Gibraltar

Overview

The strategically positioned, VAT free part of the British Commonwealth may seem small but the visitor will certainly find some interesting ways to keep themselves busy. On arrival, the runway, amongst the world's shortest will amaze as it crosses the main road into the city and traffic is halted for planes to pass.

The upper rock nature reserve houses the Barbary Ape Den, the geological wonder of St. Michael's Cave and the tunnel systems created during the Great Siege of 1789. The town itself blends a range of architectural styles including Genoese, Moorish and British regency. Stand in Casamates Square and consider that it used to be an execution site.

The three marinas allow a range of water sports especially sailing, reef and wreck diving and the chance to see frolicking dolphins amongst other wildlife. The Rock's location still proves useful as it is easy to venture into Spain or skip across the Straits of Gibraltar to Morocco in North Africa.

History

Strategically important, Gibraltar was ceded to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht; the British garrison was formally declared a colony in 1830. In referendums held in 1967 and 2002, Gibraltarians ignored Spanish pressure and voted overwhelmingly to remain a British dependency.