New Year is a time for calm reflection and for turning over a new leaf. And where best to spend a few days recovering from the excesses of the festive season than by making the most of a short break in Gibraltar?
Combining the sophistication, luxury and appeal of a cosmopolitan European city at the edge of the Mediterranean with the uniqueness of a nature reserve, stunning views and a renowned history, Gibraltar has an offering to suit all visitors.
Tourists love to visit the iconic Rock of Gibraltar for its world-famous sights: the view across the Straits to North Africa from the summit; the spectacular stalagmites and stalactites of St Michael’s Cave, deep underground; and the soldier’s view towards the sea from the Rock’s labyrinthine galleries and tunnels. And after an informative tour, there are also the pleasures of a brisk walk along the footpaths of the Nature Reserve or a stroll in the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens at the Alameda, relaxing surrounded by the lush greenery of the Rock in winter.
Gibraltar also appeals to those looking for a different way to kick-start a healthy lifestyle in 2019. With an increasing selection of hotels and quality accommodation, a responsive fleet of local taxis for easy transport to any venue on the rock, and a huge range of beauty clinics and spas, health consultants and alternative therapists available, Gibraltar is a great place for the New Year detox.
And if taking up a new sport is the best way to start a new year in a more active way, then Gibraltar has plenty to offer, from sailing courses to boxercise, stand up paddle in the beautiful surroundings of Sandy Bay to aqua zumba at the local swimming pool. These and many more indoor or outdoor activities can be perfectly sampled in the mild climate of a Gibraltar January.
Tourists also love to flock to Gibraltar’s shops, where they can take advantage of tax-free shopping which includes high-end luxury jewellery, fashion, perfumery, cosmetics and electronic equipment. Add to this the fact that Gibraltar’s retailers lay on some superb offers in the traditional New Year sales, and it is not hard to understand why tourists crowd Gibraltar’s Main Street retail centre in the New Year.
Whatever your reason for booking a short break in Gibraltar, don’t forget to add a tour of the Rock, and at least one sea-front supper in one of the Rock’s fine restaurants to get the year off to a great start.
