Shore Excursion: Guide to Gibraltar

The Rock of Gibraltar has long been a symbol of Britain’s seafaring past and naval strength. Located between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea; the island retains a distinctly British feel with red post boxes, seaside hotels and fish and chip shops. Despite this, its location at the southernmost tip of Europe means that Gibraltar enjoys sunny climes that Britain could only dream of.

Getting There

Gibraltar is one of the destinations on the 16 night Mediterranean Cities of Distinction cruise aboard the upcoming Anthem of the Seas from Royal Caribbean. Spend an afternoon walking through the brightly colours buildings of Gibraltar as a part of the cruise which takes in a number of Europe’s best-loved and most culturally significant destinations including Barcelona, Nice, Rome, Florence and more. Gibraltar is the first stop of this cruise’s itinerary, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and explore.

When to Go

Gibraltar benefits from year round sun and incredibly mild winters. Holidaymakers looking for a tan would be recommended to visit in July and August when temperatures will average 27C. The island can suffer from heavy rainfall in December and January, so it may be prudent to avoid Gibraltar during these months.

What to See

Dominating the landscape of the island is the Rock of Gibraltar: a huge monolithic limestone promontory. Home to 300 Barbary macaques and a labyrinth of tunnels; visitors return to the rock every year. Ancient Greeks believe the Rock of Gibraltar represented the end of the world.

The underground tunnels within the rock were excavated during the Great Siege of Gibraltar in the late 18^th century. The Great Siege was an unsuccessful attempt by Spanish and French forces to capture the island from the British who dug the tunnels to mount weaponry and develop lines of communication.

What to Eat

The British heritage and positioning between Spain and Northern Africa has helped Gibraltar develop a unique cuisine with a range of influences. Located in the beautiful Caleta Hotel, the Nunos restaurant combines a beautifully intimate atmosphere, delicious home cooked Italian food and sweeping views of the Rock of Gibraltar. The al fresco dining option is perfect for lazy meals during the summer evenings and the sun falls behind the rock. Diners are also treated to views across North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula.

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Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credits: David Stanley, Jose Rambaud, UK Ministry of Defence