Gibraltar: A Historical British Territory at the Edge of Europe
The impervious Rock of Gibraltar is situated at the southern tip of Spain and stands guard over the strait of Gibraltar, which divides Europe and Africa. This strategic position has made Gibraltar the site of many battles over the centuries yet, despite this, it has stood firm over the centuries, giving rise to the well-known English idiom, ‘as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar’.
Gibraltar has its legendary beginnings in Greek mythology as one of the Pillars of Hercules, pushed away from Mount Acho in Morocco by the fabled strength of Hercules to mark the end of the Mediterranean and the comforting limits of the world as the ancient Greeks knew it.
The Rock was ceded to England in 1713 at the conclusion of the Wars of the Spanish Succession (along with Minorca and much of what is now Canada), and remains a British Overseas Territory to this day, despite many Spanish attempts to regain it, most famously during the Great Siege (1779-83). Gibraltar has been an irritant in Anglo-Spanish relations ever since.
Situated on a narrow promontory linked to the end of the Iberian Peninsula by a slender sandy neck, the British colony of Gibraltar is dominated by the impressive limestone monolith, and covers an area of roughly two square miles (6 sq km).
The town and its harbour take up the thin coastal strip to the west overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean, while the steeper eastern side is made up of sheer cliffs dropping to little beaches on the Mediterranean Sea. The limestone cliffs are peppered with natural caves, such as the dramatic St Michael’s grotto, as well as a maze of tunnels that were excavated as a defence system in the 18th century and are now open to tourists.
The upper parts of the sloping 1,400-foot (426m) rock have been made into a nature reserve to protect the Rock’s natural environment and Gibraltar’s most famous residents, the Barbary Apes. These sociable characters are the only wild primates in Europe and have lived on The Rock for hundreds of years, charming tourists with their delightful antics and curious natures. Legend has it that when the apes leave, Gibraltar will cease to be British.
Today, Gibraltar remains a popular holiday and business travel destination, and gateway to southern Spain. Gibraltar has an intriguing culture and fascinating history along with the bonus of a tax-free environment. This British Overseas Territory is full of surprises, from its unusual sand and limestone landscape, to its resident dolphins and a botanical garden to equal the finest in the world.
Overview
The main attraction for most visitors to Gibraltar, the northern face of the Rock of Gibraltar has been set aside as a nature reserve that will delight botanists and bird watchers. The most famous inhabitants of the Upper Rock are the cheeky Barbary Macaque apes, mischievous primates who delight in stealing bags, cameras, and other items from tourists. The macaques are most concentrated around the Apes Den, and visitors are warned not to take food into the area and to be careful with their belongings.
There are several points of interest in the Upper Rock Reserve, including the impressive rock formations in St Michaels Cave, the Jews Gate, and military Siege Tunnels left over from World War II. There are many hiking and walking paths throughout the reserve of varying difficulty.
Visitors to the Upper Rock get to the reserve by cable car, which offers stunning views along the way, extending from Spain to the north to Africa to the south. Visitors should note that there are separate entrance fees for various sites on the Rock of Gibraltar, including the Apes Den, St Michaels Cave, and the Siege Tunnels.
Other popular attractions in Gibraltar include Europa Point, the southern tip of the peninsula, which boasts a number of historic buildings including a 19th-century lighthouse and a restored 19th-century fort; The Moorish Castle, perched high above Gibraltar’s Old Town and built between the 8th and 14th centuries; and the surprisingly magnificent Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, which offer some peace away from the crowds and all the military history.
Climate in Gibraltar
The climate is typically Mediterranean, with mild winters and warm dry summers, though May to September can get very hot and humid. There is no real rainy season, but most rain falls in the winter months (November to February), when the average temperature is 59F (15C). In summer (June to August) the temperature hovers around 86F (30C).
Health Notes when travelling to Gibraltar
No vaccinations are required for travel to Gibraltar. Tap water is chlorinated, but it is advisable to start with bottled water. EU citizens can receive treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and British nationals can get the same with a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Travel health insurance should cover the cost of medical repatriation.
Safety Notes when travelling to Gibraltar
Travel to Gibraltar is generally trouble free. There is a risk of international terrorism and visitors should be vigilant to ensure safety in public places and tourist sites. There are very few incidences of street crime or violence, though petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft of unattended baggage occurs, and there have been reports of people walking between La Linea (Spain) and Gibraltar at night being attacked and robbed.
Customs in Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, generally tolerant of all sorts of social and religious customs. Public drunkenness is severely frowned upon.
Duty Free in Gibraltar
Travellers to Gibraltar over 17 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 200g smoking tobacco; one litre spirits or liquers, or two litres of wine and two litres of sparkling or fortified wine; and 50g perfume.
Doing Business in Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and business is conducted in a similar fashion to in the UK. A formal dress code is advisable by default, as the island has a strong military culture. A firm handshake is the norm for both men and women and there’s no ritual surrounding business cards, even though they are exchanged. Punctuality is expected. General business hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Gibraltar
The international dialling code for Gibraltar is +350. Internet access is widely available and visitors can purchase prepaid local SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Gibraltar
A service charge is generally included in restaurant bills, but it is usual to leave an extra 10 percent tip for good service.
Passport/Visa Note
Visitors requiring a visa to enter Spain should be aware that by crossing into Gibraltar they have officially left Spain, and will require a new visa to cross back over the border. Visitors with a multiple entry visa for the UK, and those with indefinite leave to stay in the UK, do not require a separate visa for Gibraltar. Visa-exempt visitors will be issued an entry permit to cover the period of stay, for short stays. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Gibraltar. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid on in Gibraltar. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport valid on arrival in Gibraltar. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals require a passport valid on arrival in Gibraltar. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Gibraltar. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is on arrival in Gibraltar. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Gibraltar. A visa is required, except for holders of a multiple-entry UK visa. Those travelling with a visa issued by the Republic of Ireland under the British Irish Visa Scheme are also exempt from attaining a visa, granted this document is valid for a period of six months and during the time of intended travel to Gibraltar, and that Ireland (Rep.) has been travelled to prior to arrival in Gibraltar.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
