Gibraltar Travel Guide
Travel guide to Gibraltar, Gibraltar with comprehensive information about events, shopping, and major Gibraltar sporting events to help you enjoy your visit more.
Gibraltar Overview
An outpost of Britain on the southernmost tip of Spain, Gibraltar is the point where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, and is Europe's closest point to Africa.
The famous Rock of Gibraltar stands sentry over the colony, and was imagined by the Romans a Pillar of Hercules, one of the markers of the end of the known world.
A popular destination for holidaymakers on a day trip from one of Spain's many Costa del Sol resorts, Gibraltar offers a mix of cultures, and there is enough there to justify it as a short break destination in its own right.
There is a lot of Britain about Gibraltar, from the red telephone boxes to the fact that the shops accept Sterling alongside the Euro. The police uniforms are familiar, so are the license plates on cars, in fact aside from the climate - which is decidedly Spanish, the only noticeable difference between the Gibraltar and the rest of Britain is the tax free shopping, making the shops a great place to stock up on all kinds of goods.
The simplest way of getting to Gibraltar is to fly into Malaga and then drive along the coast. There are cheap flights to Malaga throughout the year, and coupled with the cheap car hire, a trip to Gibraltar can be very good value. With the combination of shops and weather, Gibraltar is a superb place to get some winter sun, and cheap Christmas presents all in one go.
Top Gibraltar Attractions
The main attraction of any visit to Gibraltar is the chance to climb to the top of the rock and experience the majestic views from the top. A cable car provides an alternative to the steep walk up the winding path - although it makes sense to walk up, as there are plenty off interesting sights on the way.
The locals have used the many tunnels in the rock of Gibraltar to hide goods and themselves from marauding pirates for generations, and many are open to be explored.
The nature reserve on the rock is famously home to Barbary apes - Europe's only resident monkey. Well used to the hordes of tourists who come from all over the continent to coo over them, these chubby simians are amongst the best fed creatures on earth, and exist on a diet of discarded chips and bits of chocolate.
Shopping in Gibraltar
One of the best things about shopping in Gibraltar is that all the goods are duty and tax-free. Almost everything you might want to buy is available at a fraction of the usual prices. Gibraltar's popularity with Spanish shoppers as well as tourists ensures that you are able to get everything from everyday essentials through to one of luxury items cheaply in one of the many stores.
You can find the more traditional shops in the town itself, while large warehouse stores the size of aircraft hangars are available close by.
Gibraltar Sporting Events
One of the most popular activities available for visitors to Gibraltar is the chance to set sail from Watergarden's Quay, and head for the ocean, where you are able to get into the water and fiddle with some dolphins. These dolphin encounter trips are available throughout the summer months, while in winter; deep-sea fishing is available instead.
With the Costa del Sol a short distance away, golf fans are well served on a trip to Gibraltar, and there are any number of golf courses and hiking trails nearby.