Unfortunately, I stayed in Gibraltar not because I was on vacation. As a matter affect, my ship was arrested in February last year and I spend one month there. So I had enough time for exploring this unusual place.
Coast of Gibraltar
The Rock of Gibraltar is located at the entrance of the Mediterranean. Its strategic location and history have made it an international symbol of solidity and strength, and is frequently featured in the world press and media. Gibraltar is connected to the Spain by a sandy isthmus, and ferry to Morocco. The subject of repeated conquest and sieges Gibraltar has been a British Territory since 1704 when it was ceded forever under the Treaty of Utrecht. Since 1973 it is part of the EU under the British accession. A short distance from the Concrete jungle called the Costa del Sol, Gibraltar stands apart with its history preserved waiting to welcome you to this small friendly British territory located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsular where you will find something truly different. 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.
Favourite spots:
Gate
ALAMEDA BOTANICAL GARDENS The Gibraltar Botanical Gardens combine the aesthetic beauty of the site with living exhibits of botanical interest and conservation value, centred around The Dell, a peaceful area with definite Italian influence in which is displayed the coat-of-arms of Gibraltar and which holds a series of fountains, ponds, and waterfalls. CITY GATES AND FORTIFICATIONS The Walls of Gibraltar run around the entire inner city and were first built by the Moors. Successive battles and sieges resulted in the strengthening of the walls by the Spanish and then the British. Walking along the walls you can begin to glimpse the historic events which shaped the City of Gibraltar. ST. MICHAEL'S CAVE St Michael's Cave, has attracted visitors since Roman times and during World War II the cave was prepared as an emergency hospital, but it was never used. The Cathedral Cave is open to visitors and is also an unique auditorium for concerts, ballet, drama and presentations.
What's really great:
Main street
SHOPPING Main Street, with its adjoining lanes and byways offers a large selection of goods, transforming this area of Gibraltar into what has often been called the shopping centre of the Western Mediterranean. Shops normally open between 9.00 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. during weekdays and half days on Saturdays. Many, but not all, are closed on Sundays.
Sights:
Rock ape
UPPER ROCK NATURE RESERVE
The flora and fauna of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve are of conservation interest. Within it are many of the animals and plants described in the Natural History section of this Fact File but the highlights are the Barbary Macaques (the famous Rock Apes), the Barbary Partridges, and flowers such as Gibraltar's own Chickweed, Thyme and Candytuft.
Accommodations:
Main street
CONTINENTAL HOTEL
9 Cannon Lane, Gibraltar
Tel: (+350) 51711 - Fax: (+350) 51789
E-Mail: cannon@gibnet.gi
GOVERNERS INN - SELF CATERING APARTMENTS
36 Governor's Street, Gibraltar
Tel: (+350) 44227 - Fax: (+350) 79992
E-Mail: gibc@gibnet.gi
HERALD TRAVEL LETTINGS - SELF CATERING APARTMENTS
Suite 11, Ocean Heights, Montague Place, Gibraltar
Tel/Fax: (+350) 71250
E-Mail: herald@gibnet.gi
THE GIBRALTAR YOUTH HOSTEL
For the young and the young at heart. Offering communal rooms, communal showers, TV and video lounge, terrace and patio, this centrally situated hostel is just opposite a car park at the entrance to the City centre. Excellent for school trips. Continental breakfast included in price.
Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road, Gibraltar
Tel: (+350) 51106
Hangouts:
The Rock
All's Well
Unit 4 Casemates Tel: 72987
Anchor Bar
Unit 25
Block 1 Watergardens Tel: 40134
Bahia Caterers*
4/6 Queensway Tel: 77069
Bristol Hotel*
8/10 Cathedral Square Tel: 76800
Buccaneer's Tavern
and Night Club
1 Reclamation Road Tel: 74945
Cannon Bar
27 Cannon Lane Tel: 77288
Captain's Cabin
5 John Mackintosh Square Tel: 72633
Copacabana
242 Main Street Tel: 77596
Cork's Wine Bar
79 Irish Town Tel: 75566
Edinburgh Arms, The
37 Naval Hospital Road Tel: 78961
Gibraltar Arms
184 Main Street Tel: 72133
Horseshoe Bar, The
193 Main Street Tel: 77444
Restaurants:
The Light house
Lord Nelson
10 Casemates Square Tel: 50009
Maasai Grill, The
Queensway Quay Tel: 73546
Maharaja*
5 Tuckey's Lane Tel: 75233
Mermaid Bar Restaurant
Catalan Bay Tel: 41067
Meson Jabugo Bar Restaurant
The Tower Marina Bay Tel: 71771
Meson La Bodega
23 Cornwall's Lane Tel: 74343
Mini-Moroccan Restaurant
40 Turnbull's Lane Tel: 70859
Nuno's Restaurant at The Caleta
Catalan Bay Tel: 76501
Other recommendations:
Casino
THE CASINO The Stakis Casino is a glamorous and charming location where you can enjoy a night to the fullest. Its gaming tables are open from 9.00 p.m., although the Gaming Machine Parlour is open from 10.00 a.m. You can also enjoy a meal from the splendid menu in the elegant restaurant whilst taking in the spectacular views of the sunset over the Bay of Gibraltar and Africa.
what a super cool report!! dont think theres much surf there, but after reading your report, I would seriously consider paying the old rock a visit, Well done!!