Introducing Gibraltar: Meet the Legendary Rock
I’m looking forward to future trips, and there’s one site in particular that I’ve always heard about but have never visited, and realized I really don’t know much about. I’m eagerly anticipating our Spain cruise in July for the opportunity to explore this new-to-me destination, which inspires this week’s article…
Introducing Gibraltar: Meet the Legendary Rock
A tiny speck on the map between Europe and Africa, Gibraltar measures just 4.2 square miles, a British Overseas Territory that the Spanish authorities have long claimed as their own. Geopolitics aside, this tiny parcel of land, a peninsula extending off the south coast of Spain, offers an intriguing travel experience to visitors.
A day or two is plenty of time to explore, but there is more to see and do in Gibraltar than you may expect for a territory of this size. I’ll tell you a little about the history and background of Gibraltar, and share some of the best things to see and do.
A History of Gibraltar
For thousands of years, Gibraltar has acted as a gateway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, desired and fought for by armies and empires – if you control Gibraltar, you control access to the Med.
The Moors held the territory for a long time, during which time they constructed a Moorish castle that can still be seen today. And for centuries, the British and the Spanish tussled for control, with the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 officially ceding Gibraltar to Britain.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about exploring Gibraltar is the fusion between British and Spanish culture. Red telephone boxes stand outside Spanish tapas bars, and a large British population mingles with Spanish workers and residents.
The Rock of Gibraltar
By far the most famous feature on Gibraltar is The Rock, a limestone formation that rises nearly 1,400 feet above sea level.
Wherever you are in the territory, you are in the shadow of The Rock, and it is easy to head up to the top via cable car for panoramic views of the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and even Morocco on a clear day. For those who prefer a more physical ascent, hiking trails wind their way to the top.
The Rock is also home to troops of Barbary macaques, the only wild monkeys in Europe. For many travelers, these playful and curious creatures are a highlight of Gibraltar, though it is important to remember that they are wild animals, and to keep any food securely packed away.
While incredible views and wildlife spectacles can be enjoyed above ground, beneath the surface of The Rock lies a labyrinth of more than 100 caves and caverns. The most famous of these is St Michael’s Cave, which has been and continues to be used as an auditorium for concerts and other cultural events. Another popular subterranean attraction is the Great Siege Tunnels, dug by the British during the 18th century Great Siege of Gibraltar.
Beyond the Rock
While The Rock is the main landmark and attraction in the territory of Gibraltar, there is far more for visitors to see and do. The Gibraltar Nature Reserve, which encompasses much of The Rock, is home to a wealth of flora and fauna as well as scenic infrastructure like the Windsor Suspension Bridge, which spans across a gorge.
The reserve is an excellent birdwatching haven, with many migratory species using Gibraltar as a stopover destination on their journeys between Europe and Africa. The reserve is also home to the Mediterranean Steps, a steep and challenging hiking trail that rewards those with the stamina to complete it with arguably the best views in Gibraltar.
In the city of Gibraltar itself, beyond the amazing scenic views associated with the Rock, there are numerous cultural attractions for travelers to enjoy. At the Gibraltar Museum, visitors can learn more about the territory’s storied past, including its role as a haven for Neanderthals, the part it played in the Second World War. They can also discover exhibits such as the 14th century Moorish baths and an Egyptian mummy which washed up on the peninsula’s shore in the 1800s.
A more modern attraction is the Skywalk, which was opened by Star Wars actor Mark Hamill in 2018. This glass viewing platform perches high above the sea, allowing visitors a magical perspective of the territory.
A Taste of Gibraltar
The British-Spanish fusion continues in Gibraltar’s culinary scene, with visitors able to tuck intro traditional Mediterranean fare, Andalusian Tapas and British grub (and pints of beer) all in the same place. There are some uniquely Gibraltarian options too, including calenita, a chickpea flour cake that is often served as dessert, and goes well with a British cuppa.
One of the best places in Gibraltar for dining, as well as shopping, is Casemates Square, a bustling plaza lined with shops, restaurants and café. There’s a great selection of duty free boutiques too; this is due to Gibraltar being a British overseas territory that doesn’t impose Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods and services.
Visiting the Rock
As a British Overseas Territory, American travelers do not need a visa to enter Gibraltar for stays of up to 90 days, but they do require the new UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). And for those travelers exploring southern Spain, even a day is enough time to discover The Rock and enjoy some of Gibraltar’s unique attractions. The territory is different to anywhere else in the world, with a unique culture and identity born out of the fusion between Spanish and British. It’s well worth taking a day from your itinerary to find out more!