Gibraltar is a unique and fascinating place located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula, jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea. The peninsula is approximately 4.6 kilometers long from north to south and 1.2 kilometers wide from east to west, with an area of about 6.543 square kilometers and a coastline of 12 kilometers.
The northern land border of Gibraltar with Spain is just 1.2 kilometers long.
The terrain of Gibraltar is mainly steep, rolling limestone, with the famous 426-meter-high Rock of Gibraltar dominating the skyline. At the southern end of the peninsula, there are two terraces, one slightly higher than the other.
The higher terrace is around 90m-125m above sea level and is known as the Wind Mill Terrace, where the city of Gibraltar is located.
The climate in Gibraltar is typical of the Mediterranean region, with mild and dry summers and wet and rainy winters.
The average annual temperature is approximately 22°C. In spring, the temperature difference between the Mediterranean and Atlantic waters, combined with warm and humid air currents, creates foggy weather that can cover the entire Strait, making visibility difficult and posing a risk to ships.
One of Gibraltar's most famous attractions is its Barbary macaques, which are the only monkeys to inhabit Europe. Legend has it that if the macaques were to leave Gibraltar, the British would follow suit. However, with over 300 of these animals living on the island, it seems unlikely that they will depart anytime soon.
The best place to observe the macaques is in the Upper Rock area of Gibraltar's Nature Reserve, where the Apes' Den offers a chance to see these unique animals up close. It is important to remember that these macaques are wild animals and may bite if provoked.
Visitors should also be aware that the macaques occasionally venture into town, so it is essential to keep a close eye on personal belongings.
Gibraltar's Nature Reserve is not just home to the macaques, but it also offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The reserve covers more than 40% of the island and contains many of Gibraltar's most significant attractions. Visitors to St. Michael's Cave will also discover Forbes' Quarry, where one of the world's first female Neanderthal skulls was discovered in 1848.
Additionally, the reserve is an ideal location to witness the millions of osprey that fly through the area during their migration between Africa and Europe.
Above the old town of Gibraltar, overlooking Battery Square stands the old Moorish castle. Originally constructed in the 8th century AD and rebuilt in the 14th century, much of the castle has suffered damage over time, with only the tower, gatehouse, and some masonry fragments remaining.
Despite its ruined state, the castle provides a glimpse into its former glory, with battle scars from past sieges still visible in some areas. The Tower of Respect, part of the castle, is the tallest Islamic building on the Iberian Peninsula, and the walled fortress, where local dignitaries lived, is one of the largest in the region.
The Strait of Gibraltar is of significant oceanographic value, with seawater in the strait being divided into two layers. Seawater above 200 meters flows from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, while seawater with higher salinity flows from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean at a depth of 200 meters to the bottom of the sea.
This alternating flow of seawater has a significant impact on the climate, hydrology, and biological resources of the Mediterranean Sea, making it a vital area for marine research.
