Travel guide – gibraltar
gibraltar
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Overview
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 it the target of endless attacks, yet despite the battles, The Rock 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 they 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 has remained a British Crown Colony since 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 1,400ft-high (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. The Colony has an intriguing culture and fascinating history along with the bonus of a tax-free environment. Gibraltar is full of surprises, from its unusual sand and limestone landscape, to its resident Bay dolphins and a botanical garden to equal the finest in the world.
Climate
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 rainy season, but most rain falls in the winter months when the average temperature is 59°F (15°C). In summer the temperatures hover around 86°F (30°C).
Health
No vaccinations are required. Tap water is chlorinated, but it is advisable to start with bottled water. British nationals are entitled to free emergency treatment on 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.
The basics
Time
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 from March to October).
Electricity
Electrical current is 240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Plugs in use are the round two-pin type or the rectangular three-pin plug.
Language
English is used for official purposes and in schools, but Spanish is also widely spoken.
Tipping
A service charge is generally included in restaurant bills, but it is usual to leave an extra 10%.
Safety
There is a risk of international terrorism and visitors should be vigilant 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.
Communications
The international dialling code for Gibraltar is +350, except when calling from Spain when 9567 must precede the local number instead. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City codes are not required. The local mobile phone operator use the GSM 900 network and has roaming agreements with all major international operators. There is at present one Internet cafe in Gibraltar.
Duty Free
Travellers to Gibraltar over 17 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 200g smoking tobacco; 1 litre spirits or liquor, or 2 litres of wine, or 2 litres of sparkling or fortified wine; and 50g perfume.
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