Gibraltar Guide
Our Guide To Gibraltar
Gibraltar, a time capsule of Britishness tacked onto the edge of Spain. British writer Laurie Lee once said it “is a piece of Portsmouth sliced off and towed 500 miles south”.
Gibraltar, however, is more than red pillar boxes and afternoon tea. It has a lengthy history and its strategic position between Europe and Africa at the mouth of the Mediterranean means it has long been fought over.
Packed onto ‘the rock’ are a host of attractions, both natural and man-made, from palaeolithic times to the early 20th century. Head into the caves and tunnels, or to the top of the rock with the Barbary macaques.
A Moorish castle, Palladian villas and Nelson’s Anchorage sum up the complex and interesting history of the British Overseas Territory.
Accommodation
A Few of Our Favourite Places to Stay in Girbaltar
The Rock Hotel
You wouldn’t be surprised to see Hercule Poirot emerging from The Rock Hotel as it is so reminiscent of the 1930s. Set back from the coast against a rock, it has amazing sea views across the Strait. For a luxurious stay, head to The Rock. The restaurant is one of the best in the town.
Sunborn Gibraltar
This accommodation is something different, a 5* floating yacht hotel. Moored in the harbour, the seven deck yacht has a prime location. Multiple restaurants, which are high on the list for dining in Gibraltar, and bars and a casino are available without touching dry land. Rooms are larger than you would usually get onboard, and with the rugged cliff as a backdrop, it doesn’t get much more dramatic.
The Eliott Hotel
Just off Main Street, The Eliott Hotel is perfectly situated for exploring. It has a swish rooftop pool, and the restaurant on the eights floor has panoramic views across the town. The Veranda Bar and Terrace is ideal for winding down after a long day sightseeing and shopping.
Restaurants
A Few of the Best Places to Eat in Gibraltar
Aquaterra
Hits the top notes with a wonderful charcuterie offering, tapas and steak and all very reasonably priced for the quality. You can also indulge in cocktails which come served in some rather quirky receptacles!
El Kasbah
This underground restaurant has recently reopened. Giving diners a taste of north Africa with tagines and homemade hummus amongst the dishes, it is a nod to Gibraltar’s proximity to Morocco and its historic past.
Things To Do
Activities in and around Gibraltar
Upper Rock Nature Reserve
Just like the ravens at the Tower of London for the British monarchy, the Barbary Macaques are closely linked with the British presence on Gibraltar. Take the cable car from the centre of town, or if you’re fit you can hike to the top. But don’t get too close to the animals, they are wild.
Dolphin Watching & Boat Trips
See the Rock from another point of view, including the caves on the East Side and views along the coasts of Gibraltar, Morocco, and Spain. Dolphins are an almost daily occurrence in the seas off Gibraltar, fantastic to see them in their natural habitat.
Seige Tunnels
The Seige Tunnels are an impressive feat of engineering from the late 18th century, as Britain fought to retain Gibraltar against France and Spain. At the end of the Great Siege in 1783, the defeated Commander commented “These works are worthy of the Romans”.
St Michael’s Cave
One of the ‘Pillars of Hercules’, Gibraltar has an extensive cave network. St Michael’s Cave is 200 metres deep, at one time it was thought to be bottomless, and has had many uses over the years, from place of refuge to ammunition store and emergency hospital. It’s stalactite columns, resembling a cathedral with pulpit, chancel and organ pipes.
Nelson’s Anchorage
Pop down to the spot where Lord Nelson’s body was brought ashore from the HMS Victory after the Battle of Trafalgar. A Victorian supergun marks the spot, weighing in at an impressive 100-tonnes.
Practical Information
Where is Gibraltar?
Gibraltar juts out into the Strait of Gibraltar on the Spanish side, close to Algeciras.
Getting There
Gibraltar has its own international airport serviced by British Airways and Easyjet. Connecting flights from the UK worldwide are possible. Alternatively, Malaga is under two hours drive away.
When to Go & Climate
The best time to visit Gibraltar is between May and October – the Mediterranean temperatures hover in the mid-to-high 20s.
Tourist Information
Tourist office
13 John Mackintosh Square
Telephone: +350 200 74950/+350 200 45000
Opening hours: Monday to Frida: 9am-4.30pm; Saturday 9.30am – 3.30pm
Safety Tips
In case of emergencies, dial 190 for Fire and Ambulance; 199 or 112 for Police.
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun during outdoor activities, especially in the summer months.
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