The Rock of Gibraltar is located at the entrance of the Mediterranean. Its strategic location and history have made it an international symbol of solidity and strength, and it frequently features in the world press and media. Gibraltar is connected to Spain by a sandy isthmus, a ferry to Morocco and flights to London. The subject of repeated conquest and sieges, Gibraltar has been a British Territory since 1704. Ceded forever to Britain by Spain in the Treaty of Utrecht (1713), Gibraltar joined the EU in 1973, under the British Treaty of Accession. The locally elected Government of Gibraltar has created a solid economy. In a modern Europe, this has its base in offshore finance, shipping, tourism and the Internet rather than the military past. There is, however, much of that for the tourist to see, along with the famous apes. When you first see the Rock of Gibraltar, it is its impressive stature, towering isolated above the surrounding countryside that causes the greatest impact. It is a narrow peninsula linked to the end of the Iberian Peninsula by a narrow sandy isthmus. The Airport is built on this flat area, and the frontier with Spain is to the North. The Eastern side is made up of sheer cliffs, reaching a maximum altitude of 426 meters with sandy beaches forming the perimeter. The western slopes are gentler and much of its lower half is taken up by the city, with the upper parts having been made into a nature reserve.

DID YOU KNOW

Hollywood lovers, heartthrob Lawrence Harvey and Margaret Leighton were one of the first high profile couples to say 'I do' in Gibraltar. In 1962 as the world became entranced by the numbers 007, screen hero Sean Connery married actress Diane Cilento. Sadly, this marriage was not to last but Connery's affection for Gibraltar did as he returned in 1975 to marry his present wife Micheline Boglio Roquebrune. However, it is the marriage of Beatle John Lennon to Yoko Ono in 1969 that caused the biggest media sensation.

PLACES OF INTEREST

We are aware of the limited time on your visit. There are so many places to visit on the Rock that a short visit will only leave you wanting to see more. Taking 'The Official Rock Tour' by taxi or by coach is the best way to visit some of Gibraltar's most interesting sites. The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes so at each stop you will have plenty of time to look around.