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Gibraltar Travel Guide

INTRODUCTION

Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, where it shares a border with Spain. It stretches out between the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, which are connected by the Strait of Gibraltar at the peninsula's tip.

Gibraltar’s tiny airport services the territory, and was built as an airport for the British Navy during World War II on the peninsula’s existing racecourse. The airport was later expanded by reclaiming land from the Bay of Gibraltar, which allowed commercial flights to access the airport. The only road and pedestrian walkway into Gibraltar runs straight through the middle of the airport runway; when planes take off and land, the road closes and traffic stops. Gibraltar is accessible by air as well as by buses that run from the Andalucian region of southern Spain.

HISTORY

Gibraltar has long been known as the "Meeting Place of Continents" because it sits at the tip of Europe looking out over Africa. Access to the Strait of Gibraltar, which serves as a portal between two large bodies of water, gave the territory a unique advantage that made it the focus of a continuous power struggle between European countries.

After years of debate between Spain and Britain over rule of Gibraltar, Gibraltar's citizens voted to remain under British sovereignty as a self-governing territory on September 10th, 1967. As a result of Gibraltar’s proximity to Spain, Gibraltarians represent a racial and cultural fusion – most Gibraltarians speak Spanish and English as well as Llanito in conversation, a unique language that is a mix of Andalucian Spanish and British English.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Capital: Gibraltar

Climate: The climate of Gibraltar is temperate. Temperatures can reach an average high of 27 C (81 F) in the summer and dip to an average low of 11 C (52 F) in the winter. Gibraltar's climate also depends on geographical location and the influence of the local winds "Levanter" and "Ponienmarinate". The Levanter, the wind from the east, brings warm and humid conditions that can create a sea fog in the summertime. The Poniente, the wind from the west, brings warm, dry weather.

Currency: Gibraltar pound

Languages: English (official) and Spanish (unofficial)

Power: 240 v AC, 50 Hz, both two-round-pin and three-square-pin plugs are used

Time Zone: GMT +1 (+2 in summertime)

ATTRACTIONS

Gibraltar is great for a day trip, as the area is small and the hotels can be expensive. Taxi tours are a great, affordable way to see the Rock of Gibraltar and learn about the area’s culture and population. Gibraltar’s taxi drivers are well-praised for their expertise and ability to provide a friendly tour tailored to visitors’ time constraints and sightseeing desires. Tours can be arranged at stands on Main Street, and they will take you up the Rock to see natural caves, friendly Barbary Macaques (whom, with the assistance of your guide, you may be able to pet!), and a stunning view of the Bay of Gibraltar from the top of the Rock, all while learning about Gibraltar history and culture from a native. Unlike typical sightseeing tours, these tours aren’t a tourist trap – the guides pride themselves in their hometown, and truly want to share their territory and culture with visitors.

For those who prefer to explore on their own, Gibraltar has other options:

The Rock of Gibraltar

The Rock of Gibraltar runs north to south for almost 3 miles and takes up most of Gibraltar.

Check out the marinas or wander Main Street in the city center to shop for treasures in the charming, Colonial-style boutiques. Shops sell duty-free alcohol and cigarettes as well as clothing and souvenirs. Don't forget to stop and enjoy the fresh catch of the day or some traditional British fare at one of the many restaurants.

East of The Rock you can find the beautiful sandy beaches of Catalan Bay and Sandy Bay. Head west to get a taste of how the locals live.

Natural Wonders

Gibraltar offers seven and a half miles of beautiful coastline. Hop on a cable car and visit the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, home to Europe's only wild primates, the friendly and curious Barbary Macaques. Geology lovers can explore the natural wonders of St. Michael's Cave.

South of the city center visitors can wander through a stunning collection of Mediterranean flowers and plants at the Alameda Botanical Gardens or hike out to the cliffs and look out across the Strait of Gibraltar to the Rif Mountains of Morocco.