Gibraltar

After we could already see Africa and the Strait of Gibraltar, which is only 15km wide, from Tarifa and Algecira, we were very excited about Gibraltar and of course the Monkey Rock. Yes, that's right, only 15km are between Europe and Africa. Crazy, isn't it? Gibraltar is a tongue of land at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. So if you don't fly, you will definitely cross Spain on the way to Gibraltar. Just before the border in La Linea de la Concepciòn there are 2 parking lots where you can park your van. The border is within walking distance. Alternatively, there is the campsite Sureuropa for € 20.50. From there, the cab to the border costs € 7. Uber is not offered at the moment.

Do you still have British pound(s) from your last vacation? Then this is the perfect opportunity to use them. Because besides the Gibraltar Pound, the British Pound is also accepted here. The exchange rate is 1:1, but you can also pay in Euro, e.g. the bus ticket.

Don't forget your identity card!

Gibraltar is a British colony, or today one says British overseas territory, at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. To cross the border between Spain and Gibraltar you need an identity card as a European.

Pack swimwear, because Gibraltar has some nice beaches too, and after climbing the Rock, a dip in the cool water is wonderful.

There is a tourist information center just across the border. There you can get a map for free.

On Gibraltar there is right-hand traffic. So if you cross the border by car, you don't have to get used to it. And even as a pedestrian, when you cross a street, you look left, as always at night. For all Brits there is therefore the notice, "Look Left" - "Look Right" on the road. Unfortunately, we forgot to take a picture.

Gasoline is cheaper in Gibraltar than in Spain. So don't fill up in Spain, fill up there. 

Gibraltar has its own airport. The special thing is, the runway crosses Winston Churchill Avenue, the only access road to Gibraltar. For every takeoff and landing, this road is closed by a real bobby. 

Pay with card! Due to the exchange rate, it is cheaper to pay with card in the local currency than cash.

Gibraltar is a taxfree zone. So shopping here is worthwhile, because you don't pay any tax on the goods. Starting from the Marketplace you will find on the car-free Main Street many stores for cosmetics & fragrances, sunglasses, whisky, jewelry and watches. Everything your heart desires.

Since not only the gasoline but also the ship diesel is cheaper here, a lot of big ships come here to refuel. If you like to watch big ships like me, this is the right place.

Gibraltar has a very nice small harbor for private boats. Here you can stroll around, see great yachts and eat and drink in the surrounding restaurants. Alternatively, there is delicious pizza at 'Mama Mia' at the cable car station. 

Afterwards, you can take a stroll through the botanical garden. You don't have to see it, but you can.

In the very south of Gibraltar there is a lighthouse. Do you also like the red and white ones? Then you've come to the right place.

You missed to take a picture of a typical British red phone booth during your last visit to Great Britain? Then you have the opportunity now, because here you can see several. One is right behind the border.

The most famous landmark of Gibraltar is the big rock 'The Rock'. You can't miss it, it is 426m high. You can get there on foot, by cable car or small cab buses.

A cable car ticket costs € 14,- each way and takes you up to the rock in 6 minutes. Avoid waiting time by buying your ticket online beforehand

Alternatively, small cab buses for 8 people each drive up to the rock. On the way there are always stops to take pictures and at the top you have half an hour for the monkeys and the insane view. Along the way you learn everything important about Gibraltar. And with € 25,- it is even cheaper than the cable car.

On top of the rock live 300 monkeys. They are the only wild Barbary macaques in Europe. These cheeky little lice-ridden beasties are always on the lookout for something to eat, and they're not stupid. They open zippers and car doors in the process. So watch out, or don't take anything edible with you. Because feeding the monkeys is actually forbidden anyway.

How did you like your day in Gibraltar? Feel free to comment on what you liked best in Gibraltar or what I missed.