Gibraltar

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Quick Facts

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Capital

Gibraltar

Population

27,000

Government

Overseas territory of the UK

Religions

Christianity (Catholic, Protestant), Islam

Languages

English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese

Calling Code

+350

Nationality

Gibraltarian

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Introduction

Gibraltar

© All Rights Reserved claudina

Gibraltar, a huge rock of sand and limestone that forms a peninsula almost at the very southern tip of Spain. It has always been a strategic location. In the eighth century, the Islamic invasion of Iberia began when Muslims landed on the rock and headed inland from there. A millennium later, the British wrestled with the Spaniards over the land, eventually gaining full control. Now, almost three centuries later, Gibraltar remains under British sovereignty: it is an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom.

It is a fascinating place, not only for its history. Gibraltarians are a modern mix of Spanish, Jewish, British and Genoese descendants, though they firmly regard themselves as British. Reminders of past conflict can be found around Gibraltar, whether in the museum or in the town centre. Though Gibraltar may not be worth much more than a week's visit, any trip to the Iberian Peninsula is incomplete without a journey to Gibraltar.

Brief History

Geography

Residential Areas

• East Side
• Northern District
• Reclamation Areas
• Sandpits Area
• Town Area
• Upper Town

Sights and Activities

Barbary Macaques

Gibraltar

© All Rights Reserved leecando

One of the main sights in Gibraltar is the Barbary Macaques, a monkey. These monkey's have been on the rock long before the British took control. Some say they have been there for millions of years. Other say the Moors brought them from Africa as pets, some people even think they came from underground tunnels linking the rock back to Africa. According to local legend as long as the Barbary Macaques exist the British will maintain control of the rock. During World War II the population dwindled to only seven and Sir Winston Churchill ordered that their numbers grow at any costs. From the 1950s on the government has taken strict control of the Barbary Macaques population and health, including identification tags and a yearly census. Even though the Barbary Macaques have become used to humans remember it is illegal to feed them and the fine is £500.

Moorish Castle

The Moors controlled Gibraltar for a total of 710 years. During their first reign they built the original castle, most likely in the 8th century. This original castle was destroyed when Spain took back Gibraltar in 1309. When the Moors re-conquered Gibraltar in 1350 they rebuilt a new castle. When Spain took it back again in 1462 the Tower of Homage was saved, which was one of the tallest towers of the Islamic period in the Iberian Peninsula. Today the castle and the tower are two very popular tourist sights.

St. Michael's Cave

St. Michael's Cave has been a tourist sight since Roman times. The cave is in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and is quite stunning. The Cathedral Cave, which is the largest, is over 24-km-long under the straits. There are countless chambers and caves to explore and some were even prepared to be used as hospital during World War II, even though they were never used for that purpose. The Cathedral Cave is now used as an auditorium, which holds many popular events.

Other Sights and Activities

• Main Street - Shop on this amazing street that is a blend of Genoese, Portuguese, Spanish, Moorish and British styles.
• Grande Casemates Square - At the end of Main Street this square is the centre of the rock's nightlife having many nightclubs, pubs and restaurants.
• Gibraltar Siege Tunnels
• 100 Ton Gun - Check out this massive cannon.
• Europa Point - Is the southern most tip of Gibraltar and is a very scenic spot.
• Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque - Located on the southern tip of the rock and was a gift from King Fahd of Saudi Arabia is a very nice mosque.
• Upper Rock Nature Reserve - Visit this protected area which is 40% of the territory.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Gibraltar has a pleasantly Mediterranean climate with generally warm dry summers and mild but wet winters. Temperatures are around 29 degrees Celsius during the summermonths of July and August. January and February still have average highs of around 16 or 17 degrees. Night vary between 10 degrees in January to a warm 21 in August. Summers are a bit cooler and winters a bit warmer compared to southern Spain. November to March are the wettest months, actually wetter compared to neighbouring regions in southern Spain. Summermonhs have little or sometimes no rainfall. Gibraltar is also known for its wind and the airport and port can be affected because of it.

Getting there

By Plane

Gibraltar International airport has a limited number of flights, for example with Iberia to Madrid and with Monarch Airlines to London Luton. easyJet is planning to fly to and from London Gatwick. Air Malta has seasonal chartered flights to and from Malta.

By Train

Gibraltar doesn't have a trainstation but with RENFE, the Spanish Railways, you can travel to Algeciras and San Roque, which are a short drive away.

By Car

The border with Spain is near La Linea and crossings are easy. Be sure to have your documentation in order. Take the N-340 and turn off at San Roque for La Línea. If there are long queues, park your car and walk across, it's just a 15 minute walk or so to the rock.

By Bus

La Linea, the border town with Gibraltar, is served from a number of Spanish towns and cities of Algeciras and Malaga.

By Boat

FRS has boats travelling between between Gibraltar and Tanger in Morocco.
Also check the Gibraltar Port website for more information.

Getting Around

By Car

Many people who come to Gibraltar have their own car or rented a car in Spain. For renting cars in Spain, check the Spain article. There are few roads but all are tarred.

By Bus

Bus number 3 runs between the border, the town and on to Europa Point. Buses are run by the Gibraltar Bus Company
and there are several lines more, including number 2, 4 and 9.
Taxis are widely available for short trips as well as longer organised tours.

By Foot

Gibraltar is about 7 square kilometers big and most things can be seen by foot as well. Some parts might be steep though, so an average physical condition is the least you need.

By Cable Car

The Cable Car will take you to the top of the Rock via the middle station. From here you can enjoy St. Michael's Cave and the Apes' Den. A round trip costs 9 euros for adults, less for children.

Red Tape

Same requirements as for the United Kingdom. Which means that: Passport holders of members countries of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland have the right of free movement and residence in the UK.^[1]

European Economic Area: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Irish Republic, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not members of the European Union (EU) but citizens of these countries have the same rights to enter, live in and work in the United Kingdom as EU citizens.^[2]

For all other nationals, entry clearance (visa) may or may not be required for visiting Gibraltar.

Nationals from the following countries do not require entry clearance (visa) for a stay of three or six months:
Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Canada, Caymen Islands, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominica, East Timor, El Salvador, Falkland Islands, Faroes, Greenland, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Korea (South), Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Montserrat, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, South Georgia and Sandwich Islands, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tristan da Cunha, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City.^[3]

Visa nationals are required to apply for entry clearance before entering the UK.

For the latest visa requirements, visa application guides and other immigration matters, refer to the UK Border Agency Visa Services.

Money

See also: Money Matters

The official currency of Gibraltar is the pound (£, GIP) which is at par with the British Pound (GBP). One pound is 100 pence (p).
Banknotes are in denominations of £5, £10, £20, £50.
Coins come in 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2.

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

See also: Travel Health

Safety

See also: Travel Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

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