Ocean Village Premier Magazine

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OceanVillageGibraltar

MAGAZINE SEVENTH EDITION

THE 7 WONDERS of Andalucia

GIBRALTAR

30 Millennia of Hidden History

THE CARNIVAL of Cadiz

CONTENTS 23

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04 Ocean Village through 2019

29 Treetop Tunnel Project

Exciting Milestones, Innovation and 5-Star

Off The Ground And Into The Clouds

Excellence

07 World Trade Center Gibraltar Year In Review

10 Excalibur Coming Soon To An Ocean Near You

21 Ocean Village Location Map 23 How Gibraltar’s Rich Heritage Influenced Its Cuisine

34 Malaga A City of Culture, Citadels and Coast

44 The 7 Wonders of Andalucia 50 Gibraltar 30 Millennia of Hidden History

67 Southern Spain’s Most Impressive Natural Parks

73 The Carnival of Cadiz

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OCEAN VILLAGE THROUGH 2019:

t’s all been happening in Ocean Village in the past 12 months!

Sunborn Yacht Hotel, the world’s first superyacht hotel, which is moored in Ocean Village celebrated its 5-year anniversary and has been given the accolade of ‘Gibraltar’s Leading Hotel’ by the 2019 World Travel Awards.

Sunborn has also been upgraded to the Silver Award for their green tourism policy.

Down on the promenade we’ve welcomed some exciting new additions to the OV community…

Since opening its doors in February 2019, The Yard has brought the widest range of gins to Gibraltar with over 150 choices on offer, all served in a unique, relaxed botanical atmosphere right in the heart of Ocean Village. Open for

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food from 9am daily, The Yard also serves a range of craft beers that are exclusive to Gibraltar, including Brewdog Punk IPA on draught.

Another new entrant to the retail offering, The Bottle Shop, situated on the picturesque Ocean Village Marina Promenade offers a superb selection of fine wines, crafted ales, gourmet food and much more, with delectable gift sets, perfect for all you connoisseurs out there!

Jad’s Corner Cocktail Bar and Restaurant opened it’s doors in August last year specializing in seafood dishes and tapas. Thi Vietnamese, Gibraltar’s first ever Vietnamese restaurant, also opened its doors in the summer to fantastic reviews and a beautiful green frontage.

Little Bay Bar and Indian Restaurant celebrated their third

year at Ocean Village while Pizza Express celebrated their 10th successful year; each are buzzing with energy throughout the week, enticing us all in with their varied menus!

Sovereign Insurance Services, established on Ocean Village promenade in 2012, provide insurance solutions to both high net worth individuals and corporate clients often with cross border exposure or with an international element.

Sovereign has opened an office in Malta in order to serve clients in Gibraltar with EU risk exposure and to develop its services there; they’re here in Ocean Village if you need them!

At World Trade Center Gibraltar, 2019 has seen both collaborative and healthy competition in the various sporting

Exciting Milestones, Innovation & 5-Star Excellence and charity events that have been organized throughout the year, as well as networking events with members. Read more about these on page 7.

Down by the waterside, the first phase of construction for “Marina Club” has been completed. A new-build private development comprising of five, 3-storey, detached apartment buildings with a total of 144 apartments in a mix of Studios, 1 Bed and 2 Bed apartments all with private balconies, Marina Club is estimated to be completed by late 2022 or early 2023. This pioneering project will rise above the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, between two established marinas. On top of water, surrounded by water and genuinely inspired by waterside living, Marina Club is

OCEAN VILLAGE OFFICE 3.02 World Trade Center Gibraltar 6 Bayside Road, Gibraltar TEL (+350) 200 40048 EMAIL info@oceanvillage.gi WEB www.oceanvillage.gi

one of a kind.

Ocean Spa Plaza boasts a 360-degree panoramic luxury “Sky Spa” completely unique to Gibraltar, which completed its final residential handover in early October. Comprising of 123 apartments, 6 Office units & 5 Retail units, and over 200 residential and public parking spaces, Ocean Spa Plaza offers residents the most luxurious and technically advanced spa facility in Gibraltar; housing hydrotherapy showers, anti-cellulite massage pools, aqua-massage pool, jacuzzi and a steam room. Surrounded by a living / breathing wall of greenery, with its unparalleled views of the City, Spain & Africa, this International award-winning development has quickly become the premier address in Gibraltar - having sold out within only 48

PRODUCED & PUBLISHED BY Renrows Marketing Consultants Ltd TEL 0044 (0) 1253 716400 EMAIL sales@renrows.co.uk WEB www.renrows.co.uk

hours of its launch.

The long-awaited and awardwinning Imperial Ocean Plaza is welcoming in its new residents with almost half of the owners having completed on their sale.

This 166-apartment development, with five office and three retail units, combines a stunning and convenient central location among the unrivalled facilities at Ocean Village. Private pools, Jacuzzis, gardens, entertainment, world class restaurants and shops all surround this beautiful marina. A choice of seven spectacular swimming pools as well as 11 Jacuzzis, beautifully tended tropical gardens and a leading-edge Health Club with advanced gym facilities are just some of the superb provisions available.

What are you waiting for?

Come and visit us.

CONDITIONS

The publisher makes every effort to ensure that the magazine’s content is correct, but cannot accept responsibility for the effects of errors or omissions.

Ocean Village cannot accept responsibility for the claims, goods or services of advertisers. No part of this magazine, including texts, photographs, illustrations, maps or any other graphics may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the Publisher.

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World Trade Center Gibraltar Year In Review It has been another exciting year for us here at World Trade Center Gibraltar (WTC Gibraltar). Since our inauguration in February 2017, we continue to welcome not only some of the world’s leading organizations, but many exciting, fast-growth start-up ventures in incubation, which has seen our community reach almost 100% capacity for the building.

Due to our close proximity to Gibraltar International Airport and the Spanish frontier, we receive guests internationally on a daily basis from a range of key sectors including gaming, finance, investment and wealth management. With over 1,700 employees working in the World Trade Center, we have an enhanced networking environment between companies creating a unique local business hub with monthly get-togethers hosted at our venue. We carry out talks and panel discussions on emerging business trends, our economy, sports events and leagues, ways in which we can continue enhancing social connections and providing business opportunities as well as regular fundraising activities with fun twists for local charitable causes.

Indeed, 2019 saw both collaborative and healthy competition in the various sporting and charity events we have organised.

One of these great events was a Padel tournament held back in February. The generous sponsors for this event were our very own Regus and Supernatural along with Bodystreet Gibraltar.

The tournament successfully raised over £300 in aid of Childline Gibraltar. In early June, WTC Gibraltar held its second annual golf tournament at the beautiful La Reserva de Sotogrande course. 42 players from 10 different companies took part in this exclusive WTC community event which raised a fantastic £1,100 in aid of Cancer Relief, Gibraltar. Our community also saw a magnificent 636 Christmas presents donated to local, under-privileged children and equally, our Easter Egg campaign appeal saw our members present over 200 eggs to the less advantaged in the local community. Both appeals were kindly distributed by the fantastic team at the Gibraltar Youth Service.

We are proud to play an important role in supporting our local community and will continue to expand our fundraising efforts in the coming weeks, months and years. It’s crucial to remember that none of it would be possible without the support of our members, for which we are truly thankful.

If you would like to contact us for more information, please drop a line to Mariela Gancheva: mariela@worldtradecenter.gi PREMIER MAGAZINE

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The best stocked chandlery in the

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Excalibur – Coming soon

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to an Ocean near you Team Britannia’s round the world powerboat project has not been without its setbacks, but, says onboard journalist Clive Tully, the starting line is on the horizon.

I’m rather mindful of the fact that for the last three years, our end of year update has been largely the same: “By the time you read this, Excalibur will be afloat.” And while completion of the boat has not been without its delays (due simply to the fact that we’re building a one-off which departs from the norm in both design and construction), the bottom line has been – as you might expect – money. Fortunately, we have a lot of supporters who have maintained faith in the project, and although lean times have forced us to suspend building operations every so often, it has only ever been temporary.

A summer resumption of activity in the boatyard saw the remaining bits of the hull finished off, with attention turning to fitting out the inside of the boat. We’ve also hosted a number of open days to which members of the public, supporters and partners were invited, and they’ve been well attended – even when the weather hasn’t been up to much. But the reaction from everyone that sees her for the first time is pretty much the same: “Wow, it’s big!” And visitors with boating or engineering backgrounds all remark upon the quality of the construction and attention to detail.

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Team Britannia skipper Alan Priddy sits between the two Castoldi jet drives

Windscreen at the front of the wheelhouse

Lots of jobs to do inside the cabin

We’ve also made it easier for people to become involved by launching a competition on our website, with two crew places per round the world record leg as main prizes, and short trips out in the boat for runners-up. And even if the idea of a trip on the boat seems less than appealing, each entry is rewarded with 25 shares in Clean Fuel Ltd. Their pollution-busting technology forms a cornerstone of the entire project, and has the potential to clean up internal combustion engines without any mechanical modifications, so everyone’s a winner.

Once Excalibur is in the water and operating from her base in Gibraltar, with a projected attempt in 2020, that round the world record may finally be on its way back to Britain.

September 2018. Lifting Excalibur out of the boat shed ready for turning

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Web: www.teambritannia.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/teambritannia Twitter: www.twitter.com/team_britannia

For all your chandlery needs

Delivery to vessels can be arranged

Unit G2, Europa Business Centre, Gibraltar GX11 1AA www.gibyachts.com T : +350 200 42629 M: +350 54015870 @: shop@gibyachts.com

PROUDLY PROVIDING ALL YOUR MARINE ELECTRIC/ELECTRONICS AND SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS We are an experienced team of Marine Electricians, Certified Navico & KVH Technicians.

Our showroom and workshop are based close to the Sunborn & entrance to Ocean Village Gibraltar.

We specialise in all manner of vessels ranging from day boats to commercial ships.

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boat rewires, fault finding, correction and new equipment installations.

Solar installations are a large part of sailing and cruising. We can supply, design and install whatever your power needs.

Inverter and power management systems are also key on vessels and go hand in hand with solar systems. With the latest Victron equipment and an innovative product like Integral we can design and install a system that enables you to be completely self-sufficient on the water.

Global Satellite – Do you want the fastest internet network onboard?

With over 35 years experience in marine, land and military electronics for navigation and communication, we can supply, install and provide the very best satellite communications for your vessel. We offer seamless, reliable connectivity to keep people and businesses in touch even in the most remote parts of the world.

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Global communications coverage & Access to the latest technologies.

All your Hardware, Accessories and Airtime for Communications & Navigation.

Satellite phones, Satellite TV, Iridium products, KVH TracPhone & TracVision providing you with onboard entertainment, advanced connectivity, Fast Satellite Internet and voice calling.

EMS/Global Satellite Group TRADEWINDS, OCEAN VILLAGE, GIBRALTAR +350 225 007 96 Info@emsgib.com www.emsgib.com

Professionally run terminal supplying

quality yacht fuels at competitive prices

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Our state of the art yachting terminal in Gibraltar offers the latest pumping equipment with excellent pumping rates ranging from 20 to 800 litres per minute.

Contact Cepsa Gib on:

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+350 200 60686

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m +34 689 771 140 GPS Coordinates:

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lat

36o 08’ 55.15” N (36.

lon

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Welcome to

OCEAN SPA PLAZA

WORLD TRADE CENTER

ROYAL OCEAN PLAZA

LEISURE ISLAND

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MARINA BAY

MARINA BAY 1 Charlie’s Restaurant 2 Charlie’s Tavern 3 Dive Charters 4 Waves Corner Shop & Laundrette 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Bianca’s Restaurant & Bar The Ship Grille 53 Steakhouse & Seafood Restaurante El Faro Marine Maintenance Ltd Dolphin Safari Allabroad Maritime Academy Yummy Tummies Dolphin Adventure The Food Co Supermarket

THE PROMENADE 1 Café Fresco 2 KS Sotheby’s 3 Janice Hair & Beauty 4 Chestertons: Residential Lettings 5 Bfab - Beauty and Wellness 6 Porcelanosa 7 Chestertons: Sales & Commercial 8 Ocean Village Express 9 The Bottle Shop 10 Patricia Darch Interiors 11 Hercules Office Solutions 12 Benjamin’s Gourmet Foods 13 Sovereign Insurance Services

THE PROMENADE 14 Tourbillion Private Clients 15 Ocean Medical Clinic 16 Sheppard’s Chandlery 17 Lottoland Corporate LEISURE ISLAND 1 Casino Admiral 2 O’Reillys Irish Pub & Steak House 3 Taboo Lounge & Nightclub 4 The Arena Sports Bar 5 Sunborn Yacht Hotel & Casino 6 La Sala Restaurant & Bar 7 Leisure Island Business Centre

IMPERIAL OCEAN PLAZA

THE PROMENADE

GRAND OCEAN PLAZA

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Las Iguanas wagamama Pizza Express Little Bay Bar & Indian Restaurant The Ivy - Steak House & Sports Bar

The Yard - Gin & Craft Beers Thi Vietnamese Lottoland Offices JAD’s Corner Bar & Restaurant

WORLD TRADE CENTER 1 The Barber Lounge 2 Image Graphics 3 Happy Feet Nursery 4 The Beauty Room 5 Supernatural Cafe OCEAN SPA PLAZA 1 Property Zone 2 Imossi Garage 3 Shine Easy Car Wash

www.oceanvillage.gi

ROYAL OCEAN PLAZA 1 Ocean Village Health Club & Gym 2 OV Estate MGMT 3 Jessica Skilton Lashes 4 Coming soon GRAND OCEAN PLAZA 1 Kamakura Japanese 2 Century 21 IMPERIAL OCEAN PLAZA 1 Ebikes Experience Store MAJESTIC OCEAN PLAZA 1 Ocean Pharmacy

HOW GIBRALTAR’S RICH HERITAGE INFLUENCED ITS CUISINE

Wherever on the planet you tread, the region’s national food will serve as a cultural marker. London has its Chelsea buns, Seattle has its coffee, and the Algarve takes pride in its cataplana. A lot of these dishes are the result of a mishmash of various heritages, and Gibraltar is no exception.

When settlers from Genoa, Malta, Morocco and Algiers - to name a few came to the peninsula, they brought with them recipes that have helped shape the culinary landscape.

It is impossible to trace the true origin of every dish that has become a mainstay of Gibraltar, but each plate provides a clue to the territory’s diverse history.

Take profiteroles, for example: those delicate, decadent choux pastry cocoons originated in Italy before being introduced, allegedly by Catherine de Medici into France in the 1500s. At some point the cream-filled, chocolate covered buns were brought along to Gibraltar where they settled in nicely, becoming one of the main national dishes. The tender delicacies are served at important events, such as national festivals and weddings.

Somewhat less decadently but perhaps more of an important part of Gibraltar’s heritage is calentita. The pancake, made simply from chickpea flour, water, salt and pepper -- with olive oil for crispiness -- is traditionally baked on large round trays and then served by a vendor as street food. While nobody knows quite how it became one of the national dishes, it’s thought that recipes were brought by Genoese immigrants, as it bears a striking resemblance to the Italian dish farinata.

It’s also argued to have been brought by Sephardic Jews when trade routes opened up between Algeria’s Barbary Coast and Gibraltar. Either of these are entirely plausible.

Chickpeas have long been popular worldwide. The versatile pulse provides a healthy, filling mix of carbohydrates and protein that has been a staple of many diets. Before and after the second world war, many Gibraltarians didn’t have ovens in their homes, instead cooking recipes that could be made on stovetops. As a result, bakeries began making large servings of calentita in their spacious ovens, which could then be sold to the public. Caliente is Spanish for ‘hot’, and calentita is the diminutive form, so perhaps ‘warm and toasty’ might be a more accurate description. Vendors would walk the streets shouting “Calentita, caliente” to advertise their pancakes, carrying the same large round trays in which they were cooked, serving slices on strips of greaseproof paper with a sprinkle of black pepper. It’s still popular today, often eaten at breakfast or served as a side dish. No trip to Gibraltar should be complete without trying some. Despite its Spanish name, it is widely understood PREMIER MAGAZINE

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derived from ‘pinto’, the Spanish for skewer -- is marinated in an assortment of spices before being cooked over hot coals and enjoyed as a snack, or as an accompaniment to other dishes.

And from northern Africa, the Moroccan Jews gave us Adafina, a one-pot stew made from beef brisket, chickpeas and potatoes, infused with the warming spices of saffron and paprika. It was traditionally cooked on Friday nights in a community oven and served still hot the next day, so as not to contravene the laws that prohibit cooking on the Sabbath. Nowadays it’s generally cooked in a slow cooker in the family kitchen. If we dig even further, the name Adafina literally means ‘admired’ in Hausa, a language traditionally spoken in west African countries.

One-pot meals, such as pastas, soups and stews are a considerable part of today’s menus.

The surrounding region of the Mediterranean hasn’t failed to influence Gibraltarian dishes, and it goes without saying that Genoa had a large part to play on the culinary stage. Many Ligurians have found a home in the peninsula since arriving in the 17th century. There’s a lot of Maltese influence to be found, such as Fideos al horno, a hearty dish traditionally made from macaroni, meat and any variation on bechemel sauce. The bake is also similar to Italian lasagne or its Greek interpretation, pastitsio. Fideos al horno literally translates from the Spanish for ‘baked noodles’. Such meals are a typical pastiche of Mediterranean cultures that have found their way onto Gibraltarian plates. Another one-pot dish, Rosto, a meaty pasta plate with carrots and mushrooms, may have started life

to be a Genoese import, one of many that make up Gibraltar’s cuisine. There’s a slightly tweaked variation on this which originates from the same Italian region of Liguria -- panissa -which means chickpeas and polenta. The Gibraltarian panissa has evolved to be slightly different, as it omits the polenta and the dish is slowly boiled while stirring; left to settle, then fried in olive oil to serve as tasty, savoury fritters.

The chickpea flan is such a large part of the culture that it gives its name to a food festival, an indication of how important a part it plays in Gibraltar’s history.

The summer Calentita festival is relatively new and has been growing in popularity since its inception in 2007. It has transformed from an event with a few food stalls to a significant cultural and social celebration of Gibraltar’s diverse ethnicities and the culinary heritage that comes with it. It is a chance for residents to get together and celebrate the melting pot of cultures, and the festival attracts tourists from other countries. The event is a colourful reminder that Gibraltar is an amalgamation of many backgrounds, including French, Italian, Algerian, Moroccan, Jewish, and British.

At festivals such as this and on the streets in summer, you can easily find spicy pinchitos sizzling on a barbeque. Although if their popularity is anything to go by, expect to be queueing for a while. You will probably smell the delightful aroma wafting in the warm air before you see the kebabs, which are usually made with lean cubes of lamb, pork or chicken (although there are many variations). The Moorish-influenced street food -24

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in Genoa, but its name derives from the British word for ‘roast’.

Coincidentally, it is also traditionally served on a Sunday.

The British influence in Gibraltar is everywhere, and you can kickstart your day with a hearty full English breakfast of sausages, bacon, eggs and beans, served with a strong cup of tea; or you can gather your friends and family in one of many pubs and restaurants that serve traditional Sunday roasts, complete with Yorkshire puddings and gravy. Restaurants are plentiful, and around Gibraltar’s own coastline, there lies a rich habitat for freshly caught fish. There are tons of gorgeous eateries dotted along the marina, where you can find anything from a spicy Indian curry to a spot of sushi. For such a tiny geographical area, there is such a choice of flavours that it can be difficult to know where to start.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL GIBRALTAR SPREAD? You should probably whet your appetite with a wedge of crispy panissa, then follow this up by polishing off one or two rolitos, for the Spanish ‘to roll’; thin slices of beef stuffed with boiled eggs, ham and olives thought to originate from Malta.

Perhaps, over a bowl of rosto, you could indulge in a side of torta de acelga, ‘chard pie’ in Spanish, often made with spinach, with Genoese roots. You might want to save some room for a dessert, like japonesa, a sticky doughnut with a custard filling, a take on the Japanese dorayaki. And if you’re feeling ambitious, you could top it all off with a profiterole or two!

The dishes served in Gibraltar today are variations of recipes that have been handed down through home kitchens over the years, adapted to personal taste and woven into Gibraltar’s rich culinary tapestry. We can learn a lot about a place through its food, and Gibraltar is a fine example of how its various cultures have fused together to form a national identity.

So settle down and savour each and every forkful, and marvel at the wonderful journey your dish has taken to get here.

Bon appétit!

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Fine Wines, Selected Spirits, Craft Ales & Gourmet Foods.

5% Discount

*

with your first order using Code: TBS1019 14, The Promenade, Ocean Village, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA (+350) 200 500 05 info@thebottleshop.gi The Bottle Shop - Gibraltar *5% DISCOUNT ONLY APPLIES ON TRANSACTIONS OF £50.00 AND OVER.

Gibraltar is famous for its monkeys but the illegal trade of animals is a serious problem

TREETOP TUNNEL PROJECT:

OFF THE GROUND & INTO THE CLOUDS A fantastic project at the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park proves that you don’t need a lot of space to make something exciting.

Ever since it was first opened in 1996, the Alameda Wildlife and Conservation Park has been helping endangered animals and offering one of Gibraltar’s most enjoyable tourist attractions.

Unfortunately, space is finite, so they have designed a novel solution to improve the experience for both their primates and visitors: a network of tunnels known as the Overground. We spoke to Park Manager, Jessica Leaper, to find out more.

“We have only a one-acre, tiered area to work with, so these tunnels will allow our animals to safely leave their enclosures to access more space and still be safely contained,” she says. “All our primate species will benefit because they are rainforest and tree dwelling animals who love being closer to the tree line.”

CONSERVATION IN ACTION Located in the gorgeous Botanical Gardens, the park was originally conceived back in 1994 to care for exotic parrots, tortoises and pets which had been confiscated by customs.

Volunteers cleared a neglected mini golf course and transformed it into a small conservation park. However, it wasn’t long before they realised that, with a little work, this could become a popular public attraction, raising awareness of the illegal animal trade as well as conservation issues. Today it houses all sorts of different species, but one of the star attractions is their primates.

The park creates an environment which mimics the primates’ natural habitat, but there’s one thing they cannot recreate: the PREMIER MAGAZINE

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space. The Overground project will open up a whole new area in the trees giving the primates much more freedom to move around and giving visitors a brand new perspective.

Taking its cue from other similar tunnel projects around the world it will create a network in the sky which looks a little like the London Underground, complete with a map, lines and stations which have been given their own names.

This little fella could be getting a whole new play park soon

Look up and you’ll be able to see them passing through the custom-made stainless-steel tunnels overhead through the likes of ‘Lemur Bypass’ or ‘Marmoset Junction’ as they skip between different areas.

“The project will enhance their lives in many ways,” Jessica adds. “The ‘Lemur Bypass’ tunnels, for example, will allow two species of lemurs to switch enclosures. They will be stimulated by the scent of the other group and also be enriched by the change of scene from one enclosure to the next. It also means our visitors get to mingle in our walk-through exhibit with different species at different times so it adds variety to your visit.

From a visitor’s perspective, the animals will be visible from different angles than before. In some cases, they will pass close to the visitors or overhead, which will be an exciting and more immersive experience for everyone.”

It’s a big project and one which will need to be completed in stages. Over the next 6 to 12 months, they plan to gradually build the network of tunnels, starting with the tamarins and ending with their collection of beautiful, but potentially dangerous macaques. This final section of the project will be the most impressive. Three tunnels will cross the main path and allow the Longtailed macaques, the AWCP’s first ever residents, access to a beautiful tree at the centre of the park. From here, the groups will have access to the lush vegetation and seasonal fruits of the Nettle tree, something they have no doubt been longing for.

“We are starting with our cotton-top tamarins,” says Jessica.

“Next comes the lemur bypass for the two species of lemur (brown and ring-tailed lemurs) followed by the common marmosets and, lastly, the long-tailed macaques. The macaques

Sunny the Bearded Dragon came to say hello for Animal Open Day in Ocean Village

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will be the last ones as they really need to be secure. They are classed as a Category 1 animal and can be much more dangerous than people think. It’s something we really have to get right.” For this reason, these tunnels will be built and fitted by a specialist company, and will therefore be more expensive to fund.

FUNDING THE PROJECT It’s an exciting project and one which will greatly enhance the experience of both visitors and animals, but the big challenge is funding.

A sponsorship program gives people the chance to support the project and have parts of it named after them. For the shorter tunnels a donation of £1,500 allows you to name a line and sponsor a station, £500 allows you just to name a line while £100 will give you a section of the tunnel. For information on the macaque tunnels, please contact the AWCP. Special events held in 2019 have also helped to raise funds.

Earlier in the year AWCP held their first ever open day outside of the park at Ocean Village, which included an interactive tent showcasing the best that the park has to offer, dancing, craft stalls and much more. It was a great day for everyone and raised £1,500.

More recently, a lavish fashion show was held at Dusk Nightclub in Ocean Village which raised more than £1,600 for the project. For one night only, the club was turned into a tropical rainforest where models showed off the hottest summer fashions from local retailer Marble Arc. Meanwhile, the Gibraltar Youth Group introduced sustainable fashion with some terrific upcycled creations from

the club house charity shop. The students had spiced them up with jewelry made from recycled materials to support their Rags to Riches campaign which proves you can transform even mundane old clothes into glorious wearable works of art.

“This event was something completely different for us to be involved in, but it was a great success!” Jessica said. “It was also an amazing opportunity for us to introduce the sustainable fashion concept in Gibraltar. We sold out of VIP tables, entertaining an impressive number of guests in a great atmosphere.”

The park plans more events in the future including another open day involving local NGOs. They will be highlighting this and other projects such as their concept plan for a local biodiversity area which raises awareness for local species.

Additionally, sustainability projects around Gibraltar will be brought together with the AWCP’s new campaign, ‘Habits for Habitats’.

World Trade Center Gibraltar have also pledged further funding towards the Overground, and these funds combined with Ocean Village will enable one of the first stages of the project to be built.

As well as raising money for the Overground Project these events also do a fantastic job of raising awareness about the park and the great work they do. So, if you want to take a walk on the wild side, take a stroll down to the park to see their wonderful collection of animals. To find out more, visit www.awcp.gi

Go Wild for Fashion PREMIER MAGAZINE

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VISIT THE HOME OF GIBRALTAR GIN The Spirit of the Rock distillery produces a unique hand crafted gin called Campion, after the iconic flower which grows wild on top of the Rock ... and nowhere else on earth.

Campion is a London Dry Gin packing a punch at 48% ABV; as high as we think you dare go without losing the full flavour profile.

Well rounded with a good balance between the base notes of juniper and coriander seeds, the citrus notes of orange and lemongrass, and spices to deepen the overall flavour.

A flourish of Moroccan rosebuds add subtle floral tones, mellowed by the natural creaminess of locally grown carob, and of course the all important campion seeds that add the ‘spirit’ of the Rock. Best served cool with a slice or zest of orange.

It is strong, smooth and sophisticated; the only genuine ‘spirit’ of the Rock made in Gibraltar Voted “One of the Best Gins in the World” at the World Gin Awards 2020.

DISTILLERY AND TASTINGS TOURS For a memorable and enjoyable way to spend an hour, why not book a place on our ‘Gibraltar Gin Experience’? Taste different types of gin in context with historical facts about Gibraltar, or pop in for a free tour of the distillery and meet Athena, our 100 litre copper still.

We are wheelchair friendly but you must be over 18 years old to attend a tour.

Book your Gibraltar Gin Experience via www.buytickets.gi BESPOKE TOURS, BLENDING COURSES AND BOTTLES We can arrange personally tailored tours for wedding parties or corporate clients wishing to offer something special for their clients or staff. Blending courses to create your own unique gin, or as a gift for that special occasion. Bespoke vouchers, wedding favours, labelling or bottle engraving: nothing is too much trouble.

WORKING WITH OUR COMMUNITY Many local shops, restaurants and hotels have embraced our locally made products and they fully understand and appreciate the dedication and skill that goes into making our small batch, hand crafted spirits.

They can offer you a discount off your next purchase of Campion in ex-change for a returned bottle and stopper.

When in Gibraltar don’t just ask for ‘Gin’, ask for Campion; authentic, original and unique, all the best bars and restaurants stock it. Cheers!

RESPECT REUSE RETURN REDUCE RECYLE Spirit of the Rock Distillery, 8 George’s Lane, Gibraltar Telephone (+350) 22501294 / (+350) 54067487

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info@spiritoftherock.gi

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Campion Strong, smooth and sophisticated.

London Dry Gin distilled in Gibraltar.

The Spirit of the Rock.

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MALAGA A CITY OF CULTURE, CITADELS AND COAST In years past, the bright lights of southern Spain’s coastal resorts tempted those flying in to Málaga airport to head straight to their holiday destination, often without time to explore the city itself.

Fortunately, this is no longer the case and more and more people are discovering the many charms of Málaga, a cosmopolitan metropolis that marries spectacular modern art and an eclectic food scene with an abundance of cultural treasures. This is a city that bubbles with energy and enterprise, is overflowing with culture and serves up some of best seafood to be found anywhere in Andalucía.

With a new modern art district, a revitalised port, designer boutiques, Michelin star eateries, an abundance of theatre, music and literature plus museums aplenty (this is the birthplace of Picasso after all), you’ll leave wondering how you ever wrote off Málaga, a city of citadels, culture and coast, as merely an airport.

HISTORIC TREASURES La Alcazabar is one of Málaga’s most recognisable structures and historic treasures. It sits high atop a hill, looking down on the city below and out across the Mediterranean Sea to Africa.

Visit this vantage point and you’re sure to find it easy to imagine Moorish rulers of centuries past scanning the horizon in this very spot, ever alert for invading pirates. Dating back to around 780AD, La Alcazabar, the first of Málaga’s two citadels is more than three centuries older than Granada’s Alhambra and is considered to be the best-preserved Moorish fortress in all of Iberia.

The fortress has over one hundred towers and, incredibly, no less than three palaces! Its entranceway is part city wall, part defensive stronghold, designed to slow down attackers. Next door the remains of a Roman theatre, which archaeologists 34

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have traced back to the 1st Century BC, is slowly undergoing restoration.

Within, cobbled pathways lead through landscaped gardens and pretty courtyards. The towers themselves are constructed with marble columns, their balconies offering a perfect bird’s eye view of the streets below and the African continent, across the sea.

The spectacular Castle of Gibralfaro neighbours La Alcazabar.

You’ll need to traverse a winding pathway heavily scented with jasmine and orange trees to reach it as the structure stands guard at the summit of a hill which was dubbed Jabal-Faruk (lighthouse mountain) by the first Arab settlers.

Head to the ramparts and you’ll be rewarded with incredible 360-degree views of the city – the high hill affording the best viewpoint for those who make the steep climb from La Alcazabar below (there’s also a bus if you’d prefer to avoid the hike).

Another gem not to be missed is the Roman Catholic Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga – a splendid, albeit incomplete, vision of Renaissance architecture. Construction stopped in 1782 when direct taxation on items such as wine and oil, which had been used to fund the works, was suspended, leaving the cathedral without a right-hand tower to this day.

Affectionately known as La Manquita (the one-armed woman) as a result, the cathedral sits in dignified repose just inside the city walls, in the shadow of La Alcazabar. Inside, the cathedral is nothing short of a masterpiece of architectural chutzpah. Exquisite details are apparent everywhere your gaze falls – a team of artists and artisans worked from 1528 to 1782 to

create the beautiful interior, replete with religious iconography, sculptures and carvings.

CULTURE As well as the Moorish remnants and wonderful architecture to be found city-wide, Málaga has culture in abundance – more than enough, in fact, to keep culture vultures happy for several days. Art is big here, as you’d expect from the birthplace of

Picasso and you’ll see nods to him dotted around the city.

There’s the Picasso Museum, of course, in the Palacio de Buenavista, which brings together some of his earliest works and charts his creations right through to his death in the early 1970s. The museum is just a few minutes’ walk away from his childhood home on Plaza de Merced.

In recent years, hundreds of millions of euros have been invested in the arts in Málaga, meaning the crop of museums and galleries multiplies seemingly by the month. If the city is making a play for the title of Spain’s cultural capital, it’s certainly on course!

The Museo de Andalucía is one such recipient of investment.

It houses two thousand of the city’s most prized relics, covering everything from Moorish ceramics to Roman statues, in a breath-taking restored 18th century customs building.

At the modern end of the scale, you’ll find abstract and contemporary art installations aplenty. The new Soho art district is a hotbed of alternative culture with colourful street art from the likes of internationally-renowned D*FACE and Obey, galleries, cafes, talks, seminars and film screenings. Hollywood icon and Málaga native, Antonio Banderas purchased a crumbling theatre in this once gritty neighbourhood and having restored it to its former glory, will throw open the doors this autumn with a three month run of “A Chorus Line”.

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Take time to explore the many cobbled streets of the “casco antiguo” and you’ll see vestiges of the city’s past – it’s one of the oldest cities in Spain and wears its heritage proudly but you’ll invariably stumble across a new gallery, a freshly opened boutique from one of Spain’s rising fashion designers, a buzzing live music venue or a modern foodie hotspot.

You’ll find a central Mercado in most Spanish towns and cities; Málaga’s is marked by a Moorish arch dating back to the 14th century. Head inside and you’ll find the fresh produce that Andalucía does so well, from meats such as Jamón Ibérico which is reared in the countryside near Málaga and fish fresh off the boat, to brightly coloured vegetables, fresh and dried fruits and nuts galore.

Malagueños love their food and you’ll find delis heaving with delicacies around every corner. Michelin-starred eateries led by brigades of avant- garde Spanish chefs happily co-exist with traditional little tapas places, their interiors dark with wood and menus laden with dishes that have remained unchanged for decades.

COAST Málaga may have only been on the lips of visitors to the Costa Del Sol for the last 60 or so years but its port is one of Spain’s oldest, dating back three thousand years to the Phoenicians in 1000 B.C. Virtually abandoned during Franco’s rein, an extensive redevelopment project has reinvigorated the port itself and its surrounding neighbourhoods. There are few outward signs of the Moorish port’s history, with docks which were once filled with barrels of wine, figs, olive oil and precious metals now thoroughly modernised.

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The coastline creates a natural bay, making this port popular with fishermen who can be seen hauling in their catch most days. A new dedicated cruise terminal welcomes over two hundred cruise liners each year while its prime position means passengers alight right at the foot of the old town.

A pedestrian promenade now stretches around the port, meaning once you’ve had your fill of history, art, food and shopping, you can take a stroll along the Promenade Pablo Ruiz Picasso and hit the beach.

The palm tree-fringed Playa de la Magueta is perhaps the most well-known of the city’s beaches. Once an industrial area, like much of Málaga it has been extensively redeveloped and it now offers city visitors miles of golden sands, clear water and a clutch of chiringuitos. The latter includes the famed Los Delfines, one of the best fish restaurants in the province. The place is packed at weekends and you’ll know you’ve arrived when you hear the hubbub of chatter and catch a hint of freshly cooked fish floating past on the breeze.

With its rich tapestry of ancient architecture and modern art, interwoven with a booming food scene and beautiful beaches, Málaga has something for everyone. You’ll often find the old and new sitting cheek-to-cheek, whether you’re wandering through the old town, exploring the art district or heading to the beach. It’s a city that has transformed itself in recent years while managing to retain its energy and character. Go and visit, you won’t be disappointed!

IDl

MALERAS SWEDEN Since1890

SWEDISH CRAFTSMANSHIP SINCE 1890 MALERAS, Sweden is proud to announce the opening of its branded store located in the heart of Main Street, Gibraltar opposite the Cathedral. Specialists in glassblowing and handmade, painted and engraved designs, Maleras has achieved world acclaim under the leadership of Art Director Mats Jonasson. These beautiful crystal designs are now available to you whether to purchase as gifts or to decorate the interior of your home in a unique way.

The glassworks in Maleras was founded in 1890, shortly after the railway had found its way through the wilderness of the region. Gustaf Holmqvist, a clerk from Kosta, started a glassworks for window glass production. Of the 20 employees there were many glassblowers from Norway and Finland.

Since the start 1890 the factory has been enlarged many times. The last years of the 1960s and the 1970s were a difficult time for the whole glass industry in Sweden. AB Maleras Glassworks was in 1977 bought by Kosta Boda AB but with the reservation that products designed by Mats Jonasson were to be produced at the glass­works in Maleras. Mats Jonasson was born in Maleras and had been trained there to become an engraver.

However, Kosta Boda's intention was to close down Mal eras Glassworks. This made 104 of Maleras' inhabitants invest 1000 SEK or more each to save the company. The local authorities in the county had earlier bought the premises and a loan from the Swedish Ministry of Industry had been granted.

On 1st April 1981 AB Maleras Glassworks became an employee owned company.

Since 1981 Mats Jonasson has been gathering capable people around him. This concentration has yielded results beyond expectation and inscribed the works in the Swedish glass history as one of the most successful. The production of glass reliefs that has become the characteristic of the works has turned out into a profitable business. Since 1981 the number of employees has increased from 15 to 50.

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Imported and distributed by Lewis Stagnetto Ltd.

7

THE

WONDERS OF ANDALUCÍA

With a seemingly endless fringe of golden beaches and popular tourist resorts, many visitors to Andalucía will often find they don’t stray too far from the coast. This is perhaps what this corner of Southern Spain is best known for, yet scratch the surface and there is so much more to discover than almost 900km of shoreline, blue waters and abundance of water sports.

This is the land of the Moors, the home of Picasso, of bustling cities and white washed villages, studded with soaring snowcapped peaks and arid valleys where row upon row of vines and trees march in regimented rank and file, their boughs heaving with olives, almonds and oranges.

This is Andalucía, a land of history and gastronomy, fishing villages and architecture. It’s a region that wears its artistic heritage proudly, champions sustainability and nurtures myriad landscapes, from volcanic deserts to lush, green forests.

To travel from one corner to the other would take you through eight provinces, via the historical city of Seville and the untouched beauty of Almería, past the cosmopolitan port of Málaga then north, into the heart of the Al-Andalus empire in Granada and the fertile province of Jaén.

Go west and you’ll find Huelva bumping up against the Portuguese border, to the north lays the outstanding Muslim architecture of Córdoba and then finally, just when you thought you’d seen it all, Cadiz, the last European frontier, just 14km from the shores of Africa.

Andalucía is privileged not just in terms of its position and climate but for its many treasures, shaped by empires that date back to prehistoric times.

THE ALPUJARRAS Lonely Planet calls the Alpujarras “southern Spain’s lesstravelled path”, an antidote to the famed Camino de Santiago.

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A series of white washed villages which cling to monolithic mountain sides on the lower slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, you’ll find a distinctly Moorish influence in the buildings here.

The pace of life is slow, with goats and sheep meandering through olive groves and hikers navigating jaw-dropping canyons. In winter, hamlets hunker down against the snow which brings skiers and boarders to the neighbouring ski resort in their droves. Arts and crafts abound and if you aren’t hiking, you may well find yourself driving home laden down with handmade rugs, bottles of fruity olive oil, woven baskets and leather goods. If you are seeking a stroll with a view, pick up the GR7 trail here.

MEZQUITA DE CÓRDOBA Córdoba’s great mosque is considered one of the world’s finest examples of Islamic architecture. It was purposefully designed to allow one’s spirit to commune with God, its open spaces unlike other notable buildings of its time.

A designated world heritage site which dates back to the 16th Century, the columns and arches, decoration and inscriptions weave together multiple civilisations and faiths in a stunning tapestry of outstanding beauty. Don’t miss the Abd ar-Rahman I’s prayer hall with its candy cane stripe columns imparting a true sense of history.

Many of the wine makers offer tours, allowing visitors into their cavernous interiors to gaze upon row after row of barrels or witness grapes being blended before sampling a popular fino.

If you are a sherry fan, two nearby towns form the second and third corners of the sherry triangle and aren’t to be missed on a visit to Jerez.

In Puerto de Santa Maria you’ll find the Osborne factory, immortalised in the roadside bulls dotted around southern Spain while Sanlúcar de Barrameda specialises in Manzanilla wine.

JEREZ Like many towns and cities in Andalucía, Moorish influences can be found throughout Jerez. It is not architecture or history that drives many to visit this pretty city though – for Jerez is the undisputed home of sherry, a hot spot for Flamenco music and dance and famed for its magnificent horses.

The name Jerez is derived from Arabic and this legacy is apparent in the wide, palm tree-lined squares, partially restored Moorish fortress and Sacristy of the Cathedral del Salvador, a church which started life as an Arab mosque.

In the centre of Jerez, you’ll find multiple bodegas, or sherry production houses, many of which have called Jerez de la Frontera home for almost three decades. The bodegas are a source of great pride and are often said to be the Jerez aristocracy. You may recognise names such as Gonzalez Byass or Harveys, but there are also hundreds of boutique operations producing exclusive vintages.

THE ALCÁZAR, SEVILLE This breathtaking Unesco-listed palace has survived over 11 centuries; originally a fort for Seville’s ruling governors, each subsequent dynasty has staked its claim on the building with countless additions and modifications.

Today, it’s a working palace, a scene of royal weddings and a star of the small screen as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Majestic halls house priceless artefacts, mosaics and murals, while gold ceilings, sun-dappled patios and formal gardens await discovery.

Beyond the fortified walls sits Seville and its medley of Baroque buildings, ancient passageways, food – lots of food – and of course, flamenco.

PARQUE NATURAL DE CABO DE GATA-NÍJAR The province of Almería is one left mostly untouched by visitors to Andalucía; it’s almost undisturbed landscape full of allure. The Cabo de Gata-Níja natural park is reason enough to visit if you’re on a mission to discover the wonders of the region. The only authentic desert climate in mainland Europe can be found here, on what is the largest protected area of coast in all of the Mediterranean.

We’ve seen that much of Andalucía is laden with architectural jewels, many of which were left by ancient civilizations, but there is plenty shaped by nature too. With volcanic soils, rugged coastal areas, mountain ranges and breath-taking beaches, Cabo de Gata-Níja natural park’s abundance of reefs, cliffs and wetlands houses over a thousand unique species of flora, water birds including pink flamingos and myriad fauna.

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The park’s crystal clear waters are perfect for diving, but if you aren’t into water sports, there are also forts and castles left over from the Berber empire to discover. Mountain biking, caving, horse riding, hiking, free flying and mountaineering are also on offer, while bird watching and star gazing at the unspoilt Los Genoveses beach affords a welcome change of pace.

RONDA If you’re seeking dramatic escarpments and panoramic views, the historic and charming town of Ronda, in the southern province of Málaga, is a wonder not to be missed. Perched high above the El Tajo gorge, this pretty little town with cobbled streets, leafy plazas and Moorish palace is a perfect stopping point on your journey through Andalucía.

Nevertheless, its true appeal lies in peering down into the cavernous gorge and admiring the Puente Nuevo, an 18th Century feat of engineering which spans the gorge, high above the Rio Guadalevín.

If you prefer a more sedate slice of history, the 19th century Alameda del Tajo is a lush public garden with pergolas, fragrant avenues and shaded nooks. The prolific German poet, Rainer Maria Rilke wrote that there couldn’t be a more unexpected sight in the world than the beautiful vista you’ll find here. The

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sunset especially is spectacular from this vantage point.

THE ALHAMBRA Is there a more iconic building or unequivocal symbol of Moorish Spain than the Alhambra? A royal palace and Moors fortress built atop Roman fortifications on the hill al-Sabika looking out across the city, the famous structure dates back as far as AD889.

A cultural and historic masterpiece, the Alhambra is exquisitely decorated and infinitely detailed within, with almost every surface covered with ornate ceramics, plasterworks and carvings. In the majestic Hall of the Ambassadors, every inch of surface is covered with decorative poetic inscriptions, including the arches, walls and niches. A national monument since 1870, it’s a Unesco world heritage site today and one of the undisputed wonders of Andalucía.

From north to south, east to west, Andalucía brims with things to see, historic treasures to discover and natural landscapes to revel in. Its eight provinces each retain their own unique identity and, though all are indelibly linked by this region’s Moorish past, you’ll find that there is something new to discover, or ancient wonder to unearth, in every one.

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G I B R A LTA R . . .

30 MILLENNIA OF HIDDEN HISTORY Gorhams Cave markings

From the last refuge of the Neanderthal, who roamed and hunted on the Rock, to the modern vibrant city it is today, Gibraltar’s physical heritage tells a fantastic history spanning over thousands of years.

People may come to Gibraltar for the great food, sunshine and breath-taking views, but once you dig a little deeper, you’ll discover an unbelievably rich and diverse history.

From man’s earliest ancestors, to 14 prolonged sieges, to the modern city we all know today, the landscapes and architecture of Gibraltar hold the key to a physical heritage that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

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EARLY MAN Our story starts more than 300 centuries ago in a complex of caves on the East side of Gibraltar. These caverns make up the Gorham’s Cave complex and evidence suggests that these caves were home for the last remaining population of Neanderthals on earth.

The closest relatives of modern man were thought to have vanished from the Earth around 30,000 years ago, but evidence suggests they might have held out much longer than researchers previously believed.

In 2019, a twenty-nine thousand year old human footprint was discovered near the Gorham’s Cave complex, close to the “Great Gibraltar Sand Dune” (an enormous sand dune that predates history itself and formed part of the vast Savannah that once stretched Eastward into what is now the Mediterranean Sea.) Deep within Gorham’s Cave, archaeologists unearthed traces of Neanderthal remains dating back as early as 23,000 years, long after they are thought to have disappeared everywhere else in the world. The strong natural fortifications of the Rock may have provided sanctuary against the thriving Homo sapians.

The caves were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2016 and to this day they continue to reveal more secrets which have laid hidden inside for thousands of years.

One of the most exciting recent discoveries is an engraving found on the caves floor - a 40,000 year old Neanderthal “Hashtag”.

According to some experts, this could be the world’s first known example of art. If so, this suggests that the Neanderthals were capable of abstract and creative thought, contrary to the stereotypical idea of the Neanderthal being a brutish, primitive being.

If you’d like to explore this area further, you can book a guided walking tour of Gorham’s Cave. The tour can be accessed by boat and is led by experts from the Gibraltar National Museum and its World Heritage Team. However, there is a strict annual quota so you will need to book ahead.

THE MOORISH CASTLE The Neanderthals were perhaps the first to recognise Gibraltar’s natural defences, but they would certainly not be the last.

In 711, Berbers conquered most of the Iberian Peninsula, which triggered 600 years of uninterrupted Moorish rule. The straits of Gibraltar, which became the frontier between the Muslims and the Christians, took on a new strategic importance.

The most visible relic of this time is the Tower of Homage, also known as the Moorish Castle, which enjoys a privileged strategic position inside the nature reserve, overlooking the city.

In 1068 the Moorish Kingdom’s ruler sent the order out: “build a fort on Gibraltar”, but much of it was destroyed when the Spanish recaptured Gibraltar in 1309. However, in 1333 the Moors staged a comeback and rebuilt the Tower of Homage which still survives today.

Its walls bear the scars of many sieges and battles. It is here that a Spanish Governor resisted for five months against the Duke of Medina (who snatched Gibraltar from Queen Isabella of Spain), and also where people sheltered when pirates attacked the territory in 1540.

A MILITARY STRONGHOLD Indeed, throughout its history, Gibraltar has often found itself on the front line. Everyone who has been here, from the Spanish, to the Moors and the British, has contributed to building upon and adding to its stronghold; you can see these remains everywhere from medieval fortified walls to Princess Caroline’s Gun batteries.

Some ruins are now spectacular tourist attractions. At the top of the Rock, an old Second World War lookout has been transformed into an awe-inspiring Skywalk.

You’ll need a good head for heights, but when you get there, you’ll be able to see Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic all in one spectacular 360° panorama.

Skywalk

The largest fortifications, however are found underground: over the course of 200 years, the British army built a complex network of tunnels (around 34 miles or 55km), creating a vast underground fortress capable of withstanding a prolonged siege. By the Second World War, this had become a city in itself capable of housing the entire 16,000 strong garrison.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a guided walk around these tunnels, some of which are believed to be haunted, to see what life might have been like for those tasked with fighting off the Axis forces.

The Moorish Castle

A MELTING POT OF CIVILISATIONS The Spanish reclaimed the territory in 1442 and held it until the end of the Spanish War of Succession when they ceded it to Britain as part of the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. Each of these cultures – Muslim, Spanish and British – have embedded parts of their own culture within the architecture of the city, which gives Gibraltar a uniquely diverse feel.

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Gibraltar Architecture

Down the steep and winding streets of the Old Town, for example, you’ll find a quirky mix of Mediterranean and British colonial architecture. It feels timeless and it’s easy to forget that you’re in the heart of a modern city which boasts its own World Trade Center.

Retaining this unique feeling while meeting the demands of progression has always been a challenge; it’s one that Gibraltar has met head on.

Back in 2018, the Rock published the New Heritage Act to enhance the protection for historic buildings. The Gibraltar Heritage Trust recognise the best conservation projects around the territory with an annual awards ceremony.

In 2018, it recognised “The Arches”, a residential redevelopment of the old police barracks in the upper town.

Built at the beginning of the last century, this is one of Gibraltar’s most iconic buildings. This re-development seeks to keep as much of its character intact as possible. Thanks to their efforts, most of the old structures still stand with original key features such as incredible 2.8m high ceilings and beautiful arches.

HIDDEN HISTORY Another exciting project is currently taking shape at the ‘Old Casino’ site where Fairhomes Group is planning an ambitious new “residential meets heritage” development.

For years it has been derelict, but locals will remember it as a bustling casino which was once a hub for nightlife in Gibraltar.

The casino has now relocated to Ocean Village but the skeleton of the old site remains on Europa Road.

Beneath the casino lies something quite extraordinary. Back in 1855, two vast 10m high water tanks were constructed capable of holding around three million gallons of fresh rainwater.

While some developers might have chosen to dispose of them, Fairhomes Group takes a very different view.

“We believe that there is no question that they possess heritage value,” reads the developer statement, “as developers and longterm investors in Gibraltar, we have become convinced that we should endeavour to protect and preserve these tanks” The proposed building would not only include preserving the water tanks’ integrity but would also offer countless, imaginative opportunities to open the tanks for the benefit of the Gibraltar community once they have been decommissioned.

Projects such as this are what makes Gibraltar so unique. Like all historic landmarks, it faces the challenge of preserving its heritage, while also moving forward. Gibraltar’s past is eclectic and distinctive, so while you may come for the sunshine, it’s definitely worth taking a little (or a lot) of extra time to explore the wonderful history that lies beneath your feet…

Ocean view

PLACES TO VISIT Gorham’s Cave: You can book tours at the Gibraltar National Museum (+350 200 74289) or by emailing neanderthals@gibmuseum.gi Moorish Castle: Open from 9:30am to 7:15pm. Admission is part of the Nature Reserve Fee. Access to the upper Rock and its attractions costs £13 for adults and £8 for children aged 5 to 11.

Skywalk: Open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm. Visit http://www.skywalk.gi/ for more information.

To find out more about the Old Casino project visit http://oldcasinogibraltar.com 52

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Gibraltar

The Best of All Worlds Gibraltar is the location of choice for those who don’t like to compromise; an offshore jurisdiction globally renowned for its regulation, reputation and transparency that also has a highly competitive tax system and scores top marks for speed of innovation, infrastructure and business friendliness.

Maintaining such a delicate balance requires considerable effort, a fast moving and forward-thinking government and a particular flair for innovation – three areas where Gibraltar excels.

The results are clear to see; a flourishing economy with strong growth and an unemployment rate of less than 1%, consistently high rankings compared to competing offshore jurisdictions, a growing list of global brands who have based their operations on the Rock and its enduring popularity with High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) enjoying Gibraltar’s special Category 2 tax status.

Gibraltar’s fascinating culture and history and stunning landscape, combined with its sunny climate, also makes it a popular tourist destination, with over 10.5 million foreign visitors in 2017 alone, resulting in £252.5 million in income – an increase of 18.9% on the previous year. In terms of both the number of arrivals and the amount of money they spent, this perfectly demonstrates Gibraltar’s resilience in the wake of Brexit.

Gibraltar may be small, but its pivotal geographic position has meant it has been at the epicentre of global trade for millennia, beginning at a time when oars and muscle were the primary engines of economic growth.

Hence the reason that, for centuries, this iconic outcrop has long-since been a metaphor for strength and stability, as exemplified by the phrase “solid as the Rock of Gibraltar.”

Even in the wake of Brexit, viewed by the local populous as merely the latest challenge the region’s long and turbulent history, economic growth has remained as unassailable as the Rock itself.

From 2016 to 2017 – Brexit’s year zero – nominal GDP annual growth was at 8.9% with a total GDP of £1.9 billion from 2016 and 2017. Gibraltar’s GDP per capita during the same period was £56,612.

Annual inflation was at 2.6% and job growth was at 3.6%.

The latest government figures, meanwhile, show that nominal GDP from 2018 to 2019 is only down slightly at 8.2% while GDP per capita has increased to £69,917. 2018’s job growth rate, meanwhile, has increased to 7%.

The resilience of Gibraltar’s economy is due in no small part to its diversification – another feat which few other offshore

jurisdictions can hope to match – with several key industries including financial services, insurance, online gaming, tourism and property. Gibraltar’s 2019 DLT Regulations, meanwhile, have also put the jurisdiction at the forefront of the emerging fintech industry.

Of course, in business the most important consideration, regardless of one’s trade or industry, is trust – yet another factor which explains Gibraltar’s popularity as a jurisdiction.

Gibraltar is a British overseas territory, which means it is self-governing. Its legal system is based on English Common Law and its official currency is the Gibraltar Pound, which has parity to the UK’s Pound Sterling.

Thanks to its nimble legislative system Gibraltar is fully up to date with relevant EU legislation, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and will continue to maintain this harmonisation for the foreseeable future, regardless of the eventual outcome of Brexit.

The Tax Justice Network’s Corporate Tax Haven Index 2019, meanwhile, which compares various countries, including key offshore jurisdictions, contrasting their tax rates with their level of overall fiscal transparency rates Gibraltar 28, just behind Sweden on their list.

Gibraltar Tax

Category 2 Status

Gibraltar enjoys a corporate tax rate of just 10% on profits that accrue or derive in Gibraltar. A company is considered resident if its administration and operation is controlled from inside Gibraltar.

Gibraltar affords special status, known as Category 2 status, to individuals whose net worth exceeds £2,000,000. Only the first £80,000 of their assessable income is taxable in Gibraltar subject to a minimum tax payable of £22,000 and a maximum of £27,560. This status is based on strict criteria; Category 2 individuals cannot ordinarily engage in a trade, business or employment in Gibraltar.

Online gaming operators (e.g. online casinos and bookmakers) based in Gibraltar are also liable to a 1% tax on income up to a maximum of £425,000.

Individuals and companies pay income tax on local earnings, but not on any foreign income. Therefore, a company that is resident in Gibraltar, but derives all profits from outside the jurisdiction, will not be liable to pay tax on this income.

Individuals based in Gibraltar pay tax on income earned from between July 1st of one year, to June 30th the following year. Gibraltar operates a PAYE system similar to the UK and therefore the onus is on employers to deduct accurate and appropriate tax and social insurance payments from their employees.

Income tax is not charged on dividends received by a company. Dividends are taxable in the hands of individuals who are ordinarily resident in Gibraltar unless the dividend arises from companies quoted on a recognised stock exchange, in which case this is not taxable.

Gibraltar does not have any estate duty, inheritance tax, wealth tax, withholding tax or capital gains tax. There is no stamp duty payable on the transfer of shares in a Gibraltar company, unless that Gibraltar company owns real property situated in Gibraltar.

Living in Spain?

The recent landmark tax treaty with neighbouring Spain represents a new and more positive chapter in the history of both countries. It also marks the first time that Spain has officially recognised Gibraltar’s government, thus laying the foundations for greater cooperation in the future. The agreement, which was signed in March 2019, will later pave the way for Gibraltar to be removed from Spain’s “blacklist” of alleged tax havens – the last such lingering blemish on Gibraltar’s otherwise-stellar reputation.

The treaty does have some more pressing domestic considerations, however, which will affect the lives of people on both sides of the border. So if you are resident in Spain, have family or dependents resident there, or conduct any financial transactions there, now is the time to seek legal advice and get all your affairs in order.

At Hassans we make this process as easy and straightforward as possible; with expert teams advising on tax, residency, property – so you can get everything sorted under one roof.

Such individuals must have a minimum net worth of £2 million and must purchase a qualifying residential property in Gibraltar.

There is, however, no requirement for Category 2 individuals to spend any minimum amount of time residing in Gibraltar, though they are still issued a Gibraltar residency card.

Best for Business – and Pleasure!

Gibraltar boasts world-class infrastructure with high speed fibre connectivity, excellent roads and public transport, state of the art port facilities and deluxe marinas plus its own airport (as well as having Malaga, Jerez and Seville airports in Spain within short driving distance.) It also enjoys quality healthcare and an outstanding education system with its own university and school grades higher than the UK average, making it the ideal place to raise a family.

Since Gibraltar is also a thriving tourist destination there’s always something to do with no shortages of amenities and entertainment available including hotels, restaurants, bars, casinos, galleries and music venues.

Gibraltar’s truly diverse and cosmopolitan community offers all the vibrancy of the big city but with all the easy-going charm of a picture-postcard seaside town – while still managing to retain its millennia-spanning status as one of the world’s great commercial centres.

High standards, low taxes, excellent economic prospects and a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in the world. These are just some of the reasons why so many people, from private investors to some of the world’s biggest brands, choose Gibraltar as their jurisdiction of choice – and Hassans as their trusted legal advisors.

For all your legal and taxation needs, contact Hassans. We succeed when we work together.

Plus, not only is Hassans the largest law firm in Gibraltar, we also have a Spanish office in Sotogrande, less than 20 minutes’ drive from the border with its own dedicated team of Spanish-qualified lawyers.

PO Box 199, Madison Building, Midtown, Queensway, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA T: +350 20079000 F: +350 20071966

Two convenient locations, one trusted name.

business@hassans.gi www.gibraltarlaw.com

JANIS EVANS

S O L IC ITO R S

Janis Evans Solicitors are specialists in family and matrimonial law.

The firm is based in Gibraltar just off Main Street and renowned for its high standards of specialised professional services.

Our services include legal help on all aspects of family law including: · · · · · · · · · · ·

Adoption Care proceedings Children issues Divorce Emergency restraining orders / injunctions Financial matters Jurisdiction Arguments Pre-Nuptial and Post Nuptial Agreements Property disputes Relocation Separation/Financial Agreements

We also offer: · · · ·

Criminal Law Residential sales and purchases of property Probate Services Wills

Janis Evans has unequalled experience for the past 30 years in the field of Family and Matrimonial Law and Mediation services and is supported by Nell Kassam a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives who has 25 years experience in Family and Matrimonial Law, Residential, Conveyancing, Wills and Probate.

Lorraine Armstrong joined the firm in 2008, having qualified in Northern Ireland, England & Wales in 2002 she is also a specialist in all areas of Family and Matrimonial Law; and Mr Christopher Pitto who joined us in 2017, not only undertakes Family and Matrimonial Law, Care Proceedings but is also a skilled Criminal and Employment Lawyer.

Our staff are friendly, understand your needs and provide a sympathetic ear, making it a priority to give peace of mind by dealing with your problems as quickly and sympathetically as possible.

Legal Assistance is available to those who are financially eligible.

As members of the Resolution First for Family we are committed to offering a conciliatory and constructive approach to family disputes taking only where necessary, a firm line and emergency actions especially in matters of domestic violence and child abduction cases.

Hadfield House, Library Street, PO Box 1426, Gibraltar Tel: (+350) 200 503 26 Fax: (+350) 200 457 93 Email: Janis.evans@janisevans.com

Our Conveyancing team will be pleased to offer special rates on any new PROPOSED Government Co–Ownership developments such as:

BOB PELIZA MEWS

HASSAN CENTENARY TERRACES © IMAGES COPYRIGHT HM GOVERNMENT OF GIBRALTAR

Our conveyancing team are dedicated legal experts, offering a fast and professional service at competitive rates. Contact us for a quote on Tel 200 50326 and ask for Nell Kassam.

Or simply email us at: Janis.evans@janisevans.com

*Disbursements and registration fees payable to the government are not included and will depend on the purchase price of the property.

Gabrielle O’Hagan is a leading Employment Law specialist in Gibraltar with nearly 20 years of experience of advising and representing Gibraltar, UK and international based clients.

Gabrielle is a recognised expert in the field and has an exceptional track record for assisting both employers and employees with issues at work, any kind of termination of employment, together with contractual, policy and procedural advice. She is also an Employment Tribunal Chairperson.

Gabrielle is the Managing Director at RedTower Law based in the World Trade Centre.

If you need advice on an employment law matter, Gabrielle should be your first choice for professional, dependable and comprehensive solutions.

Clients cover all industries, including construction, real estate, financial services and gaming.

Expert Employment Law Services Employees • • • • • • • • •

Employers

Disciplinary and Grievance Issues Bonus Claims and Contractual Disputes Equal Pay Claims Long Term Sickness and Holiday Pay Claims Constructive Dismissals, Unfair Dismissals, Termination Discrimination, Bullying and Harassment Claims Settlement Agreements, Exit Packages, Redundancies Employment Tribunal Claims Non-compete and Restrictive Covenant Agreements

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• • • • • • • • •

Redundancy consultancy and Policy Employment, Service and Consultancy Contracts Staff Handbooks, Workplace Policies and Procedures Disciplinaries and Dismissals Grievance Issues Settlement Agreements and Exit Packages Restrictive Covenants and Post Termination Obligations Breach of Fiduciary Duties Employment Tribunal Claims

3.11 World Trade Centre, Gibraltar +350 200 43 689 goh@redtowerlaw.com www.redtowerlaw.com

Gabrielle O’Hagan, Managing Director, RedTower Law With such a diverse mix of businesses located on the Rock, many of which are international, Gabrielle O’Hagan, Managing Director of RedTower Law, recognised that Gibraltar is a business hub made up of people from diverse backgrounds and as such, would need support to understand specifically Gibraltar employment law.

“Many businesses set up in Gibraltar and only then learn the differences between their home countries’ laws and ours here. We set up RedTower Law in order to focus on this very important area of law.

“Our vision is to become the ‘go to’ firm for all matters related to employment law - offering optimal solutions to employers and employees alike. Our existing client base ranges from longstanding Gibraltar companies to multi-national gaming companies to small start-ups looking to grow.”

Is Gibraltar employment law the same as the UK?

Are Gibraltar employees litigious?

No. This is a common assumption, but there are significant differences between UK and Gibraltar employment law.

Employees in Gibraltar are rarely Ordered by the Employment Tribunal to pay their employer’s legal costs (which can often run to tens of thousands of pounds), even if the employees lose their case.

For instance, the length of employment for employees to bring unfair dismissal claims and claims for redundancy payments are quite different. In the UK, employees need 2 years’ continuous employment to claim either. In Gibraltar, they only need 1 year.

The laws here on minimum wage, holiday and sick pay entitlements, redundancy payments and maternity pay are also quite different from the UK.

Are there any laws here which simply do not exist elsewhere?

Yes. Gibraltar has its own unique anti-bullying Act, which protects employees from being bullied or victimised at work.

No minimum period of employment is required to bring a claim, so if there are relevant grounds employees can choose to bring a claim under the Act even when they do not have sufficient length of employment for an unfair dismissal claim.

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Plus, employees often do not hire lawyers to run their Tribunal cases and therefore will have no legal fees of their own.

Together, this means that there is minimal risk for employees in bringing claims to the Tribunal and forcing employers into costly litigation, even if their case is completely without merit.

What would be your first advice to any employee looking to work in Gibraltar?

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” (Confucius). But if you do run into problems at work, contact me for support. …and advice for employers in Gibraltar?

“To win in the marketplace you must first win in the workplace.” (Doug Conant) Contact me for advice to help make sure you keep on winning in your marketplace.

3.11 World Trade Centre, Gibraltar +350 200 43 689 goh@redtowerlaw.com www.redtowerlaw.com

“TSN are a trusted partner from concept to completion…”

Gregory Butcher, Imperial Ocean Plaza

Barristers & Solicitors

Conveyancing • Residential Property • Commercial Property • Construction +350 200 79423 info@tsnlaw.com tsnlaw.com

RING-FENCING INVESTMENTS FROM THE BANK OF

W

MUM AND DAD

ith wages in the private and public sectors in Gibraltar trailing behind the fast-paced increase in property prices, coupled with reduced lending from financial institutions due to a general tightening of the liquidity tap, it is becoming more and more common for the dependable Bank of Mum and Dad to come to the rescue.

Alternatively, if there is no other mortgage in existence, a Deed of Private Mortgage could be drawn up between the purchasers and the lending parents so that in the event that the property is sold following the breakdown of the relationship between the purchasers, the parents can recover their contributions from the purchasers jointly. It is then up to the parents whether or not they waived any contribution from their own child.

Parents are increasingly contributing towards the deposit required for the purchase of a property by their children and sometimes even towards mortgage payments themselves.

Whilst these contributions are made in consideration of the natural love and affection for their children, consideration should be given to the fact that in many instances, children purchase jointly with a third party (for example, their partner).

Some forethought, and a bit of work, must be employed to legally protect the self-styled lender.

Where the purchasers are taking a mortgage with a financial institution in the traditional sense, then this mortgage will need to be registered as a first legal charge and, in such circumstances, any additional lending from the Bank of Mum and Dad will rank second in priority. The parents will only be able to recover any lending they have provided the purchasers after the bank have recovered their own lending upon a sale.

What would happen to the parents’ contribution for example if the relationship between their child and his/her partner breaks down? Are the parents able to recover any monies advanced for the purchase of a property, or towards any mortgage payment when a jointly owned property is sold?

Without a formal arrangement in place, the Bank of Mum and Dad is unprotected. With contributions having been made gratuitously, in the event of a relationship breakdown their children’s ex-partner would be entitled to recover the full 50% of any profit element upon a sale of the property, even if that was not the intention of the lending parents.

To avoid this scenario, it is imperative that, when agreeing to lend (or gift) money to a child the parents ensure that their financial interests are protected in the event of a relationship breakdown.

There are several ways in which this can be done. The most common, where the purchasing couple purchase a property in joint names, with the purchase cost supplemented with a financial contribution from the Bank of Mum and Dad, is for for the purchasers to execute a Declaration of Trust setting out the financial entitlement of all parties in the event of a breakdown of the relationship requiring the sale of the property. This document sets out the amount advanced by the parents and specifies that upon any sale the sum is repayable to the parents. In this kind of scenario however, it is important to note that, where there is a mortgage with a financial institution, the Declaration of Trust is not capable of being registered at the land registry without first explaining the amount of the contribution being made by the parents and the relevant financial institution consenting to the creation of the Declaration of Trust. In the event that the financial institution refuses to give its consent, the purchasing couple can instead purchase the property as tenants in common in different shares with the parents’ monetary contribution being reflected as a monetary gift to the son/daughter as the financial institution is unlikely to have any issue with this arrangement.

This brief overview provides some of the legal mechanisms available for protecting advances made by parents towards a child’s property purchase jointly with another. It should also be noted that in certain jurisdictions, parental lending/financial gifts may have tax implications for the parents and as such, sound, accurate and reliable legal advice should always be sought. TSN can provide advice on all of the areas touched on in this article.

Get in touch at property@tsnlaw.com

GET DIGITAL - GO LIVE - BE SOCIAL

WHO & FOR WHOM IS WALLY'S SOCIAL?

- WALACY FERREIRA MORE THAN 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE SALES & MARKETING FIELD

Wally’s Social is a highly skilled brand passionate about seeing results, maximising your business’s potential by increasing customer awareness and using tools to sustain your growth whilst being cost effective.

I created this company for many reasons, one of which is I wanted to use my skills and experience to help other businesses achieve their potential and reach their goals. I love nothing more than to see businesses succeed, plus employees within the business grow and reach their full potential.

Wally`s Social is for everybody!

From people that are seeking for personal skills development to small businesses or big organisations. If you think that you/your business needs anything in any areas of sales and marketing Wally`s Social is definitely for you.

Let's talk! This way we can establish what is needed to unleash your full business potential. I have now over 10 years’ sales and marketing experience in different industries which makes me adaptable to any business and allows me to assess what is needed to maximise growth.

So, leave the hard work with us and ENJOY!

wwww.wallyssocial.com

I

+350 540 405 87

I

wally@wallyssocial.com

WE OFFER Sales Consultancy & Analysis As an experienced professional sales consultant I will use my knowledge and skills to analyse and improve internal processes and increase the sales success of your business.

Marketing Services

SUCCESS Experience it for yourself!

I BELIEVE Every business is unique, I fully understand this and aim to develop your business by using modern technology, coaching and brand awareness.

In today's days, Social & Digital Marketing is key for any business regardless of its size or industry.

Wally`s Social is bringing to Gibraltar innovative digital tools to help your business to achieve even more success in an affordable, much easier and fun way.

www.wallyssocial.com.

Training Services Why not invest in your employees?

Wally`s Social offers employee development courses from: Customer service, sales skills, social media, content marketing, business analysis, onboarding and much more depending on your business needs.

TIME FOR THE ACCOUNTING SIDE OF YOUR BUSINESS TO GO DIGITAL!

BOOK your consultation NOW! T: +350 540 40 5 E: mbservicesgib@gmail.com W: www.mbservicesgib.com

Accounts’ preparation, tax services, compilation reports, payroll, process/system assessment & improvement at competitive rates. *Tailored packages available.

With over 160 years of moving experience, Bishop’s Move is the only professional UK removals and storage company on the Rock.

We provide comprehensive relocation services to local residents and businesses, including European and International shipping services

BISHOP’S MOVE GIBRALTAR Contact us for your FREE quote

+350 200 445 00 gibraltar@bishopsmove.com WWW.BISHOPSMOVE.GI

The Sierra Nevada National Park

SOUTHERN SPAIN’S MOST IMPRESSIVE NATURAL PARKS With mile upon mile of golden coastline, pristine waters, rugged beaches and lively tourist resorts in equal measure, there’s no doubt that southern Spain is geographically blessed. Venture a short way inland, though, and it soon becomes apparent that Mother Nature reserved her best work for the truly dramatic landscapes that lie within.

With mile upon mile of golden coastline, pristine waters, rugged beaches and lively tourist resorts in equal measure, there’s no doubt that southern Spain is geographically blessed.

Venture a short way inland, though and it soon becomes apparent that Mother Nature reserved her best work for the truly dramatic landscapes that lie within.

Some of the most spectacular natural canvases in the country can be found here; mountains decorated with an icing sugarlike dusting of snow, vast lakes and lush green valleys laden with fruit, berries and nuts. There are caves and canyons, desert

landscapes, lagoons and even prehistoric shards of volcanic rock which pierce the sea in stony outcrops more than 12 million years old.

This is southern Spain’s natural parks and ecology, diverse both in terms of ecosystems and geography. With the environment very much at the forefront of the current social and political agenda, it’s worth noting that many of Spain’s natural parks have well-established commitments to sustainability and conservation.

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It’s a subject that Spain as a whole is well-versed in. With more than a quarter of its land dedicated to conservation, it holds a European Charter for Sustainable Destinations and has more UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserves within its borders than any other country in the world.

Southern Spain is uniquely blessed, with two of the country’s fifteen national parks, along with countless other protected enclaves, nature parks and reserves.

SIERRA NEVADA NATIONAL PARK Named “Sulayr, Mountain of the Sun” by the Moors, it’s easy to see how the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the Sierra Nevada National Park got its moniker. Sandwiched between Almería and Granada, the range’s soaring peaks, reaching in excess of 3,000 metres, may be covered in snow for seven months of the year, but the freezing coating can do little to mask its impressive nature.

At 3,482 metres, the steep, craggy Mulhacén is the tallest peak in the range and the highest point to be found on the Iberian peninsula. From November to May, Europe’s southernmost ski resort attracts winter sports fans in their thousands. The long climb from Granada takes visitors along the highest road in Europe, winding up into the mountains and right into the heart of the ski resort.

If you find yourself in Southern Spain in wintertime, this trip offers a totally different perspective on the Spanish landscape.

Thanks to its Mediterranean subalpine climate, in May the daytime high is just 4 degrees on average, a stark contrast to the region’s cities and coasts where daytime temperatures are around 20 degrees higher on average for that time of year. The cold allows the sheer mountain range to shine, giving a hint as to the treasures that lie beyond, deeper into the Sierra Nevada National Park.

In spring and summer, when the last of the snow has melted, a diverse landscape of deep ridges and valleys emerges. The lush forests which carpet the valley floors seem at odds with their alpine surrounds, yet over 2100 unique plant species including some endangered flora, thrive. Huge lakes, thermal baths and spas, an extensive river network and ancient irrigation channels

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abound.

Wildlife takes many forms around the park with snow voles and northern wheatears making their homes high up in the mountains. Wild goats pick their way along the jagged crevices while golden eagles and vultures dot the sky, more than 3,000 feet above sea level. Over 2,000 species of arthropod such as insects and spiders have been documented, 300 of which are totally unique to the park.

For visitors, there is an abundance of ways to enjoy this extensive biodiversity, including hiking, caving, mountaineering, fishing, cycling, skiing, snowboarding, hot air ballooning, orienteering, free flying, horse riding and bird watching.

CABO DE GATA-NÍJAR NATURE PARK Peppered with crumbling castles above and vibrant coral reefs below, separated by scorched earth and topped with volcanic domes formed 12 million years ago, Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Park is a place of outstanding beauty and diverse terrain.

Despite an arid, rain-starved climate, both flora and fauna flourish here. The crystal clear waters are a haven for marine life with the coral reef and underwater meadows sustaining 1,400 species of plant and animal life in what is widely considered to be some of the best-preserved waters in the Mediterranean.

The water’s reserve status has been extended one nautical mile into the sea, safeguarding the habitat of the endangered monk seal as well as keeping snapper, eagle rays, ocean sunfish and conger eels safe from commercial fishing nets.

Cabo de Gata Níjar is also a haven for birds and reptiles thanks to the unique blend of desert-like expanses, marshes and wetlands. A designated European Protected Area for birds, the park is a wonderful spot for bird watching; with pink flamingos, storks, cranes, multiple species of heron, ospreys, eagles and kestrels all making their homes here.

The mineral-rich rocks are a source of precious metals such as silver, gold and precious stone amethyst, while evidence of last century’s gold rush can be found in abandoned mines dotted around the park.

Doñana National Park

DOÑANA NATIONAL PARK Spanning 543 km² in the provinces of Huelva, Sevilla and Cadíz, Doñana National Park is a tapestry of land and water, its marshes and wetlands set to a backdrop of pine forests, deserted beaches, enormous lakes and lagoons. It is one of Europe’s most prolific wetlands with myriad ecosystems supporting thousands of migratory birds and animals such as the Iberian lynx. Endangered tortoise, vipers and mongoose roam the park, it’s protected status and lack of inhabitants (access is almost entirely restricted to guided tours only) are key to conservation efforts.

The coastal area is framed by orange and ochre cliffs more than 100 metres tall and twelve hectares of fossil dunes which march along the shore in the Acantilado del Asperillo Natural Monument.

Stepping into Doñana National Park is akin to stepping into a patchwork of landscapes with with 15,000-year old sandy cliffs, important wetlands, sand dunes and marshes.

Over half of Sierra de Grazalema has been given protected status to safeguard the delicate ecosystems which sustain forests of Spanish fir trees and black vultures.

A number of pretty whitewashed villages dot the park, with one of the most picturesque being Grazalema which clings to the landscape, dwarfed by Pico de Reloj and Pico de San Cristobal.

Thanks to its rainy climate, multiple plants flourish here making it a wonderful spot for hiking, though you must first pass through the park office to obtain a map and permit.

Whether you do decide to go hiking in Sierra de Grazalema, prefer to scale the peaks of the Sierra Nevada in winter or want to get close to nature on land or under the sea at Cabo de GataNíjar, you’ll find extensive natural beauty all across southern Spain whatever the time of year. The diversity of landscapes, climates, fauna and flora means each season is unique, with a wealth of natural beauty to be discovered and enjoyed all year.

SIERRA DE GRAZALEMA NATURAL PARK The first natural park of Andalucía, Sierra de Grazalema’s 51,695 hectares are ruggedly stunning and of supreme ecological importance. Denoted a UNESCO biosphere reserve over forty years ago, the dramatic landscape offers gaping gorges, limestone cliffs, gullies and the region’s largest cave system, Hundidero-Gato with a yawning 60m tall entrance giving way to a 4km underground network.

Garganta Verde (the green throat) is home to a griffon vulture colony.

Their prehistoric outline fills the skies in the thousands thanks to a successful conservation program which has seen numbers increase dramatically over the last four decades.

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Gibraltar

T +350 200 51020 E info@century21gibraltar.com m Unit 3, Ocean Village Plaza, Ocean Village, Gibraltar GX11 1AA

Gibraltar

Unique. Exclusive.

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HE CARNIVAL OF CĂ DIZ

Southern Spain’s enviable climate and azure skies make it ideal for outdoor celebrations. The climate could be why, on any given day in cities and towns throughout Andalucia, the streets are electric with one of many local fiestas. Around 3,000 festivals and fairs take place annually in Spain.

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By far the most flamboyant of these celebrations are the local carnivals that take place at the end of February, as a way for merrymakers to let their hair down before Lent begins. Many of these festivals have roots deeply embedded in the country’s history, and none more so than in the heart of Cádiz. The spectacular event which lasts ten, sometimes eleven, days dates all the way back to the 16th century with influences born in Venice.

When Genoese traders settled in the region, they are said to have brought the Venetian carnival with them and added Andalusian humour to the mix for it to become the vaudeville show it is today.

As word spread, the carnival grew in size, and now hundreds of thousands of people bring an explosion of colour to the city’s ancient streets, performing, dancing and drinking well into the night in one gigantic party. But, it almost disappeared. When Franco reigned, he banned the celebrations and while he was successful in prohibiting other Spanish carnivals, the people of Cadiz (known as gaditanos) defied the ban and continued the event under various incarnations; whether it was behind closed doors, or a toned-down model later on in the year. Either way, one of the world’s most important carnivals wasn’t ready to be silenced.

The carnival at Cádiz is characterised by its humour which sets it apart from other festivals. Through the use of spoof costumes and sardonic wit, the previous year’s issues are explored and gently ridiculed. Anyone in the public eye, from sportspeople to politicians to TV celebrities, can become a target to poke fun at; this carnival prides itself on its sense of irony and political satire.

While most of the songs and skits are in Spanish, you don’t need to be able to speak the language to understand the sentiment.

Around every corner you’ll find groups of well-rehearsed performers belting out songs or acting out sketches in elaborate costumes. Throughout the carnival fancy dress is not only encouraged, it’s obligatory, so whether you’re wearing a ridiculous wig and huge specs or a full-length sparkly outfit and mask, there really is no excuse to wear your office clothes. Cádiz fosters both the sublime and the ridiculous - so leave your inhibitions at the door and join in!

As the carnival starts another event is coming to a climax, as contestants vie for first place at the finals of the Falla Theatre official contest, a televised show to rival America’s Got Talent.

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Four types of performing groups enter the contest who then go on to perform at the carnival: the comparsas, well-known combos who regularly grace open air events with original satirical numbers; Chirigotas, who like the comparsas, compete with songs and comic social commentary but tend to use more levity; and the coros (choirs) generally much larger groups who traditionally perform with instruments and sing about topics close to the hearts of the people of Cádiz. There are also the cuartetos (quartets) who, despite their name aren’t restricted to four members. These are by far the most comical of the groups, and perform skits based on current events. Participants plan for the carnival up to 12 months in advance and it’s clear by looking at the costumes that time and hard work have gone into the preparations.

GUIDE TO THE CARNIVAL GROUPS Chirigotas: groups of around 12 satirical performers perform in outlandish costumes Gaditanos: Cádiz residents, who tend to participate on the second weekend Ilegales: Groups of local entertainers, such as families or colleagues.

These “unofficial” teams don’t enter the competitions.

Romanceros: Solo singers who carry pictorial placards to illustrate their stories Cuartetos: Small groups of comedians who performs skits Comparsas: Popular local groups who specialise in satirical social commentary Coros: Large singing groups (choirs), who travel through the carnival on open carts The event really explodes when everyone arrives on the first weekend and the streets begin to fill up. Trains from surrounding regions are packed with pleasure seekers who have embraced the party mood long before they disembark in the city, often beginning their celebrations at home. If you’re after something a tad less bombastic, midweek provides a quieter time to enjoy what’s going on while the locals are at work (and you can take advantage of the shorter queues to grab food). This is also the best time to explore some of Cádiz’s attractions, such as the Torre Tavira. From the top of the soaring watchtower, you can get a good bird’s eye view of the city streets, with a camera obscura

for moving images of life below. The city’s baroque, gold-domed cathedral is a must-see and its cool, majestic interior is a welcome escape from the midday heat. If you want to relax in between festivities, head to one of the many beaches, such as La Caleta for a spot of sun and a healthy dose of sea.

Over the next few days, hundreds of performers descend on the city. Music dominates and the sounds of the festival can be heard bouncing off the walls throughout Cádiz. The line-up changes from year to year, but alongside the singers you can expect to see dancers and acrobats, processions, a carnival queen and ceremonial fires. The final event of the carnival is the lighting of the effigy of Bruja Piti (witch).

Although alcohol has a big part to play in the celebrations, people of all ages are welcomed. There are activities for little ones, puppeteers, children’s face painters and performers.

ACCOMMODATION It’s no surprise that it can be tricky to find somewhere to stay in Cádiz when the carnival is on, as thousands of visitors flock to the city. Book your stay months in advance! You’ll also have a better chance of booking a hotel or renting a villa just away from the city centre such as Jerez, Puerto Real or San Fernando where prices for a two-week stay will be more reasonable than in Cádiz.

Catch a train from any of these destinations and you’ll be at the heart of the carnival in no time.

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK A speciality in Cádiz is the region’s pescaíto frito, literally ‘fried little fish’. They come in lots of forms such as anchovies, sardines, prawns and squid; they can be enjoyed straight up with a squeeze of lemon. The tortillitas de camarones (shrimp fritters) are specific to Cádiz, made from chickpea and wheatflour batter and tiny prawns, then fried in olive oil. You can’t miss them!

Seafood is in abundance at the carnival and indeed, in the province of Cádiz. There are dozens of stalls selling oysters, shrimp, whelks, cockles and sea urchins. If you’d like a change from seafood, opt for some papas aliñás (Andalusian potatoes), a local cold tapas dish, or pollo a la Canilla (grilled chicken); meat marinated overnight in regional sherry. For those with a sweet tooth, pestiños are crispy little pastries flavoured with honey.

It would be remiss not to mention the local sherry, manzanilla.

It tastes slightly of chamomile (which it translates to) and it’s served throughout the carnival in plastic champagne flutes. But if you prefer something more thirst-quenching, there are plenty of places to grab a nice cold beer.

One of the oldest continually inhabited towns in Western Europe, Cádiz remains an imposing, exhilarating city. Winding through picturesque alleys under the afternoon sun, you can see how little has changed over the years. And there’s really no reason why it should. When the party-goers appear in the city in late February, it’s easy to imagine dancing among the throngs of revellers hundreds of years ago. Long may it reign!

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✓ STOCKISTS OF UK PHARMACEUTICALS ✓ TOILETRIES & SUNDRIES ✓ DIETARY PRODUCTS ✓ BABY PRODUCTS ✓ PREGNANCY TESTING ✓ FIRST AID ✓ BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING SERVICE

Valmar Pharmacy is situated at the entrance to Main Street in Gibraltar.

Our pharmacists and staff provide a complete dispensary service for all your pharmaceutical needs.

We also stock a full range of UK branded and generic medication, all efficiently dispensed by our qualified staff.

Our large smart shop also has an extensive range of cosmetics from well known high street brands.

We are open all day during the week and half day on Saturdays.

QUALIFIED CHEMIST AND IN-HOUSE GP ON THE PREMISES E valmarphar@gibtelecom.net 11 Main Street | GX11 1AA | Gibraltar T (350) 200 74971 | F (350) 200 70370 Valmar Europort Pharmacy | 1.0.08 Eurotowers | Gibraltar T (350) 200 63868

New For 2020 The eBike is quickly becoming the personal transport mode of choice for those committing to an efficient, environmentally friendly and sustainable lifestyle.

Gibraltar’s first dedicated Ebike Experience Store opens in 2020 to demonstrate a credible alternative to the noisy and polluting non-essential vehicles that clog our road network, and to provide visitors with a new way of exploring the many points of historical significance and areas of outstanding beauty on the Rock.

33 Waterport Wharf, Ocean Village

Visit www.ebike-gibraltar.com and use PROMO CODE: OV10 on the day of your tour or rental for a 10% discount, or come in to see us to demo-ride and buy eBikes from an extensive range by premium manufacturer Riese&Müller and Brompton Bicycle.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Patrick and Stuart EBike-Gibraltar #ebikegibraltar

info@ebike-gibraltar.com

#visitgibraltar

#smilemore

Tel: 00350 56004948

Experience PURE LUXURY ON THE SUNBORN YACHT HOTEL Like no other in Gibraltar.

Opening Hours Monday – Sunday 9am – 9pm Online Booking Available VAT FREE Elemis products.

Contact: +350 200 16951 spa@sunborngibraltar.com www.sunborninfinityspa.com Sunborn Yacht Hotel

Membership to the Infinity Gym is limited to just 200 members.

This elite membership offers you exclusive access to the Sunborn Gym, Sauna & Pool in addition to unlimited access to all the facilities at Ocean and Atlantic Health Clubs and Reshape & Rumble.

No other membership offers you so many facilities in just one package.

Membership fees from £79.00 per month.

Contact: +350 200 16951 gym@sunborngibraltar.com Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 6:30am – 10:30pm Saturday & Sunday 9:00am – 9:00pm

Janice Hair & Beauty Salon • Ladies & Gents Hair •

• • • • • • •

Specialises in Great Lengths Hair Extensions and Bridal Hair Hair Styling • Facials Colouring/Tinting • Waxing Specialists in Make Up • Eye Lash Tint Hen/Prom Groups Welcome • Massage Bridal Parties Too! • Pedicures Acrylic Nails • Manicures Unit 32, Ocean Village Promenade, Ocean Village Gibraltar, GX11 1AA Gibraltar Telephone 00 350 200 78800 Mobile +350 5800 8408 www.janice-hair-beauty.business.site Email: janicehairandbeauty@gmail.com

Thinking of a Unique Wedding? In a Beautiful and Charming location?

Look no further!

Rock Occasions – A personal and professional wedding planning service based in the Mediterranean climate of Gibraltar.

Planning one of the biggest days of your life should be a joy but with so many different aspects to think of it can be daunting, stressful and very time consuming, especially when you are planning it in a foreign country without inside knowledge of the area and without a list of known quality suppliers.

This is where a wedding planner is an essential ingredient. They know the whole process inside out and can do the hard part for you while leaving you in full control of your very special day.

Your wedding planner assists you on everything from helping you choose your location and venue, finding your own hair and makeup artist to suit your particular style, finding that perfect bouquet, sorting out any entertainment you may want from musicians to magicians, to making the more mundane compulsory paperwork Just a little bit about us at Rock Occasions.

We have been in the business for over 8 years and have lived in Gibraltar for over 18 years, giving us an extensive list of contacts and suppliers all of which have a proven track record of working in the industry.

We have helped to organise hundreds of weddings for couples all over the world and consider ourselves very lucky to have such a fantastic job! We can happily organise any type of wedding, be it an intimate ceremony at the registry office or an elaborate banquet at the top of the rock. We cater for all styles and budgets and can help you organise every, or any part of this special day! Please contact us and speak to myself or one of the team.

We look forward to hearing from you. Flora.

Available on WhatsApp: (+350 58008548/54019158) Instagram: rockoccasions Facebook: rockoccasions info@rockoccasions.com www.rockoccasions.com OFT Gibraltar – Business License No:160361

Services available: • Registry Office liaison & paperwork • Wedding venues hiring & set up • Hair & Makeup • Wedding Car • Wedding Videography • Welcome drinks & Canapes • DJ & Musician • Private Yacht Charter • Private tours

stress free, helping you choose your photographer to catch that most memorable photo and much more while at the same time keeping within budget and making all of the above an enjoyable experience!

Let them be the one who does the organizing you don’t want to do and who can be trusted with nurturing your own ideas of how you want your special day to be. They act as a warm friendly, knowledgeable approachable, professional and flexible (the bride is always the boss!) helper who knows how to get the best for you out of everybody involved in the process.

Who would want to do it alone when you can have someone listen to your needs, whims and wants and make them happen easily and stress free!

To me they should be called wedding angels and who would not want one of those!

• • • • • • • •

Assistance with legal paperwork Flowers / Decoration Bridal Gown & Suit Hire Photography Wedding Cake Reception - Catering Entertainment Coaches & shuttle service

Why Gibraltar?

• Unique – Distinctive – Memorable – Stunning landscape • Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea • Over 300 days of sunshine per annum • Easy to fly to especially from UK with no transfer time • Distinctive venues: , Rock, Beach, Marina, Floating Yacht, Botanical Gardens….

• John Lennon and Yoko Ono chose it!

• English law, currency and language • Certificates recognised worldwide • Quick and efficient with minimum paperwork • Ceremonies can be organised within 48 hrs • Same sex marriages • Renewal of vows • International hair and makeup stylists, florists & bakers • Easy access onwards to Spain, Portugal, Morocco (For the Honeymoon!)

Visit our sh ops on Main Stree t to see a b eautiful range of e xquisite je wellery and diamo nds and m ake your dream s come tru e!

Engagement R ings & Wedding Bands

The Antonio Group of Companies, 47-49 Main Street, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA Tel: (+350) 200 74105 WhatsApp: (+350) 54069999 Email: hello@antonioboutique.com www.antonioboutique.com

TAG HEUER CARRERA CALIBRE 16 Chris Hemsworth works hard and chooses his roles carefully. He handles pressure by taming it, and turning it to his advantage. #DontCrackUnderPressure was coined with him in mind.

TAG Heuer Boutique 143 Main Street Tel. (+350) 200-42908 GIBRALTAR www.cohenandmassias.com