Another place of interest is the site of the 14th century Moorish castle keep, from the 11th to the 15th centuries Gibraltar was an Arab fortress city, the medieval castle was besieged 14 times and bears the many scares of conflict. It was here that Nelson’s body was brought to Rosia Bay preserved reputedly in a barrel of rum on board HMS Victory after the battle of Trafalgar, the cemetery here is named after the battle, and is where many of the officers who died of their wounds are buried, it open for visitors to pay their respects.

After more than 200 years of Spanish rule Gibraltar was captured by the British and was ceded in perpetuity under the treaty of Utrecht in 1713. The town is predominantly built in the British Regency style but still retaining many influences of the Spanish and Moorish settlers of the 12th and 15th centuries.

The Gibraltar Museum has exhibits dating back to the Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Moorish and Spanish occupations; there is also new evidence that Neanderthal Man occupied the rock and it was probably his last habitat, before extinction or evolution. Gibraltar has a fascinating and chequered history and is well worth exploring.

With its subtropical climate this is a paradise for nature lovers too, the park at the top of the rock has 10 varieties of Orchids and some 600 different species of plants and trees. The Alameda Botanical Gardens opened in 1816 it is adjacent to the historic parade ground and has a magnificent collection of plants from around the world including Pines and Olives, Dragon trees and beautiful Palms; plus cacti and succulents, it’s an oasis that has been restored to its former glory and is used on special occasions to stage concerts.

Guided tours are available by arrangement.

Scuba diving is very popular with lots to see such as Roman relics, reefs, pinnacles and wartime wrecks. There are established diving schools providing tuition and equipment, just bring your own towel. For more information see our Diving and Surfing pages.

Big game fishing is available and well equipped boats do regular trips for bluefin tuna, broardbill sword fish and various sharks in season, there is also good fishing for bream, or the fighting conger eel. Or maybe relaxing and soaking up the sun on the beach is your idea of heaven.

There’s no shortage of entertainment or places to wine and dine with a vast choice of international restaurants, on Gibraltar you can dance until dawn or enjoy a game of chance at one of the casinos. For shopping Gibraltar is duty free. Main Street is the towns principle shopping area filled with all kinds of goods, if you turn into the little alleys and lanes there are more shops offering items at bargain prices such as silks, jewellery, leather goods, perfumes, cashmere and glass ware, Visit to the Gibraltar Crystal Factory and see how the glass is produced and purchased at reasonable prices. Friendly haggling is acceptable especially on the more expensive items like computers, optical equipment, cameras, TV’s radios and hi-fi’s.

What ever you are looking for from your holiday Gibraltar has delighted travellers from around the world for over 100 years and has an abundance of history, water sports shops and night life to satisfy all the family.

Language. Spanish and English.

Currency. Sterling

Information on 0871 871 0130.