When you first see the Rock of Gibraltar, whether it is from the air, from the sea or from either the Costa del Sol or the western end of the Bay, it is its impressive stature, towering isolated above the surrounding countryside, that causes the greatest impact. It has had this effect on people for many thousands of years. Gibraltar is a beacon which signals the position of the Strait of Gibraltar, the narrow neck which separates Europe from Africa and provides the only link between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Gibraltar is one of the most densely populated territories in the world, with a population estimated in 2008 of 29,286, equivalent to approximately 4,290 inhabitants per square kilometre (11,100 /sq mi). The growing demand for space is being increasingly met by land reclamation; reclaimed land currently comprises approximately one tenth of the territory's total area.
Gibraltar is a duty-free country which means that you can stock up on electronics, jewellery, perfumes, cigarettes and alcohol at lower prices than found in the UK. Main Street, the pedestrianized, cobbled area dedicated to duty-free shopping, is filled with all sorts of bargains from high street stores to high-end brands. The absence of tax on goods is reflected in the bars and restaurants where prices are significantly lower than anywhere else in Europe.
Must See
THE ROCK:
Home to the famous Rock Hotel and Casino where celebrities such as John Lennon, Yoko Ono and Roger Moore have stayed, take a drive past the hotel, through leafy foliage and tropical flowers to the top of the Rock where you’ll find the legendary Barbary apes and St Michael’s Caves.
Europa Point
For all visitors to Gibraltar, an excursion to Europa Point (on top of the Rock) is a must. The views from this vantage point are breathtaking where, on a clear day, you can see Gibraltar spread out below you, Spain on your right and Morocco straight ahead of you!
Nightlife
Equally, there is no shortage of places to go in the evening. The Gibraltar's hotel cocktail bars offer comfortable and sophisticated surroundings for a quiet drink or, for a more informal evening, almost every street in town has wine bars and lively cosmopolitan pubs. Later you might dance into the small hours at one of Gibraltar's night-clubs or enjoy a flutter at the Casino.
The bars and pubs lining Main Street and the Marinas offer a plentiful choice of cocktails to cool you down after a day in the sun. Equally, the hotels’ cocktail lounges also offer comfortable and sophisticated surroundings for a quiet drink. Dance the night away at one Gibraltar’s nightclubs or enjoy a flutter at the casino next to The Rock Hotel.
Gibraltar can actually be a good arrival point for your Spanish vacation. If you are planning to visit Gibraltar, Book Your Short breaks to Gibraltar, For more information please visit www.Gibraltar4less.co.uk
