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Gibraltar: The Rock, the Crossroads of Cultures

Explore Gibraltar: A Rock of History, Culture, and Stunning Views at the Crossroads of the Mediterranean and Atlantic.

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, is a captivating blend of cultures and history, dominated by the iconic Rock of Gibraltar. This strategic peninsula at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea offers stunning views, unique wildlife (the Barbary macaques), and a fascinating network of tunnels and fortifications that tell tales of sieges and naval power.

A brief summary to Gibraltar

Local tips

  • Be mindful of the Barbary macaques; do not feed them or display food, as they can be assertive.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the Rock, as there is a lot of walking and some steep inclines.
  • Consider purchasing a Gibraltar Nature Reserve ticket for access to most of the Upper Rock attractions.
  • Bring your passport, as you will need it to enter Gibraltar from Spain.
  • The currency is the Gibraltar pound (GIP), which is interchangeable with the British pound (GBP). Euros are sometimes accepted, but the exchange rate may not be favorable.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Casemates Square, the heart of Gibraltar's town center, walking to the Gibraltar Cable Car station takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Head south along Main Street, then turn east onto Red Sands Road. The cable car station will be on your left. Walking is free, but allow time, as the route involves a slight uphill climb.

  • Public Transport

    From the Gibraltar International Airport or the Spanish border, take bus route 5 to the Market Place Terminus in the city center. From there, connect to other bus routes operated by the Gibraltar Bus Company. A single fare costs approximately £1.60-£1.80. An all-day ticket for the Gibraltar Bus Company costs around £2.50. Buses accept cash, card or contactless payment.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at the Gibraltar International Airport, the Spanish border, and various taxi ranks throughout the city. A taxi tour to the main attractions on the Rock, lasting around 1.5 hours, costs approximately £90 for a group of four. Standard taxi fares within the city center are metered.

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Discover more about Gibraltar

Gibraltar, affectionately known as 'The Rock,' is a unique destination where British and Mediterranean influences intertwine. This small peninsula, a British Overseas Territory, boasts a rich history shaped by its strategic location at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. For millennia, Gibraltar has been a coveted prize, serving as a watchtower, a naval base, and a crossroads of civilizations. Rising dramatically from the sea, the Rock of Gibraltar is a Jurassic limestone promontory that was formed millions of years ago. It was first inhabited by Neanderthals over 50,000 years ago. The Phoenicians recognized its significance around 950 BC, and the Romans later named it Mons Calpe, one of the Pillars of Hercules. In 711 AD, the Moors arrived, renaming it Jebel Tariq (Mount Tariq), from which the name Gibraltar is derived. For over 700 years, the Moors held sway, interrupted only by a brief period of Spanish control, until 1462 when the Spanish finally recaptured it. In 1704, during the War of the Spanish Succession, British and Dutch forces captured Gibraltar. The Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 formally ceded Gibraltar to Great Britain. Spain has made numerous attempts to regain control, most notably during the Great Siege of Gibraltar (1779-1783). Today, Gibraltar remains a British Overseas Territory, a symbol of British resilience and a testament to its enduring strategic importance. Visitors can explore the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, home to the famous Barbary macaques, the only wild monkey population in Europe. St. Michael's Cave, a stunning natural grotto, has served as a shelter, a concert hall, and even a hospital. The Great Siege Tunnels, an impressive network of underground passages, offer a glimpse into Gibraltar's military past. Europa Point, the southernmost point of Gibraltar, provides breathtaking views of the Strait of Gibraltar and the North African coastline.

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