Gibraltar

Gibraltar – At the edge of the world

Gibraltar, British overseas territory in southwestern Europe, occupying an area of just 6.5 km² with a population of 32,478 inhabitants (according to 2017 data).

The area of Gibraltar is very small, but the airport’s problem is solved very simply – when planes descend to land or take off, the Winston Churchill Street is temporarily closed and traffic is prohibited, later it is opened again and cars can go further. When you enter Gibraltar you will go through this street, so it will not go unnoticed. By the way, Gibraltar Airport is considered one of the most dangerous in the world. The cliff towering nearby and water surrounding the airport on both sides are often a challenge for the pilots.
Gibraltar has right-hand traffic, so if you come from Spain, you will not be shocked. Although the traffic will be routine and there will be nothing special, the city itself is “British”: red telephone booths, mailboxes, lighting poles, shops, bars and cafes.

Once you arrive in Gibraltar, your gaze will turn to the gigantic Rock of Gibraltar. The rock is special, the wild monkeys live on top of it. According to the premise, as long as monkeys will live in Gibraltar, Gibraltar will belong to the United Kingdom. But do not feed monkeys, otherwise you can get a fine of GBP 500. Also, watch your belongings (glasses, hats, etc.) as they can be a great spoils for monkeys.

You can go up the Gibraltar Rock by lift, it takes only 6 minutes, or go on foot. There are two observation decks at the top: the north and the south.
On climbing to a height of 426 meters, you will feel like at the top of the world, when the whole Europe is under your feet, you can see the shores of the African coast, the Spanish coast of Costa del Sol, the coves, the ships.

Just 1 km away from the observation deck you can visit St. Michael’s Cave, it was previously thought that the rock has no bottom and it is possible to travel to Africa from there, but the research revealed that the bottom definitely exists. During the World War II, a hospital was set up, which is now a concert hall for good acoustics. Also, the formation of stalactites and stalagmites.
When you go down the rock, you will find yourself near the Great Siege tunnels excavated in the 18th century, when both the Spaniards and the Frenchmen were encroaching on this British territory. The length of the tunnel is 50 km, but only a small part of it is open to visitors. There is an exhibit in the tunnel presenting its history.
Moorish castle – defensive fortress built in the 11th century by Moors. The castle was overran by the Spaniards, and later in 1333 it returned to the hands of the Moors, they had rebuilt the destroyed tower, the tower had survived to the present day and it is already seven centuries old.

The main street: when you climb down the rock, you will find yourself in the small old town of Gibraltar, continuing along the Main Street. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars.

And also:

  • It is possible to speak both English and Spanish;
  • You can pay in pounds and euros;
  • Although the territory is small, but you can park a car in a multi-storey car parking, the first hour is free, and you have to pay GBP 1/h starting from the second hour;
  • Gibraltar Cable Car that runs from ground level to the top of the Rock prices: for adults in both directions GBP 14.50, Cable Car + attractions 22 GBP. Cable Car working time every day from 9:30 to 19:15;
  • Climbing the rock on foot will require a fee for public natural resources of GBP 0.5;
  • Although Gibraltar is not large, but devote a full day for it;
  • Refuel in Gibraltar, it’s cheaper here than in Spain;
  • Gibraltar is not subject to value added tax, which results in lower prices, so you will have an excellent opportunity to purchase cheaper jewellery, cosmetics, home decorations, alcohol, cigarettes;
  • Gibraltar territory is quite small, and it is expensive to stay there, so we recommend a hotel located in the city of Los Barrios, 22 km from Gibraltar: Holiday Inn Express Campo de Gibraltar-Barrios
  • Trains in Europe
  • Special car rental prices in Gibraltar


3 thoughts on “Gibraltar

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