Village, which supermarkets open on Sunday, and how to self-cater well in Gibraltar — a practical guide for apartment stays.
One of the quiet joys of an apartment stay is not eating every single meal out. Gibraltar makes self-catering easy — there’s a full British supermarket a few minutes from Marina Bay — but there’s one trap worth knowing before you arrive: Sunday opening is not what you’d expect. Here’s the lay of the land.
Where to shop near Marina Bay#
Everything you need is within a short flat walk of the marina. For a proper weekly shop, Morrisons at Westside is the one; for a pint of milk on the way back from the pool, the Ocean Village convenience store is right there.
| Store | What it is | Walk | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morrisons — Westside | Full supermarket (the weekly shop) | ≈8 min | 08:00–20:00 |
| Eroski City — ICC | Compact everyday supermarket | ≈5–8 min | 09:00–21:00* |
| Ocean Village Express | Convenience store (milk, snacks, basics) | On the boardwalk | Varies |
| M&S Food — Main Street | Ready meals, bakery, fine foods | ≈10–12 min | Closed |
| Coviran — Irish Town | Spanish-chain supermarket | ≈10–12 min | Varies |
*Eroski ICC is the reverse of the norm: open Sunday but closed Saturday. Hours approximate — check before a big shop.
A first-night shortcut#
Arriving hungry? Grab the essentials — coffee, milk, bread, fruit, something for breakfast — from Morrisons or the Ocean Village convenience store on the way in, then explore the boardwalk restaurants at leisure once you’ve settled. The apartment kitchen has everything you need to cook: hob, oven, dishwasher, coffee maker and the basics.
- Breakfast in. Bread, eggs, fruit, coffee, juice — the biggest saving of the trip, and nicer on the balcony anyway.
- One or two dinners in. Pick up something simple for the nights you’d rather stay put after a long day on the Rock.
- Snacks & water for the Upper Rock. There’s little to buy up top — pack a bag (but keep it closed around the apes).
- A bottle for the balcony. Duty means wine and spirits are keenly priced; enjoy the sunset over the marina.
Frequently asked questions#
Are supermarkets in Gibraltar open on Sunday?
Some are. Morrisons at Westside opens Sunday 08:00–20:00 and Eroski City at the ICC opens Sunday 09:00–21:00. However, Main Street shops — including M&S Food — close on Sundays, so plan a Sunday shop around Morrisons or Eroski.
Where is the nearest supermarket to Ocean Village?
The Ocean Village convenience store is on the boardwalk itself for basics, while Morrisons at Westside (about an 8-minute walk) and Eroski City at the ICC (5–8 minutes) handle a full shop.
Can you buy British groceries in Gibraltar?
Yes — Morrisons and Marks & Spencer Food both operate in Gibraltar, so British brands, ready meals and bakery items are easy to find, alongside Spanish-chain options like Eroski and Coviran.
Is self-catering cheaper than eating out in Gibraltar?
Considerably, especially for breakfast and for groups. Cooking a couple of meals in an apartment kitchen is the single biggest way to cut a Gibraltar food budget — see our full cost breakdown.