My home away from home (Gibraltar (UK) in general)

Member Name: aylawarner

Product:	Gibraltar (UK) in general
Date:	01/04/09 (75 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lovely people, lots of things to do, relaxed and friendly place, use pounds and speak English

Disadvantages: Not suitable for a group of young adults holiday

Gibraltar is one of my favourite holiday destinations and I have been going there almost every year since I was a toddler. I even lived out there for a couple of months when I was about 7 and I plan to move out there in the future and spend a few months working. My uncle married a Gibraltarian woman which is the main reason that we go out there so much to see her family but, even if I didn't have family out there, I would still have regular holidays there.

~ Things to do ~

Although just a small country, there is so much to see and do in Gibraltar. The main attraction is obviously the rock which gives you amazing views over the rest of the country and you can also see out to Africa from the top (Europa Point). All over the rock, mainly at the top, you will find the cheeky Barbary Apes. There are a lot of these and, although cute and fun to watch, they are not at all shy and will try to jump on you or even try to steal your bag. You used to be able to fed them but since they stopped this, the monkeys now have to go out looking for their food. So if they see someone with a plastic bag or smell food they will try and get if off you. This can even happen down in the street so as soon as you see one hide your bag! You can drive half way up the rock in your car and then walk the rest of the way or you can take a quick cable car up to the top but I wouldn't suggest this if you don't like heights and are not keen on hanging up high over the ground on a thin wire!

The marina full of sailing boats of yachts is gorgeous and has some great restaurants and bars where you can sit outside and enjoy the warm evenings. Bianca's is the best restaurant and offers a full menu, bar snacks or just drinks. The owners and the manager are all lovely and friendly and the food is simply delicious - try the cheesy chips at the bar. From the marina you can book sailing, fishing or dolphin trips where they take you out on a boat to spot some wild dolphins and you can even swim with them. You can also book boat trips over to Morocco.

In the centre of town, Main Street is packed with shops including Marks & Spencer and Topshop. Casemates Square has great souvenir shops and cafes in the day, as well as Pizza Hut and Burger King, and at night the bars and restaurants bring their chairs outside and start the music up. Weeknights are very quiet though but at the weekends the whole of Gibraltar is out. If you take a wander up some of the small side streets you'll find some more lovely little bars and pubs.

The main beaches are Calatlan Bay, which is further away from town and so less packed, and Camp Bay and Little Bay are the bigger and more crowded beaches.

There is a huge cheap market just across the border into La Linea, Spain (take a right and keep on walking once you've crossed the border). The market is on Wednesdays I think but check this before you go it may have changed. To get to the border you need to cross the airway strip at the airport. Yes, you have to actually walk or drive across the landing and taking off strip for the planes. When a plane is due the barriers are lowered and bells go off so you know when one's coming but it's still pretty scary and I usually hurry across even if I've got plenty of time!

Other attractions include:

- St Michael's Caves - half way up the rock with amazing stalagmites and stalactites where musical shows and operas are often held inside.
- The Alameda Gardens - beautiful gardens which has a spot you can even get married in.
- Spend some cash at the International Casino
- Take a history tour of fortresses and World War II tunnels

~ Accommodation ~

The hotels are The Caleta, The Rock, O'Callaghan Elliot, Cannon, Queen's, and Bristol. The Caleta (see my other review on this) is the best in my opinion. Although fairly expensive, it is in the nicest location with practically it's own beach with steps leading down to it, and is just a brilliant hotel. The Rock is the most expensive and is more of a black tie hotel. The others are the cheaper options but they are not as nice as the Caleta and I'd always pay the extra to stay here.

~ General ~

The benefits of holidaying in Gibraltar, especially at this time when the strength of the pound is so bad, is that you can use your English money there. Most people also speak English so you will have no trouble when speaking to anyone.

Shopping and duty free is ridiculously cheap here with a packet of 200 Benson & Hedges costing only £8.50! It's a shame that you're only allowed to take 200 home per person though.

Flights to Gibraltar can be pricey and so can accommodation but the website mygibraltar.co.uk sometimes offer good deals.

Getting married in Gibraltar is perfect and we have had 3 family weddings out there including mine. We got married in the garden of The Caleta Hotel and then had photographs taken down on the beach. The Caleta has a great reception room and their wedding planner is lovely and helpful.

~ History and People ~

Since 1704 Gibraltar has been British and still is today. The country has played a part in some of the most famous episodes of British history including the Battle of Trafalgar and is where Nelson's body was brought to after the battle ended. The Gibraltarians want it to stay British which is why they don't get on particularly well with the Spanish (as you will witness from the rude Spanish guards if you go across the border).

The people are some of the friendliest you will ever meet and there is never any danger or crime here. As I said above, the main language spoken is English but some do still speak Spanish or a mixture of both which is called ' Llanito'.

~ Overall ~

Gibraltar is a wonderful place to take a holiday but I definitely wouldn't recommend it for a young adult holiday with a group of friends. It's more suited to families, couples or the older generation.

It's like a second home to me and every time I go there I feel so relaxed and happy and never want to leave. Hopefully I'll be going again soon because I haven't been there since our wedding in 2007 and I miss it so much!

Summary: One of my favourite places in the world