Being half Gibraltarian herself, Marketing Coordinator – Danielle Martinez is lucky to be able to visit family in Gibraltar (Gib) at least once a year. Its a short 3-hour flight taking you directly into Gibraltar Airport which was voted 4th in ‘Most Scenic Airport Landing 2017’
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory at the Southern tip of Spain with the Gibraltar Strait separating Morocco from the tip (Europa Point). Home to just over 32 thousand people in a 6.8km area, the sights of Gibraltar can be visited within 48 hours which makes it a perfect weekend break! Featured in the James Bond film “The Living Daylights” and place of marriage for Yoko Ono and John Lennon, Gib has plenty to see and do!
Here Danielle gives you her top places to visit in Gibraltar…
#1 The Rock of Gibraltar
Most of the Upper Rock is covered by a nature reserve, home to around 300 Barbary Macaques which you can indeed visit. Surrounded by its own micro climate the rock generally ends and starts the day with a large cloud covering the entire top of the rock. This is locally known as the “Levante” and can be quite a daunting sight for anyone visiting for the first time as the cloud gives the impression that a dull stormy day will occur…… on the contrary! Once the sun has burnt off the Levante by mid morning you will be guaranteed a bright sunny day!
#2 Visit the Barbary Macaques
Once at the top of the Rock you can visit the Barbary Macaques! It’s easy to get there either by cable car ride to the top or through an organised trip via mini bus. The monkeys are cheeky little things, so you will need to keep your belongings somewhere safe.
#3 St Michael’s Cave
St Michael’s Cave is split into two (Upper and Lower) and has interested visitors to Gibraltar ever since the days of the Romans.
Lower St Michael’s Cave was only discovered in 1942, the cavern of which has extraordinary beauty featuring grey and red stalactite columns. The Cathedral Cave is open to visitors and makes a unique auditorium for intimate concerts, ballet and drama productions. It has been in use as a theatre since the early sixties and has a capacity of 600.
#4 Main Street Shopping
Gibraltar welcomes millions of tourists every year, many of whom will head to Main Street for a spot of shopping! Home to well-known brands such as Pandora, TopShop, Marks and Spencers as well as local stores, Main Street is the centre of Gibraltar’s commercial district and the scene of some of the best value shopping on the Mediterranean. Gibraltar is a VAT free jurisdiction so goods sold in Gibraltar offer the best value. The currency is the Gibraltar Pound, equivalent to Sterling, so there is no costly currency conversion for visitors from the United Kingdom.
#5 Eat and Drink
My favourite thing to do when I visit Gibraltar is to visit the many restaurants, bars and eateries it has to offer. There are two areas in which you can enjoy a delicious evening meal, Casemates Square, and my personal choice, Ocean Village. Situated on the Marina, Ocean Village is home to the world’s first 5* anchored super-yacht hotel and some of the most affluent apartments. In this area, you will find the best restaurants and bars, from traditional Mediterranean cuisine to Cuban, Indian and more. For a quiet coffee shop vibe, Sacarellos just off the Main Street shopping area in “Irish Town” provides the perfect setting to enjoy a welcome rest from shopping to indulge in their award winning coffee and delicious cakes!
#6 Casinos
If a flutter is your thing, then there are two main casinos in Gibraltar to choose from:
Admiral Casino
The Admiral Casino offers a Casino Zone, Poker Magic Lounge, Coral Sports Lounge, 460 Seat Gala Bingo Club, Magic Zone, 170 Jackpot Slot Machines, Chargrill Restaurant, Cocktails on the Sun Terrace, below zero Ice Line Bar & Champagne Bar.
Sunborn Casino
Enjoy a first-class gaming experience in a unique setting. All the comforts of a first-class super-yacht hotel are at your disposal including table-side service from a dedicated cocktail bar that only serves casino members and guests. Casino players are welcome to enjoy Sunborn Gibraltar’s other facilities, too – including the top-deck Sky Restaurant & Bar or Infinity Spa.
#7 Beaches
Gibraltar is home to six beaches around its shoreline. Four of these, Sandy Bay, Eastern Beach, Catalan Bay, and Western Beach, are sandy. Camp Bay and Little Bay are rocky areas. If you’re a keen aviationist then at Eastern Beach you can sunbathe and watch the airplanes fly onto the runway from a distance too!
#8 La Linea Fair
Technically not in Gibraltar but a short 5-10 minute walk from the Gibraltarian Border (remember to take your passport to cross the border), popularly known as “La Salvaora” and “La Velada”, La Línea Fair is the main festivity in the town. Running normally from 14th July 2017 – 23rd July 2017 it’s home to more than 30 marquees set up in the fairground with good music, dancing, and food including some of the best Churros I have ever tasted!
#9 Excursions
Gibraltar is the perfect base from which to explore nearby Spain (Marbella, Torremolinos and Benalmadena are within short driving distances) and Morocco. Head down to Main Street to see a Tours representative based along the pavements to organise your trip for a small fee. A short ferry crossing will take you to Morocco where you can buy spices and haggle over bargains in the souk, adding up to making Gibraltar an even more attractive destination.
#10 MTV Gibraltar Calling Festival
One for the music lovers, MTV brings some of the biggest names in the music industry to rock around the rock!
Running every September the festival is home to a variety of acts this year such as Bananarama, Go West, Kaiser Chiefs, Craig David, Bastille and even The Village People!
So there you have it! The possibilities are endless when it comes to things to do in Gibraltar. Gib is one of the most friendly and welcoming places I have experienced whether it’s shopping down Main Street or enjoying a cocktail at La Sala on the Sunborn Super-yacht, Gibraltar provides the perfect setting to anyone wanting to explore this wonderful place!
For more advice on putting together a holiday to Gibraltar and the range of accommodation and flights on offer contact us:
T: 01562 883795
E: enquiry@destinatravel.co.uk
