P587ORACLE 587 Mon24 Feb C4 1722:12  1/5         by Ian Wallace Gibraltar, isolated for so long until the borders with Spain reopened last year, is now appearing for the first time in holiday brochures. Hotly coveted by Spain the Rock is a bastion of the Empire with the residents resolutely British - probably even more so than those of us living here. As a strategic stronghold guarding, and controlling, the entrance to the western Mediterranean it played an important role. Whether that can be reflected in its success as a tourist haunt remains to be seen. more > Holiday Guide.580 Tourist Rates.586

P587ORACLE 587 Mon24 Feb C4 1702:42  2/5         by Ian Wallace The two and a half square miles of the Rock have been in British hands since the early 18th century and that influence is clearly evident today. Once on the Rock it is hard to escape the sensation of being in a decaying British seaside town. The military presence may have lessened but there is still a substantial military link resulting in an atmosphere that does not lend itself to a Mediterranean sunspot. But, the authorities are aware of their problems and are pulling out all the stops to smarten the place up and make it more attractive. more > Holiday Guide.580 Tourist Rates.586

P587ORACLE 587 Mon24 Feb C4 1713:22  3/5         by Ian Wallace The impressive fortress rock jutting out between the Mediterranean and Atlantic, within sight of North Africa, is, naturally enough,the big attraction for tourists. Views from the Rock are impressive while a trip out into the Straits gives you a far more traditional view, one everyone will recognise. Inside the Rock are the stone age St. Michaels Caves and the Upper Galleries corridors hewn out of solid rock during an 18th century Spanish siege. more follows > Holiday Guide.580 Tourist Rates.586

P587ORACLE 587 Mon24 Feb C4 1711:21  4/5         by Ian Wallace Because of the border closure hotel building in Gibraltar has been at a virtual standstill and at present there are not enough rooms to cater for any dramatic increase in visitors. Beaches are few and far between and not very big which means they tend to get very crowded in summer. Where it does score is as a part of a split holiday with either the Costa del Sol or North Africa. Either option is a viable alternative offered by some operators. more follows > Holiday Guide.580 Tourist Rates.586

P587ORACLE 587 Mon24 Feb C4 1714:02  5/5         by Ian Wallace If you like discovering local restaurants and local delicacies on your annual Mediterranean jaunt then you may be disappointed with Gibraltar. Most of the restaurants are of typical British standard serving the usual international menu. However prices are substantially cheaper than they are at home. The same applies in the pubs where a beer will set you back about 40p. Further information is available from the Gibraltar Tourist Office, 4 Arundel Great Court, 179 Strand, London WC2R 1EH. Tel: 01-836 0777. more follows > Holiday Guide.580 Tourist Rates.586