A day trip of mini break in Gibraltar © Michelle Chaplow |
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Getting around
Guide to Rock of Gibraltar
Take me to: Accommodation | Airport | Restaurants | Things to do
Gibraltar is famous worldwide for its dramatic rock. It is located in a strategic position at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula. It overlooks the Straits of Gibraltar and is linked to Spain by a narrow isthmus. Gibraltar is often known as the 'meeting of continents'.
Gibraltar is imposing but small. It measures less than six square kilometres in total. It is inhabited by around 36,000 people mainly made up of Gibraltarians, Moroccans, Indians and Spanish. There is also a colony of the famous apes, the only ones in Europe to run free in a semi-wild state.
Gibraltar is a British self-governing oversees territory. It has a Governor wo acts as a de-facto head of state, Lieutenant General Sir Ben Bathurst Commander of the Order of the British Empire, who is the Queen's representative on the Rock and Commander-in Chief of the British Forces stationed there. Britain is responsible for Gibraltar's foreign affairs, defence and the political stability of the territory. However, the Rock is an autonomous entity with its own House of Parliament and government, headed by Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, which oversees the day-to-day affairs of the Rock.
Gibraltar is a no longer a member state of the European Union. However, Gibraltar has been granted a unique Brexit deal that in due course will present the new rules on the freedom of movement of residents, foreigners and goods.
Gibraltar is so small (about 6 square kilometres) that getting around town - and around The Rock, in general - is a feasible option, if you have the time and energy.
Find tourist offices in Gibraltar at the following locations: Casemates Square, Airport Arrivals Hall, Gibraltar Coach Terminus, Gibraltar Cruise Terminal, Frontier
Traditionally, British ex-pats living in nearby Spain have flocked to Gibraltar to bank and to shop for those tastes of home such as Cheddar cheese and tea bags. The latter are now freely… More →
Gibraltar is a multi-racial community so it follows that its range of restaurants reflects the tastes of its inhabitants. Running parallel to Main Street is the pedestrianised Irish Town that is… More →
The Rock of Gibraltar is a giant slab of jagged Jurassic limestone. It has dominated the Straits of Gibraltar for around 200 million years and of course over such a period has continually changed… More →
There are two marinas in Gibraltar, Ocean Village and Queensway Quay offering excellent berthing facilities, shops and restaurants. Sailing boats are available for charter.
The land frontier between Gibraltar and Spain is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week both for vehicles and pedestrians. There is no limit on the number of frontier crossings you can make.
Gibraltar does not lack accommodation and has several luxury hotels, as well as more basic, affordable ones. There are also many self-catering rental options, including apartments and villas, for… More →
While Gibraltar has much in common with its next door neighbour, southern Spain, it also has a fascinating history all its own as well as special climatic conditions, its own particular geography… More →
Gibraltar airport (IATA: GIB, ICAO: LXGB) is located about 2km from the town centre, adjacent to the frontier with Spain. The new 84m pound terminal, which opened in 2012, is spacious and… More →
Perhaps the most famous residents of Gibraltar are the Barbary macaques, the only wild monkeys in Europe. These intelligent primates roam freely on the Upper Rock, especially around the Apes’ Den… More →
Things to do
Hover the cursor over Gibraltar to see bigger map and click to go to the maps page.
