Gibraltar: The Rock at the Edge of the Mediterranean

The Rock of Gibraltar rises 426 meters above sea level and forms the most prominent landmass at the western entrance to the Mediterranean. The Upper Rock Nature Reserve covers the summit and northern face. Cable cars run from the town center to the top; the walk down via the Mediterranean Steps takes about ninety minutes and passes through macaque territory, St. Michael's Cave, and the Great Siege Tunnels.

The Barbary macaques — around 300 of them — live on the Upper Rock and are Gibraltar's most recognizable residents. They are wild animals with habituated comfort around humans, which means they will take food from your hands and also grab your phone. Keeping bags closed and food out of sight is practical advice. The macaques at the Apes' Den near the cable car station are the easiest to find; they are everywhere on the upper rock.

St. Michael's Cave is a natural limestone cavern with formations that have been developing for millions of years. It is lit for visitors and used for concerts and events because of its acoustics. The cave runs deeper than the public section; guided tours of the lower levels are available.

The Great Siege Tunnels were blasted by hand into the rock face during the 1779–1783 Spanish and French siege. British soldiers created over a mile of tunnels in eighteen months using black powder and hand tools. The network was expanded extensively during World War II; the WWII Tunnels tour covers a different section and is equally interesting.

Main Street is the pedestrian shopping thoroughfare in the town center. Gibraltar is a free port with no VAT or sales tax, which explains the density of electronics and liquor shops. The food in the old town ranges from standard British pub fare to the local pancho (a Gibraltar-style chicken sandwich), and the views over the strait from the top of the Rock are the best reason to be here.