Descubre Gibraltar: Guía de Gibraltar

Introduction

Gibraltar has attracted visitors for centuries. There can be few places in the world that equal The Rock in terms of sheer physical presence. Gibraltar is situated in a unique strategic location on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar and linked to the Spanish mainland by a narrow isthmus.

Despite an imposing appearance Gibraltar is small, measuring less than six square kilometres in total. Its precipitous rock and cliffs stretch skywards some 1400 feet, 426 metres.

This is the only place in Europe where monkeys (Barbary Macaques) roam free in a semi-wild state, reflecting the Rock’s rich natural history, which flourishes in a sub-tropical climate.

Gibraltar’s past is etched on the limestone, as well as expressed in the faces and customs of the people, a fascinating blend of cultures that have all left their stamp throughout a rich and tumultuous history which dates back to Neanderthal times.

Today Gibraltar offers something for everyone, ranging from archaeological treasures and priceless artefacts to a wide variety of shops and restaurants. It is also a stimulating world centre of business and commerce.

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, with its own local Government of elected Ministers

Practical Information

Location

Gibraltar is situated at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula. It is recognised as one of the southernmost point of Europe. It is also strategically positioned at the western end of the Mediterranean, forming one of the ancient Pillars of Hercules. The surrounding countries are Spain to the North and Morocco in North Africa to the South.

Language

Gibraltar’s official language is English although Spanish is widely spoken.

Getting There

Direct scheduled flights are operated by British Airways and easyJet from London Gatwick airport. Monarch Airlines operate scheduled services from London Luton Airport and Manchester. Flight time is approximately 2hours and 30 minutes. The land frontier between Gibraltar and Spain is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week both for vehicles and pedestrians. There is no limit on the number of frontier crossings you can make.

Gibraltar is a popular cruise ship port of call and currently welcomes over 200 cruise ships a year.

Gibraltar’s Currency

The legal tender in Gibraltar is Government of Gibraltar Sterling notes and coinage, although UK Sterling is equally welcome. There is a full range of international and UK banks. Credit cards, traveller’s cheques and Euros are widely accepted. Gibraltar Sterling cannot be used in the UK.

Weather

Gibraltar has an average of 320 days of sunshine a year with temperatures rising well above 30°C in the summer and going down to approximately 12°C in winter. Gibraltar’s climate is Mediterranean with a warm, dry summer alternating with a mild winter.

Todays Weather

Dialling codes to and from Gibraltar

The country code for Gibraltar is + 350.

Disabled facilities in Gibraltar

Please contact the Gibraltar Tourist Board for information on facilities for the disabled in Gibraltar.

Getting Around

Gibraltar’s town centre is easily navigated on foot, however, if arriving into Gibraltar from the frontier or staying on the east side, a cost efficient and reliable bus service is in operation into and around the main town area. It is easy to access all parts of Gibraltar using the local bus service, which has a regular frequency and can be used by the disabled, parents with prams and shoppers.

In order to efficiently serve the general public and tourist’s arriving in Gibraltar by cruise ship, by air or land, a fleet of 112 taxis and 8 private cars are available for hire. Gibraltar offers a 24-hour taxi service.

Taxi ranks can be found at the airport and at many locations around Gibraltar, including the city centre. Different tariffs are applied for day and night hire and on public holidays and extra charges are made for waiting. Tariffs are subject to change. All taxis have meters.

Car hire in Gibraltar is easily arranged and very good value. There are a number of car hire companies in Gibraltar available for use within Gibraltar and beyond. Mopeds are also available for hire.

If arriving by air a selection of companies can be found as you exit the customs hall. Age requirement is usually 23 to 75 years and you must be in possession of a valid clean driving licence that has been held for a minimum of 2 years. Credit cards are accepted for payment.

Key History

Gibraltar is steeped in history; an intertwining of civilisations and cultures which dates back many thousands of years. What’s more, it is a living history reflected, not just in the Gibraltarians themselves, but also in the many legacies that remain to this day, including a number of pre-historic caves and a Moorish Castle and baths that date back to the 11th century. The architecture is similarly eclectic with many Georgian and Victorian buildings, as well as those that reflect a Portuguese, Genoese or Moorish influence. But it is the caves that were certainly man’s first home here. In 1848 an ancient skull was discovered in Forbes’s Quarry, at the foot of the steep north face. Then, just eight years later, an identical skull was discovered, this time in the Neander Valley near Dusseldorf. “Neanderthal Man” should really have been “Gibraltar Woman”!

Entrance to Casemates (EntrancetoCasementSquare.JPG)

Ancient mariners first arrived here by the 8th century BC, leaving gifts to the gods to bribe the almighty before sailing into the Atlantic and the unknown. The Phoenicians called The Rock “Calpe”. Julius Caesar defeated the sons of Pompeii almost within sight of Calpe, and the first description of Gibraltar was written by the Roman geographer Pomponius Mela. The Muslim invasion of Europe started in the Bay of Gibraltar in 711 when the Visigoths sided with Muslims by lending their ships to Berber Chief, Tarik Ibn Zeyad who landed by Tarik’s mountain – “Jebel Tarik” – and became immortalised by naming it at the same time. Gibraltar continued under Moorish dominion for over seven centuries, but was taken by Spain for a brief period of 24 years in the early 14th century. It was not until 1462 that the Spaniards finally re-captured the Rock. It remained a Spanish possession until 1704 when it fell to a combined Anglo-Dutch force. The Treaty of Utrecht ceded the Rock into ‘Crown of Great Britain’ in perpetuity, but Gibraltar continued to be subject to bloody conflict from Spain and, in 1782, work began on the famous “Great Siege Tunnels”. The Battle of Trafalgar was fought close to The Rock in 1805. The 19th century was Gibraltar’s heyday, as a staging port on the vital route to India. Another series of tunnels was completed during the Second World War. Gibraltar became home to naval fleet Force H and the focal point from where Eisenhower masterminded the North Africa landings from in 1942. During the Franco era, Spain attempted to revive her claim for the reversion of the Rock to Spanish sovereignty, which culminated in the closure of the border for thirteen years from 1969. The roots of Gibraltar have grown deep into the Rock for millions of years. The natural history, the culture and, finally, the people themselves - the Gibraltarians - are the result: the ultimate proof that the history of The Rock lives on...

Mapa de Gibraltar