Old Moaner Travel
I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list
Gibraltar
Basically a lump of rock, just 2.64 square miles (6.7 sq km) on the southern tip of the Iberian peninsular.
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A British Dependency which Spain claims should be Spanish - which simply underlines the arrogance and hypocrisy of the Spanish government.
They claim, because of its geographical attachment to Spain, Gibraltar should be Spanish. Yet they show absolutely no signs of returning Melellia or Ceuta to Morroco, where the same arguments could be made.
The town of Gibraltar is home to some 34,000 people, making it one of the most densely populated areas in Europe.
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It is very much a case of Britain in the sun, with red phone boxes, fish and chip shops, pounds as the currency - Gibraltar has its own banknotes and coins but Sterling is perfectly acceptable (as are Euros if you want to spend playground money) - conversely though Gibraltar currency cannot be spent in the UK. Be warned though, prices are relatively high here.
Even the shops will be familiar to British visitors.
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The national dish definitely seems to be fish and chips, as I haven't seen so many fish and chip shops in such a small area, even giving British seaside towns a run for their money.
Most visitors arrive crossing the Spanish land border at La Linea de la Concepcion, which is a relatively painless and hassle free process if crossing on foot. Although occasionally the Spanish throw a strop and introduce stricter checks. Once across the border there are buses to the town centre and other attractions ..... a day ticket costs £6 / €9.
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It is possible to drive into Gibraltar but I would strongly advise against it.
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a) it takes longer to get in by car as you are more likely to be stopped by customs
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b) with the territory being small the roads are congested and parking limited and expensive
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c) if you have a Spanish hire car you have to pay a surcharge, usually around €25. If you want to take the car to Gibraltar. If you want to risk not paying the surcharge and cross the border then bear in mind you won't be insured.
So my strong advice is leave the car in La Linea de la Concepcion and walk over. There are plenty of, paid, car parks close to the border but if you don't mind walking about a mile there is plenty of free, on street, parking.
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Gibraltar has its own airport with several flights direct to the UK every day.
The Rock of Gibraltar is the iconic image of the territory and the views from the top are stunning.
Watch out for the apes who will mug and attack you if you are carrying food.
Most visitors reach the top of the rock by a very inefficient cable car service. Be prepared to wait up to an hour to board.
Then when you do board you will be crammed in like sardines - claustrophobic doesn't do it justice.
So, in a nutshell, unpleasant and grossly overpriced but you have little choice as the walk will be too much for many people. We did consider walking down only to discover the path passes through the nature reserve - not free!!!
There are drivers who will take you up but, again, at an extortionate cost.
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Having said that, although expensive, it is worth visiting the top of the rock if only for the views. Some free advice, no matter how warm it is at sea level take a jacket or jumper with you - the wind whips round the top of the rock and it's a cold wind.
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If you want to pay to visit the nature reserve you get to cross an impressive suspension footbridge or visit some caves and you see more apes than you would if you just stick to the visitor centre.
Near the bottom station of the cable car is the entrance to the Botanic Gardens and they are a delight to explore with many nooks and hidden areas. There is plenty of seating so you can stroll at leisure and, best of all, it's free.
Despite its small area Gibraltar actually has some extensive beaches with golden sands, so if you want to chill in the sand go for it.
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The town centre is mainly pedestrianised and he street names emphasise the territory's connections with the Royal Navy. Indeed if you are familiar with either Portsmouth or Plymouth many of the street names will be incredibly familiar.
There are several military museums in the territory, reflecting Gibraltar's strategic importance and probably the real reason the UK wants to hang onto it.
In a nutshell a pleasant place to visit, although 'm not sure I would want to spend more than a day here.
