Monkey see, monkey do…especially in Gibraltar. Don’t mind these wild animals – they’ve been here longer than some of Gibraltar’s residents. These Barbary macaques – the only wild monkeys in Europe – have free roam around the rock since the British claimed Gibraltar from Spain in 1713. Legend has it that when the monkeys leave the island, Gibraltar will go back being a Spanish colony.
Board a connecting flight to Gibraltar from the UK and explore the islands alongside hundreds of monkeys roaming the rock. The Rock of Gibraltar symbolizes many things to many people. In ancient Rome and Greece, the rock was one of the two pillars of Hercules. During World War II, the rock was used as a harboring point for British soldiers. Throughout centuries, nothing has been able to break the rock. Today, the Rock of Gibraltar symbolizes strength and unity – “as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar” refers to a person or situation that cannot fail.
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The climate is typically Mediterranean with mild winters and warm dry summers, although May to September can get very hot and humid. There is no rainy season, but most rain falls in the winter months when the average temperature is 59F. In summer the temperatures hover around 86F.
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Peak season:
For the beaches and good weather, summer is the peak season to fly to Gibraltar, roughly from June to September.
Off season:
The winters are low season, though the temperature remains mild. Cheap flights to Gibraltar from the UK are easily found during this time.
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To get up the Rock itself, the quickest route is by cable car. You can also drive, or take one of the bus tours.
Getting around isn’t much of a problem in a country so small. You can walk it, or use a bus or car.
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- From the top of the Rock of Gibraltar you can see three countries: Africa, Spain and Gibraltar itself. If you’ve got time, hiking up the rock is an enjoyable way to see the landscape on the way up, and the famous Barbary Apes.
- The Upper Galleries, or Siege Tunnels, are a series of tunnels in the Rock covering nearly 50 miles. Dug by hand by the British during the 18th century, the tunnels were a means of carrying the guns onto the northern face of the Rock, in order to defend Gibraltar from Spanish or French attacks. Parts are open to tourists to explore.
- Of the six beaches on Gibraltar’s shoreline, four are sandy. One of the most popular is Catalan Bay, a former fishing village, but today a popular tourist resort. The cove surrounds the sandy beach, and there are a few pubs and restaurants here. It is one of the furthest out of town, so be prepared for a long(ish) walk or take a taxi.
- Dolphins swim in the waters around Gibraltar and can often be spotted from the shore. For a better chance, take a boat trip dolphin spotting. Three agencies currently offer trips – you can book at the tourist office.
- For shopping, or just passing time, take a walk down Main Street. This is the heart of the town and it feels very British (except for the weather).
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Gibraltar (GIB) (North Front) is 0.6 miles north of the town center.
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Visitors requiring a visa to enter Spain should be aware that by crossing into Gibraltar they have officially left Spain and will require a new visa to cross back over the border. Visitors with a multiple entry visa for the UK and those with indefinite leave to stay in the UK do not require a separate visa for Gibraltar.
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U.S. citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is required.
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