Coach holidays to Gibraltar
Language: English although many locals are bilingual, speaking Spanish as well
Currency: Gibraltar Pound
Time Zone: GMT +1
Tipping: Taxi and café tipping is normal in Gibraltar and an acceptable level is 10%.
Gibraltar - an introduction
Gibraltar, affectionately known as 'The Rock' is in fact under British rule despite being located along the Spanish coast. And as you explore this tiny piece of Britain in the Mediterranean Sea, don't be surprised if you come across red pillar boxes, fish and chip kiosks and bobbies on the beat – it's just the Brits marking out their territory to the Spaniards.
Gibraltar tours are the perfect choice if you're looking for a holiday with all the comforts of home minus the unpredictable British weather. Due to its location along the Spanish Coast and only a stone's throw away from North Africa, the weather here tends to be sunny and dry although if you decide to take a tour to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar, brisk sea winds will cool you down.
The area maybe small but there is no end to the sights you can see from the historic 100 tonne gun of which only four were made and for the one in Gibraltar a delightful tale is told by the locals. Visit the Siege Tunnels where countless battles took place as soldiers tried to defend Gibraltar from the enemy. These tunnels are more than 30 miles in length and will literally take you from one side of the Rock to the other – it would be beneficial to wear comfy shoes when visiting. Other must-sees when taking a break to Gibraltar include; the Moorish Castle, Trafalgar Cemetery, Parson's Lodge, the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and you can't forget the Gibraltar Monkeys who will happily sit on the ledge of your tour bus whilst the driver feeds them!
Tours to Gibraltar typically include; return travel throughout whether by coach or plane, accommodation, meals and a variety of included or optional excursions so you can really experience the very best of the resort.
Things to do
For many, Gibraltar is rather small and is usually a location you will visit as an excursion during your escorted tour. Here are just a few of the places you should make a point of seeing when in Gibraltar:
The Rock
Possibly one of the most famous parts of Gibraltar, The Rock dominates the skyline, towering high above the towns below. Tourists to the Island often enjoy a visit to its peak to see spectacular views from a great height. The top of The Rock, is home to the famous Gibraltar monkeys and as a result of frequent visits by tourists they have become rather fearless of humans! Beware, they take a particular liking to glasses and might steal them – so try to have nothing loose on you.
Upper Rock Nature Reserve
A very quiet and peaceful part of Gibraltar, the Upper Rock Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife, with a variety of monkeys, birds, reptiles and other species calling the Reserve home. The Reserve is a protected area at the top of The Rock, which is around 426m above sea level. The Nature Reserve includes St Michael's Cave which is full of stalactites and stalagmites.
World War II Tunnels
Excavated between 1939 and 1944, the War Tunnels were an extension to those created during the siege in 1779.As Gibraltar is quite a distance from the UK, its outlook during the war looked rather bleak. Gibraltar was quite literally surrounded by the enemy, and Winston Churchill himself believed Gibraltar was going to be attacked. These Tunnels are a fascinating journey into the footsteps of the military at the time. Be warned, bringing a torch and wearing sensible footwear is advised.
Grand Casemates Square
If you really fancy immersing yourself in the culture of Gibraltar, visit Grand Casemates Square. Known to be great for people watching with plenty of good restaurants and bars, this has become a popular destination for tourists visiting the country.
Tourist Board
For further information about Gibraltar, you can visit the tourist board website at visitgibraltar.gi
Tips & Advice
The beauty of travelling in an escorted tour is that you'll be in the safest hands when it comes to holidaying in foreign lands. To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Gibraltar, take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO):
Health and Travel Insurance
When in Gibraltar, should you need emergency medical treatment, you can simply present your British Passport. However, if you require a transfer to Spain, it is best that you have an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card is not a substitute for travel insurance, but will allow you to receive state provided medical care. However, it does not cover on-going medical treatment, repatriation or non-urgent treatment. Most tours offer the chance to purchase one-trip travel insurance at the time of booking.
Crime
Violence in Gibraltar is rare however, there have been some instances of attacks and robberies at night. It is best to keep to the high levels of awareness that you would normally have at home, taking into account the local surroundings and being aware of people who approach you.
Local Laws and Customs
In Gibraltar, there is a low tolerance towards drugs and alcohol-related crime. It would be beneficial if you do not drink in a public area otherwise you may receive a fine or more.
Entry Requirements
British Nationals do not need a visa when entering Gibraltar. You must have a valid passport in order to enter the country. You do not require additional validity beyond the intended dates of travel.
You can use Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) for entry to Gibraltar and these are also valid for exit and airside transit.
Any other nationality looking to visit Gibraltar must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements.