Gibraltar is not much to look at on the map, but this is misleading - as a browse through history books will reveal. Gibraltar has a crucial strategic position right by the entrance to the Mediterranean, and since the era of the Phoenicians Gibraltar has been sought after by whichever 'Great Powers'. The most recent victory was British. This is why Gibraltar is now a little piece of Britain attached to Spain. Among the sights are the Gibraltar Museum and the beautiful stalactite cave - Saint Michael's Cave.
Find your travel arrangement to Gibraltar here
Facts
Local name
Gibraltar
Capital
Gibraltar
Size
6,5 km2
Principal Languages
English
Principal Religion
Roman Catholic
Inhabitants
27.086 (1997)
Government
Gibraltar has a governor and a small parliamentary assembly, but formally Gibraltar belongs to the British Crown.
Geography
Gibraltar is a little appendage on the southern Spanish province Andalusia and is characterised by the many caves of the peninsula, 143 caves in all. The caves are formed by limestone that has been pushed up from the underground by the African continent, which slowly but steadily moves towards the North.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
In summer Gibraltar can be very hot and humid. Winters are mild.
Literature
Lonely Planet Andalusia including Gibraltar
Local conditions
Photography
There are no special rules about photography. There might be special rules in religious buildings, though.
Drinking water
Tap water is safe, but it tastes of chlorine, so if you do not like this taste, you should buy bottled water.
Electricity
In Gibraltar they use the following current:
220/240 volt AC, 50 Hz.
220/240 volt AC, 50 Hz.
Behaviour
No special precautions are to be taken in Gibraltar.
Business Hours
Public offices are open from 9.00 to 17.00 (Monday - Friday), in summer only to 14.00, though.
Shops are open from 9.00 to 18.00 (Monday - Friday), and most are also open a few hours on Saturdays.
Shops are open from 9.00 to 18.00 (Monday - Friday), and most are also open a few hours on Saturdays.
Food and drink
As a little piece of Britain - the city has a lot of pubs and English eating-places. You will find everything from traditional Fish&Chips to more internationally orientated and expensive restaurants.
Disabled travellers
Local authorities do their best to facilitate conditions for disabled travellers. But unfortunately, some sights and attractions are not constructed with facilities for disabled people. In turn, the entry to other attractions is free for disabled people.
Holidays
New Year's Day, 1 January
Commonwealth Day, 9 March
May Day, 1 May
National Day, 10 September
Christmas Day, 25 December
Boxing Day, 26 December
Holidays that are not fixed
Easter, March or April
Spring holiday, last Monday of May
The Queen's birthday, Monday after the second Saturday of June
Late summer holiday, last Monday of August
Commonwealth Day, 9 March
May Day, 1 May
National Day, 10 September
Christmas Day, 25 December
Boxing Day, 26 December
Holidays that are not fixed
Easter, March or April
Spring holiday, last Monday of May
The Queen's birthday, Monday after the second Saturday of June
Late summer holiday, last Monday of August
Accommodation / Hotel
The only possibility of accommodation in Gibraltar is hotels or the single hostel in the city. There are no camping grounds and open air camping is not allowed. You are not allowed to sleep in your auto-camper either. You could alternatively (and advantageously) stay in Spain.
Book your Hotel in Gibraltar here
Book your Hotel in Gibraltar here
There are about a handful of hotels in Gibraltar. They offer different prices and different standards.
Hostels
Gibraltar has one single hostel, which is situated in central city. It has a television-room and breakfast is included in the price.
Local transport
Gibraltar has an excellent bus network and plenty of taxis. Most tourists drive to Gibraltar from the Spanish tourist resorts, but it is also possible to fly to Gibraltar from London or Casablanca.
Bus
If you do not bring your own car, it is advantageous to use the public buses in Gibraltar. They travel regularly - but naturally not very far.
Taxi
There are quite a few taxis in Gibraltar and the public authorities control them on a short leash. The risk of being cheated is therefore minimal.
car rental
Most large car rental firms have an office in Gibraltar. Unlike in Britain driving is on the right hand side of the road.
Boat or Ferry
There are regular departures for Tangier in Morocco.
Special conditions
Since 1713 Gibraltar has belonged to the British Crown - much to the regret of the Spanish. In the middle of the 20th century Franco tried to get Gibraltar back to Spanish control, but without luck. Since then the tone between London and Madrid has improved, but it has not changed the status of Gibraltar. If you ask the inhabitants they do not want Spain or Britain to have power in Gibraltar, they would rather have home rule (so much for democracy in international power games!).
