Culture and Romance in Gibraltar
To the ancient Greeks Gibraltar was known as Calpe, which means a vessel or ship. Calpe was one of the Pillars of Hercules, the other being Mont Abyla, across the Straits in Morocco.
Image: The Rock of Gibraltar
As well as the Greeks, Gibraltar was variously occupied by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Visigoths and it was a vital bridge from Africa used during the Moorish invasions of Spain. It has been a British Colony since 1730.
Lifestyle & Culture
Native Gibraltarians may look Mediterranean and most speak Spanish, albeit in a distinct and heavily accented form, but they are proud of their British heritage, often seeing themselves as 'more British than the British themselves'. Even now the only destinations served from Gibraltar's tiny airport are in the UK.
They are not, as is often believed, mainly British expatriates, but a mix of all the different people who have settled here over the centuries. This is clear from the variety of surnames you will hear - British, Spanish, Portuguese, Genoese, Maltese and Jewish.
The varied history of the Island is clearly visible in its eclectic architecture, which ranges from Moorish castles, typical Mediterranean houses and ornate Italianate public buildings to the modern office blocks of the financial centre.
Gibraltar is a wealthy colony, and its inhabitants enjoy a combination of typical Mediterranean living with all the trappings of wealth and modernity - world class restaurants and shops fill its cobbled streets and in the harbour you will find marinas lined with expensive yachts.
There is a a relaxed and easy going atmosphere, but it is not a night time hot spot.
Gibraltar's Apes
It is impossible to visit Gibraltar without encountering its famous apes, actually Barbary Macaques, tailless monkeys who are quite tame and will happily scramble up on taxis and even people looking for attention.
Be warned though - feeding them is an offence punishable by a hefty fine. Local lore has it that as long as the apes remain, Gibraltar will be in British hands.