Sights of Gibraltar that are worth visiting. What to see in Gibraltar - we go ourselves

The city-state of Gibraltar is located in the most strategically important place on the planet - at the exit from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean. Many people come here to see Africa while standing in Europe. You can explore the city not only in breadth, but also by climbing the rock that rises gigantically in the middle of the peninsula. This is the main attraction of Gibraltar. For tourists, there is plenty of freedom here - observation decks with picturesque views, a nature reserve with rare monkeys, labyrinths of tunnels, a suspension bridge.

Considering the geographical location of the city, its history included many bloody battles and wars, so a large number of bastions, casemates, fortress walls, fortifications and defensive posts have been preserved here. Most of them have been restored and are available for inspection.

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What to see and where to go in Gibraltar?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

Occupies most of the country's territory. Height – 426 meters, length – 5 km, width – 1200 meters. Age – about 200 million years. It consists of limestone rocks that erode over time to form caves. There are more than 100 of them in total, the largest and most visited is St. Michael’s. Part of the rock is part of the reserve; its most valuable inhabitants are Barbary macaques and partridges. Tourists are attracted by the unique labyrinth of tunnels carved into the rock in the 18th-20th centuries.

This species of narrow-nosed tailless macaque is a unique symbol of Gibraltar. In Europe, only here they live in a natural environment and enjoy complete freedom - they pester tourists, steal food, and break into homes. Their patrimony, the Apes Den nature reserve, is located on the rock. You can watch the magots and take photographs, but it is forbidden to feed them. According to legend, as long as the monkeys live, Gibraltar will remain in British possession, so they are loved and protected.

Resort complex with well-developed infrastructure. Includes the 5-star Sunborn Hotel, residential apartments, and a large office center. On the embankment there are many boutiques of the most fashionable brands, restaurants and bars, nightclubs and casinos, and other cultural and entertainment venues. The marina in the area has over 300 berths and accommodates vessels up to 100 meters in length. Boat trips along the Iberian Peninsula are popular.

The takeoff and landing of airliners at the local airport is a pretty exciting sight. The fact is that due to lack of space, the runway is very short - 1828 meters, and is also surrounded on both sides by the sea. It also crosses Gibraltar's busiest highway. It has to be blocked off with barriers to let another plane through. Due to the proximity of the strait, the weather in the area is unpredictable. But, despite all the difficulties, the airport receives up to 30 planes every week.

This name is given to the bay at the eastern foot of the cliff, the sandy beach and the village located on the shore. The local beach is the second largest in Gibraltar, but the most popular among tourists and residents of the peninsula. Its history dates back to the 17th century. Today it is a picturesque, very clean and well-maintained recreation area with cafes and restaurants specializing in seafood. Nearby there is a parking lot and a bus stop. The Caletta Palace Hotel is within walking distance.

It got its name from the soldiers' stone barracks built during the British colonial period. Today they have been converted into a Crafts and Arts Center. The perimeter of the square is surrounded by museums, cafes and bars, and souvenir shops. In the center there is a monument dedicated to the soldiers of the Gibraltar Regiment. The Health Administration building is also located here. The square is always noisy and crowded. Various festivals, concerts, and special events are held.

Since 1940, it has been named after a well-known merchant, philanthropist and philanthropist in Gibraltar, who lived at the end of the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries. Before that it was called Trade Square. Its history dates back to the 14th century. Today, the main buildings of the city are located here - the mayor's office and parliament, as well as the Tourist Information Center. Since 1992, it has been the venue for official celebrations dedicated to the National Day of Gibraltar on September 10th.

The opening took place in 1930. Museum exhibitions reflect the main stages of the history of Gibraltar. Here are the remains and tools of primitive people, exhibitions ranging from the Phoenician to the British period. As well as extensive collections of weapons from different times, printed publications and lithographs, local flora and fauna. The museum complex includes unique Moorish baths of the 14th century. There is a small souvenir shop.

Center for Catholic Worship in Gibraltar. Its history dates back to the 15th century - the time of Spanish rule. After the Great Siege the building was heavily damaged. The governor proposed to restore it to replace part of the land that belonged to the church. It was used to redevelop Main Street. In 1820, the clock tower was completed. The statue of a soldier at the entrance to the cathedral was received as a gift from the British Army Corps - the Royal Engineers.

The first burials appeared in 1798. Although the name of the cemetery is associated with the legendary battle of 1805, only 2 of its participants are officially buried here. But there are several dozen unmarked graves that may well belong to British sailors. Basically, those killed in other battles of 1801-1812 are buried in the territory of the small cemetery. As well as victims of several fever epidemics that occurred at the beginning of the 19th century.

Founded in 1816. Area – 6 hectares. There are about 2 thousand interesting species of tropical vegetation and trees here. Some are over 200 years old, including the Dragon Tree, Pine Tree, and Olive Tree. On the territory of the botanical garden there is a Summer Theater, a Wildlife Park with exotic animals, an Italian Dell Garden with ponds and waterfalls, and a children's playground. As well as monuments to General Elliott and the Duke of Wellington.

It was originally built in the 8th century and radically rebuilt 6 centuries later. It is considered the largest defensive structure of the Moorish period in Europe. Located in the northwest of the rock massif. It consists of surviving fortress walls, gates and a 100-meter tower. The walls of the complex are littered with potholes from cannonballs and artillery fire. Today a museum is open here; only 4 rooms at the top of the tower are available for visits.

One of the main military components of Gibraltar - coastal artillery - has now been turned into a tourist business. At the top of the cliff is the O'Hara battery. Its main exhibit is a powerful 9.2-inch gun. The southernmost battery, Fort Harding, built in 1859, contains a 12.5 mm gun weighing 50 tons. The Princess Anne battery of the 18th century consisted of 9 cannons; in the 19th century, 5.25-inch guns were added, 3 of them in closed towers, 1 underground.

Gibraltar's unique defense system. The labyrinth of tunnels was built in 6 weeks by the British to defend against the combined forces of Spain and France in 1779-1783. They were carved by hand on the north side of the rock. Largely thanks to the cannons moved here, England was able to win. During World War II, the tunnels were significantly expanded. Today, exhibition halls are open here, where guns, soldier dummies and other exhibits of military history are displayed.

Siege tunnels were continued during the war years of the 40s, their total length was 50 km. They served as shelter for local residents, and there were also warehouses with ammunition, ammunition, and provisions. Today, only a few of them are accessible to tourists, converted into a military museum, and serve as a venue for exhibitions and theatrical performances. Most of the labyrinth still belongs to the military leadership and is closed to the public.

A fascinating work of master nature. The largest of hundreds of caves on the Rock of Gibraltar. Located at an altitude of 300 meters. It is famous for its huge stalactite formations, which look fantastic in the light of multi-colored spotlights. It has 3 entrances and exits, numerous halls on different levels. The largest of them hosts classical music concerts. In the lower caves there is an underground lake. Traces of cavemen and rock paintings have been discovered here.

The route is recommended only for trained tourists. Created by the British military in the 18th century as a communications system. With the help of steps, access to defense posts and firing points on the rock was established. The trail starts at the Pillars of Hercules, passes through the nature reserve, along the eastern part of the cliff, and ends at its very top, near the O'Hara and Lord Airey batteries. Length – 1800 meters. In 2007, the steps were reconstructed.

The opening took place in 2016. A bridge was built over a 50-meter gorge on the territory of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Length – 71 meters. On both sides it is firmly attached to the rock walls with the help of large supports installed at a depth of 12 meters. But still, when passing, small fluctuations occur, which adds a portion of thrills to an exciting walk. But the stunning views of the city below and seascapes make you forget about your fear of heights.

Connects the city center with the top of the Rock of Gibraltar. It was opened in 1966 and subsequently modernized several times. The lower station is located near the botanical garden. The length of the road is 673 meters. Travel time is 6-7 minutes. The cabins are designed for 30 people. Near the upper station there are several observation platforms, a cafe, and a souvenir shop. The trip includes a stop at the mid-station, near the Monkey's Lair, but only from November to March.

An excellent observation deck, from where in clear weather you can see the African coast. The southernmost point of the peninsula. Here stands the Trinity Lighthouse, built in the 19th century and now operational. The light from it is visible to all ships passing along the strait. Since 1994 - fully automated. There are other noteworthy objects - a mosque, a Catholic chapel, a monument to General Sikorsky who died in 1943, coastal artillery guns, a large children's playground.

The peninsula and the rock got their name from the distorted Arabic name Jebel al-Tariq (which means “mountain of Tariq”), which was given to this place in the 6th century AD, when the Moors under the leadership of Tariq ibn Seyid (Tariq ibn Ziyad ) and Musa ibn Nasayr captured the peninsula and named it after their leader. The residents themselves simply call it Rock. The city of Gibraltar itself is located on the western slope of the cliff, facing Algeciras Bay, where a first-class artificial harbor with an area of ​​180 hectares is equipped, capable of receiving large ocean-going ships.

Tourists are attracted here by the picturesque view of the Rock of Gibraltar itself - a real ancient fortress that changed hands more than once during numerous wars, and the atmosphere of history (do not forget about the famous Pillars of Hercules of antiquity, one of which is this cape protruding far into the sea , guarding the passage from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic), and good conditions for shopping. In recent years, Gibraltar has become one of the recognized centers of sailing - a modern yachting center has been created in its bay with all the infrastructure required for facilities of this level.

On the Rock of Gibraltar there is a fortress complex from the 18th century, considered impregnable. Despite the fact that most of the structures that have survived to this day were built in the 18th-19th centuries, the first fortifications on this site appeared in the 9th-12th centuries AD, so the entire upper part of the Rock over many centuries turned into one large defensive complex. Part of the fortifications is located inside the rock, descending into its depths for many tens of meters through numerous tunnels known as Great Sieg Tunnels. Their construction lasted for several centuries since the reign of the Moors, but truly large-scale work on laying underground communications, which played the role of communication passages, casemates, and warehouses, began in the 18th century, when the combined Spanish-French forces tried to recapture Gibraltar from the British . To this day, numerous covered galleries form an intricate labyrinth, leading either to the artillery positions of the Upper Galleries or to closed positions on the eastern slope. The Holyland Tunnel passing here is believed to go exactly in the direction of Mecca and opens into the St. George's Hall, from where a beautiful panorama of the Gulf of Catalonia and the Mediterranean Sea opens up, or rather, that section of it that the locals, according to a long tradition, call the Alboran Sea.

During the Second World War, British engineers and Canadian garrison soldiers built, in addition to the ancient adits, more than 40 km of deep tunnels capable of withstanding any air bomb, and a 3.5-meter wide ditch (4.5 meters deep) was dug across the isthmus. And in the end, all this colossal work was not in vain - today the “Big Tunnels” serve as a venue for various exhibitions and concerts, theatrical performances are organized in warehouses and battery galleries, and part of the lower tunnels are used as transport arteries of the city. Under the arches of the Princess Caroline battery (1732) is located Gibraltar Military Heritage Center, which has an extensive collection of objects and weapons, as well as various relics dating from the period of the Great Siege of 1783 to the present day. In one of the internal chambers of the battery, known as the Memorial Chamber, there is an exhibition dedicated to the soldiers of the garrison service of the Rock. Here is a list of all the units that have guarded Gibraltar since 1704, their banners and many other items and things dedicated to the history of the fortress.

There is a funicular line to the top of the Rock (open from Monday to Saturday, from 9.30 to 16.00, the last carriage comes down at 17.45; entrance - GIP4.9, children's ticket is half the price), ending at the Upper Station, built in 1966, from which there is a beautiful view panorama of the bay, the hills of Spain in the north and the African coast in the south. One of the funicular stations is located in the so-called nature reserve, or Apes Dan. This is the home of the famous Gibraltar monkeys. Local primates - one of the species of tailless macaques ( Barbary macaque), living in Morocco and Algeria. The primates living on the Rock are the only free-living apes in Europe. Gibraltar has its own legend: as long as these animals live here, Gibraltar will not pass into the hands of Spain. Belief in this legend is so strong that at the height of the Battle of the Bulge in the fall of 1944, when Hitler’s troops were pressing the Allies along the entire front, Winston Churchill demanded in writing from the Secretary of State for the Colonies that there be at least 24 monkeys in Gibraltar. Since then, the number of these primates has increased to 200, and they enjoy complete freedom here - they enter houses, steal food and pester tourists, but they do not bear any “sanctions” for this - a symbol is a symbol.

Of particular interest to tourists are the majestic Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary (construction began in 1462) and a real masterpiece of architectural art - the Scottish Church of St. Andrew, located next to the Harris Library in the very center of the city. The oldest in the city is the Catholic Chapel of the Lady of Europe, rebuilt from a Moorish mosque in 1462, after the capture of Gibraltar by the Spaniards. Serving as both a temple and a lighthouse, this colorful chapel was loved by sailors who presented it with rich gifts, the most important of which is considered to be the statue of Our Lady (1864), which can still be seen in this shrine. Near the walls of the chapel you can find a fragment of a “Moorish” sidewalk (contrary to the name, it was laid at the beginning of the 18th century) and an old guardhouse built here by the British at the beginning of the 19th century. Also noteworthy are the Alameda Garden, the picturesque country park, Trafalgar Cemetery and the building of the governor's residence (better known among the local population as the Convention), near whose walls a colorful changing of the guard ceremony is held every Tuesday at 10.20. Another unusual landmark of the city is the Lime Kiln (19th century) - the last of the once numerous lime kilns, one of the main export products from the peninsula (fortunately, there was plenty of raw material for their work, thanks to the continuous digging of tunnels).

But one of the main attractions of the fortified city is, perhaps, Saint Michael's Cave with an underground lake and spacious natural halls (entrance to the cave with cable car tickets). Lying 300 meters above the water level, it has been known to people since ancient times, being part of a complex natural system of interconnected voids in the rock. It is this cave complex that is believed to have given Gibraltar its ancient name - Mons Calpe (Hollow Mountain). It includes the caves of Leonora Cave and Lower St. Michael Cave, the Upper and Lower Halls, connecting through the Upper Galleries with the defensive circuit of Gibraltar. The stalactites and stalagmites of many of the cave halls give them a real Gothic appearance. In one of the caves, named Sobornaya, there was a hospital during the war, and now there is a real stage for concerts and theatrical performances. Beyond, a series of narrow chambers lead down to more abandoned caves, extending up to 63 meters below the entry point. In 1972, a small (about 45 cm) section of sedimentary rock was deliberately exposed in one of the caves to show the layered internal structure of the cave walls, which clearly shows their entire geological history.

Traditional attractions of Gibraltar include the well-known Gibraltar Museum(open from Monday to Friday, from 10.00 to 18.00, on Saturdays - from 10.00 to 14.00), the exhibition of which is dedicated to the main stages of the history of the Rock. It contains an exact replica of the "Gibraltar skull" (the first Neanderthal skull found in Europe in 1848), an extensive collection of caveman tools, exhibitions of the Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Moorish, Spanish and British periods of the history of the Rock, a large collection of old printed publications and lithographs, a collection of weapons from 1727 to the early 19th century, a large-scale model of Gibraltar itself (1865) and an exhibition on local flora and fauna. And just below the museum complex lies the beautiful Bath House, built in the Moorish style in the 14th century.

And the historical heart of the city and its oldest part is considered to be the complex Moorish castle, rising in the northwestern part of the rock massif. Quite a bit is known about its origins. Some chroniclers date its construction to the 8th century, when the first ramparts of the fortress of Tariq ibn Seyid were built on this site, making it the first Moorish fortification on the European continent. And some place its construction even further back in time, believing that the warriors of Tariq in 711 began to build walls on the site of an already existing Iberian fort. But be that as it may, the castle is still considered the largest fortification of the Moorish period in Europe and the owner of the tallest fortress tower on the entire Iberian Peninsula. The outer contour of the castle begins from the highest point - the Omaz tower at its eastern end, running down two (and in some places three) rows of walls to the sea. It also includes the powerful fortress towers of Inner Keep and Outer Keep, the Kasbah tower lying to the west with its unique Gate House, as well as the old quarters of the Kasbah (the old district of the nobility), Villa Vieja (Old Town, former trading quarter) separated by walls. and La Barcina (the Moorish shipyard was located here). Extensive sections of these Moorish fortifications and walls survive to this day, providing excellent examples of traditional Islamic architecture from the period of intense expansion of the Arab Caliphate.

In the southern part of the Rock, above the tiny bay of Rossia Bay, lies the headquarters of the fortress - the so-called Parsons Lodge(1865). The old battery, which in the past covered this only natural harbor of Gibraltar, has now been turned into a unique museum complex, a real mini-Gibraltar, reflecting all aspects of the turbulent history of the fortified city. It was here that the Victoria moored with the body of Lord Nelson after the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, and it is here that you can see a collection of real guns from all eras (both ship guns from the time of Nelson and Jones, and coastal ones, right up to anti-aircraft guns from the Second World War), as well as visit the Garrison Library, St. John's Chapel, and also walk through the narrow gun galleries, old fortress caponiers or searchlight areas.

And south of Parsons Lodge, between Blick Beach and Wyndhill Beach, is the southernmost point of Gibraltar - Great Europe Point(not to be confused with Cape Europa, located to the west, the southernmost part of the Iberian Peninsula). Here is the southernmost lighthouse in Great Britain (height 49 m), the foundation stone of which was laid by Governor Woodford on April 26, 1838, and the lighthouse itself was opened on August 1, 1841. Until now, its light serves as a guide for ships passing through the Strait of Gibraltar, and after modernization in February 1994, it is visible at a distance of up to 27 kilometers.

A traditional meeting place for Gibraltarians and a favorite promenade for city guests is Main Street, or La Calle Real (Main Street), running almost the entire length of the peninsula (however, south of the docks it is called Rosia Road). There is a huge number of pubs, souvenir shops, cafes and entertainment venues. Since the time of the Duke of Kent, who founded his own distillery here at the beginning of the 19th century, Gibraltar has had three famous pubs that mainly catered to English sailors: The Three Guns, located on Cannon Street (now a mecca "for tourists coming to Gibraltar), Cannon Bar and Three Grenadiers. And today you can successfully repeat a walk along Cannon Street, just as the English sailors did, moving from one bar to another. Traditional haunts also include Smith's Fish near the convent, Penny Farthing on King Road, Buddy's Pasta Casa on Cannon Lane, Corks Vine Bar and Clipper on Irish Town, Royal Calpe opposite St. Mary's Cathedral, Nelson's favorite establishment is the Star Bar on Parliament Lane (in the time of the famous naval commander this bar was called La Estrella), nearby Bull and Fish "with traditional Irish cuisine and the status of the oldest in the city (however, the Star Bar also claims this title), the Village Inn and Sea Wave pubs on Catalan Bay, as well as the Market Cafe on Casemates Square. Local establishments clearly follow the traditions of bars and restaurants in Foggy Albion, so nowhere else in the world can you find such a colorful combination of British or Irish traditions with Mediterranean cooking and Spanish expansiveness. And at the southern end of Main Street is the John Mackintosh Hull cultural center with many regular exhibitions and a library.

Despite the small size of the Rock, there were many places on its territory for the traditional British passion for green spaces. The history of Gibraltar has contributed to the appearance of its parks - Moorish, Spanish, Italian and British styles are literally visible here with the naked eye, which, coupled with the combination of Mediterranean vegetation and typically British methods of garden planning, has created many amazing places here. The most colorful examples of local park art include the Elliot Memorial - a small green park around the bust of the general, surrounded by 18th-century guns (it is interesting that the statue of Elliot itself, made from the bowsprit of the Spanish cruiser San Juan, is located on the territory of the governor's residence) , Wellington Memorial (as elsewhere on the island, around the statue of the Duke there is a whole arsenal of old cannons captured by the troops of this commander), Italian Dell Garden (founded in 1842, restored in 1992) with two waterfalls and a pond, restored house the chief gardener (XVII century) with a small collection on the nature of Gibraltar and the Alameda Botanical Park (1816) with its open theater.

The yacht marina and Queensway Pier are a colorful local attraction in themselves - in terms of the number of luxury yachts moored here, they can easily compete with Nice or Miami, but perhaps more attractive are the numerous seafood restaurants scattered throughout the coastal area. The waters of the bay are home to a fairly large population of dolphins, so all kinds of excursion boats depart from here to the habitats of these charming creatures. And in spring and autumn, when thousands of migrating birds cross the territory of Gibraltar on their way from northern Europe to Africa and back, numerous flocks of them rest on the top of the cliff, in the area of ​​​​the Apes Dan protected area and in parks.

The foot of the cliff is not rich in places for beach holidays, but any local resident will be happy to show you the best beaches, in his opinion, which are located in the most unexpected places between the ledges of the rocky base of Gibraltar. On the east side, you can relax in Catalan Bay, on the small beach in Sandy Bay, where the cliffs come close to the shore, and on the larger and almost always crowded Eastern Beach, which lies at the end of the runway of the local airport. To the south there are small strips of beach at Bleak Beach and Camp Bay, as well as a wider strip of terraces at Little Bay. On the west coast, beaches can only be found in the Western Beach area, between the airport and the Spanish border. Recently, great efforts have been made to create artificial beaches on the eastern coast of the peninsula and in the Algeciras Bay area.

Due to the turbulent history of the Rock, the waters around it are replete with the remains of ships of all eras and peoples, about 30 of them are accessible to divers. There are three dive schools in Gibraltar, but dives outside Algeciras Bay, due to local currents, are difficult and only accessible to very experienced scuba divers. However, in just a couple of hours the ferry takes tourists to the African coast in the Ceuta area, where there are more than enough first-class beaches and diving sites. Gibraltar dive sites most often include the waters around the rocky islets of Seven Sisters off the very coast of the peninsula, the Europa Reef in the very south of Gibraltar and Rossia Bay.

Gibraltar from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Gibraltar.

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An empire on whose possessions the sun never sets - this is how Great Britain was spoken of in the glorious colonial era. Indeed, in terms of the number and range of overseas territories, old Britain confidently outshines pompous Spain, and no less snobbish Portugal, and even France and the Netherlands, and, unlike them, it has managed to maintain demonstrative loyalty to the Crown of its “exotic” citizens. One of the striking examples of this is Gibraltar, a country with an area of ​​only 7 square meters. km, located in the most strategic place on the planet: at the exit from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean - where Europe meets Africa.

Half of Gibraltar's area is occupied by a 400-meter-high limestone cliff, and the other part manages to house an airport (which also serves as a highway and a place for walking), a seaport, city neighborhoods and even a nature reserve. People come here to see Africa while standing in Europe, to wander through 50-kilometer underground tunnels, watch birds and dolphins, fight off very rare and very arrogant Barbary macaques, and simply be inspired by the courage and resilience of the Gibraltarians, who have been faithful to Her for 300 years. To your Majesty the Queen.

How to get to Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a popular destination on cruise routes on the Mediterranean and Atlantic, so most tourists, as a rule, arrive here in the morning on board the ship and leave the territory on the same day. However, there is nothing stopping the free traveler from extending his stay by arriving at Jib by plane: daily flights from London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports, as well as from Birmingham and Manchester, are operated by British Airways, EasyJet and Monarch Airlines. Royal Moroccan Airlines also has daily flights from Marrakech to Gibraltar.

Another option is to land at Malaga airport, from where you can take a bus to the Spanish town of Algeciras (120 km), and then transfer to municipal bus number 120, going to the border with Gibraltar (La Linea). Buses to Algeciras also depart from other cities in Spain: Seville, Cadiz, Granada, etc.

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Visa to Gibraltar

To visit Gibraltar you will need a separate visa, which you must apply for at the consular section of the British Embassy or British Visa Application Centres.

Citizens of the Russian Federation who have a valid UK multi-visa valid for at least 6 months in their international passport, as well as a multi-Schengen visa with a validity period of at least 7 days at the time of their intended departure from Gibraltar, can visit it without a visa.

The main attraction of Gibraltar is, of course, the Rock, or Cape of Europe, one of the two Pillars of Hercules and the point of Eurasia closest to Africa.

Transport

7 sq. km of Gibraltar is easy to explore from and to on your own feet; transport is most likely not needed. However, it is worth considering that the roads leading to the top of the rock and the observation deck are very steep, and weigh your strength for such a forced march in advance. For those who do not like physical effort, there is bus route No. 2, which runs from the border through the entire city to Cape Europe. You can also use the services of minibuses, but they will not be cheap: drivers of seven-seater minivans set off only when all seats are filled, or they request full payment for 7 passengers.

Despite strong British traditions, traffic in Gibraltar is usually on the right.

Travel to Gibraltar

Weather in Gibraltar

Cuisine and restaurants of Gibraltar

The gastronomic traditions of Gibraltarians originate in British cuisine, so here you can have a hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon and beans and an equally hearty dinner of classic fish and chips. Pubs with excellent beer and Indian cuisine are everywhere. Restaurants with a view are located in the yacht port and offer Mediterranean, French and Italian cuisine. A snack in a cafe will cost about 5-8 GBP, lunch in a restaurant - from 30 GBP. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Entertainment and attractions

The main attraction of Gibraltar is, of course, the rock, or Cape of Europe, one of the two Pillars of Hercules and the point of Eurasia closest to Africa. You can climb to the top of the rock on foot or by cable car. The observation deck offers a dizzying view of the seemingly so close coast of Morocco, the Strait of Gibraltar - one of the busiest shipping areas on the planet, the expanses of the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, and Gibraltar itself, of course. The only wild representatives of the primate order in Europe, the magots, or Barbary macaques, live and feel great here.

It is not recommended to try to pet macaques: these semi-wild animals behave very impudently and are not averse to snatching a handbag or camera from a touched tourist, and if they are irritated and frightened, then even bite. The fine for feeding monkeys is 500 GBP.

Continuing your way higher up the rock, you will find yourself in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, where not only monkeys are protected, but also rare birds, including the Barbary partridge. A crazy number of migratory birds stop here during seasonal migrations, which are convenient to observe from the Jew’s Gate Ornithological Observatory.

Next, you should go to the 14th century Moorish castle - evidence of the 700-year rule of the Moors. Here you can visit the casemates, admire the Gate Tower with a domed roof characteristic of Islamic architecture, and climb the Tower of Memory, which offers a wonderful view of the territory.

You should definitely continue your acquaintance with the history of Gibraltar in the “galleries” - underground tunnels with a total length of 50 km. The first was excavated at the end of the 18th century, during the Spanish siege; During the Second World War, the system of moves acquired its current form.

From numerous embrasures and ventilation openings you can admire the landscape.

Once down into the city, you can visit the Gibraltar Museum, whose well-chosen exhibits tell the history of the area from the Phoenician and Greek periods to the recent conflicts with Spain. Among the masterpieces is an Egyptian mummy from the 7th century BC. e. and a superbly preserved 14th-century Moorish hammam in the museum's courtyard.

Gibralatar Hotels

Despite its modest size, Gibraltar can offer travelers several accommodation options, with expensive hotels significantly outweighing budget ones. In a hostel and boarding house you will be asked to pay from 15 to 30 GBP per night; in the high-level Bristol and Elliott you will have to pay at least 80 GBP. Well, in the pompous The Rock, where John Lennon and Yoko Ono were legally married, get ready to fork out at least 150 GBP.

Gibraltar is an overseas territory belonging to Great Britain. In ancient times, this peninsula was known as Mons Calpe (translated from Latin as Mount Calpe). It was subsequently renamed Gibraltar (from the Arabic Jebel Tariq or Mount Tariq).

A little history

Sometimes the country is called in one word - Rock. For 13 centuries, 5 countries have continuously fought for the right to own this narrow strip of land, and today the beauty of the peninsula attracts thousands of tourists every year. The area where Gibraltar is located is known for its attractions to every experienced tourist.

However, it is also interesting from a scientific point of view. After all, it was here that the first remains of Neanderthals were found. On this territory in those distant times, all types of ancient African animals were found here. However, in addition to hunting and fishing, people were already engaged in agriculture. The area where Gibraltar is located was then much more extensive than it is now. It was a huge flat valley, which was very well suited for the habitation of ancient people.

Strategic object

Why did various countries constantly fight among themselves for the possession of Gibraltar? The fact is that the Rock is a very important strategic site. Whoever owns it can control the exit from the Mediterranean and the approaches to it from the Atlantic. For a long period of time it was the property of Spain.

But in 1704 it was captured by an Anglo-Dutch flotilla. From then until now, the Rock belongs to Great Britain. The capital of Gibraltar is the city of Gibraltar (since the state itself consists of one settlement, their names are the same).

Political structure and currency

The executive power in the country belongs to the head of government, and the legislative power belongs to the unicameral House of Assembly. The state is not divided into regions. The capital of Gibraltar is the only administrative unit in the entire country. However, for the convenience of government, its territory is divided into seven regions. They are also divided into strategic territories - neighborhoods. The country on which Gibraltar depends is Great Britain. However, it is a self-governing territory. Issues of defense and diplomatic relations are decided by representatives of Great Britain.

But taxation and corporate law is an area governed by Parliament. According to the Treaty of Rome, the territory of Gibraltar is part of the EU. In order to get to Gibraltar, you need to obtain a visa from the British consulate. You can pay in overseas territories either in Spanish currency - pesetas, or in British pounds sterling. Gibraltar also has its own currency - the Gibraltar pound. However, it exists only in paper form; the coins used in the country are English.

Geographical position

On the map, Gibraltar borders Spain. The country's residential areas come close to the northern border of Gibraltar. The length of the border is only 1.2 km. On the southern side, along the Strait of Gibraltar there is a border with the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, located in Africa. In good weather, you can see both the Spanish enclave and Morocco.

From the west, the territory of Gibraltar is washed by the waters of Algeciras Bay, and from the east by the warm Mediterranean Sea. Anyone who sees Gibraltar on the map for the first time immediately notices the small size of this state. Its area is only 6.5 km 2. If all the tourists who come to the country arrived in Gibraltar at once, then life there would be completely paralyzed. After all, more than 6 million tourists visit the country every year.

Population of the Rock

The population of Gibraltar is about 29.1 thousand people. A variety of nationalities live on the same territory. About 15 thousand people are citizens of other countries and have dual citizenship. Moreover, the majority of those who consider themselves indigenous are actually descendants of Spaniards, Italians, Maltese, English, and citizens of the Maghreb.

The population of Gibraltar is constantly increasing. The building density is also constantly increasing. About 4 thousand people live on one square kilometer. There is always a shortage of land here, and buildings are erected even on the water. For example, the runway for Gibraltar Airport was laid out on an artificial embankment.

Climate

The temperature here in summer is often above 30 o C, and in winter it does not fall below 18 o C. 300 days a year are considered sunny in Gibraltar. We can say that the tourist season on the Rock lasts literally all year round. In general, the climate in the country can be described as Mediterranean. Maximum precipitation occurs in the cold season.

Economy

However, what is of constant interest to travelers is a real disaster for the state itself. After all, Gibraltar, although surrounded on all sides by waters, is actually literally sweltering from the heat. There are no natural resources here - no rivers or lakes. Residents extract fresh water almost drop by drop from sea water using distillation machines. Collectors also collect rainwater, which is then stored in special stone tanks.

Given such problems, it is not surprising that there is a complete absence of agriculture in the country. All food products (excluding fish) are imported from abroad. There is no industry either - just a few enterprises and a tiny ship repair plant. However, there are a large number of banks, various insurance agencies and financial companies. Gibraltar offers the world the most pleasant tax option: no taxes. According to some studies, there are more than 60 thousand different companies registered on the island, whose wealthy owners prefer to get to the country’s shores on personal yachts.

Gibraltar Airport

However, most of the tourists arriving in the country use the plane. Where does air transport land? Right on the isthmus that connects Spain with the Rock. Its length is about 3 km, and its width is 2 km. Not far from the airstrip there is a paved road that provides easy access to Gibraltar from Spain. In this regard, Gibraltar Airport is one of the most unusual in the world.

When the plane descends, traffic has to be stopped using traffic lights. However, fortunately for the Gibraltarians themselves, no more than three dozen flights operate here every week. Observation of aircraft and the flights themselves are absolutely safe. The airport has been operating since 2003, and since then not a single accident has occurred here: neither on the runway nor on the city avenue.

Gibraltar: how to get to the country?

As stated, the most popular mode of transport among tourists is the plane. There are direct connections only to airports in the UK and Morocco. The closest airport in Spain, located 137 km in a northeast direction, is Malaga.

You can also get to the Rock by renting a car in one of the Spanish cities: Barcelona, ​​Alicante, Madrid, Lisbon. You can also travel by taxi. However, one point needs to be taken into account: drivers from Spain will not take the traveler to Gibraltar itself, but will drop him off right at the border. Another way to get to Gibraltar is to take a regular bus from La Linea.

Rock of Gibraltar

One of the main tourist attractions. Its height is 426 meters, it is one of the most popular natural attractions in the area where Gibraltar is located. The rock is located on the southern territory of the Iberian Peninsula, in the Strait of Gibraltar.

It also has another name - Mount Tariq, which was given to it in honor of the Arab commander Tariq ibn Ziyad. The name of Gibraltar itself originally comes from his name. At the top of the mountain there is a protected area where 250 Barbary macaques (the only species of wild monkeys in all of Europe) find refuge.

Also on the territory of the reserve grow wild plants that moved here from Africa millions of years ago. They were never able to spread throughout Europe and remained only on a mountain top. According to Plato, on the Rock of Gibraltar, as well as on the opposite rock of Abila, two huge statues were once installed on high columns. They were a kind of gateway to the Atlantic, but were destroyed by the commander Tariq ibn Ziyad for the glory of Allah.

Famous caves

One of the unusual features of the rock is that underneath it there is a system of underground tunnels. Their length is over 50 km. The labyrinth of underground tunnels and the Barbary monkeys are the main attractions that attract large numbers of tourists to Gibraltar.

The rock itself consists of calcite rocks. Over the course of inexorable time, they are eroded by the waves of the strait, and caves are formed in the rock (at the moment there are already more than a hundred of them). The largest of them is St. Michael's Cave, also popular among tourists. Gorham's Cave is also noteworthy. Traces of human ancestors, the Neanderthals, were found in it. They lived here about 30 thousand years ago.

Cave of St. Michael

The main attraction of Gibraltar, which attracts travelers to this territory, is its unusual nature. There are a large number of caves, palm trees, and pine trees. There are more than 600 types of different flowers in Gibraltar. One of the most visited caves is the Cave of St. Michael. It is one of the largest caves on the Rock of Gibraltar. There are about 100 more such objects located here.

The cave is famous for its giant stalactites, which grew here several tens of thousands of years before the emergence of the city of Gibraltar. The remains of primitive people found here in 1974 also attract interest. Another find of archaeologists is rock paintings that depict mountain goats. Archaeologists believe that they were made about 20 thousand years ago.

Ibrahim al Ibrahim Mosque

The region where Gibraltar is located is also attractive from a religious point of view. The Ibrahim al Ibrahim Mosque, built here in 1997, is located just a few kilometers from Africa. The building was a gift from Saudi Arabia's ruler Fahd, and is one of the largest mosques in the non-Muslim state.

Its complex includes a school, a lecture hall, and a library. The building is located on a high platform, and three flights of stairs lead to the main entrance. Each of them has 22 steps. The main entrance is decorated with a large number of turrets. In the southeast corner of the mosque there is a high minaret, inside of which there is a spiral staircase.

Moorish castle

The building was built by representatives of the Marinid dynasty in the 7th century BC. e., and is a medieval fortification consisting of gates, fortress walls and the Tower of Memory - the main building of the entire structure. This is one of the unique attractions of Gibraltar, which invariably attracts tourists from the most remote corners of the globe.

The castle can be seen from afar thanks to its unusual architecture. It is more than 100 meters high and represents a symbol of the Arab domination of the Pyrenees, which lasted more than 800 years. After many historical events, the building became a museum open to visitors to Gibraltar.

Gibraltar is a small city-state that actually belongs to Great Britain, but at the same time living its own independent life. A spontaneous visit to this British overseas resort was the most unexpected part of my trip to Spain. Having learned that an international passport and a Schengen multiple entry visa are enough to visit Gibraltar, it was decided to visit this interesting town. Exploring the unique and interesting corners of Gibraltar took one day and followed the following route:

Casemates Square– the very center of the city. This is where all tourists end up after passing the border road through the runway from the Spanish city of La Linea de la Concepción. According to local residents, during the period of British colonization the area was built up with barracks. Currently, there is a granite monument in the form of a soldier’s figure installed on it, and along the perimeter the area is filled with cafes, bars and souvenir shops. The old soldiers' barracks have been converted into an Arts and Crafts Centre. I managed to find a tourist information center on the square, where I could get a map with marks on the main attractions of the city completely free of charge. Please note that the tourist center is open daily. From Monday to Friday, the working day lasts from 9:00 to 17:30, and on weekends the center closes at 15:00.

The square itself is very noisy and crowded, but it offers a magnificent panorama of the mountain ranges.

I made further exploration of Gibraltar on foot, but tourists can use the city bus . Every 15–20 minutes, buses depart from Casemate Square in different directions, the fare for which is a little more than 1 euro. Thrifty travelers can purchase a comprehensive one-day pass here for just 2 euros.

Branches off from Casemate Square main street of Gibraltar - Main Street. It is a pleasure to walk along it. Cleanliness, many flower beds and hanging vases create a pleasant atmosphere. But the catchy windows of numerous shops and bars force tourists to make an effort not to leave most of the contents of their wallets on this street.

On Main Street there is a monument to Admiral Nelson and flaunts Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary. The cream-colored building of the cathedral fits well into the overall architecture of the city during the day, but with the onset of darkness the situation changes. In the evening, the cathedral becomes the key element of the entire street due to the numerous lighting around the perimeter. This beautiful spectacle attracts many tourists near the cathedral.

On the main city street of Gibraltar on Tuesdays, tourists can witness the changing of the guard ceremony at the governor's residence. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch this ritual spectacle. But the residence building itself, which was once a monastery, and located next door Royal Chapel I looked from the side.

Another attraction of the Main Street pedestrian street is English Church of the Holy Trinity. It was built in the Moorish style back in 1832. The arched passages and windows of the church reminded me of horseshoes, but the inside was very nice. I was especially impressed by the wooden altar of the church, decorated with skillful carvings and unusually pleasant church music. Visiting the Church of the Holy Trinity is free for everyone.

Eventually, a walk along Main Street led me to the funicular that takes tourists to the top of Gibraltar's main attraction - habitat of tailless monkeys.

Every 15 minutes, cabins depart from the lower cable car station. And within 5 minutes tourists can admire the protected flora and fauna of Gibraltar. As for monkeys, you need to be careful with them. Tailless animals bite and skillfully steal handbags, glasses and jewelry. By the way, feeding the monkeys is strictly prohibited; this is closely monitored by the reserve staff. For violating the rules, tourists face a hefty fine.

You must buy a ticket before boarding the funicular. A regular cable car ride accompanied by an audio guide costs 11.90 euros for an adult tourist and 6.30 euros for children aged 4 to 12 years. I purchased a comprehensive ticket with the right to visit the Moorish Castle, the nature reserve, St. Michael's Cave, the Siege Tunnels and a tour of the 100-ton cannon. The cost of such pleasure amounted to 26 euros.

Moorish castle turned out to be the remains of a medieval fortification with the Tower of Memory, which is 100 meters high, open to the public. The thick stone walls of the castle and tower are littered with scars from cannonball fragments and artillery fire.

Siege tunnels will attract male tourists. They are, in fact, a small museum, the exhibits of which are guns, maps of war times and all sorts of soldier things. It is easier to inspect manually built tunnels in reverse order. First, you should go down to the lowest point of the tunnels and on the way back, gradually ascending to inspect the exhibition. It's easier physically this way. I was convinced of this personally.

After admiring the view from above of the city and the bay with yachts, I went to the caves.

St. Michael's Cave) impressed me more than the castle. This is the place you should definitely visit in Gibraltar. Monkeys await tourists at the entrance to the caves, and amazing and unusual beauty lurks inside. Limestone caves with illuminated stalactite formations are located on several levels. The acoustics in this place are amazing. The largest cave grotto, equipped with rows of chairs, hosts concerts and performances. Walking through the labyrinths of caves is very interesting and not at all scary.

A walk through the reserve and caves, despite being fascinating, is a little exhausting. Therefore, you can get to the next attraction by bus No. 2. That's exactly what I did. At the end point of the bus route, tourists await Cape Europa. In addition to the next picturesque views, on the cape there is an observation deck with binoculars, a working lighthouse, a mosque and a Catholic chapel.

This concludes my sightseeing of Gibraltar. The walk took a whole day and was exhausting. But what we saw was worth it. The natural beauty of the city-state, as well as the funny barbary macaques, impressed me.