Marbella Guide - Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a peninsula 6.5km in length and 2 km across, rising to 430m in height. It is separated from North Africa by the Straits which are 13km wide and for this reason it has been strategically important for centuries and has been a bone of contention between the Spanish and British since the British gained it in 1713.
Gibraltar has a population of 30,000 and whilst English is the official language, you will often hear natives mixing Spanish and English in the same sentence in the local dialect called llanito.
Gibraltar for visitors
The oldest building is the Moorish castle, built in 1333, but you will only visit it if you are arrested since it is now the prison. Instead, if seeking Moorish history, head to the Moorish Baths which features star shaped holes in the roof, horseshoe shaped arches and a central dome.
Also well worth a visit is the Gibraltar Museum which details the long and violent history of the Peninsula. During World War II the Germans were keen to take it but the defences were too strong, and also, logistically, they realised that Spanish railways run on a different gauge from French ones so supplying the expedition would be difficult.
The British Fleet no longer have a base here, but Cruise Ships still visit and everybody ends up having their photo taken with the monkeys, or more properly, the Barbary Apes. These were brought to Gibraltar by British seamen and now form two distinct and wild colonies. They are not quite as endearing as you might think, so be careful.
Other must sees include the Cable Car which takes you to the upper rock. Choose a clear day and you will be able to see to the mountasins of Morocco and back to the Costa del Sol. Cost is about £5 (yes, they use Sterling) and there is astop along the way at Apes Den. Watych your camera - the monkeys like to take them.
Below, there is a video of the journey just in case you are too chicken to try it for yourself!