HOLIDAY IN THE SUN
GIBRALTAR and La Linea
As a visitor, you’re in for a treat with its unique blend of British and Mediterranean influences. Gibraltar is a tiny British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, sharing its border with Spain.
Getting There: Gibraltar International Airport serves flights from the UK and other nearby cities. Alternatively, you can fly into Malaga Airport in Spain and take a taxi or a bus to Gibraltar. If you’re coming by land, there are bus services from nearby Spanish cities. However REMEMBER YOUR PASSPORT which will be required also remember that Gibraltar is not in the European Community since brexit and there are duty free limits to be observed. Once you have arrived when exploring the city center and the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, you really won’t have many alternatives to walking unless you are taking one of the mini bus tours.
The currency used in Gibraltar is the Gibraltar Pound (GIP), but the British Pound (GBP) is also widely accepted, and English is the official language, but you’ll also hear Spanish and the local dialect known as “Llanito.”
Exploring Gibraltar’s city centre can be a pleasant experience with its historical landmarks and charming streets. Let’s delve into the highlights of this vibrant area:
The once military “Grand Casemates Square” holds significant historical importance. The casemates building itself used to be a fortified barracks, but now is home to an assortment of various restaurants and bars, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Surrounding Casemates Square, you’ll come across some of Gibraltar’s impressive fortifications, including the Grand Battery, the North Bastion, and the Landport Tunnel. These fortifications give a glimpse into what was the importance of Gibraltar as well defended outpost.
Take a stroll south along Main Street that is the heart of Gibraltar’s city centre. So many shops and boutique stores, making it a popular shopping destination for perfumes, alcohol, tobacco, and electronics. However REMEMBER YOUR PASSPORT which will be required also remember that Gibraltar is not in the European Community since brexit and there are duty free limits to be observed.
The beautiful cathedral is one of the prominent landmarks on Main Street. along with the “Governor’s Residence”, which serves as the official residence of Gibraltar’s Governor. While access to the building itself might be restricted, its exterior is worth admiring.
You cant miss the “Royal Gibraltar Post Office” fronted by the iconic red ER Royal Mail letter boxes demonstrating its British links.
But remember that outside the city centre, there is still much to see, such as the Rock of Gibraltar, St. Michael’s Cave, Europa Point.
You really must-visit “The Rock” itself for stunning views of the surrounding areas and even across to Africa on clear days. To reach the most interesting parts of the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, visitors can either hike up the hill’s winding paths or simply ride the Cable Car. From the top of the cable car station, trails lead to various lookouts that show off stunning panoramic views on both sides of the peninsula. Explore the natural beauty of the nature reserve, home to the famous Barbary macaques, Europe’s only wild monkeys. The Nature Reserve is where many visitors find themselves spending most of their time, and is the highest part of the territory, with viewpoints, and plenty of old military installations.
Saint Michael’s Cave is indeed one of the most remarkable attractions within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, offering a unique experience that goes beyond military history and viewpoints. Located a short distance south of the cable car station, the cave showcases a stunning display of stalagmites and stalactites. These formations have been beautifully illuminated to accentuate their intricate details, creating a mesmerising sight for visitors. While there are other caves in Gibraltar, Saint Michael’s Cave stands out as the most impressive one, mainly due to its Cathedral Cave. This particular part of the cave system has been adapted into an auditorium, adding an extra dimension to the experience. The natural acoustics and awe-inspiring surroundings of the Cathedral Cave make it a fantastic venue for various events, such as concerts and performances.
The medieval Moorish Castle is a significant historical landmark that traces its roots back to the eighth century during the Moorish occupation of the region. While much of the castle has been lost over time, certain sections have managed to survive, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history. The two main attractions within the castle complex are the Tower of Homage that is likely the most prominent feature of the castle, traditionally used as a fortified keep and a place of residence for various rulers over the centuries. and the Gate House that served as the main entrance to the castle and played a crucial role in its defence.
One of the notable aspects of visiting the Moorish Castle is the chance to enjoy the scenic views it offers. Situated atop a hill just above the city center, the castle provides an excellent vantage point to look out over Gibraltar and its surroundings. This initial view of the cityscape is often the beginning of a journey for visitors, as they venture further up to other viewpoints on the Rock to experience even more breathtaking panoramas.
The Windsor Bridge is a 71-meter long thrilling attraction located in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve in Gibraltar. It was officially opened on the 21st of June 2016 b. The bridge offers breathtaking views of the city and bay of Gibraltar as it proudly spans over a 50-meter deep gorge, making it an exciting experience for thrill-seekers. Situated between two batteries along the Royal Anglian Way, the Windsor Bridge is part of the Upper Rock restoration program. This program has not only cleared up the Royal Anglian Way and Rooke Battery but also provided fantastic walking trails and informative interpretation panels for the benefit of hikers and explorers who visit the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. For visitors to Gibraltar looking for a unique and exhilarating experience, the Windsor Bridge is a must-visit attraction that offers both stunning scenery and an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
It is of concern to hear that the Common Dolphin population in the Mediterranean is now severely endangered. This species, as the name suggests, was once widespread and abundant in the region. However, various human activities have had a significant impact on their population. The coastal regions of the Mediterranean are critical for the survival of Common Dolphins, particularly for mothers and juveniles. These areas provide safety from predators like sharks and offer an abundant food supply.Nevertheless you can see these wild and free dolphins in their natural habitat. The presence of both resident and transient dolphins in the bay and Strait of Gibraltar offers an excellent opportunity to observe these enchanting animals up close. There are many boat trips where the crews are experienced, professional, and qualified who know the favourite playgrounds of the dolphins ensuring that passengers have a higher chance of encountering large pods of up to 200 or more dolphins.
Enjoy a mix of British and Mediterranean cuisine. Don’t miss trying the local seafood dishes and British style fish and chips!
Though Gibraltar is small, it boasts some beautiful beaches like Catalan Bay and Eastern Beach, perfect for relaxing and swimming.
Check if there are any local events or festivals happening during your visit. National Day on September 10th is a particularly festive occasion.
Enjoy your break in Gibraltar! It’s a small but vibrant place with a unique charm that will leave you with lasting memories.
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