Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory on the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean, connected to mainland Spain to the north and close to Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar to the south. Gibraltar is mainly a port of call on Mediterranean itineraries, though cruisers pass through on transatlantic repositioning voyages as well.

Cruise ships berth about 1 mile (1.6 km) from downtown, which is roughly 15 minutes on foot. The port has a dedicated cruise terminal with amenities including public phones, a bar and cafeteria, arts and crafts shops, and a tourism information office.

The defining feature of Gibraltar is its Rock, a monolithic limestone mountain 426 meters (1,398 feet) high dominating the western entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. The upper area comprises a nature reserve home to about 300 Barbary macaques, Europe's only wild monkey population. The rock contains a labyrinthine network of man-made tunnels known as the Tunnels of Gibraltar. Gorham's Cave, granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in July 2016, is considered one of the Neanderthals' last habitations in Europe.

Gibraltar became a British territory when Anglo-Dutch forces captured it from Spain during the War of the Spanish Succession in 1704, and it was ceded to Great Britain in perpetuity under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. It became an important base for the Royal Navy, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars and World War II, as it controlled the narrow entrance and exit to the Mediterranean Sea, with half the world's seaborne trade passing through it. Gibraltar is known for its pubs, tax-free shops on Main Street, and the Irish Town. The island offers a fabulous array of culinary options influenced by Spanish, British, French, Indian, Italian, Mexican, and Lebanese palettes, and Calentita, made from chickpea flour and olive oil, is considered the national dish.

The strategic waters around Gibraltar are among the world's best for dolphin spotting, as well as occasional whale sightings. Whether you step off for a few hours or longer, The Cruise Globe will have logged your ship's exact route through the Strait.