Gibraltar Honeymoon
Gibraltar Rock, probably the most famous rock in the world is steeped in history and has a multitude of places to visit and things to do.
Spend your honeymoon in Gibraltar with a sub-tropical climate that is warm and welcoming throughout the year yet only a short two hour flight from England.
Gibraltar Rock is a VAT exempt jurisdiction and shopping can be done far cheaper than anywhere else in Europe. Cosmetics, perfumery, jewellery and electrical goods not to mention alcohol and cigarettes can all be snapped up at bargain prices.
Situated at the southern end of Europe with the Spanish border on its northern front Gibraltar rests at the crossroads of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Straits of Gibraltar separates the rock from North Africa where many battles throughout history have taken place in an effort to win and control the western Mediterranean seaways. Most of these battles have been between the Spanish and the British.
See also Gibraltar Wedding
People and Places in Gibraltar
The community is borne from a blend of many cultures and the people are warm and charming to visitors, welcoming them with a smile and always happy to chat. This unique community is a truly great example of how different cultures can live side by side and respect each others customs.
With so much choice on where to go and what to do it may be best if you planned ahead on places you wish to visit. Or you can book one of the honeymoon/tourist trip packages that are on offer. Many of the local taxi drivers are only too happy to take you around on tours and relay the history and many stories and traditions of the Rock.
Places to Visit in Gilbratlar
The Barbary Macaques, better known as the Apes of Gibraltar or ‘rock apes’ are now the only wild monkeys to be found in Europe. Some 250 of them live on the upper area of the Rock and they have been known to walk down into the town. It is believed that if the monkeys ever left, so then will the British.
The Military Heritage Centre tells the history of the many battles and sieges on and around the Rock for hundreds of years.
The Gibraltar Museum is where you can see a vast display of weapons, medals, coins and postage stamps as well as collection of bones and stone tools. The museum is situated in the Moorish Bath House along with a magnificent detailed model of the Rock date back to 1868.
‘A City under Siege Exhibition’ is a building that dates back to the 18th century and was one of the first buildings constructed by the British. It was originally built to store and prepare ammunition. How the first British settlers and the civilian population lived is depicted in numerous scenes.
The Bay of Gibraltar - Visit the bays and coves to see amazing displays of dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Tours can be arranged to take you to the best locations.
A cable car ride takes you to the very top of the Rock for spectacular views of not only Gibraltar but the North of Spain and South Africa.
The Alemeda is a Botanical Garden and many hours can be spent in this canopy of Mediterranean and Atlantic Island trees with flowers and plants from all over the world. With its array of fountains, ponds and waterfalls the gardens have an Italian influence and the large collection of cacti and other juicy plants thrive in Gibraltar’s warm climate.
- The Stone Cottage built in the 1600s was once the head gardener’s house and is now home to a display of the botanical and natural history of Gibraltar.
- The Nature Shop is ideal for garden lovers to buy seeds, gifts and cards to take home memories of the Rock.
- Enjoy the Open Air Theatre performances in the warm tropical evenings where live entertainment is available.
Things to do in Gilbraltar
Sailing opportunities from three marinas where chartered courses are offered.
Golfers can be in golfing heaven with ample courses on the Rock and just across the border in Spain.
Walk to the highest point along the Mediterranean Steps Walk starting out at O’Hara’s Battery where it snakes down the eastern cliff and up and around the southern slopes before reaching the western side of the Rock.
Water sports such as surfing, waterskiing, snorkelling and kite surfing are just a few of the many choices on offer. With over 30 shipwrecks under the local waters diving takes high priority on the Rock.
Take the high speed ferry to Tangier. A 45-60 minute trip across the straits of Gibraltar and once there hire a car to take the drive to the exciting city of Tangier in Morocco.
Hire a car and take trips over the Spanish border where you are only 2 hour and 20 minutes from Seville which is one of the most popular destinations in Spain. It is the spiritual home of both flamenco and bullfighting and boasts the most beautiful gardens and buildings in all of Spain. Note: It gets very hot during July and August where temperatures of 50°C (120°F) are common. (Do not forget your passport if you travel outside of Gibraltar)!
Beaches. There are five beaches in Gibraltar. The ones on the east side are the more sandy and the west side beaches are typically rocky. The beaches are well maintained and clean.
- Eastern Beach is the largest and receives ample sunshine all through the day.
- Catalan Bay is smaller but has the added charm of a fishing village with places to walk and café’s to stop for a bite to eat.
- Sandy Bay is used mostly by locals and not well known to tourists. Parking is not simple in this area due the rock being sheer.
- Little Bay is a rocky beach with rugged cliffs meeting the water straight on. This area provides a good nesting area for birds with a penchant to rugged terrains.
- Camp Bay has a spectacular man-made waterfall and is near to the cruise ship terminal.
There is certainly no lack of things to do or places to visit during your honeymoon in Gibraltar. With shopping, casinos, tunnels, nature reserves, tours, a convent and a castle, not to mention the many historical places, you will be spoilt for choice and may find your time going very quickly.
Eating out in Gibraltar
Gibraltar has a wide mix of Spanish, French, Chinese, Indian and Moroccan cuisine on offer. Dine al fresco in the Marinas restaurants or the typical English bistro where the traditional roast beef and Yorkshire pudding is served on Sundays.
Many pubs and bars line the Main Street and the Marina while hotels offer a more comfortable and sophisticated surroundings of cocktail bars for you to relax in after a sun soaked day.
For those that want the day to last longer, and enjoy dancing until the early hours of the morning, you can go visit one of the Rocks nightclubs or go for that gambling urge and have a flutter at the casino.
Transport and Currency
Public transport on the Rock is virtually impossible. Taking a taxi, hiring a car or walking is the best way to get around and the cable car is certainly a great help in reaching the top.
The Gibraltar Pound (GIP) is the official currency. UK notes and coins are accepted and have the same value but do not bring any Gibraltar Pounds back home with you as they will not be accepted here in the UK. Euros are also accepted and there are numerous banks or exchange bureaux in the town to exchange foreign currency. Travellers’ cheques are best carried in Pound Sterling and these are widely accepted.
A passport is required to enter Gibraltar (unless you are an EU citizen with a valid national identity card). A visa is not required for British Citizens.
