Catalan Bay Verified listing

Catalan Bay, known in Spanish as ‘La Caleta’, is a small bay and fishing village in Gibraltar on the eastern side of the Rock away from the main city. The true origin of the name of Catalan Bay is unknown, but a couple of theories exist: the first suggests that the bay is named after a group of around 350 Catalan (from Catalonia) military men believed to have settled here after having assisted the Anglo-Dutch forces who captured Gibraltar during the War of Spanish Succession on 4th August 1704.

When enjoying a holiday in Gibraltar, visitors who fancy a day at the beach should head to the east side of the Rock where they will find the wide sands and clear waters of Catalan Bay. The North District around Ocean Village Marina, central shopping district and west side harbour area are the busiest parts of Gibraltar and boast the most attractions, including the cable car terminus to the Upper Rock attractions and nature reserve. The east side of the Rock however has few attractions but does offer a series of small bays and coves that are ideal for swimming and sunbathing as they get the most of the sunshine.