Rock around the rock
Gibraltar has vaccinated its entire adult population, making it a prime ‘green list’ candidate for a sunny break
WE AWAIT with bated breath the Government’s ‘green list’ of countries to visit this summer — and Gibraltar looks like a prime candidate, with few current coronavirus cases and all adults vaccinated. Restaurants (indoors and out), bars and attractions are all open — although masks are required in enclosed spaces and social distancing is still in place.
With bikini temperatures into October and a less than three-hour flight, the tiny British Overseas Territory (2.5 square miles) is a good bet for a sunny getaway.
New airline routes this year include Wizz Air from Luton, Eastern Airways from Birmingham and Southampton and BA from London City. These join existing routes with BA from Heathrow and easyJet from Gatwick and Manchester.
Here are our tips when you get there . ..
CURIOUS CAVES
THE limestone mass of the Rock of Gibraltar rises to 1,400 ft. St Michael’s Cave is a key attraction with its stalagmites and stalactites. A new sound and light experience launches in June, taking visitors on a journey through the area’s geological history. You’ll need to buy a ticket to the nature reserve for access (£13, visitgibraltar.gi).
MONKEYING AROUND
TAKE the cable car or a taxi to the peak and drink in the impressive views across Spain, the Mediterranean and Morocco (nature reserve ticket also required). The Barbary macaque monkeys run semi-wild; they’re cheeky and will grab snacks if they can.
TUNNEL VISION
DIVE into the Great Siege tunnels, dug by the British in the late 18th century. These helped fend off attack by the French and Spanish and were expanded during World War II. Then explore the Moorish Castle, first built in 1160.
DOLPHIN CRAZY
THE Straits of Gibraltar are a hotspot for dolphins. See them on an organised boat tour that also includes a peek at Gorham’s Cave, where Neanderthal remains have been found ( dolphin.gi).
WET, WET, WET
MORE watery fun is on offer with sunrise and sunset paddle boarding ( in2adventures.com). You can even snorkel over the reef.
WALKING AND BIKING
THERE are some great walking trails, especially the Mediterranean Steps, an hour-and-a-half hike around the nature reserve. If this is too daunting, hire an electric bike ( ebike-gibraltar.com).
GLORIOUS GARDEN
RELAX in the Alameda, a small but succulent 15 acres of botanic garden, with plants from around the globe ( gibraltargardens.gi).
BEST SUNDOWNERS
THERE can be few things more tempting on a balmy evening than a Gin On The Rock cocktail on the Wisteria Terrace at The Rock Hotel ( rock hotelgibraltar.com). Meanwhile, it’s always ‘wine o’clock’ at Vinopolis Gastrobar, where you can sample tasty bites alongside a huge choice of wines available by the glass ( vinopolis. gi). If you’re missing Blighty, have a pint at the Lord Nelson pub in Casemates Square, with an interior inspired by HMS Victory ( lordnelson.gi).
BEACH FUN
THE best beach is Catalan Bay, with its rockpools and restaurants, and at neighbouring Sandy Bay, where the sand has been (remarkably) transplanted from the Western Sahara. Camp Bay is small and pebbly but has a swimming lido and an offshore artificial reef for snorkelling.
POSH NOSH
THE Ocean Village and Queensway Quay waterside developments bring a touch of Marbella to Gibraltar with slinky bars, posh food and expensive boats. Jumper’s Wheel is the place to go for fresh seafood. n For more details: visitgibraltar.gi.