Gibraltar – just a British colony or an exotic place? Gibraltarians celebrate the fact that despite the British presence there for 300 years, Gibraltar has evolved from a British colony with a military enclave into a financial hub with luxury.
When you get close to the rock, the views from the plane are amazing. Views at ground level can be equally dramatic with the Mediterranean Sea on one side, the Atlantic Ocean on the other, and the familiar lines of limestone rocks dominating the horizon.
Only two and a half hours from London Gatwick Airport, with British pounds as currency, VAT and duty free shopping, Gibraltar is a great location for a weekend break. Gib went into all the cocktails and cappuccinos.
Gibraltar has the world’s smallest airport, and I love the story of one planeload of visitors, as they approached for landing, where their pilot told them, “No worries, but looks like we have a ship on the way to the runway!” Our way so we’ll land soon.”
The Rock has a population of around 29,000, a unique mix of Portuguese, Indians, British, Genoese, Jews, Maltese, Moors and of course, Spaniards. Book yourself into one of the many good hotels, such as Hotel Caleta, located in Catalan Bay, which was once a small fishing village.
After a very civilized lunch, remove yourself from your seat and head to the pedestrianized city center for some of the bargains that Jeep is famous for. While you’re in town, stroll past the shops and climb narrow lanes that will remind you of the charming towns and villages of Spain just a few miles to the north.