Gibraltar Travel Guide

Like many parts of the British Empire Gibraltar is a great example of cultural incongruities. Although it has a subtropical, Mediterranean climate, and its population is made up of Britons, Spanish, Italians, Portuguese and Maltese, the enduring 'Britishness' of the territory cannot be denied. You'll see classic London phone boxes, bright red Royal Mail post boxes, and even London bobbies patrolling the beat on streets that could easily be on the Riviera. It is a place of sun-kissed beaches, super-yacht marinas, and historical military forts with a hint of pomp and ceremony from the Empire's glory days.

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory that sits at the southern tip of Spain. In its long history it has been governed by many nations including Phoenicians, Romans, Carthaginians, Visigoths and the Spanish. It was finally ceded to the British in 1713 and has remained a part of the Empire from that day forward.

The most prominent feature of Gibraltar is the massive limestone Rock that towers almost 430m (1,400 feet) over the Mediterranean Sea. The Rock of Gibraltar has had a long history of military significance over the centuries and there is a labyrinth of tunnels stretching for miles underground. Many of Gibraltar's best attractions can be found in and around the Rock. The Siege Tunnels were used as a defence system during the Great Siege; the World War Two tunnels are below the Siege Tunnels and there are frequent tours available to view them. St Michael's Cave is a beautiful cave with natural rock sculptures that formed over tens of thousands of years. The Upper Rock is home to the Apes Den where scores of local Barbary Macaques will entertain you while pilfering your picnic lunch. Here you'll also fine the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, as well as historic military fortifications. Other notable attractions in Gibraltar are Europa Point, The Mediterranean Steps, Trafalgar Cemetery and the Gibraltar Museum.