The Rock of Gibraltar sits at the southernmost tip of Europe with a land frontier to Central Spain on its northern front. It rests at the crossroads of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The stretch of water that separates Gibraltar from north Africa is called the Strait of Gibraltar and throughout history has played a strategic part in battles fought and won to control the western Mediterranean seaways. Intrinsically linked with the sea, Gibraltar is one of the busiest Ports of Call in the Mediterranean. In the ancient times, right through the age of empires and in the global conflicts of our own century, Gibraltar has stood guard over this Mediterranean, its unique position making it the focus of a continuous struggle for power. This spectacular rock monolith covers a land area of about six square kilometres.

Steeped in history dating back to the glacial period an official rock tour is the ideal introduction to Gibraltars past and highlights include: St Michaels Cave, the Barbary apes' den, the Moorish Castle and the City Under Siege exhibition.   Close to the top, of The rock, one can encouter these apes.  A good tour guide can have them on your back or eating out of your hand in no time.

Almost totally surrounded by sea, Gibraltar has five beaches - Catalan Bay, Camp Bay, Eastern Beach, Sandy Bay and Little Bay. Water sports play a large part in Gibraltarian life and centre around its three marinas, Sheppards Marina, Marina Bay and Queensway Quay Marina. Diving, sailing and dolphin watching are widely enjoyed.

* Highly recommend the Rock tour, including the apes, and a dolphin safari in the bay.

Gibraltar is 500 km south of Madrid.