Gibraltar is an appealing destination for expats looking to enjoy warm weather, idyllic beaches, delicious dishes that blend European and African cuisines, and easy access to other European spots.
It is also an attractive prospect for Britons who cannot speak a second language but want to live abroad, as English is its official language.
Penelope Bielckus spoke exclusively to GB News about her move from the UK to the British Overseas Territory, revealing the “best thing” about her new life.
Penelope, the travel blogger behind The Flyaway Girl, said: “I never actually planned on moving to Gibraltar, but my boyfriend was from there.
“I visited him for the first time in November 2019 and then visited regularly until February 2020, when I came to stay for a month.
“A month then turned into indefinitely when lockdown happened. Five years later I’m still here – and he’s now my fiancé.”
Revealing her favourite thing about life in Gibraltar, Penelope said: “The best thing is definitely the weather.
“Compared to the UK, Gibraltar has incredible weather as we get all the benefits of being on the Mediterranean.”
The expat even claimed that the warmer climate has a positive effect on her health, explaining: “I suffer from chronic pain and fibromyalgia, so living somewhere without the cold and damp has been great for my health – and I wouldn’t change that for anything.”
An article entitled ‘Weather sensitivity associated with quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia’, published in BMC Rheumatology, suggested that this could indeed be the case. Indeed, “weather-related variables are one of the major aggravating factors” of fibromyalgia.
August is typically the hottest month in Gibraltar, with an average temperature of 25°C. The coldest is January, which sees average temperatures of around 14°C.
Gibraltar boasts the most sunshine in July, enjoying around 11 hours a day.
‘We get all the benefits of being on the Mediterranean’
GETTY IMAGES
In addition to the sunny weather, the expat enjoys being so close to expat and holiday haven Spain.
Penelope said: “It’s also such a privilege to be able to cross the border into Spain and to spend a weekend or a few days exploring various places.
“While Brexit has definitely made this a little more complicated than it used to be, it’s a perk to living just across the border and being able to easily travel without having to fly somewhere.”
An expat recently spoke to GB News about what makes Spain the ideal destination for people in their 50s and 60s.
