Last Updated: 21 Feb 2024
Reward Yourself With A Holiday In Gibraltar
While there are many countries getting a lot of love in the media, the team at Reward Flight Finder think it’s worth taking a closer look at Gibraltar. There’s great scope for British Airways reward flight availability, with Avios points for flights costing from as little as 11,750 Avios points one way in Economy or 20,000 points in Business Class.
This rises to 12,750 during the peak months in Business. British Airways reward flights include Gibraltar within its list of Avios reward flight destinations, which means all you will need to pay for your flights are enough Avios, plus £0.50 in fees, taxes and surcharges per person each way in Euro Traveller (Economy) and £0.5 in Club Europe (Business Class).
Wondering why you should book an Avios reward flight to Gibraltar? Known as ‘The Rock’, this British territory off the coast of Spain is a melting pot of English, Spanish, and North African cultures. Not normally on the top of the list of most travelled places, Gibraltar may just be the right destination for you to use your Avios points for flights.
Make it more than just a weekend trip with our 5 reasons why you should be heading to Gibraltar this summer.
Gibraltar’s Beaches
Gibraltar has 6 beaches in total, split on either side of its famous rock. Being located only a few short miles off the coast of Africa you can expect it to be the ideal warm-weather destination for those looking to sunbathe, snorkel, and surf.
One beach that we highly recommend is Sandy Bay, especially if you're a fan of soft sand and gentle waves. Recently restored with tons of imported sand, Sandy Bay is an oasis for beach lovers. It's located on the eastern side of Gibraltar and is sheltered from the strong currents, making it an ideal spot for families and swimmers. Plus, the beach has plenty of amenities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby restaurants. It's a quieter option compared to its more famous counterparts, offering a slice of paradise for those who seek relaxation.
The Weather and Natural Landscape
With sizzling summer temps that can touch 40 degrees Celsius, you'll definitely want to pack a hat. But even in the steamy month of June, the Atlantic sends in cool ocean breezes. So, one minute you're channeling your inner sun god, and the next, you're wrapping up in a shawl for that evening beach stroll. Gibraltar boasts an impressive 2,675 hours of sunshine a year, so you're practically guaranteed some Vitamin D.
For such a small place (just under 7 square kilometres!), it packs a punch in the sightseeing department. Begin by climbing to the top of The Rock. If the idea of hiking in Mediterranean heat gives you the sweats, fear not. A cable car can whisk you up in no time. On a good day, your eyes can feast on views of not just Gibraltar but also Spain, Morocco, and the endless sea. Plus, you'll be greeted by Europe's only population of wild monkeys, the macaques, who’re always up for a photo op.
For the cave-curious among you, Gibraltar's St. Michael’s caves are not to be missed. Imagine a cathedral of limestone, complete with stalactites and stalagmites that look like they're out of a fantasy novel. And they light these formations up in a splash of colors. It's not just a visual spectacle either; the acoustics are fantastic. So much so that they've even hosted concerts and festivals in there. A rock concert in a cave, in Gibraltar? Yep, that's the kind of trip we're talking about.
History
For those with an insatiable curiosity for culture, Gibraltar offers a fascinating blend of the familiar and the unexpected, especially for Brits.
Gibraltar's strategic position—essentially the bouncer of the Mediterranean—has made it a hot property for centuries. Formerly a part of unified Spain, it's been flying the British flag since 1713 after the War of the Spanish Succession. And let's just say, this tiny territory has seen more action than a blockbuster film—facing 14 sieges in the last 500 years! And while you're there, don't miss a visit to the iconic Moorish Castle. It's not just a stunning structure but a symbol of Gibraltar's multi-layered history.
Language
Gibraltar has its own unique language. Llanito is a strange blend of Andalusian Spanish and English, with smatterings of Portuguese and Maltese vocabulary, as well as words from Genoese and even Hebrew. Speakers tend to switch languages in the middle of a sentence, making it almost difficult to understand for those who only know English or Spanish.
Gibraltar’s “llanito” Dishes
If comfort food had a passport, it would definitely have a Gibraltar stamp on it. Sure, we've previously raved about Gibraltar's national dish, Calentita, but have you heard of its other culinary stars? Feast your taste buds on Rosto, a hearty pasta dish featuring penne, carrots, and beef simmered in a luscious tomato and white wine sauce. Then there's Torta de Acelga, a pie stuffed with either chard or spinach and Menestra de Verduras, a vegetable stew that brings thick spaghetti into the mix.
So, what's the hold-up? Now’s the perfect time to cash in those Avios points for a sun-soaked, flavour-packed trip. Make every point count by finding the best reward flights on Reward Flight Finder, and get ready to explore all that Gibraltar has to offer.