Freelance Writing Jobs | Today's Articles | Sign In

Visit the Rock – Take a Short Break in Gibraltar

A Weekend Stay has Sunshine, Beaches, History and Duty Free Shopping

Jul 27, 2009 Jenny Fowler

Gibraltar is on the southern coast of Spain but has a long, turbulent history of British rule. It is British but outside the EU so shopping is duty free.

Blue skies and red post boxes. Brilliant flowers and a view of Africa. British currency and duty free shopping. Gibraltar is a 2-hour flight from the UK and great for a long weekend. It occupies a very small area, but there's so much to see and do.

The Rock of Gibraltar rises steeply out of the blue sea. One side is peaceful, with sandy beaches. On the other side lies the bustling town and harbour of Gibraltar. It's full of history – Nelson's body was brought ashore here after the Battle of Trafalgar. The language is English, but driving is on the right, just like in nearby Spain.

Visiting the Barbary Apes and Europa Point

Bring the camera along on these trips:

Take a cable-car or walk to the top of the Rock for stunning views. It's 426 metres high, a steep climb. The famous Barbary Apes hang out at the top.
Visit Europa Point and look across the Straits of Gibraltar to Africa. There's a traditional red and white lighthouse and a look-out point with a telescope.

Taking it Easy on Catalan Bay or in a Cafe in Casemates Square

After climbing up the Rock there are some relaxing possibilities:

Relax in the sun on the beach in picturesque Catalan Bay. There's a sandy beach and restaurants and cafes.
Stop at a pavement cafe in Casemates Square. Enjoy a sandwich or a burger and watch the world go by. Or enjoy a leisurely meal at a waterside restaurant like The Waterfront in Queensway.
Stock up on duty-free bargains in Main Street.
Visit the beautiful Botanic Gardens, full of sub-tropical flowers, for a peaceful stroll.

Gibraltar's Historic Sites

Gibraltar has great historical significance and the physical reminders of its history are all around. There's more than anyone could take in during one visit, but these make a start:

Visit Gibraltar Museum. Exhibits cover Gibraltar from pre-history to the present day.
Explore the inside of the rock. It is honeycombed with caves and tunnels, many hollowed out with pick and shovel by the British Army in the 18th century. A visit to the Great Siege Tunnels shows the gunners' view out over the sea.
Experience St Michaels Cave, inside the Rock. It has illuminated stalactites and holds a small theatre.
Visit Parson's Lodge, a fort with views over the sea and historic guns and cannon.

Information for Visitors to Gibraltar

The weather in winter is mild, about 15 C, but rain is possible. Summer temperatures are around 30C and the weather is generally sunny.

There are flights to Gibraltar from most regional UK airports. Monarch, flying from Luton, often has the cheapest flights. Another route is to take a cheap flight to Malaga and hire a car to drive to Gibraltar.

The official Gibraltar tourism website has useful information.

The website discoverGibraltar has a wide range of photos and information to help plan a trip.

For more historical background, read How ‘The Rock’ Became Part of the United Kingdom

The copyright of the article Visit the Rock – Take a Short Break in Gibraltar in S Europe Travel is owned by Jenny Fowler. Permission to republish Visit the Rock – Take a Short Break in Gibraltar in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Barbary Ape, Gibraltar