Gibraltar Travel Guide

Gibraltar travel guide flagGibraltar is a peninsula in the south part of Spain that makes up one of the two “Pillars of Hercules”, because it is a huge natural rock that forms the boundary of the Mediterranean Sea, with the other being 8 miles away in Africa. The Rock is only 2.8 square miles, but home to 30,000 people.

Gibraltar travel guideThroughout its history Gibraltar has been a defensive position and beginning in 1160 there have been structures for that purpose (The Moorish Castle). Between then and 1462 it was fought over between the Muslims in Granada & Morocco and the Christians from North Spain with the Spanish gaining final control.

Helpful Info
Population – 32,200
Money – Gibraltar Pound (on par with British Pound) (as of Feb 2019 US$1 = £0.78; current rate available at XE.com)
Language –English
Religion – 72% Catholic
When to go – Anytime but July & Aug can be busy
World Heritage Sites – 1 – Gorham’s Cave Complex
Country formed – Captured by Britain in 1704
Gibraltar travel guide - St Michael's Cave

St Michael’s Cave

In 1704 Britain captured it and it has been in their hands ever since, regardless of the fact that Spain has besieged it twice in the 1700’s. Even today the location is of extreme importance due to almost half the world’s shipping passes by it.

My Visit

I did a day trip to Gibraltar in August of 2017 when I crossed from Morocco to Spain and stayed in the town of Algeciras across the bay.

Likes, Dislikes, and Recommendations

Gibraltar travel guide - Barbary MacaquesMake sure you either have a valid visa or can enter Gibraltar visa free and remember it is not part of the EU.

Gibraltar travel guide - Barbary Macaques

One of the many tunnels insode The Rock

Town is on the western side of the giant rock and there are some cool things to do there. Also, the west coast and southern tip are relatively flat so you can explore on foot or by bus to see the 100 Ton Gun, Mosque, and lighthouse among other things.

But the really cool stuff is up The Rock including the Jewish Gate, St Michael’s Cave, barbary macaques, Great Siege Tunnels, Moorish Castle, and WW2 Tunnels. It is possible to hike up and do all this it will take almost the entire day and I recommend hiring a tour instead.

Soon you can get even more helpful hints by watching the travel video I am making for Gibraltar. Also, you can read what all I did during my day in Gibraltar in my blog posts below.

All Blogs From Gibraltar

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