Discover why Gibraltar rocks
Sun, sea, sangria and… scones with cream and jam. Gibraltar holidays deliver a delightful mix of English eccentricity and a generous helping of Spanish flair. Bordering Andalucia, the area has been a British Overseas Territory since 1713, and holidays to Gibraltar offer an endearing mix of red post boxes, afternoon tea, Spanish tapas and long, lazy days under the Mediterranean sun. A tiny nation state – less than 7 kilometres square – Gibraltar perches on the tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Europe’s southernmost point.
Holidays to Gibraltar will certainly include the 426-metre high Rock of Gibraltar, a 200-million year old limestone peak latticed with Neanderthal caves (now a Unesco World Heritage Site) and networks of underground military bunkers. At the top it’s a lush, green haven, a designated wildlife reserve that’s home to Gibraltar’s famous Barbary monkeys. With Morocco less than 25 kilometres to the south, Gibraltar occupies a strategic position, not just for humans, but for the enormous bird and butterfly migrations that soar over in springtime on their way from Africa to Europe. Echoed beneath the water, whales and dolphins pass by in huge numbers, making for plentiful wildlife watching opportunities.
Moorish influences can still be seen today in the form of ancient castles and fortifications, while the country’s military history is evident all over – underground tunnels, former artillery batteries and defensive walls and gates stand as testament to Gibraltar’s historically important position. Buzzy Gibraltar town offers well-known British high street brands alongside traditional boutiques, winding side streets and elegant squares. The marina bobs with luxury yachts, upmarket restaurants and glitzy casinos, and there are plenty of beaches dotted around to make exploring worthwhile.
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Your questions answered
Gibraltar has a warm, Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild winters. The temperature rarely falls below 14°C, even in the coldest months, so it’s an ideal destination to visit at any time. If you enjoy sightseeing, a spring or autumn break is ideal. Prefer really hot weather? July and August would be your best bet. This is also a great spot to get some respite from the British winter, and there’s plenty to see and do here whenever you travel.
All of the beaches are quite close together, as Gibraltar is, geographically at least, quite small-scale. Camp Bay and Little Bay are both pretty, rocky beaches, if you don’t want to waste time wiping sand off your feet! They’re nearby one another too, in the south-west on the Atlantic side. Western Beach is a great choice if you want to stay away from the crowds but still find great amenities. Catalan Bay, to the east, is very picturesque and Eastern Bay is the biggest beach of all. Sandy Bay, however, has a distinctively Saharan feel; it even has red sand!
Restaurants cater for all palates and, if you have quite traditional tastes, that includes British options. Typical Gibraltan food also has Italian, Maltese and Moroccan influences but, in truth, the restaurant scene here is very cosmopolitan. That means everything from French and Spanish cuisine to Chinese, Indian and even American food is widely available. The area around Casemates Square is a particularly good spot to head for, as it’s got a thriving cafe culture.
Gibraltar is brilliant for both short and longer stays. The Tourism Office in Casemates Square is the best place to begin any visit. This helps you plan how to make the best use of your time here, and find out more about the must-see attractions. You can also find information on the many festivals that take place throughout the year and, of course, how to best get around. One thing’s for sure, you’ll never be bored!
Yes, Gibraltar is great for shopping, whether you want to hunt down duty-free bargains or source local crafts. Main Street should be your first stop for a bit of retail therapy because all the shops are centred around this area. You’ll find well-known British high street names, whenever you need them, and everything is close at hand, so it’s easy to explore. The back streets and markets here are really fascinating, and there are plenty of opportunities for great cafe breaks along the way.
Gibraltar is very compact. It’s only three miles across, so it doesn’t take too long at all to get around. The best way to make the most of your walks in Gibraltar, though, is by breaking them up, so you can take everything in. Maybe a morning’s tour of the Upper Rock, with a stop-off to see the Pillars of Hercules, sounds appealing. Or an afternoon’s shopping, followed by a trip around Alameda Botanical Gardens. Perhaps you’d like to take in Camp Bay and the H.M. Dockyard; that would only take a few hours. If you vary your walks in this way, you’ll definitely make the most of your visit.