Gibraltar covers an area of only seven square kilometres, which means travellers will probably visit most of areas in the region in a single trip. The beautiful Catalan Bay lies on the east coast of the Rock and is a quiet fishing village set away from the business of the city centre. The main attraction for many visitors to Catalan Bay is the beaches, which are some of the best in the territory.

From Catalan Bay, travellers can make their way to Sandy Bay, located just beneath Catalan Bay on the eastern Mediterranean coast. Filled with quaint cafés, small guest houses and deserted but gorgeous beaches, Sandy Bay is the perfect place for travellers looking to get away from everything.

Casemates Square at the end of the main street in Gibraltar city centre is a bustling public area that is steeped in history. What was once the site of public executions is now the place to be when looking for souvenirs, food or a good night out. With charming sidewalk markets, lively cafés and trendy bars, Casemates Square is fast becoming the heart of Gibraltar city.

The Upper Rock Nature Reserve is located atop the famous monolith which overshadows the city and is one of the most beautiful natural areas on the continent. Home to many animals and a wide variety of indigenous plant species, the reserve is worth a visit for anyone who is interested in experiencing nature on their trip.

Possibly the largest draw to Gibraltar is the Rock, the uppermost region of the territory’s monolith. Covered mainly in a nature reserve and home to the well-recognised barbary macaques, this area is the perfect place from which to catch a view of the Gibraltar Straits and Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. Visitors can also take a short cable car trip halfway up to Ape’s Den, where the barbary macaques can be seen in their full glory.

Delve into the geological wonder that is St Michael’s Cave. Lying 300m above sea level, St Michael’s Cave forms part of an intricate complex of amazing caves. Even the Romans knew of this formation because it boasts some of the most interesting stalactites and stalagmites in the region. Not only do these caves provide an interesting excursion, but they offer a beautifully haunting venue for concerts and ballet performances.

One of the most important historical sites in the country, the Siege Tunnels of Gibraltar are is not to be missed. Carved by ancient merchant marines during the 1700s in order to defend the region from sieges, the tunnels provide great insight into the territory’s turbulent history.

Anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating territory should make a stop at the Gibraltar Museum. The museum showcases exhibits of Gibraltar’s main eras, including the Roman, Moorish, Phoenician, Spanish, Greek and British periods of occupation. To aid in telling the territory’s story are several lithographs, prints and even models. The most famous model is a replica of the Gibraltar skull, which is said to be the first skull of a Neanderthal found on the European continent.

Gibraltar isn’t exactly one of Europe’s top party destinations but there are a few activities which provide a great deal of fun and entertainment. From high society cocktail bars to high stakes at the local casinos, there is something for everyone.

Travellers looking for a chic night out will not be disappointed. Most of the top class hotels have amicable cocktail bars which offer great drinks in sophisticated environments. There are also several wine bars dotted around the city centre which make for a cultured evening.

There are plenty of opportunities for dancing until dawn at one of the territory’s many nightclubs. While many are quite small, they are still worth a trip and certainly deliver a good night out. From the best of the European pop scene to more earthy Spanish tunes, Gibraltar’s nightclub scene is varied enough to satisfy most needs and tastes.

A large draw for visitors to the country is the casino, which has proven to be a hit with foreigners. Located right near the stylish marina area, the casino is surrounded by top-notch restaurants and luxury yachts. Whether it’s a high stakes poker tournament you’re after or simply a run on the slot machines, there’s an activity for every budget here.

Gibraltar hosts many festivals throughout the year and visitors who are lucky enough to be in the region at the right time are bound to be entertained. One of the most popular events is the Gibraltar Song Festival, which happens in April every year. Songwriters from all over the world are invited to submit their work to the competition but the real treat for festival-goers is the live performances by up-and-coming musicians which take place.

Gibraltarian cuisine is a lovely amalgamation of both Mediterranean and British influences. The territory does, however, play host to a variety of other fares including Maltese, Italian and Chinese. Travellers to the territory will not be left hungry. There are a variety of restaurants representing each cuisine and covering a spectrum of prices, from luxury dining to budget food stalls.

While Gibraltarian restaurants are not prolific, there are a few establishments which offer tourists a real taste of the region. There are a few local dishes which simply cannot be missed, including fideos al horno (a pasta bake made with macaroni, egg and Bolognese sauce, and topped with a layer of béchamel) and calentita (a light quiche made with chickpea flour).

Sweet-toothed travellers can have their pick from the delightful range of desserts Gibraltarian cuisine has on offer. Japonesa (a fried doughnut with custard cream in the centre and coated in syrup or sugar) is a favourite with locals and tourists alike, while bollo de hornasso (dry bread made with aniseed and sprinkled with hundreds and thousands) is popular around holiday periods.

Gibraltar’s drinking culture is as varied as its cultural influences. There are many pubs lining the marina in which a large pint of beer can be knocked back. Italian and French wines are aplenty in the many wine bars. And like most of its European neighbours, Gibraltar has ample cafés and bistros which know how to serve up a good, strong cup of coffee.