GIBRALTAR
Today, everyone requires a much needed break from their busy schedule and go for a holiday. This has led to a flourishing tourism industry with many more tourist destinations being added at a very fast pace. One such destination is Gibraltar which very few know has been listed as the 5th most prosperous and stable territory by Jane’s Country Risk. The name Gibraltar is a Spanish word derived from an Arabic name Jabal Tariq meaning “mountain of Tariq”. Gib means the ‘Rock’ and Tariq was the name of the general of Moorish force who came to this island in 711. Gibraltar is an independent British overseas territory where the British government has respected the Gibraltarians wishes to let it continue as a sovereign and self governing territory. Gibraltar is stated to be one of the most affluent territories the whole world.
Gibraltar touches the border of Spain due to which there is still lot of Spanish influence in the territory. Surprisingly, Gibraltar is one of the most densely populated territories in the world due to which the demand for land is increasing everyday. Gibraltar being a rocky land is devoid of many natural resources and freshwater resources. There are 2 desalination plants to supplement the freshwater from the boreholes and is used for the daily consumption on the region. The whole rock of Gibraltar is made of limestone containing many tunnelled roads used for defence purpose. It has Mediterranean climate having warm summers and mild winters.
ECONOMY
Traditionally, the economy of Gibraltar is dominated by the British military in the last 20 years with having its main naval dockyard here. However, it only accounts for 7% today of the local economy. Presently, Gibraltar has a service based economy dominated by tourism and financial services because of its favourable corporate tax regime. Gibraltar is also a popular destination for Tourism. Many people from Britain and Spain come to Gibraltar for tax free shopping as all major high street chains are available here like Bhs, Top shop, Marks and Spencer, Monsoon, Next, Mango and many more. Tourists also come for one day cruise from the resorts in Spain and have a thrilling experience.
Gibraltar provides special tax schemes for international business resulting to the growth of international banks and insurance companies like Barclays Bank, Anglo-Egyptian Bank, Credit Agricole Indosuez and Jyske Bank which is the oldest bank in the country. It has a huge banking system being a financial hub due to easy access to the European Union single market. Government of Gibraltar issues banknotes bearing the words ‘Pounds sterling’ which are used along with the British currency. Euro is also accepted at some retail stores.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
The people of Gibraltar are a blend of many European immigrants from France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Britain. Majority of them are Spanish who migrated in 1704 from Spain. Christianity is the prominent religion with almost 78% of Gibraltarians belonging to Roman Catholic Church. There are several other churches also established here. There is also a population of Indians, Moroccan Muslims and the Jews who came here in search of work and are now settled. English is the main official language used in schools, media, and commerce and government offices. However, Spanish is also widely spoken because of its proximity to Spain.
The culture of Gibraltar has strong British influence being a British overseas territory. There is a strong link between the two countries for higher education and better medical facilities. The Rock is the main symbol portraying the strong mentality of Gibraltarians and their solidity. Hector Licudi’s novel ‘Barbarita’ written in Spanish was the first recognizable piece of fiction from Gibraltar. M.G. Sanchez’s ‘Rock Black’ is another well known Gibraltar fiction. The people of Gibraltar take great interests in the beauty contests giving expression of their unity. The national day is celebrated with great pomp and show on 10 September which is a public holiday. The tourists can go and become a part of this festival with the welcoming Gibraltarians.
TRANSPORT
Gibraltar is well connected through roads which forms the main mode of transport having the driving on the right unlike UK. Many tourists and the local people use cars and motorbikes to travel across the country. There is also a good modern bus service available and easily accessible from all places. Gibraltar airport is unique in its own way being located very close to the main city. The airport terminal is within walking distance from the city which makes it very convenient for tourists. Although there are regular flights to Manchester and London, the flights to Madrid have discontinued due to lack of demand. The port of Gibraltar is busy receiving a large number of visitors through cruise ships. Strait of Gibraltar is considered as one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world servicing a large number of passenger and cargo ships.
ACCOMMODATION
Like many other countries, the hotels are available from the luxurious establishments to the modest ones suiting the needs and budgets of all visitors. Hostel and guest room accommodation is also available for tourists hanging out with friends. The tourists should be aware about camping and caravanning in Gibraltar as both of these are prohibited here. The government does not allow sleeping in the vehicles for safety reasons. However, the border of Spain provides excellent facilities for camping. The food of Gibraltar is a blend of British and Mediterranean cuisine. The national dish is Calentita made from chickpea flour, olive oil, salt and pepper which the tourists must try.
ATTRACTIONS
The Rock of Gibraltar both famous and enigmatic is the main dominant attraction here. The tourists can explore the caves, tunnels, reserve and enjoy watching the famous Gibraltar apes.
The Upper Rock Natural Reserve located on the top of the Gibraltar Rock is the most popular tourist attraction. The visitors can enjoy watching the semi wild Barbary Apes roaming around freely in the reserve. The bird watchers can also see varying species of birds in the reserve.
St. Michael’s Cave is located farther south from the highest point of the Rock with giant stalactites and stalagmites. The cave forms a massive auditorium in summers for concerts and live shows. Son-et-Lumiere is one such example of an extravagant light and sound shows shown daily on weekdays.
The tourists can also see the ancient Moorish Castle in the Rock which is impressive because of its strategic location and history. Nothing much is remained of the original castle except the ‘Tower of Homage’.
There are over 30 miles tunnels in the Rock used for defence purpose during the World War II. The most common of them is the Great Siege Tunnels used by the British against the French and Spanish as defence system. This tunnel is open for visitors to wander and see various exhibitions held telling tales about the life in those tunnels.
GIBRALTAR MUSEUM
Gibraltar museum is a must for every visitor because of its central location within the city which makes it within easy reach. It is ideal for tourists having an academic interest in the history, culture and natural history of Gibraltar. There are exhibitions and the art galleries displaying a rich collection of weapons, medals, artefacts along with the ancient model of the great Rock of Gibraltar. There are also exhibitions in honour of Gibraltar’s famous painter Gustavo Bacarisas. The tourists can relax in the serene gardens of the museum and have refreshments at the café located within.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Gibraltar rock provides a home to over 500 different species of flowering plants like
, Lavender, Jasmine, Honeysuckle and Geraniums. Gibraltar Candytuft and Gibraltar Sea Lavender are two special rare species found in the wild on the Rock and thus named after it. Olive and pine trees are also common growing all around the Rock. Along with the natural reserve on the upper rock, newly transformed botanical Alameda gardens compete with the best of the world.
The Rock also supports a fascinating and diverse wildlife consisting of migrating birds, vultures, Peregrine Falcon and the rare Barbary Partridge. The Alameda gardens provide a haven for animals illegally confiscated and are looked after for their conservation. The whole environment of the Rock is kept natural and unspoilt so that the visitors can enjoy the breath-taking scenery. Rare species of aquatic animals like dolphins, turtles, whales and fish are found on the coast of Gibraltar. Blue Whale, the largest mammal also migrates to this bay offering a very great chance to watch it in boat trips.
CITY
The main city of Gibraltar is so small that a person can walk from one end to the other in just 15 minutes. There is a grand Casemates Square from where all tourists enter the town. This leads further to the Main Street also known as Royal Street is the main hub of business and commerce. There is no traffic allowed on the street and it is adorned by beautiful Italian style buildings and iron forged balconies. The city includes The City Hall, The House of Assembly, The Piazza, The Cathedral and Kings Chapel.
Gibraltar is hence the best holiday for tourists who want a unique flavour of this Mediterranean city with spectacular landscape, wildlife and architecture. The legacy of the great Roman, British and Spanish civilization can be experienced on the Rock and the culture of the people with their warm hospitality. This is the best holiday for the complete family definitely making it an enjoyable visit.
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