Gibraltar
Quick Facts
Language: EnglishCurrency: British Pound
Area Codes: 350 (9567 from Spain)
Other Cities in this Region
The British colony of Gibraltar, known throughout the world as The Rock, is one of the most picturesque locations in the world. The importance of Gibraltar's geographic position, guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, has been realized since ancient times, and throughout the millennia The Rock has been the site of countless battles for its control.
The Moors seized Gibraltar in 711, and their conquest of Spain soon followed. In fact, Gibraltar is named after the commander of the Moors, Jebel Tariq, which loosely translates to Jewel's Rock. The Moors controlled Gibraltar for over 700 years, until Spain retook possession in 1462. Spanish rule over this important strip of land lasted until 1704, and in 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht officially granted the land to the United Kingdom. To this day, Gibraltar remains a colony of Britain. The pound is the official currency, and Elizabeth II reigns supreme, much to the dismay of Spain.
Today, Gibraltar is a top tourist destination, and the gateway for European travelers who wish to make the 14km journey to the African mainland. A trip to the summit of The Rock is spectacular, as are visits to the Gibraltar Museum, St. Michael's Caves, and the Moorish Castle. The city is not particularly known for its shopping and nightlife, but great duty-free deals can be found on Main Street, and an evening stroll down this pedestrian thoroughfare is a delightfully romantic way to end the day in this historic stretch of land.
Docking & Local Transportation
Cruise ships dock at the Port of Gibraltar (350/77254). The small protectorate of Gibraltar is located within walking distance of the port.
Gibraltar is very small in size, so most of your traveling can be done on foot. If you'd like to rent a car while in Gibraltar, contact Avis (350/75552) for more information. If you'd like to take a ferry across the Strait to Tangier, contact Euro Ferrys (www.euroferrys.com, (34)956/652324) for rates and times
Local Interests
A great place to begin your exploration of Gibraltar is at the Gibraltar Museum (350/74289). Here you can learn about the illustrious history of the Rock throughout the millennia. The Gibraltar museum is located at Bomb House Lane, and is open Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm, and Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
The Moorish Castle is located on Willis Road, and its history dates back to the 8th century. Built by the descendants of Jebel Tariq (for whom Gibraltar is named), the castle has faced siege after siege, and has held up marvelously, considering its tormented past. The British have controlled the Moorish castle since their occupation of Gibraltar in 1704.
St. Michael's Cave, located on Queens Road, is the largest of Gibraltar's 160 caves. It is a spelunker's dream, complete with stalactites and stalagmites galore, and the occasional evening concert. Be sure to bring your camera to these incredibly picturesque caves.
Departing regularly from the southern end of Main Street, the ride on the cable car (adult ticket: £7.50) that takes you to the summit of the Rock of Gibraltar is truly superb. Once at the top, you are treated to extraordinary views of the Spanish and African coastlines, including the city of Algeciras and the Costa del Sol.
Activities
Diving and Dolphins
The waters surrounding the Rock of Gibraltar are well-known for their great diving. Contact Dive Charters (350/45649), located at 4 Admiral's Walk on Marina Bay, to arrange for a PADI certified diving trip. The Bay and Strait of Gibraltar are also havens for dolphins, and a guided boat trip to see these magnificent creatures up close is truly a memorable experience. Contact the folks at Dolphin Discovery Cruises (350/47333) in Marina Bay for more information.
Dining and Nightlife
La Bayuca (350/75119) is a famous restaurant in Gibraltar known for its delectable Mediterranean cuisine. Located at 21 Turnbull's Lane, it is often jam-packed with locals and tourists alike, so call ahead for reservations. The Cornerhouse Restaurant Cafe (350/76900) can be found at 1 Engineer Lane, and is a great place for lunch, featuring delicious sandwiches and soups. Strings (350/78800), located at 4 Cornwall's Parade, has a lively bar in a quaint, comfortable setting.
Another great bar with a decidedly British pub feel is Anchor Bar (350/40134), found at Block 1 Watergardens.
Shopping
Shopping is a delight in Gibraltar, and the tourists will love that the majority of the stores are duty-free. The best shopping can be found on Main Street, a beautiful pedestrian area featuring a wealth of clothing, jewelry and accessory stores. If you are in the market for famous Gibraltar Crystal, head to Casemates Square. Gibraltar Crystal (350/50136) in the Square is one of the finest crystal shops in Europe.