Gibraltar is like marmite. You either love it or hate it, but you can´t deny its fascinating history and troubled past. The famous rock of Gibraltar is just one hour´s drive from Marbella and Puerto Banus, and if you want to explore a little piece of England on the Mediterranean, there is no better place to visit.

Situated on a narrow piece of land linked to the end of Spain, the rock of Gibraltar is 426 metres high and covers an area of 6 square kilometres.  The thin coastal strip of land to the west overlooks the Straits of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean, and the east side with its sheer, steep cliffs overlooks the Mediterranean.

Gibraltar´s history evolves from its strategic position at the southern-most tip of the Iberian peninsula, where Europe meets Africa, and still remains to be an important base for the British Navy.  The territory shares a border with Spain to the North.  Gibraltar was granted by Spain to Great Britain in perpetuity in 1713, under the Treaty of Utrecht, and although Spain insists it should be returned to them, it remains British territory. The British Government has vowed to respect the wishes of the Gibraltarians, who oppose any proposals for shared sovereignty with Spain.
The rock is home to many historical sites and places of interest, that tourism boosts the economy, and many cruise ships also dock here regularly, bringing visitors from all over the globe.  Gibraltar has become a popular holiday and business travel destination over the years and has the added bonus of tax-free shopping.

Shopping in Gibraltar
Tax free shopping is a huge attraction in Gibraltar, and you can pick up cheap tobacco and spirits from many stores on Main Street. Watch out for the customs officers though, as you are only legally allowed to return to Spain with 200 cigarettes or 250g of rolling tobacco and one litre of spirits per person. If you get caught with more, you could have it taken off you, and your car registration number will be stored on a database with other naughty smugglers.

Quality stores in Gibraltar, which also have branches in the UK, include Marks and Spencer, British Home Stores and the supermarket, Morrison´s. With the pound per euro exchange so bad at the moment, many ex-pat residents in Spain now choose to do their shopping in Gibraltar to save money, and top up the car with petrol or diesel at the same time, which is also much cheaper. Make sure you don´t leave your car in Morrison´s Car Park for more than three hours (as we did) or you will be clamped and it will cost you 50 quid to have the clamp removed.
Gibraltar Rock Tour

The limestone cliffs of Gibraltar are home to many natural caves, including the breathtaking St. Michael´s Grotto which is open to visitors.  It is also well worth taking a trip down the tunnels of the great siege, which were used as a defence system in the 18th century, and can still be explored today.

You can take a taxi tour of the rock, or if you prefer to be left to your own devices, you can walk all the way up Main Street, past the Governor´s building to the cable car.  We prefer to explore this way, and have taken many friends to the top of the rock where the famous Barbary Apes of Gibraltar live.  Mostly found in the Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco it is thought this distinct breed of ape was introduced to Gibraltar hundreds of years ago, and have flourished ever since.  The animals have become accustomed to tourists on the rock, and will come up close or even leap onto your shoulders when you are least expecting it.

There is also a fabulous audio tour at the top of the rock which explains the surroundings, the history and the traditions of Gibraltar.  The views from the platform close to the cafeteria are absolutely stunning, and you can see clearly the African coast and the Spanish resorts in the distance.

Five beaches surround Gibraltar, including Catalan Bay, Eastern Beach, Camp Bay, Sandy Bay and Little Bay, and water-sports facilities are available in Marina Bay, Sheppard´s Marina and Queensway Quay Marina, where diving, sailing and dolphin-spotting are widely enjoyed.  We recently enjoyed a trip out on the dolphin boat, and saw literally hundreds of dolphins swimming alongside the boat in the Bay.  Apparently they are attracted to this area by the warmer water.

The Great Siege Tunnels Gibraltar
During the American War of Independence, France and Spain made an all out attempt to recapture the Rock from the British in Gibraltar’s fourteenth siege, always called the Great Siege, which lasted from July 1779 to February 1783. Gradually the enemy advanced their trenches on the isthmus, until in 1782 the enemy were so close to the Rock that none of the existing batteries in Gibraltar could fire on them.

The governor, General Elliot is said to have offered a reward to anyone who could tell him how to get cannons on the steep north face of the Rock, known as the “Notch”. Sergeant-Major Ince, a member of the company of Military Artificers, suggested that this could be done by tunnelling and permission was granted to start the works. Originally the tunnel was only 82 feet in length, but by the end of World War II, the tunnels had reached a winding distance of over 30 miles.

Gibraltar Marina
Gibraltar Marina is continually improving, and there are now plenty of excellent cafés, hotels and restaurants in this upmarket area to keep visitors entertained, fed and watered.  Try the excellent Elliot O´Callaghan´s Hotel in the marina area for some luxury and pampering. The Marina casino is a relatively new addition to the area, and you can play roulette, blackjack, poker and a wide range of other casino games between 8pm and 4am.

If you fancy a few drinks before your meal, have a stroll around Marina Bay or Irish Town, where there are plenty of cafés, bars and British style pubs to keep you refreshed.  Gibraltar offers something for everyone, and is the perfect place to spend a day or more with the family.  Temperatures are very similar to the nearby Costa del Sol, so remember to take your sun cream, and more importantly, remember your passport.

Dolphin Trips in Gibraltar
Another major attraction in Gibraltar is the boat trips to see the dolphins in the bay. We spent 90 minutes on one of the boats which go from the marina area and saw literally hundreds of dolphins. Apparently they are attracted to the warm water of the bay of Gibraltar, and you are likely to see many more here than you will off the coast of Spain.

Places to Eat in Gibraltar
Whatever you fancy to eat in Gibraltar you will find a restaurant to suit your tastes and budget. From Pizza Hut to Chinese, from 5-star á la carte to fish and chips, and some of the best home-cooked food available, you will find it all in Gibraltar. We stayed over for a night in the Elliot O´Callaghan Hotel on Main Street and enjoyed a fabulous meal at the rooftop bistro.  The Boatyard Restaurant and Gaucho´s also serve excellent steaks, fish and a range of vegetarian dishes to suit all visitors. Also, if you happen to be staying at the Elliot O´Callaghan or nearby and fancy a flutter after dinner, stroll over to the Marina Casino, which is open from 8pm to the small hours of the morning.

If you want to arrange a day´s excursion to Gibraltar, and leave the car at home, you can book from most of the hotels in Fuengirola, Marbella and Puerto Banus or direct through travel companies which advertise in the local papers. We recently went by coach from Fuengirola (when the car was being repaired) and a return trip cost just €12 each, and allowed 5 hours in Gibraltar.