The colony of Gibraltar is a popular day trip destination for holidaymakers in Nerja. Although small in size, this British-owned territory at the Southern edge of the Iberian Peninsula is packed with historical sites, natural wonders, recreation opportunities and duty-free shopping.Spain has never accepted the ownership of the Rock by the UK, but their hardline attitude has eased slightly in recent years.
Below are some of the most popular attractions in the area.
THE ROCK OF GIBRALTAR
The Rock of Gibraltar is the most famous and recognizable landmark in Gibraltar. At 426 meters, it is the largest monolith in Europe, and it contains so many sites that it is a destination in and of itself. The view from the top is breathtaking, and along the way, visitors can see:
•Caves and tunnels
During the Great Siege of 1783, the governor of Gibraltar designed what has been called the most innovative defence system ever built. This intricate 370-foot system of tunnels, now known as the Great Siege Tunnels, reached all the way across the Rock of Gibraltar. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist sites on the Rock.
The Rock of Gibraltar also contains several different caves, the largest of which is St. Michael's cave. Once believed to be bottomless, this cave is actually 62 kilometres deep. It contains some imposing stalactites and stalagmites, and it is commonly used as a concert hall due to its incredible acoustics.
•A Moorish Castle
Built in the eighth century and rebuilt in the 14th, the Moorish Castle overlooks the Bay of Gibraltar and still contains remnants of a 14th-century tower known as the Tower of Homage. In addition to its historical importance, his castle provides an incredible view of the town and the bay.
•The only free-range primates in Europe
In several areas on the Rock, visitors can come almost face-to-face with semi-wild Barbary Macaque monkeys. These monkeys are playful and accustomed to people, and they sometimes even climb vehicles or jump onto backs. A large pack of the primates live in Ape's Den, which is a popular tourist stop.
•Jew's Gate
Home of the Pillars of Hercules Monument and an ancient Jewish cemetery, Jew's gate marks the entrance to the Rock's nature reserve. On a sunny day, visitors are rewarded with a stunning view of Africa from this vantage point.
THE CITY OF GIBRALTAR
In the city of Gibraltar, holidaymakers can enjoy shopping, sightseeing and relaxation. There is no sales tax in Gibraltar, so it is possible to buy things cheaper than in many other areas. There are also many historical sites in the city, including the city walls, which were created by the Moors, a former mosque and a Roman Catholic cathedral. Other notable destinations in this area include:
•The Gibraltar Museum
Erected in an old bomb house, the Gibraltar Museum contains both architectural and military relics. There are rooms devoted to the Great Siege and the British invasion of 1704, and one area contains a replica of the city in 1865. Two exhibits of particular interest are a Neanderthal skull and Moorish baths from medieval times.
•The Alameda Botanic Gardens and Wildlife Park
With plants from all over the world and a wide variety of animals, the gardens of Gibraltar are a haven of peace and tranquillity. They contain historical monuments and cannons, many serene walking paths and a children's park as well as a library, a 17th century cottage and a nature shop.
Visitors to Nerja, new and old, will enjoy a day trip to Gibraltar. Visitors without a car can find organised daily trips from Nerja to Gibraltar. Your
Nerja Hotel will have details, as will local travel agents.
