2010 Gibtelecom Chess Festival: Tourism
Enjoy the sights of Gibraltar by day and the entertainment at night! The destination is packed with history and natural heritage, but in addition it boasts all the modern amenities that you would expect in a bustling European City.
Despite its compact size, Gibraltar surprises thousands of visitors each year with its range of activities and attractions that appeal to all age groups. Situated at the point where the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean meet, it is no surprise that Gibraltarian life thrives on an abundance of water sports. These range from dolphin safaris in the bay to jet skiing, pleasure sailing and scuba diving
If you are looking to maximise your time and experience a flavour of what's on offer, why not book an official rock tour which takes about an hour and half. The sights visited are a fundamental part of the Gibraltar's rich heritage and will give you a genuine insight into the city's past and present. Attractions on the tour include the Nature Reserve, St. Michael´s Cave, the last resting place of Neanderthal man, the Medieval Castle, the world famous Barbary ape den, the Great Siege Tunnels which were dug out by the forerunners of the Royal Engineers to defend Gibraltar from attack, and The City Under Siege Exhibition.
Rock tours are available by taxi or coach at all points of entry. To experience some of the sights on foot, there are also a number of official walking tours, which will take you on historical and architectural trails through the main city centre.
A broad choice of restaurants, bars and cafes can be found along Main Street and in Casemates Square, along with high street shops and boutiques selling an excellent range of VAT free goods, including jewellery and time pieces, perfumery, electrical goods, alcohol and tobaccos.
Nightlife is equally varied with a wide choice of lively restaurants and bars and an excellent casino club.
DOLPHIN WATCHING TRIPS
There are three species of dolphin commonly found in the Bay of Gibraltar: the Common Dolphin, the Striped Dolphin and the large Bottled-Nosed Dolphin; and it is quite common to see dolphin schools of all ages and sizes. A dolphin watching trip is the most enjoyable way of seeing these fascinating mammals up close.
DOLPHIN SAFARI, MARINA BAY Prices: Adults £20 / Children £15 (under 12 years) Under 1´s go free. Tel: (+350) 71914.
DOLPHIN ADVENTURER, MARINA BAY
Purpose built catamaran with a capacity for up to 49 people.
Prices: Adults £15, Finger Food Buffet £8, Drinks £5.
Tel: (+350) 58008618 or (+34) 687 659 574.
LOWER ST. MICHAEL´S CAVE TOUR
Lower St. Michael's Cave was accidentally discovered whilst blasting a second entrance at St Michael´s Cave in order to prepare it for use as anemergency hospital during the Second World War. Full of crystalised nature, the cave also boasts a beautiful underground lake.
TIMES
Weekdays: 6pm onwards Saturdays: 2.30pm onwards Sundays: With prior appointment
Price: £8 per person
Contact: Mr Tito Vallejo Tel: (+350) 55745
Mob: (+3509 56639000 Contact: Mr Dale Vallejo Mob: (+350) 54231000
NATURE RESERVE - UPPER ROCK
Admission including attractions:
Daily 09.30am until 19.15pm (Last entry 18.45pm). Adults £8 / Children age 5-12years £4 Children age 4 years and under free / private vehicles £1.50. Walkers adult / site £8 Walkers child / site £4.
Attractions include St Michael´s Cave, Apes´ Den, Military & Heritage Centre,Great Siege Tunnels, Gibraltar a CityUnder Siege Exhibition, Moorish Castle and 100 Tun Gun (Nelson´s Anchorage, Rosia Road).
WORLD WAR II TUNNEL SHAY´S LEVEL, UPPER ROCK
Excavated during 1939-1944 the tunnelsand are an extension to The Great Siege Tunnels excavated during The Great Siege of 1778-83.
Monday to Saturday: 10.30am until 17.30pm (Closed Sundays)
Admission: £6 (must have purchased a Nature Reserve ticket on the same day)
CABLE CAR - GRAND PARADE
Monday to Sunday: 09.30am until 19.45pm
(Last cable up 19.15pm. Last cable down 19.45pm)
Admission: Adults £8 / Children £4.50
ALAMEDA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Red Sands Road Daily 08.00am until sunset.
Admission: Free
GIBRALTAR MUSEUM - BOMB HOUSE LANE
Monday to Friday:
10.00am until 18.00pm Saturday: 10.00am until 14.00pm
Closed Sunday
Admission: Adults £2 / Children under 12 years £1
CURRENCY
The legal tender is the Gibraltar pound. UK pounds have exactly the same value and are equally welcome. There is no restriction on the amount of money that can be brought in or taken out of Gibraltar. Euros are widely accepted in all shops, restaurants and so on.
HEALTH
No specific vaccinations are required for Gibraltar, Spain or North Africa.
CLIMATE
The average temperature at that time of year is 15 degrees C.
TRANSPORT
It is neither necessary, nor particularly desirable, to bring your own car. Since Gibraltar is only about 6 square kilometres, it is very easy to get around. You may however prefer to hire a car at Malaga Airport.
SHOPPING
Gibraltar is a VAT-free shoppers' paradise.
For more information please contact the
Gibraltar Tourist Board:
Tel: (350) 200 74950 Fax: (350) 200 74943
Website: www.visitgibraltar.gi
