Overview of Gibraltar
The impervious Rock of Gibraltar is situated at the southern tip of Spain, standing 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 resulting in 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 which 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.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English is used for official purposes and in schools, but Spanish is also widely spoken.
- Passport/Visa:
-
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. Travellers entering Gibraltar from the UK or Spain should note that these countries may require a longer period of passport validity than Gibraltar does. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
-
The official currency is the Gibraltar Pound (GIP), which is divided into 100 pence. UK notes and coins are also accepted and have the same value, but Gibraltar Pounds are not accepted in the UK and any unspent Gibraltar Pounds should be changed before leaving. Euros are also widely accepted, and foreign currency can be exchanged at any one of the numerous banks or exchange bureaux in town. ATMs dispense both GIP and Euros. All major credit cards are widely accepted.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220 - 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs most commonly in use are the round two-pin type or the rectangular three-pin plug typical of Europe and the UK respectively.
Travel to Gibraltar
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, although 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 59°F (15°C). In summer (June to August) the temperature hovers around 86°F (30°C).
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. British nationals are entitled to free emergency treatment upon presenting proof of residency in the UK. EU citizens can receive treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Health insurance should cover the cost of a transfer to the UK if required.
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. Authorities on both sides of the Spanish/Gibraltar border often delay vehicles and it is usually better to leave one's car in Spain and walk to and from Gibraltar to avoid lengthy queues. There is no 'ticket' necessary to enter Gibraltar from Spain and visitors should be aware of tricksters trying to sell any such thing at the border.
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. City codes are not required. Internet access is widely available.
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. Travellers entering Gibraltar from the UK or Spain should note that these countries may require a longer period of passport validity than Gibraltar does. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your 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.
Tourist Offices
Gibraltar Tourist Board, Gibraltar: +350 74950 or http://www.gibraltar.gi
Gibraltar Embassies
- In the United States:
-
British Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Gibraltar): +1 (202) 588 6500.
- In Canada:
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British High Commission, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Gibraltar): +1 613 237 1530.
- In Australia:
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British High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Gibraltar): +61 (0)2 6270 6666.
- In Ireland:
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British Embassy, Dublin, Ireland (also responsible for Gibraltar): +353 (0)1 205 3700.
- In New Zealand:
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British High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for Gibraltar): +64 (0)4 924 2888.
- In South Africa:
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British High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Gibraltar): +27 (0)12 421 7500.
Foreign Embassies in Gibraltar
- American Embassy
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United States Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)20 7499 9000.
- Canadian Embassy
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Canadian High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)20 7004 6000.
- Australian Embassy
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Australian High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)20 7379 4334.
- Irish Embassy
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Irish Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)20 7235 2171.
- New Zealand Embassy
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New Zealand High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)20 7930 8422.
- South African Embassy
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South African High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Gibraltar): +44 (0)20 7451 7299.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Gibraltar (U.K.)
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Hepatitis A | Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Gibraltar, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you. |  |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Rabies | Rabies is present in bats in Gibraltar. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
|  |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Gibraltar, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies is present in bats in Gibraltar. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
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Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Gibraltar, so your behaviors are important.
Food and water standards in Gibraltar are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home.
Hide Although Gibraltar is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Hide If your travel plans in Gibraltar include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity in the heat of the day.
- If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
- Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Gibraltar’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Make sure there are seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Gibraltar, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Gibraltar (U.K.) for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
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Hide Travel Health Notices
There are no notices currently in effect for Gibraltar (U.K.).
Top
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is the Gibraltar Pound (GIP), which is divided into 100 pence. UK notes and coins are also accepted and have the same value, but Gibraltar Pounds are not accepted in the UK and any unspent Gibraltar Pounds should be changed before leaving. Euros are also widely accepted, and foreign currency can be exchanged at any one of the numerous banks or exchange bureaux in town. ATMs dispense both GIP and Euros. All major credit cards are widely accepted.
Gibraltar Airport (GIB)
North Front Airport
Location: The airport is situated about half a mile (1km) from the town centre.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 from March to October)
Contacts:
Tel: +350 73026.
Getting to the city:
There is a regular bus service to the town centre and taxis are also available outside the terminal building. The airport is on the border with Spain and passengers requiring taxi transport into Spain must ensure they take a short walk across the border and take a Spanish taxi, because Gibraltar taxis may not operate in Spain.
Car rental:
Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, and Hertz.
Airport Taxis:
Facilities:
Facilities include bureaux de change, restaurants, bars, shops, duty-free, and tourist information. Facilities for the disabled are good.
Parking:
Departure Tax: None.
Overview of the Attractions in Gibraltar
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.
Public Holidays in Gibraltar
Port of Call - Gibraltar
The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar is tiny, less than three square miles (7km sq) in size; however, its location at the southern tip of Europe has given it a historical importance disproportionate to its size, having been used as a strategic base in many wars going back to ancient Greece and Rome.
These days foreign invaders come on cruise ships rather than battleships, on cruises from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors enjoy soaking up the blend of British and Spanish culture, sunning themselves on the beaches in Catalan Bay, and seeing famous landmarks like the iconic Pillars of Hercules.
Cruise ships in Gibraltar dock at the cruise terminal, which offers a cafeteria, shop, currency exchange office and tourist information office. There is a small passenger tax per person, but this is sometimes discounted or waived depending on the cruise line.
Shopping in Gibraltar
Shopping in Gibraltar is centred around Main Street, where you'll find rows of shops selling souvenirs like stuffed Barbary Apes, and t-shirts, as well as discounted alcohol and tobacco. More unique buys are harder to find, but Lladro and Nao porcelain figurines are a popular choice. Many shops accept both Gibraltar Pounds and Euros.
Dining in Gibraltar
Michelangelo's Restaurant - American and Italian food served with a smile
Gauchos - all-you-can-eat Argentinean barbecue
Cafe Rojo - popular European restaurant in the heart of Main Street
Things to do in Gibraltar
Visit the famous Barbary Apes in the Upper Rock nature reserve
Explore the siege tunnels from World War II
Learn about the Rock's history at the Gibraltar Museum
Dip your toes in at Europa Point, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean
Watch the changing of the guard at Convent and King's Chapel
Gibraltar Port Authority: http://www.gibraltarport.com
Gibraltar Tourist Board: http://www.gibraltar.gov.uk/holiday.php
