Incredibly small but proud Gibraltar is visited by millions of tourists on thousands of cruise ships from all over the world! It should definitely become a must-have addition to your trip to Europe. This piece of land, only 6.5 square kilometers, has something to show you!
Geography of Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a tiny state, which is an overseas territory of Great Britain, located in the south of the Iberian Peninsula and, unlike England, lies on the mainland. Gibraltar is a strategically important point in the Strait of Gibraltar, which is the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The territory of Gibraltar is represented by the Rock of Gibraltar 426 meters high, which occupies exactly half of the total area of the country, and a sandy isthmus that connects it with the Iberian Peninsula. The area of Gibraltar is only 6.5 km²! In the north, the country has a border with Spain, namely the town of La Linea de la Concepción (La Línea de la Concepción). From the east, Gibraltar is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, from the south by the Strait of Gibraltar, and from the west by the Gulf of Gibraltar.
The capital
Gibraltar
Area
The area of Gibraltar is 6.5 km. sq..
Population
30 001
Currency
The official currency is the Gibraltar pound (GIP).
Language
Official language – English
Visa to Gibraltar
In order to visit Gibraltar, citizens of the Russian Federation and the CIS countries will need to apply for a visa at one of the British consulates. It is possible to visit Gibraltar without an English visa, but this is only possible if you have in your passport 1. British multiple-entry visas valid for at least six months 2. Multiple-entry Schengen visas category C. Holders of a Schengen visa will be able to stay in Gibraltar for 21 days, however if your visa is valid for less than 21 days, you will be able to stay in the country until the end of its validity minus seven days. If you plan to obtain a Schengen visa at the British Consulate, then the requirements will be the same as for a visa to visit the country itself. The consular fee in this case will be from 50 to 120 pounds, the processing time is from 10 days to 3 weeks,
Weather in Gibraltar
The climate of Gibraltar is characterized as typical Mediterranean, with traditionally hot and dry summers and mild winters with heavy rainfall. The average temperature of January, the coldest month, is 11-18°C during the day and 9-14°C at night, the average sea temperature in winter is 15-16°C. In August, the hottest month, the temperature ranges from 25-31°C during the day to 20°C at night, sea temperature in summer is 22°C. Precipitation varies from 152mm in January to 1mm in July.
Currency exchange in Gibraltar
Surprisingly, this small country has its own currency – the Gibraltar pound. It circulates only in Gibraltar and is not convertible into other currencies, although it is very similar to British pounds. Currency exchange can be done in the banks of Gibraltar or exchange offices, of which there are a considerable number, and the rate in them is pleasantly pleasing. Banks are open from Monday to Thursday from 9:00-9:30 to 15:30, on Fridays – until 16:30. Exchange offices are available daily from 09:00 to 18:00. Credit cards are accepted everywhere, and finding an ATM is also easy. Traveler’s checks can be cashed at any bank or exchange office, however, it is more profitable, of course, to carry checks in pounds sterling here.
Electricity
Mains voltage 240V, 50Hz. British standard type G receptacles: with two flat horizontal pins and one flat vertical pin.
Religion
70% of the population of Gibraltar are Catholics, 10% are Muslims, 8% are Anglicans, Jews make up only 1%.
Security
Gibraltar is one of the safest territories in Europe; any offenses are recorded here extremely rarely. However, you should not tempt fate, it is advisable to leave all documents and large sums of money in the hotel safe.
Health
Gibraltar has a high level of healthcare that meets world standards. Before visiting the country, vaccinations and prevention of any diseases are not necessary, but international health insurance is recommended. It is advisable to use bottled water for drinking, despite the fact that tap water is quite well filtered.