Cross the border from Spain into the last colony on the European mainland: Gibraltar is British, you can still see British policemen, high-street stores, red phone boxes, pay in Pounds and enjoy the duty free shopping. A miniature of Britain perched on a rock formation right at the entrance of the Mediterranean sea, but with an international culture, a lot of history, monkeys and a nice city centre with a Spanish touch.
The Rock
Gibraltar´s best-known attraction is of course the Rock with its Upper Rock Nature Reserve. The nature reserve is a beautiful area on a height of 421 metres, with the Apes´Den as its most famous attraction: the home of gentle apes. From here you can climb up to Jews Gate for views over the Moroccan Atlas mountains; explore the St Michael´s caves with an impressive interior of stalagmites and stalactites, which are currently used for dinners and concerts. Further you find here the Great Siege Tunnels, an immense network of man-made passageways inside the Rock, built as a defence during the Great Siege in the 18th century. History lovers can visit the O´Hara´s Battery and Military Heritage Centre and the Moorish Castle: this Castle dates back to the 8th century and covers large part of the Rock and although most of it is ruins, you can still visit parts. You can get up the Rock by minibus tour or by cable-car and on top you can enjoy the beautiful views over the Spanish and African coastlines.
Gibraltar´s best-known attraction is of course the Rock with its Upper Rock Nature Reserve. The nature reserve is a beautiful area on a height of 421 metres, with the Apes´Den as its most famous attraction: the home of gentle apes. From here you can climb up to Jews Gate for views over the Moroccan Atlas mountains; explore the St Michael´s caves with an impressive interior of stalagmites and stalactites, which are currently used for dinners and concerts. Further you find here the Great Siege Tunnels, an immense network of man-made passageways inside the Rock, built as a defence during the Great Siege in the 18th century. History lovers can visit the O´Hara´s Battery and Military Heritage Centre and the Moorish Castle: this Castle dates back to the 8th century and covers large part of the Rock and although most of it is ruins, you can still visit parts. You can get up the Rock by minibus tour or by cable-car and on top you can enjoy the beautiful views over the Spanish and African coastlines.
The centre
The city centre of Gibraltar you find at the foot of the Rock, an old town of labyrinthine streets and with a random mix of architectural styles, very nice to stroll around. For a nice terrace, a drink or something to eat, you have an elaborate choice: Gibraltar offers the true English style fish, chips and cream teas but also the typical Spanish fresh seafood, tapas and chorizo. A multicultural cuisine, with great places to go to around Marina Bay and Catalan Bay.
The city centre of Gibraltar you find at the foot of the Rock, an old town of labyrinthine streets and with a random mix of architectural styles, very nice to stroll around. For a nice terrace, a drink or something to eat, you have an elaborate choice: Gibraltar offers the true English style fish, chips and cream teas but also the typical Spanish fresh seafood, tapas and chorizo. A multicultural cuisine, with great places to go to around Marina Bay and Catalan Bay.
Shopping
Gibraltar is also a great place to go for shopping, especially because in most stores you buy VAT free! Main street is a good place to go for gold jewellery, cameras, computers or a local hand-blown glasses as nice souvenirs.
And moreYou can visit the Rock hotel, that offers a great terrace from which you watch over the bay, Spain and Morocco. A trip in the cable car can be nice and offers of course also fantastic views: the cable car goes up 352 metres and at the top there is a bar and restaurant in order to join the views with a nice drink and/or bite. There is a stop also at the Ape´s Den. Make sure though you do not carry any food or drinks outside on the Rock, as the monkeys will shamelessly grab it out of your hands or bag! The Gibraltar Museum, set in a Moorish bathhouse is also worth a visit and offers an insight into the Rock´s history. Last but not least, of course you are right at the sea, and you can go for a nice swim in the warm waters of Catalan Bay.
Upcoming events in Gibraltar:* Gibraltar Song Festival, 24 September 2011 (annual)
* Polar Bear Swim on boxing day, December 2011 (an annual refreshing and detoxing swim in the bay)
* Three Kings Cavalcade, January 2012 (annual)
* Gibtelecom Chess Festival, January-February 2012 (annual)
* Gibraltar International Boat Show, April 2012 (annual)
* Polar Bear Swim on boxing day, December 2011 (an annual refreshing and detoxing swim in the bay)
* Three Kings Cavalcade, January 2012 (annual)
* Gibtelecom Chess Festival, January-February 2012 (annual)
* Gibraltar International Boat Show, April 2012 (annual)
Gibraltar´s surrounding offer even more: beautiful beaches, nature reserves and cultural visits to cities like Seville, Jerez, Málaga, La línea de La Concepción, Chiclana de la Frontera are all within easy reach with your rental car. For more information on car rentals, please check AurigaCrown´s website.
No comments:
Post a Comment