Visa needed for one year in Europe?

Hello all, I'm a Canadian looking to spend a year or so travelling through Europe. My boyfriend will be working in Gibraltar and this will be our home base for various trips to France, Spain, Italy and Scotland. I won't be doing any work while abroad. From what I can tell, the EU has a 3 month max tourist stay however, I can't seem to find how long I have to leave a country for before returning (is it also 3 months?) or if there is anything I need to do to be able to essentially wander around for a year...?

Does anyone know if I should expect any difficulties or if I should know anything specific when it comes to being a tourist in the EU for a year?

Thanks!!!

I am staying a year in Germany and had to get a work visa as I found you can only stay 3 months in any 6 consecutive month period. So (as far as I understood it) you would have to leave for 3 months after staying for 3. Hope that helps.