"The Rock!" Gibraltar by Ujamaflip

Gibraltar Travel Guide: 1,122 reviews and 2,251 photos

Gibraltar is a narrow peninsula stuck to the end of the Iberian Peninsula, a small mountain towards the southern tip of Spain. When you approach Gibraltar, whether it be by air, sea or road, you are struck by its stature, the rock towering majestically, and isolated from the flat landscape.

The position of Gibraltar is very important. Bordering on the Strait of Gibraltar it marks the point where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Strategically this is very important, and the reason for Britain's capture and defence of the Rock. Since the Rock was ceded to Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht it has been a bone of contention between the two nations. Several invasions where mounted on Gibraltar, and the border between Gibraltar and Spain was closed from 1969 to 1985. In 1967 Gibraltarians voted by 12,138 to 44 in favor of British rather than Spanish sovereignty, and its own domestic government was formed. A similar referendum was held in 2002, where 98.97% of the population voted against shared sovereignty.

Needless to say, Gibraltar remains under British Sovereignty, and the dispute with Spain continues.

A Tax Haven

Despite becoming a member of the European Union when Britain joined in 1973, Gibraltar has managed to retain certain exceptions such as relief of Value Added Tax, and the Common Customs Tariff.

For companies and banking there are many tax breaks available. Many online casino's are operated from Gibraltar to take advantage of this.

Additionally, tourists (and residents) can benifit from this. Gibraltar has incredibly cheap Alcohol, Cigarettes, Fuel, and other goods.

In and Around the Rock

St. Michaels Cave

Due to the unique geological makeup of the Rock, Gibraltar is riddled with caves. Over 140 caves have been discovered so far within the rock, many of which have been used for defense works and arsenals, mostly concealed, and a tunnel bisecting the rock from east to west. One of the largest caves within the Rock is St. Michaels cave. As a natural auditorium this cave is used for regular concerts and events.

Outside and above the Rock you have the rare opportunity to see semi-wild primates up close. Barbary Apes roam freely, and can be seen going about their business around the upper portion of the Rock. These apes are the only free-living apes in Europe today.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Interesting Location, Cheap Booze, Nice Weather
Cons:A bit like a cheap British holiday resort
In a nutshell:A little bit of Britain by the Med!

Last visit to Gibraltar: Apr 2004
Intro Updated Oct 13, 2004
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Reviews (6)

Gibraltar Airport from the Rock - Gibraltar

Getting to Gibraltar Transportation (1)

Thanks to the British Royal Air Force visitors can fly directly to Gibraltar, a runway has been extended on an... more travel advice

Gibraltar Money Favorites (1)

The local currency in Gibraltar is the Gibraltarian Pound. Notes and coins have a similar appearance and value to their... more travel advice

St. Michaels Cave Things to Do (2)

St. Michaels cave consists of a network of caverns and chambers, some reaching depths of over 60m below the entrance.... more travel advice

Beware they Bite! Warnings and Dangers (1)

Whilst the Apes look friendly and cuddly, beware of getting too close. The Apes are still semi-wild, and therefore a... more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
Great, Friendly Bar

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Comments (6)

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Nemorino May 21, 2005 at 7:49 AM

Hi Charlie, nice tips and photos here! Let's have another meeting sometime. Cheers, Don.
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freya_heaven Nov 9, 2004 at 2:42 AM

Love your intro photo Charlie! interesting page, I really enjoyed Gibraltar. (~_~)
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tini58de Nov 5, 2004 at 4:18 AM

Wow, you sure get around, Charlie!! Wonderful page! Have a great weekend!
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pepples46 Oct 23, 2004 at 12:02 AM

habs nie zum Rock geschafft, nu weiss ich auch was ich verpasst hab, great page Charlie
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XenoHumph Oct 18, 2004 at 11:45 AM

Great page!
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sugarpuff Oct 15, 2004 at 5:16 AM

like your name ujamaflip..bit like thingymajig! I received your info on Gib, thankyou...but you yourself agree that gib is part of the EU now, so why should there still be border tr\oubles?