Gibraltar, a British Crown colony since 1704, is located on a rocky peninsula extending from the southwest of Spain into the Mediterranean Sea. The peninsula is occupied by the Rock of Gibraltar. The Rock is the guardian of the Strait of Gibraltar, which links the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean and is an important hub for international shipping. This place has been of great strategic importance during modern times.
General Tariq ibn Ziyad, a Berber ruler of North Africa, conquered the peninsula in 711 AD. It was then named after him as Jabal al-Tariq, which later became Gibraltar. When the Arabs were finally deported from Spain the peninsula passed into Spanish control. But in 1704, after a brief war, Great Britain took it from Spain and the Treaty of Utrecht of 1713 recognized the British possession. The British kept this strategic point under them, to safeguard freedom of passage of their ships to Egypt, India and Australia.
Gibraltar has an area of just 6.5 square kilometers and a cosmolitan population of around 30,000. The official language is English. Besides being a commercial, financial and shipping hub, Gibraltar has evolved into a popular tourist resort. It is preferred not only for its mild Mediterranean climate but also because it provides transit facilities for journeys to other tourist destinations in Spain by land, sea and air.
The great attractions for tourists in Gibraltar are: Watching whales sailing through the Strait of Gibraltar, watching dolphins play in the Bay of Gibraltar, visiting the Barbary monkeys living in the caves of the Rock since centuries, exploring the Arab castle built on the Rock in 1313 AD, and the Rock Nature Reserve and the Alameda Botanical Gardens, the Gibraltar Museum, the Light House, the Rosia Bay.
The Rock also contains the Pillars of Hercules and Siege Tunnels, which are hot visiting spots for the tourists.
The Port of Gibraltar is a great hub of world trade and shipping. Cruise ships keep on passing to and fro between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic day and night.
Gibraltar has become famous as yachtsman’s paradise. Gibraltar has three marinas with a support and service centre to promote swimming, diving and yachting in the Bay.
Besides, a large number of hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, night clubs, casinos and duty-free shops exist to amuse and entertain the tourists.
Above all, Gibraltar is considered to be a honeymooner’s paradise. The couples prefer it because of its serene surroundings and chaste atmosphere.
British hotels in Gibraltar offer bed and breakfast. Holiday homes and apartments are also available on rent. The restaurants on the Rock serve the best of English, continental, Spanish and Indian food.
The Gibraltar Tourist Board is of great help to tourists planning a visit to villa en espagne.
About the Author :-
Club Villamar offers many holiday villas dispersed all over location costa blanca and whether on the location majorque. Holiday in Spain offers not only freedom but also a wide choice a vacation holiday in Spain. And here you can read my Articles Marc Jontae Articles and read my Bookmarks Marc Jontae Bookmarks. |