After spending a couple of days in Southern Spain, we embarked on a unique adventure to Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. In this article, we’ll share our experiences, from navigating customs to exploring the local culture and, of course, the majestic Rock of Gibraltar.
Journey to Gibraltar: A Tale of Two Borders
Our trip to Gibraltar began with a car ride from Southern Spain to La Línea de la Concepción, the Spanish town bordering Gibraltar. As it is a UK territory and no longer part of the EU, you can’t get a bus or car to go directly from Spain into Gibraltar. You have to cross the border yourself. Our driver informed us of La Línea’s reputation as a hub for organized crime, but our daytime passage was uneventful and safe.
Crossing into Gibraltar was a breeze; it took a mere 15 minutes to clear customs in both La Línea and Gibraltar. It was a bit odd that we had to go through Spanish customs to exit Spain, and then through UK customs to get into Gibraltar.
The most intriguing part of this border crossing was walking across Gibraltar Airport’s runway, a unique experience that marked our entry into this fascinating territory.
Our Home Base: A Cozy Airbnb in the Heart of Gibraltar
Nestled in the city’s core, our Airbnb was just off the bustling Main Street. The highlight was undoubtedly the communal rooftop patio, offering a stunning view of the Rock, which became our favorite spot to unwind with drinks after a day of exploration. The cost of our Air BnB in the core of Gibraltor was about $450 euros for 2 nights, on the weekend in early September.
Exploring Main Street: A Shopper’s Paradise
Main Street in Gibraltar is a shopper’s dream. This pedestrian cobblestone walkway, adorned with a blend of Genoese, Portuguese, Andalusian, Moorish, and British Regency architectural styles, is lined with high-end shops, restaurants, and cafes. The absence of VAT (Value Added Tax) in Gibraltar makes shopping for luxury goods like jewelry, alcohol, and tobacco particularly attractive.
As you can see from the picture above, there is no shortage of British flair to Gibraltor. From traditional “bobby” police (they weren’t all dressed like that!) to old school mailboxes and red telephone booths, it is almost like stepping back in time in Britain.
One morning while walking along Main Street in Gibraltor we came across a ceremonial military parade with a marching band. Not sure what it was supposed to be or why it was happening but it sure made the experience unique.
Evenings in Casemates Square: The Heart of Gibraltar’s Social Life
Our evenings were mostly spent in Casemates Square, the vibrant northern entrance to Main Street. This lively area, brimming with pubs, restaurants, and open-air patios, offered a mix of British and Andalusian cuisines. Although the food was average, the atmosphere in the square, especially at night with live music and energetic crowds, was electric.
Ocean Village: A Glimpse into Gibraltar’s Luxurious Side
A short stroll north of Casemates Square brought us to Ocean Village, a more upscale area known for its harbour, swanky restaurants, even a luxury car dealership, and the impressive Sunborn Gibraltar – a hotel and casino aboard a yacht. We took a short walk around at night but it was a bit too busy and seemingly high-end for our liking compared to Castemates Square.
The Highlight: Conquering the Rock of Gibraltar
The main reason for our visit was to hike the Rock of Gibraltar. The hike was challenging, requiring fitness and endurance, but the views of the Mediterranean, the Moroccan coast in Africa across from the Strait of Gibraltar, and the Spanish coastline were breathtaking and well worth the effort.
The Rock is also famous for its Barbary macaques. We encountered these playful monkeys during our hike, witnessing their mischievous antics firsthand. Visitors should heed the advice to avoid bringing food, as the monkeys are known to snatch any visible snacks. If you need a snack, and you will if you are walking, there is a cafe at the top of the Gondola.
There are tour guides that can take you around the Rock in a van, and it seems they even had the monkeys trained to come to them for food. This allowed their customers to take pictures with them on their shoulders or heads, and even jump onto their moving cars and through the windows onto the laps of tourists!
We purchased the Gibraltar Pass, which, despite its various benefits like free transit, we primarily used for accessing the Rock. The Gibraltor Pass is worth it if you plan on touring the whole Rock. From the gondola to the various historic monuments, everything requires a separate fee without the pass. If you are a fan of history, there is a ton to see and read. No reason to limit yourself to a couple of areas on the Rock, especially when the GIbraltor Pass is only 50 euros.
Conclusion: Is Gibraltar Worth the Visit?
Our verdict on Gibraltar is a resounding yes, but it’s a place we’d likely not revisit. The experience of climbing the Rock of Gibraltar was once-in-a-lifetime, offering unparalleled views and an encounter with its famous monkeys. However, beyond this, Gibraltar felt limited in terms of culinary diversity and cultural experiences. It’s a fantastic destination for a short visit, especially for those seeking a unique blend of British and Mediterranean influences in a compact, historically rich territory.