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Gibraltar is Famous Worldwide for its Dramatic Rock. It is located in a strategic position at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula. It overlooks the Straits of Gibraltar and is linked to Spain by a narrow isthmus.
Gibraltar is imposing but small. It measures l ess than six square kilometres in total. It is inhabited by around 30,000 people made up of Gibraltarians, British, Moroccans, Indians and Spanish. There is also a colony of the famous apes, the only ones in Europe to run free in a semi-wild state.
Gibraltar is a British self-governing colony. It has a Governor, David Durie, who is the Queen's representative on the Rock and Commander-in Chief of the British Forces stationed there. Britain is responsible for Gibraltar's foreign affairs, defence and the political stability of the colony. However, the Rock has its own Chief Minister, Peter Caruana, plus a House of Assembly and a government, which oversees the day-to-day affairs of the Rock.
Gibraltar is a member of the European Union by virtue of Britain's membership. However, Gibraltar is outside the Customs Union so travellers from EU member states can still enjoy duty free purchases now banned to travellers within the EU.
Gibraltar has plenty to offer for its more energetic visitors. The Rock is being promoted as an international yachting centre. There are already three major marinas to meet the needs of virtually every pleasure craft imaginable. The most modern marina is at Queensway Quay with 121 berths. The two other marinas are at Marina Bay and Waterport.
There are three established diving schools on the Rock. They cater for beginners and the experienced diver. They can also supply you with equipment. Around Gibraltar there are reefs, pinnacles plus over 30 wrecks to explore.
The meeting of the waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean make Gibraltar an exciting location for anglers. You can book a fishing trip from the various marinas. There are good fighting fish to be had like the Conger eel or tasty Bream of which there are 14 species in the Straits.
You can windsurf in the waters around the Rock. Also, about 40 minutes by car from Gibraltar is Tarifa - on Spain's Atlantic coast. Tarifa, apart from being a charming town-port, is touted as Europe's windsurfing capital.
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