Staff Reporter
JUST at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, you’ll find Gibraltar, a unique city that’s part of the British Overseas Territories. In Gibraltar, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind natural landscape, along with an interesting culture that reflects its rich history.
Keep reading for an introduction to this beautiful city, and some tips on how to enjoy every season in Gibraltar to suit any of your holiday needs!
A Brief Intro to Gibraltar
If you’re a local, you’re more than aware of the intersection of British and Spanish culture in Gibraltar. This can easily be seen with how The Rock is home to a cuisine that perfectly blends Southern Mediterranean and British comfort.
While the primary language is English, there are many Spanish speakers due to its proximity to Spain. This has led to the creation of a Gibraltarian dialect called Llanito, which is a combination of English and Spanish, with influences from other languages like Maltese.
Even in terms of its economy, it has been heavily impacted by both countries. For example, though only a very small country, it’s now home to around 26 registered online casinos. This shows how the growing popularity of online casino games, fuelled by new online games like Slingo, has influenced the economy of Gibraltar.
This could likely be due to their relationship with Spain, with a relatively recent agreement between Spain and the UK allowing certain Gibraltar companies to be deemed residents in Spain for tax purposes from the 14th of March 2021. Ultimately, all of the above showcases the ties Gibraltar has with both England and Spain, creating the perfect blend of home and abroad.
Exploring the Seasons in Gibraltar
Since Gibraltar is located in the south of the Mediterranean, residents get to enjoy a moderate subtropical climate. This means that it has mild winters and hot summers, perfect for those who want to avoid freezing cold temperatures. However, each season has its own upsides.
If hiking takes your fancy, the best time to enjoy hikes in nature is in the spring, as Gibraltar has very dry summers. Thanks to mild, rainy winters, you’ll be met with vibrant greenery and an average temperature of 15 to 19 degrees. We’d suggest visiting the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, a protected nature reserve with a semi-wild population of Barbary macaques, to soak up all the beautiful nature on offer.
The Rock has plenty to offer to those who love summer, thanks to the myriad of stunning beaches. Here, you get to swim in the blue Mediterranean Sea, which reaches an average of 22–23 degrees during this season. One of the best spots where you can enjoy the gorgeous weather is Catalant Bay, with a beach day here certainly satisfying that summer craving.
Whilst the winters in Gibraltar are mild, averaging around 13 to 14 degrees, there are still far fewer tourists around compared to other seasons. This makes it the perfect time to enjoy your favourite pastimes, without feeling overwhelmed by surrounding crowds. For example, you could check out historical sites like the Great Siege Tunnels, which will certainly appeal to any history buffs reading!
Gibraltar is a city that merges British culture with that of Spain, so it shouldn’t come as any surprise that it has so much to offer. Regardless of the season, you’ll have plenty to do in this wonderful area, be it one of the aforementioned options or something else entirely.
