WELCOME TO GIBRALTAR
Situated on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, the British Overseas Territory is almost entirely surrounded by water other than the narrow isthmus which links it to mainland Spain. An accessible paradise, Gibraltar is well-served by its local airport. The spacious terminal at Gibraltar International Airport offers regular flights to the main London airports – Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton and also to Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester. With direct flights to Tangier and Casablanca, a weekend break to Morocco can be a frequent pleasure.
At 426 metres high, the iconic Rock of Gibraltar is honeycombed with over approximately 52 kilometres (32 miles) of tunnelling, created by man at different chapters in its story.
HISTORY
Gibraltar is less than seven square kilometres on the outside, but inside lie numerous caves and tunnels that stretch for approximately fifty kilometres. Herein lie some of Gibraltar’s biggest mysteries and secrets.
Discover the Rock’s beauty and natural heritage, its architecture and wildlife. Historical trails will help you wile away the days and shopping in Main Street, perhaps one of the most famous streets in Europe, will tempt you with some of the best bargains around, thanks to the Rock’s Pound Sterling currency and VAT-free status.
Gibraltar was first inhabited over 50,000 years ago by Neanderthals and may have been one of their last places of habitation before they died out around 24,000 years ago. Gibraltar’s recorded history began around 950 BC with the Phoenicians, who lived nearby. The Carthaginians and Romans later worshipped Hercules in shrines said to have been built on the Rock of Gibraltar, which they called Mons Calpe,[2] the “Hollow Mountain”, and which they regarded as one of the twin Pillars of Hercules.
Gibraltar’s appeal as a travel destination continues to grow, drawing an international audience from all corners of the globe. Arriving by land, sea and air, visitors are drawn to a unique location that sits at the crossroads of Europe and Africa. The Rock’s activities are as diverse as they are plentiful, ranging from dolphin watching to exploring historical trails.
USEFUL INFORMATION
EMERGENCY ONLY 199 // EMERGENCY ONLY (Mobiles) 122
Fire and Ambulance 190
Royal Gibraltar Police (non emergency) +350 200 72500
Fire Department (non emergency) +350 200 79507
Ambulance Service (non emergency) +350 200 77390
Museum +350 200 74805
Taxi +350 200 70027
Cable Car bottom station +350 200 12765
Airport enquiries +350 200 12345
Post Office +350 200 75624
Civil Status, Passports, Visas +350 200 71543
TRAVELLING TO GIBRALTAR
VISA REQUIREMENTS
A full valid passport or EU identity card is required in the case of EU nationals. Other passport holders may need a visa to enter Gibraltar. Further information is available on Borders and Coastguard Agency Website, www.gibraltarborder.gi
Nationals of Morocco, the People’s Republic of China, Mongolia, India or Russia who are holders of multiple entry Schengen visas with a minimum remaining validity of 7 days on the date of departure, can apply for a visa waiver for a maximum period of 21 days.
Please download and fill in the required form from www.gibraltarborder.gi/visa and present it together with your passport and Schengen visa to one of the officers on arrival at Gibraltar.
BY AIR
Regular flights are operated from the UK and Morocco to Gibraltar. Flight time from the UK is on average 2 hours 45 minutes. For further information on destinations and airlines serving Gibraltar please visit Gibraltar International Airport’s website on www.gibraltarairport.gi
Gibraltar is also accessible by those wishing to travel to either Malaga or Jerez Airports, both approximately one hour and 30 minutes away by road.
BY LAND
The land frontier between Gibraltar and Spain is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week both for vehicles and pedestrians. There is no limit on the number of crossings you can make.
TRAVELLING AROUND GIBRALTAR
Local bus services and taxis operate throughout Gibraltar. The town centre is also easy to get by on foot. For local bus service information visit the Gibraltar Bus Company website gibraltarbuscompany.gi. For information on the local taxi service visit www.gibtaxi.com
CLIMATE AND TEMPERATURE
Gibraltar has an average of 320 days of sunshine a year with temperatures rising well above 30°C in the summer and lows of approximately 12°C in the winter.
LANGUAGES
The official language is English although Spanish is widely spoken.
TELEPHONES
Gibraltar’s international dialling code is +350.
CURRENCY
The legal tender in Gibraltar is HM Government of Gibraltar notes and coinage, although United Kingdom Sterling is equally welcome. There is a full range of international and UK banks. Credit cards, travellers cheques and Euros are widely accepted.
CLIMATE AND TEMPERATURE
Gibraltar has an average of 320 days of sunshine a year with temperatures rising well above 30°C in the summer and lows of approximately 12°C in the winter.
LANGUAGES
The official language is English although Spanish is widely spoken.
TELEPHONES
Gibraltar’s international dialling code is +350.
CURRENCY
The legal tender in Gibraltar is HM Government of Gibraltar notes and coinage, although United Kingdom Sterling is equally welcome. There is a full range of international and UK banks. Credit cards, travellers cheques and Euros are widely accepted.
CLIMATE AND TEMPERATURE
Gibraltar has an average of 320 days of sunshine a year with temperatures rising well above 30°C in the summer and lows of approximately 12°C in the winter.
LANGUAGES
The official language is English although Spanish is widely spoken.
TELEPHONES
Gibraltar’s international dialling code is +350.
CLIMATE AND TEMPERATURE
Gibraltar has an average of 320 days of sunshine a year with temperatures rising well above 30°C in the summer and lows of approximately 12°C in the winter.
LANGUAGES
The official language is English although Spanish is widely spoken.
TELEPHONES
Gibraltar’s international dialling code is +350.
CURRENCY
The legal tender in Gibraltar is HM Government of Gibraltar notes and coinage, although United Kingdom Sterling is equally welcome. There is a full range of international and UK banks. Credit cards, travellers cheques and Euros are widely accepted.
CLIMATE AND TEMPERATURE
Gibraltar has an average of 320 days of sunshine a year with temperatures rising well above 30°C in the summer and lows of approximately 12°C in the winter.
LANGUAGES
The official language is English although Spanish is widely spoken.
TELEPHONES
Gibraltar’s international dialling code is +350.
CURRENCY
The legal tender in Gibraltar is HM Government of Gibraltar notes and coinage, although United Kingdom Sterling is equally welcome. There is a full range of international and UK banks. Credit cards, travellers cheques and Euros are widely accepted.