Gibraltar, colloquially known as The Rock or Gib, is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Spain to the north; Morocco is a short distance across the strait to the south. Gibraltar has a population of 32,000. {{quickbar|location=LocationGibraltar.png

Gibraltar Halal Explorer

Gibraltar is a unique place for the curious traveller: a British community on the Iberian Peninsula, separated by a narrow gap of sea from Africa. The historic military legacy has created a veritable labyrinth inside "the Rock", with many secret internal roads and tunnels worth exploring. It is also worth climbing the Rock for its views and famous monkeys; the only extant population of wild non-human primates in Europe.

History

In Greek mythology Gibraltar was Calpe, one of the Pillars of Hercules, which marked the edge of the Mediterranean and the known world. In 711 Tariq ibn Ziyad, the Muslim governor of Tangier, landed at Gibraltar to launch the Islamic invasion of the Iberian Peninsula. The Rock took his name, Jabal Tariq (Mountain of Tariq), which eventually became Gibraltar.

Strategically important for international shipping, Gibraltar was ceded to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht and was formally declared a British colony in 1830. Spain still claims sovereignty over this territory, although Gibraltarians consider themselves British with no apparent interest in rejoining Spain.

The topmost part of the Rock is still used as a British military installation, and is off-limits to the public.

How to visit and travel to Gibraltar

Entry requirements

• The Mediterranean Steps 36.125034, -5.343172 - Mediterranean Steps - Gibraltar nature trail eHalal Reference: QQ5252668 For those not afraid of climbing up steps cut out of rock, and with a head for heights, this is a hefty hike that starts at Jew's Gate bird observatory on the south end of Gibraltar, Queen's Road near Engineer Road and winds its way up the east side cliff face of the Rock to the summit. The views are fantastic, and the path underwent renovation work in 2007, so it is less treacherous than in the past. If you don't fancy the uphill struggle, you can always get the cable car up and then come down this way, although if trying to reach the steps from the cable car there are no signs posted on how to reach them until one has found the beginning of the steps. Make your way to the ape den, continue walking, then take the left (uphill) turn toward the military O'Hare's battery. The steps begin and end here.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Gibraltar

• Dolphin Safari - https://www.dolphinsafari.gi 6 The Square, Marina Bay 36.147681, -5.353423 cross the runway and take the first exit at the roundabout on the other side of the runway down Bayside Road. Approximately 100 metres walk down a small road on the right just past the pay and display carpark where the sign reads Marina Bay. At the end of that road in the bottom left hand corner walk through the black iron gates to see the two gold dolphins and the check-in offices Phone +350 200 71914 Opening Hours: 10:00 - 18.00 Adults £25, children £15 See the wild Common, Striped and Bottlenose dolphins of Gibraltar so close you could almost touch them. Sail in complete comfort, this boat has front-line cushioned seating and cushioned seating in the indoor observation lounge.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Gibraltar

Money Matters & ATM's in Gibraltar

The currency of Gibraltar is the Gibraltar pound (GIP) - equivalent in value to the British pound sterling. British pounds are accepted everywhere in Gibraltar, in addition to the local version.

Gibraltar pounds aren't accepted outside of Gibraltar - not even in Britain. If you are travelling to Britain you will be able to exchange them there at a bank for a service fee. If you are travelling elsewhere, then you may not be able to exchange them at all. Best to change any leftover Gibraltar pounds before leaving (free of charge to British pounds), and to ask shops to give your change in UK notes if you aren't going to spend them there.

Gibraltar coins are identical in denomination, colour and size to sterling coins, and tend to circulate in the UK without question.

Most shops in Gibraltar will also accept U.S. dollars and euros, with the risk of getting a poor rate of exchange. Government offices and postal offices do not accept foreign currency.

Credit and debit cards are sometimes not accepted in some shops or, especially, restaurants.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Gibraltar

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• Morrisons | https://my.morrisons.com/storefinder/452 Westside Road, Europort 36.144182, -5.360035 Phone +350-20041114 Opening from Monday to Saturday 08:00-22:00, Sunday 08:00-20:00 Large supermarket, selection seems to be the same as in the UK

Eat

If you like to sit outside and watch the world go by, go to Casemates Square where a number of pubs and restaurants serve fairly similar meals.

• Cafe Solo - https://www.sologib.com/cafesolo.html Grand 3, Casemates Square 36.145192, -5.352728 Phone +350 200 44449 - Good Italian.

Irish Town, the road which runs parallel to Main Street, has a number of pubs.

• The Clipper 78 Irish Town 36.142075, -5.354067 Phone +350 200 79791 - Good food, friendly staff, and satellite television. They serve a hearty English breakfast.

• Corks - https://www.corks.gi/ 79 Irish Town 36.141716, -5.354021 Phone +350 200 75566 Opening from Monday to Saturday 08:00-18:00; Sunday closed Serves substantial lunches.

Queensway Quay is home to The Waterfront, which serves a good quality, if somewhat eclectic menu which ranges from steak to high quality local fish and Indian food. Casa Pepe's, on the other side of the marina is worth a splurge.

• Casa Pepe's 36.134678, -5.3546

If you fancy dining waterside the marinas are worth trying, and includes the most southerly pub in Europe. Good food, draught Bass and many others on tap. Happy hour daily at 18:00. Full Sunday lunch available.

• Wembley Bar 36.125388, -5.351171 - In the heart of the south district, it is the most southerly pub in Europe. Traditional english pub with views to Africa.

Marina Bay is home to several restaurants. Bianca's and Charlie's Tavern at Marina Bay are worth a visit, the former being very well known for its busy ambience. Gibraltar's first Mexican restaurant has opened in Marina Bay.

• Bianca's 36.148628, -5.352865
• Charlie's Steak House & Grill - Charlie's Tavern | 36.148896, -5.352932

Ocean Village, Gibraltar's newest marina, is an extension to Marina Bay. It is home to several pubs and restaurants, including a Chinese, and an Indian.

• O'Reilly's 36.14793, -5.353808 - On Leisure Island, part of the Ocean Village marina complex, the traditional Victorian Irish bar has been designed and built by Ireland's leading design teams.

• The Gibraltar Arms - https://www.gibraltararms.com/ gibraltararms@events.gi 184 Main Street 36.139988, -5.353773 Phone +350 200 72133 - Next to Stag Bros' and is open from 07:30 (09:30 on a Sunday) serving meals all day until late.

• The Star Bar - https://www.starbargibraltar.com/ 12 Parliament Ln 36.143184, -5.353575 Phone +350 200 75924 - Holds itself out as Gibraltar's oldest bar. With a menu and drinks selection to appeal to most tastes the pub seeks to cater to a wide clientele.

• The Lord Nelson - https://lordnelson.gi/ Casemates Square 36.144861, -5.352213 Phone +350 200 50009 Opening from Monday to Saturday 11:00-14:00; Sunday 11:00-00:00 The official home of the Gibraltar Rugby Club and Live Music Venue of the Year, top entertainment on stage every night. Offers free WiFi.

• The Horseshoe 193 Main St 36.140382, -5.3536 near King St & Bombhouse Lane & Gibraltar Museum - Small pub with nice outdoor seating, decent prices, homemade pies on the menu, and offers the local beer Gibraltar IPA on tap. Free wifi, ask a staff member.

• Jury's Café and Wine Bar - https://www.jurysgibraltar.com/ 275 Main St 36.137816, -5.353302 near the Gibraltar Bookshop and Governor's House Phone +350 200 67898 - A nice little cafe located on main street. Good coffee, breakfasts, simple meals and takeaway sandwiches.

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• Sai Darbar - https://saidarbargibraltar.blogspot.com/ 6a Prince Edward Rd Phone +350-20061312 Opening Hours: 11:00-15:00, 19:00-23:00 Vegetarian burgers £3.50 Vegetarian take-away restaurant

Eating kosher

There are a number of kosher restaurants, bakeries and minimarkets in Gibraltar. It is not the only place you could stock up on kosher food when you're travelling in the Costa del Sol; there are many kosher shops and restaurants in Marbella, Torremolinos and Málaga.

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Gibraltar

Presumably due to Gibraltar's very limited space - accommodation is expensive. Due to this, many opt for staying across the border in La Línea, Spain and walking across the border, although there are budget options:

Budget

• Emile Youth Hostel - https://www.emilehostel.net/ emilehostel@yahoo.co.uk Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Rd 36.144834, -5.354101 just off Casemates Square Phone +350 51106, +350 57686000 +350 51106

Checkout: 10:30 Rates from £18 for a bed in a dorm, £25 for a single room. Cash only A family-run hostel. Not the best, but closest thing to the border. They charge £5 for washing clothes and £5 for the wireless internet £5. You are not allowed to bring your own food into the hostel (probably because they have their own cafe). Although expensive, it's a quiet place near the border.

• The Cannon Hotel - https://www.cannonhotel.gi/ 9 Cannon Ln 36.14014, -5.353464Just off the middle of Main Street Phone +350 20051711 Rates start at £35 for a single room with a shared bathroom, including breakfast and wifi Breakfast from 08:30 to 10:00.

• The Bristol Hotel - https://www.bristolhotel.gi/ reservations@bristolhotel.gi 8-10 Cathedral Square 36.138903, -5.354479 Near the south end of Main Street Phone +350 20076800 Rooms from £69

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• O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel - The Elliot Hotel - https://www.eliotthotel.com/ eliott@ocallaghanhotels.com 2 Governor’s Parade 36.139186, -5.352714Just off Main Street, located roughly half-way between the Cannon and The Queens Phone +350 20070500 Rooms from £120 Good location and good quality.

• The Rock Hotel - https://www.rockhotelgibraltar.com/ reservations@rockhotel.gi 3 Europa Rd 36.13209, -5.350208About 400 metres south of the Entrance to Main Street, up a fairly steep hill Phone +350 20073000, +350 20073513 Rooms from £105 off-season, from £135 in summer Not as central as some of the others mentioned here, but has great views of the bay. It's one of the more expensive hotels in Gibraltar and was where John Lennon and Yoko Ono got married. All rooms have a sea view.

• The Caleta Hotel | https://www.caletahotel.com/ reservations@caletahotel.gi Catalan Bay 36.137298, -5.340852 Phone +350 20076501 - On the opposite side of the rock from the town, about 2 miles (3.2 km) by road. The upside to the location is a quiet, relaxing atmosphere, one that you're unlikely to get in the Town Centre.

How to work legally in Gibraltar

Gibraltar has a favourable corporate tax regime, and many online gambling websites choose to make Gibraltar their base of operations and employ thousands of people in an ever-thriving jobs market.

• Jobs in Gibraltar - https://jobsingibraltar.com - CTS Business Exchange, Ocean Village Phone +350 216 44400

Telecommunications in Gibraltar

Phone

Gibraltar's international telephone code is +350. All landline numbers in Gibraltar have been prefixed with 200 since 2008, making all numbers 8-digit long now. If you come across with a 5-digit number, just prefix it with 200 (and, of course, with the country code prior to that if you are calling from out of Gibraltar).

The prefix to dial prior to country code for international calls is 00 in Gibraltar.

Internet Cafe's in Gibraltar

Free wireless is available in the following places:

• Fresh - a cafe just down through the archway when leaving the main square towards the bus stops.
• The Gibraltar Arms - about half way down the main street.
• The Lord Nelson - just by the tunnel exiting the main square.
• The Cannon Bar - behind the Catholic Cathedral.
• The Clipper - on Irish Town near Tuckey's lane.Ask bartender for password.
• Corks Wine Bar - on Irish Town near the Clipper. WEP key is written on a chalkboard above the bar.
• The Horseshoe - on Main Street near the Gibraltar Museum & King Street.Ask bartender for password.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Gibraltar

Gibraltar has a low crime rate and a large and efficient police force to ensure it stays that way.

There have been reports, however, of people being attacked on the Spanish side of the border while returning to Gibraltar on foot late at night. It might be smart to take a taxi home after dark if you have been drinking at the bars in Spain, especially if you are by yourself.

Stay healthy

Medical treatment

Gibraltar is part of the European Health Insurance Scheme and has a health service similar to the United Kingdom, with a modern hospital. If you are from a participating country, your EHIC card will entitle you to full free emergency medical treatment.

Barbary macaques

The Barbary macaques are wild animals and do bite. It is not advisable to feed the Barbary macaques, despite encouragement from irresponsible taxi drivers. In addition, there are kiosks irresponsibly selling 'monkey food', further encouraging this. It is illegal, can incur hefty fines and is bad for their health. Never try to pick up a baby Barbary macaque: its mother will not be happy and then neither will you. If you are bitten by a Barbary macaque, you will require hospital treatment. Whilst the Barbary macaques are rabies-free, they can infect you with hepatitis, and they are most aggressive on the top of the rock, as the most successful animals claim the uppermost reaches of the rock, with their less successful brethren being forced down the rock in their social pecking order.

Cope in Gibraltar

Consulates in Gibraltar

{{flag|Belgium Belgium 47 Irish Town, P.O. Box 185 Phone: +350 2007 8352 Fax: +350 2007 8646 .{{flag|Denmark

• Denmark |email=consul2danconsul.gi Cloister Building, Market Lane, P.O. Box 554 Phone: +350 2001 2700 Fax: +350 2007 1608

|hours=Monday to Friday 09:00-13:00 and 15:00-17:00 .

• Finland 20 Line Wall Road, P.O. Box 130 Phone: +350 2007 5149 Fax: +350 2007 0513

.{{flag|France

• France 209 Main Street Phone: +350 2007 8830 Fax: +350 2007 5867

.{{flag|Greece Greece Suite 1C, Imossi House, 1/5 Irish Town, P.O. Box 167 Phone: +350 2007 3500 Fax: +350 2007 3550 .{{flag|Iceland Iceland|email=anne.lundin@danish-alteriors.com 316 Ocean Hights Phone +350 5434 2000 Fax: +350 2004 6857 .{{flag|Israel Israel Marina View, 39 Glacis Road, P.O. Box 238 Phone: +350 2007 7735 Fax: +350 2007 4301 .{{flag|Italy Italy |email=italy@gibraltar.gi 28 Irish Town Phone: +350 2004 7096 Fax: +350 2004 5591 .{{flag|Malta Malta |email=maltaconsulgibraltar@gov.mt 20 Admirals Place, Naval Hospital Hill Phone: +350 5733 9000 .{{flag|Netherlands Netherlands |email=consul.netherlands@gibtelcom.net Irish House, 92 Irish Town Phone: +34 633 893 332 .{{flag|Norway Norway Sandpits Vaults, Off Rosia Road, P.O. Box 133 Phone: +350 2007 7242 Fax: +350 2007 7342 |hours=Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00 .{{flag|Poland Poland 35 Governor's Parade Phone: +350 2007 4593 Fax: +350 2007 9491 .{{flag|Sweden Sweden |email=consulgeneral@swedishconsulategibraltar.com | https://www.sveriges-konsulat.com/se/11212/Sverige-i-Gibraltar Cloister Building, Irish Town, P.O. Box 212 Phone: +350 2007 9200 Fax: +350 2007 6189 |hours=Monday to Friday 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-16:30 .{{flag|Switzerland Switzerland |email=gibraltar@honrep.ch Suite 206, Neptune House, Marine Bay Phone: +350 2005 1051 Fax: +350 2004 5450 .{{flag|Thailand Thailand 120 Main Street Phone: +350 2007 7890 .{{flag|United Kingdom United Kingdom Phone: +350 200 51725. Consular assistance for British nationals is provided by HM Government of Gibraltar Civil Status and Registration Office.

Respect

People from Gibraltar refer to themselves as Gibraltarian or 'Llanito' pronounced Ya-ni-to. Even though the vast majority of Gibraltarians speak Spanish (with a local dialect), they are easily offended if referred to as Spanish because they regard themselves as Gibraltarians and are very proud of their identity. In fact, Gibraltarians have voted overwhelmingly to remain British in several referendums. Some Gibraltarians also feel sensitive to the erroneous use of the term 'colony' due to its connotations of being a deposited population or ruled by a foreign country and lacking in self-government, none of which apply to Gibraltar either now or historically. Additionally, the term 'colony' is legally incorrect; it is a 'British Overseas Territory'. The term 'colony' wasn't used in reference to Gibraltar until the 1830s, at which time there were other places that were colonies and Gibraltar was grouped with them under the term colonies, despite the circumstances being different.

Although the popular view is that the Spanish Government is the cause of many problems concerning Gibraltar, there is no animosity directed by Gibraltarians towards Spanish individuals in general; the thousands of Spanish tourists and workers experience no problems. Recent airport agreements have opened up the relationship Gibraltar has with Spain.

== Where to go next after Gibraltar ==You could travel across the border to visit Cádiz in Southern Spain, or cities such as Algeciras or Jerez de la Frontera. Or you could travel south, across the Mediterranean, and visit Morocco, with places such as Tangier and Casablanca ready for visitors.

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