Gibraltar overview
Holding a unique strategic location on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar and linked to the Spanish mainland by a narrow isthmus, Gibraltar has attracted visitors for centuries. British, Moorish, Genoese, Portuguese, Spanish, Jewish, Maltese and Indian are all cultures that have left their stamp throughout a rich and tumultuous history. Today these influences are evident in the architecture, cuisine and customs of Gibraltar where you'll be met by an eclectic mix of cultures that has developed from the many settlers who have made Gibraltar their home.
Despite the imposing appearance of the Rock, which during seven centuries of Moorish dominion was referred to as Jebel Tarik or Tarik's Mountain, after Tarik Ibn Zeyad the Berber Chief who led the Muslim invasion of Europe, Gibraltar is small. In total the area that it covers measures less than six square kilometres. It is the southern most point of Europe and the only place in Europe where monkeys range free in a semi-wild state. It is also steeped in history; an intertwining of civilisations and cultures which dates back many thousands of years. It is a living history reflected not just in the Gibraltarians themselves, but also in the many legacies that remain to this day, including a number of prehistoric caves, a medieval castle and 11th century baths, Georgian and Victorian buildings as well as architecture which reflects Portuguese, Genoese and Moorish influences.
Shopping
Gold jewellery, watches, perfumes, porcelain figures and designer wear are perhaps the best buys, although cigars and spirits tend to be the most popular duty free purchases.
Twin Centre Holidays
To make the most of your holiday you may wish to combine a stay in Gibraltar with time on the Costa del Sol in one of our properties in Marbella, Estepona, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Nerja or Mijas.
Map
Climate
Gibraltar has an average of 320 days of sunshine a year and temperatures can rise well above 30 degrees centigrade in summer, although the subtropical sun of North Africa is tempered by gentle sea breezes. Fresh springtime breezes and occasional showers, some of which can be very heavy, permeate the winter months.
Did you know?
It is said that Hercules (a hero of Greek legend) decided to pull Africa and Spain apart, using Gibraltar and the Moroccan mountain of Jbel Musa as his handgrips. They are known as The Pillars of Hercules.
Gibralter hotels
The Caleta Hotel
A favoured choice of those visiting Gibraltar for a long weekend or longer holiday, The Caleta Hotel is located on the tranquil eastside of the Rock
The O'Callaghan Elliot Hotel
Situated in the heart of the town's shopping district, the visitor to this intriguing colony will find The O'Callaghan Eliott Hotel's location superb
-
-
The Rock Hotel
With a reputation extending far beyond the borders of this characterful colonial outpost, The Rock Hotel was built in 1932
-
Map
Climate
Gibraltar has an average of 320 days of sunshine a year and temperatures can rise well above 30 degrees centigrade in summer, although the subtropical sun of North Africa is tempered by gentle sea breezes. Fresh springtime breezes and occasional showers, some of which can be very heavy, permeate the winter months.
Did you know?
It is said that Hercules (a hero of Greek legend) decided to pull Africa and Spain apart, using Gibraltar and the Moroccan mountain of Jbel Musa as his handgrips. They are known as The Pillars of Hercules.
Gibraltar sightseeing
Gibraltar offers something for everyone, ranging from architectural treasures and priceless artefacts. Located more than 300 metres above sea level, with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, is St Michael's Cave. The main chamber has been transformed into a large subterranean auditorium, and provides a unique venue for concerts, ballet and drama. There are the spectacular Alameda Botanical Gardens whence you can take a cable car up to the Apes' Den and then onto the summit of the Rock. The views from the top are quite simply breathtaking.
There's a Medieval Castle, museums, heritage centres and War memorials as well as a church, a cathedral a Hindu temple a synagogue and a Mosque. Sailing Centres offer a full range of courses, three established schools offer diving opportunities, fishing is a popular pastime and dolphin-watching, and to a lesser extent whale-watching, trips are also available.
Gibraltar is also the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding cultures, countries and continents. Enjoy a day trip to the ancient town of Seville, or discover Jerez. Whilst a short ferry ride across the Strait lies Morocco and the considerable and exotic charms of Tangier.
The Barbary Apes
World famous, and perhaps Gibraltar's most important attraction, the Barbary apes are actually tail-less monkeys. Natives of North Africa their presence in Gibraltar probably dates from the early days of the British garrison when it is presumed that they were imported as pets or even game, inevitably finding the rough limestone cliffs and scrub vegetation a congenial habitat. Towards the end of the Second World War when, owing to natural causes, the number of apes had diminished, Sir Winston Churchill took a personal interest in the fate of the monkeys ensuring that additional animals were imported from Morocco. Today the monkeys enjoy the rudest health living in the Apes' Den and roaming wild on the steep slopes of the Rock. The apes should not be approached, touched or fed.
Map
Climate
Gibraltar has an average of 320 days of sunshine a year and temperatures can rise well above 30 degrees centigrade in summer, although the subtropical sun of North Africa is tempered by gentle sea breezes. Fresh springtime breezes and occasional showers, some of which can be very heavy, permeate the winter months.
Did you know?
It is said that Hercules (a hero of Greek legend) decided to pull Africa and Spain apart, using Gibraltar and the Moroccan mountain of Jbel Musa as his handgrips. They are known as The Pillars of Hercules.
Gibraltar cuisine
You can find most ethnic and international cuisine in Gibraltar including Indian, Chinese, Thai, Argentinean, Japanese, Moroccan, Kosher, English, Danish, French, Spanish and Italian. Fish lovers are particularly well catered for with Catalan Bay on the east side and the marinas featuring a number of restaurants specialising in sea-food. For lighter bites there is no shortage of English and Irish pubs, and Irish coffee houses.
Map
Climate
Gibraltar has an average of 320 days of sunshine a year and temperatures can rise well above 30 degrees centigrade in summer, although the subtropical sun of North Africa is tempered by gentle sea breezes. Fresh springtime breezes and occasional showers, some of which can be very heavy, permeate the winter months.
Did you know?
It is said that Hercules (a hero of Greek legend) decided to pull Africa and Spain apart, using Gibraltar and the Moroccan mountain of Jbel Musa as his handgrips. They are known as The Pillars of Hercules.
Gibraltar offers
The Caleta Hotel
A favoured choice of those visiting Gibraltar for a long weekend or longer holiday, The Caleta Hotel is located on the tranquil eastside of the Rock
3 offers
The O'Callaghan Elliot Hotel
Situated in the heart of the town's shopping district, the visitor to this intriguing colony will find The O'Callaghan Eliott Hotel's location superb
1 offer
-
-
The Rock Hotel
With a reputation extending far beyond the borders of this characterful colonial outpost, The Rock Hotel was built in 1932
3 offers
-
-
Map
Climate
Gibraltar has an average of 320 days of sunshine a year and temperatures can rise well above 30 degrees centigrade in summer, although the subtropical sun of North Africa is tempered by gentle sea breezes. Fresh springtime breezes and occasional showers, some of which can be very heavy, permeate the winter months.
Did you know?
It is said that Hercules (a hero of Greek legend) decided to pull Africa and Spain apart, using Gibraltar and the Moroccan mountain of Jbel Musa as his handgrips. They are known as The Pillars of Hercules.