The Rock © Gibraltar Tourist Board

The British territory of Gibraltar is tiny, less than three square miles (7km sq) in size; however, its location at the southern tip of Europe has given it a historical importance disproportionate to its mass, having been used as a strategic base in many wars going back to ancient Greece and Rome.

These days foreign invaders come on cruise ships rather than battleships, on cruises from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors enjoy soaking up the blend of British and Spanish culture, sunning themselves on the beaches in Catalan Bay, and seeing famous landmarks like the iconic Pillars of Hercules.

Cruise chips in Gibraltar dock at the cruise terminal, which offers a cafeteria, shop, currency exchange office and tourist information office. There is a passenger tax of £2 per person, however this is sometimes discounted or waived depending on the cruise line.

Contact

Gibraltar Tourist Board
www.gibraltar.gov.uk/holiday.php
info@gibraltar.gov.uk

Transport

There are buses and taxis available to ferry cruise passengers to points of interest, although once in town most places are accessible on foot.

Attractions

No cruise to Gibraltar is complete without a cable car trip up to the top of The Rock. The nature reserve at the Upper Rock is home to the famous Barbary Macaques, mischievous apes with a penchant for stealing cameras and sunglasses. The Rock is also home to St Michael's Cave and the ruins of an old Moorish castle. Sun-worshippers can head to Catalan Bay, which offers popular beaches to soak up the sun on.

Restaurants

Theatre Royal - diner fare like burgers and pork ribs with a South African flair

Gauchos - all-you-can-eat Argentinean barbecue

Cafe Rojo - popular European restaurant in the heart of Main Street

Best Dish

freshly-caught fish

Shopping

Shopping in Gibraltar is centred around Main Street, where you'll find rows of shops selling souvenirs like stuffed Barbary apes, and t-shirts, as well as discounted alcohol and tobacco. More unique buys are harder to find, but Lladro and Nao porcelain figurines are a popular choice. Many shops accept both Gibraltar pounds and Euros.

Best Buy

embroidered tablecloths

Excursions

Visit the famous Barbary Apes at the Upper Rock nature reserve

Explore the siege tunnels from World War II

Learn about the Rock's history at the Gibraltar Museum

Dip your toes in at Europa Point, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean

Watch the changing of the guard at Convent and King's Chapel