Gibraltar

Gibraltar, colloquially known as The Rock or Gib, is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Spain to the north; Morocco is a short distance across the strait to the south. Gibraltar has a population of 34,000 as of 2020.

Understand
Gibraltar is a unique place for the curious: a British community on the Iberian Peninsula, separated by a narrow gap of sea from Africa. The historic military legacy has created a veritable labyrinth inside "the Rock", with many secret internal roads and tunnels worth exploring. It is also worth climbing the Rock for its views and famous monkeys; the only extant population of wild non-human primates in Europe.

History
In Greek mythology Gibraltar was Calpe, one of the Pillars of Hercules, which marked the edge of the Mediterranean and the known world. In 711 Tariq ibn Ziyad, the Muslim governor of Tangier, landed at Gibraltar to launch the Islamic invasion of the Iberian Peninsula. The Rock took his name, Jabal Tariq (Mountain of Tariq), which eventually became Gibraltar.

Strategically important for international shipping, Gibraltar was ceded to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht and was formally declared a British colony in 1830. Despite it having been British longer than it was Spanish, Spain still claims sovereignty over the territory; however, Gibraltarians consider themselves British with no apparent interest in rejoining Spain: a referendum held in 2002 showed 99% of the population wished to remain British.

The topmost part of the Rock is still used as a British military installation, and is off-limits to the public.

GibraltarPass
The GibraltarPass combines most of Gibraltar's attractions and more under a one-day digital visitors' pass. Buy it online and receive a digital pass on your mobile phone. It costs £49 for over-12s and £44 for kids aged 5-11, and is valid for one calendar day (05:00-23:59); consecutive second and third day passes are available with a 10% and 15% discount, respectively. Among other things, it covers travel on either the Gibraltar Cable Car or a guided minibus tour of the Rock, plus entry to attractions such as the Gibraltar Nature Reserve (for the macaques), St Michael Cave, SkyWalk, Great Siege Tunnels, WW2 Tunnels, Moorish Castle, and Alameda Gardens. The pass also includes transport on Citibus routes 5 and 10 from the border to the city centre and cable car, as well as a wide variety of freebies and discounts at over 100 activity providers, shops and restaurants in the territory.

Talk
Gibraltar's official language is English, although most local people also speak Spanish.

Most locals also converse in Llanito, which is essentially a mix of Andalusian Spanish and British English, unique to Gibraltar. Many businesses such as cafes and restaurants employ monolingual Spanish workers from across the border. In restaurants, it may not be that different from dining in Spain, in terms of language.

Entry requirements
The UK formally left the EU on 31 January 2020, and its transition period ended on 1 January 2021. There are plans for Gibraltar to join the Schengen Area, however this is not official yet. Although entering Gibraltar from Spain will technically invalidate a single-entry Schengen visa, in practice passports are only given a cursory check but not stamped at the land border with Spain, and people who enter and leave via the land border are usually readmitted to Spain without any problems.

If you do not need a visa to visit the United Kingdom, you may also visit Gibraltar without a visa. Additionally, you can visit Gibraltar without a visa if you are a permanent resident of the UK, if you hold a valid UK residence permit issued for at least 12 months, or if you hold a valid UK multiple-entry visa that was issued for at least 6 months. If you need a visa for Gibraltar, you can apply for one at a British diplomatic mission, but keep in mind that Gibraltar visas are separate from visas from the UK.

By plane


The most popular alternative airport for Gibraltar is  in Spain, 120 km to the east, which offers a wide range of destinations. Málaga can be reached by bus, but there are only a few services available per day and the trip is approximately 3 hours. is normally the second choice, despite being closer to Gibraltar.

By car
Queues at the border may make it less time-consuming to park cars in the neighbouring Spanish town of La Línea de la Concepción and walk across. While there are charges for parking in La Línea immediately next to the border, there is free parking throughout town and next to the stadium if you are willing to walk an extra 1 km. Parking on the Spanish side of the border also has the advantage of avoiding Gibraltar's complex one way system with very narrow and badly signposted streets, and limited parking. The land border is open 24 hours a day. A tunnel which opened at the end of March 2023 now bypasses the crossing of the airport runway.

Motorists, and on occasion pedestrians, crossing the border with Spain have been subjected to long delays and searches by the Spanish authorities. Spain has closed the border during disputes or incidents involving the Gibraltar authorities.

Despite being an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, traffic in Gibraltar is on the right side of the road, the same with the rest of continental Europe.

By bus
At La Línea, Spain across the border, there are regular buses to and from Seville, Malaga, Cádiz, Granada and hourly to Algeciras (the latter one direct or with stops on the way). The station in La Línea is a five-minute walk from the border with Gibraltar.

The bus station in Algeciras is opposite the railway station and to get there from the harbour, turn left, walk along the main street for about 100 m and then turn right. Continue about 200 m along this street to the small building with railways. There is a small sign for the bus stop. This bus can get you to La Línea for €2.35 (January 2013), and it goes every 30 minutes during the day. Some buses run non-stop while others make intermediate calls. In La Línea you will arrive at the bus station about 500 m from the border with Gibraltar. In the summer it can take up to 2 hours to cross the border with a car.

Current info for Malaga bus station: Estación de Autobuses de Málaga

Tour buses and coaches can be available at all Andalucian major cities, holiday resorts and some mainland hotels.

By boat


There is an irregular (no more than 2 departures per month) passenger service from Tangier Med port in Morocco operated by FRS, 1:30 h, €37.50 (as of Jan 2023).

Gibraltar receives a large number of visits from cruise ships, and the strait of Gibraltar is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. Over 200 cruise ships call each year on the Port of Gibraltar with a passenger total approaching 350,000. The cruise port is at the western end of Waterport Road, about 1.3 km from Casemates Square and Main St. A port call is one of the easiest ways to get in to visit Gibraltar, especially given the occasional delays at the land border crossing with Spain.

By train
There is no train station in Gibraltar. The nearest is in San Roque-La Línea, which is outside of La Línea proper and about 15 km from the Spain-Gibraltar border. Buses and taxis are available for the last leg from the train station to Gibraltar.

On foot
Gibraltar is less than 7 km² in size, so much of it can be seen on foot. Some of the roads (especially up to the Upper Rock) are very steep. Taxis will take the strain out of the climbs, and all the taxi drivers seem to know all the Barbary macaques by name. Buses can be a cheap option to expedite things.

By bus
Though Gibraltar's area is small, it is long and thin, so distances can be a bit further than expected. There are two bus companies: privately-owned Citibus which operates routes 5 and 10; and government-owned Gibraltar Bus Company which operates the rest.

Buses can be paid for in pounds or euros (pay cash onboard, Gibraltar Bus requires exact change, Citibus does not.). Bus fares are the same regardless of distance; the euro price is considerably more expensive than the prevailing exchange rate (Oct 2019). The day ticket on Citibus is valid with either bus company, but the day ticket for Gibraltar Bus is only valid with that company. The return ticket on Citibus is valid for 2 trips on the same day on that company's bus.

Bus route 2 goes by the cable car station. It is the only bus that visits Europa Point, the southernmost point in Gibraltar, and the one with the view of Africa. Buses 5 and 10 go to the airport and frontier.

Bus times are available online: Gibraltar Bus Company, Citibus.

By car
There are a few roads in Gibraltar, mostly centred along its west coast.

Though the UK drives on the left, Gibraltar drives on the right due to its land border with Spain.

See


The tourist office is in John Mackintosh Square; located half way along Main Street.

The main attractions to see in Gibraltar (most are included in the GibraltarPass]):







Do

 * Victoria Stadium next to the airport is the multi-purpose arena, capacity 5,000, that hosts most big spectator events. This includes home games of Gibraltar's national football team, all the club football teams, and the rugby union team.
 * Jewish Gibraltar Tours explore the rich history of this unique Jewish community over 300 years old. Visit the synagogues and other important community establishments combined with some of the attractions on the top of the Rock.
 * Jewish Gibraltar Tours explore the rich history of this unique Jewish community over 300 years old. Visit the synagogues and other important community establishments combined with some of the attractions on the top of the Rock.

Money
The currency of Gibraltar is the Gibraltar pound (GIP), and is equivalent in value to the British pound sterling. British pounds are accepted everywhere in Gibraltar, in addition to the local version.

Gibraltar pounds aren't accepted outside of Gibraltar, not even in the UK. If you are travelling to the UK you will be able to exchange them there at a bank for a service fee. If you are travelling on to elsewhere, then you may not be able to exchange them at all. It is best to change any leftover Gibraltar pounds before leaving; all Gibraltar banks will change Gibraltar pounds to British pounds free-of-charge, You should ask shops to give your change in UK notes if you aren't going to spend them there.

Gibraltar coins feature designs of local significance, but are otherwise identical in denomination, colour and size to sterling coins, and tend to circulate in the UK without question. They come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 pence, 1, 2 and 5 Gibraltar pounds.

Gibraltar banknotes depict landmarks found throughout the territory, and are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Gibraltar pounds.

Most shops in Gibraltar will also accept euros and U.S. dollars, with the risk of getting a poor rate of exchange. Government offices and post offices do not accept foreign currency.

Credit and debit cards are sometimes not accepted in some shops and, especially, restaurants.

Eat and drink
If you like to sit outside and watch the world go by, go to Casemates Square where a number of pubs and restaurants serve fairly similar meals.



Irish Town, the road which runs parallel to Main Street, has a number of pubs.



Queensway Quay is home to The Waterfront, which serves a good quality, if somewhat eclectic menu which ranges from steak to high quality local fish and Indian food. Casa Pepe's, on the other side of the marina is worth a splurge.



If you fancy dining waterside the marinas are worth trying, and includes the most southerly pub in Europe. Good food, draught Bass and many others on tap. Happy hour daily at 18:00. Full Sunday lunch available.



Marina Bay is home to several restaurants. Bianca's and Charlie's Tavern at Marina Bay are worth a visit, the former being very well known for its busy ambience. Gibraltar's first Mexican restaurant has opened in Marina Bay.



Ocean Village, Gibraltar's newest marina, is an extension to Marina Bay. It is home to several pubs and restaurants, including a Chinese and an Indian.



Eating kosher
There are a number of kosher restaurants, bakeries and minimarkets in Gibraltar.

Sleep


Presumably due to Gibraltar's very limited space accommodation is expensive. Due to this, many opt for staying across the border in La Línea, Spain and walking across the border, although there are budget options:

Work
Gibraltar has a favourable corporate tax regime, and many online gambling websites choose to make Gibraltar their base of operations and employ thousands of people in an ever-thriving jobs market.



Phone
Gibraltar's international telephone code is +350. All landline numbers in Gibraltar have 8 digits.

The prefix to dial prior to country code for international calls is 00 in Gibraltar.

Internet
Free wireless is available in the following places:
 * Fresh - a cafe/bar just down through the archway when leaving the main square towards the bus stops.
 * The Gibraltar Arms - about half way down the main street.
 * The Lord Nelson - just by the tunnel exiting the main square.
 * The Cannon Bar - behind the Catholic Cathedral.
 * The Clipper - on Irish Town near Tuckey's lane.
 * Corks Wine Bar - on Irish Town near the Clipper.
 * The Horseshoe - on Main Street near the Gibraltar Museum & King Street.

Stay safe
Gibraltar has a low crime rate and an efficient police force to ensure it stays that way. The Royal Gibraltar Police is the civilian police responsible for everyday policing. In some places, particularly around the airport, you may also see the Gibraltar Defence Police. They are part of the British military and are chiefly tasked to protect military installations.

Dial 199 for police assistance, and 190 for fire and ambulance services. Alternatively 112 may be dialed from mobile phones for all emergencies.

However, there have been reports of people being attacked on the Spanish side of the border while returning to Gibraltar on foot late at night. It might be sensible to take a taxi after dark if you have been drinking in the bars in Spain, especially if you are by yourself.

Barbary macaques
The Barbary macaques are wild animals and do bite. It is not advisable to feed them, despite encouragement from irresponsible taxi drivers. In addition, there are kiosks irresponsibly selling 'monkey food', further encouraging this: it is illegal, can incur hefty fines and is bad for their health. Never try to pick up a baby macaque: its mother will not be happy and then neither will you. If you are bitten by a macaque, you will require hospital treatment. Whilst the macaques are rabies-free, they can infect you with hepatitis, and they are most aggressive on the top of the rock, as the most successful animals claim the uppermost reaches of the rock, with their less successful brethren being forced down the rock in their social pecking order.

Medical treatment
Gibraltar is part of the European Health Insurance Scheme and has a health service similar to the United Kingdom, with a modern hospital. If you are from a participating country, your EHIC card will entitle you to full free emergency medical treatment.

Consulates

 * 🇧🇪 Belgium
 * 🇩🇰 Denmark
 * 🇫🇮 Finland
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇮🇸 Iceland
 * 🇮🇱 Israel
 * 🇮🇹 Italy
 * 🇲🇹 Malta
 * 🇳🇱 Netherlands
 * 🇳🇴 Norway
 * 🇵🇱 Poland
 * 🇸🇪 Sweden
 * 🇨🇭 Switzerland
 * 🇹🇭 Thailand
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Respect
People from Gibraltar refer to themselves as Gibraltarian or 'Llanito' pronounced Ya-ni-to. Even though the vast majority of Gibraltarians speak Spanish (with a local dialect), they are easily offended if referred to as Spanish because they regard themselves as Gibraltarians and are very proud of their identity. In fact, Gibraltarians have voted overwhelmingly to remain British in several referenda.

Some Gibraltarians also feel sensitive to the use of the term 'colony' due to its connotations of being a deposited population or ruled by a foreign country and lacking in self-government, none of which apply to Gibraltar either now or historically. Additionally, the term 'colony' wasn't used in reference to Gibraltar until the 1830s, at which time there were other places that were colonies and Gibraltar was grouped with them under the term colonies, despite the circumstances being different.

Although the popular view is that the Spanish Government is the cause of many problems concerning Gibraltar, there is no animosity directed by Gibraltarians towards Spanish individuals in general; the thousands of Spanish tourists and workers experience no problems. The 2006 Cordoba Agreement opened up the relationship Gibraltar has with Spain.

Go next
You could cross the border to Cadiz in Southern Spain, or cities such as Algeciras or Jerez de la Frontera. Or you could go south, across the Mediterranean, and visit Morocco, with places such as Tangier and Casablanca.