Commanding the straits of Gibraltar, the Rock has been a bastion of the British Empire since the late 18th century. Known to the ancient Greeks and Romans as one of the two Pillars of Hercules marking the edge of the known world, Gibraltar boasts a friendly and cosmopolitan mix that keep visitors returning time and again.

Gibraltar is unsurprisingly popular among British tourists. The combination of English speaking locals with a congenial Mediterranean climate are one of the outpost’s major appeals.

In terms of tourist attractions, perhaps the most famous are the Great Siege Tunnels. Located underneath the rock, the tunnels were excavated by the British in 1782 during the war with Spain and were also used in World War Two when they were fortified with approximately 30,000 British servicemen.

Visitors should also take the time to see the Trafalgar cemetery. Many of the graves in the Trafalgar Cemetery are those of British sailors who died at Gibraltar after the Battle of Trafalgar (1805).

One event not worth missing is the National Day of Gibraltar celebrated on September 10th. The visual extravaganza of red, white and blue in the main square is followed by an evening of music, dance and festivities.

For those wishing to explore the wider area a car is essential. Transport to the area is relatively simple by car although long delays can be experienced at the Spanish border.

The most spectacular site is the 426-metre high Rock of Gibraltar offering spectacular panoramic views. The African coast can also be seen on a clear day.

However, drivers are reminded that despite being an overseas territory of the UK, cars in Gibraltar drive on the right hand side of the road due to its shared border with Spain.

Despite its small size Gibraltar has achieved a significance that is rarely appreciated. Standing at the mouth of the Mediterranean, the Rock has stood as a fortress guarding British interests for over 200 years. As a result of this and its highly diverse demographic, Gibraltar has a tangible character that never fails to impress.