Approaching Gibraltar by cruise ship will leave few holidaymakers in doubt as to why this tiny British overseas territory is known as the ‘The Rock'. Its landmark limestone promontory rises 423m (1,388ft), almost sheer, above the sea at the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula. 

Gibraltar has been British for almost 300 years and a walk along Main Street, with traditional pubs selling warm dark beer in pounds sterling, red telephone boxes, the Changing of the Guard at the Governor's residence, and policemen in British-style uniform, all confirm its history. For many visitors, particularly from Spain, Gibraltar is a curiosity, though for such a little place it crams in a lot of sights and is particularly good at interpreting its colourful history.

A visit to the Upper Rock - take the cable car up, if not down as well - is a must, not only for its many visitor attractions but to see the famous resident Barbary Apes, and for the panoramic views.

Highlights:
• The 100-ton gun: Built in 1870, it has a barrel length of over 9.7m (32ft), and was capable of firing 13km (8 miles).
• The Great Siege Tunnels: Dug out of ‘The Rock' during the Great Siege of 1779-82 when Spain and France were besieging Gibraltar.
• The World War II Tunnels:  Excavated in 1940 to house barracks, offices, and a fully equipped hospital complete with an operating theatre and X-ray equipment.
• St Michael's Cave: Spectacular natural caverns with giant stalactites and stalagmites, (concerts and live shows are performed here).
• Dolphin and Whale Trips: The Straits and Bay of Gibraltar are two of the best places in Europe for guaranteed sighting of dolphins and whales.

Gibraltar Tourist Board 
Duke of Kent House, Cathedral Square, Gibraltar
Telephone: (+350) 200 749 50.
Website: www.gibraltar.gov.gi

Luxury goods are sold in Gibraltar free of VAT and duty so there are bargains to be had on alcoholic drinks, tobacco, silk, linen, cashmere, jewellery, glassware, porcelain, perfumes, electronic and photographic equipment, watches and more. For a local souvenir visit the Gibraltar Crystal Factory. The majority of shops are on or just off Main Street.

Typically Gibraltan food is a combination of British, Maltese, Italian and Spanish influences though it is rare to find it in restaurants and cafes. Instead there is a cosmopolitan choice of cooking and a thriving cafe society, particularly in Casemates Square.

Gibraltar boasts around 300 day's sunshine a year. Temperatures can rise well above 30°C (86°F) between May and September. However the heat and humidity is tempered by sea breezes. Winters are mild with sunshine and temperatures around 17ºC (62°F) and only occasional rainfall.

Gibraltar

GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Pound Sterling though Euros are accepted.

English is the official language. Most Gibraltarians are bilingual in English and Spanish.

Western entrance to the Mediterranean, southern tip of Europe.

28,000.

British Crown Colony since 1713.

Roman Catholic majority, also Church of England, Church of Scotland, Jewish, Hindu and other minorities.

Gibraltar is a strongly traditional society with a blend of British and Mediterranean customs. Most places are smoke free.

Tipping: If no service charge is included in your bill it is normal to leave around 10% (similar for tour guides and taxi drivers).