Jon-Bxl

Hi

I thought it would be interesting to have a thread on Gibraltar.

Do people have any tips about this ?

E.g
Places to stay en route to make a nice visit
Places there
Things to do there/enroute
Alternate routes taking in nice places to visit
Advice on what to buy
Times NOT to travel - eg due to long border delays etc.

Any general info would be appreciated

Thanks

Jon

MikeCol

Hi Jon, this is just my opinion but: why would you want to visit Gibraltar when there are 999,999,999 places on the Iberian Peninsula a 1000 times more interesting. Regards Bryony

Jon-Bxl

Hi Bryony..... Wow I can see you are a big fan!

We are coming out for a long trip soon and are thinking of travelling around a bit and Gibraltar seems (seemed?? ) an interesting place to have as a stop. (We also have to pre-advise the car rental company if we want to go there so its in the contract along with Portugal. )

Thats why I have been a bit more active lately on the forum - getting excited!

Also interesting checking out Alentejo for example and maybe some of the paradors/pousadas that Fred told us about on the other thread. But I dont fancy doing Gibraltar in a day so I was interested for places to stay/things to do en route as well (like eg that amazing parador you posted on the resto thread - thank you ).

Then once there I am sure that theres something interesting? I am really quite unaware of Gibraltar - but often see eg day coach trips advertised and Ive heard the cheap prices can pay for the trip - but I have no idea.

But looks like we wont be enjoying a drink with you and Mike there - but great that we have nearly 100 million other places to try first. 1st one/two on us for all the great info you post

I have chatted to people who make a regular trip there so started this thread for those who like it. In fact this response was really good, if all we get is a negative feedback on Gibraltar, its truly crossed off the list.

Thanks
Jon

jackytoo

I don't agree that Gibraltar isn't interesting. There is a visit to the tunnels, miles of them inside the rock with all the history surrounding it. Wonderful views of Africa up there too. The castle, beautiful caves. At the end of Main st. a small burial ground where many inscriptions were victims of Trafalgar or cholera at the garrison. There is the old convent and a small chapel where all the ragged regiment flags are hung dating back to Trafalgar. Have a look at the Botanical gardens and across the road take traditional afternoon tea in the Rock hotel. Take a peep at their guest book at the signatures of people who have stayed there!

Avoid the bottom end of main st. where all the duty free shops are (and the crowds). Lot of the shops are a rip off and they say a lot of cigarettes sold there are fakes. If you go to Morrisons you can get a litre of whisky for around £4 and cigarettes for £15 per carton. There are some good shops, BHS, M&S, Monsoon and some with good quality Morroccan and Indian stuff.

How many spanish places could you find with all the history and views

Domino

its many years since I was last in Gib and I came and left from the sea entrance. However, you will find its cobbled, narrow meandering streets a flashback to the 1700's, with a shade of Dickens London. Believe the old GR red telephone and post boxes are still there.
the dockyard area isn't the noisy and bustling area it used to be but you may be lucky to get a super-yacht visiting.

however, despite its local historic attractions, scary airport landings, even scarier main road crossing the runway, it can never provide you with the depth of history that Spain can give you. Don't get me wrong, it has history back to Neanderthal, but that is mostly overgrown by developments since the 1700's.

Gib is an interesting place to visit, a bit overcrowded and full of "English" shops, but for all that, if the opportunity to visit is available to you then take it.

MikeJ

Don't forget the apes!

Other places worth visiting while you're touring Spain (IMHO) -

• Badajoz ,in fact I was thinking of getting a guide book and following the old Peninsula war battlefiels route - from Torres Vedra to Vitoria, see a lot os Spain that way.
• Alhambra at Granada can be done in a day trip, with a very eary start.
• Toledo probably needs an overnight (or two).
• I drove to Valencia on the way back to the UK and promised I would go back.
• If you are thinking of the Santander (or Gijon) ferry route to Spain, then I would detour via Santiago De Compestela and Coimbra on the way down. I had to visit Coimbra once on business and was really taken with the place - it has the oldest University in Europe (claimed).
• Lisbon is really worth a visit.

I would include Gibralter in my million places to visit (though it can seem a bit seedy) - you can always top up your knickers in Marks and Sparks! and open a tax free bank account!

Ray51

I went there, a few years' ago ;
the Brits of Marbella and Puerto Banus and Estepona and thereabouts were raving about it so , we went to have a look ; it was an ad-hoc visit and I did not know about all the interesting places "Jackietoo" mentioned above , so : it was pavements and wandering about , on a lovely day ; had much trouble with traffic , crossing the border both ways ( by car ) ; I don't smoke and buying cheap booze was not on the agenda that day , most other things encountered were quite disappointing .
Wouldn't go there again , unless there was a really good reason .

Jon-Bxl

Hi Mike

Nice to know you topped up on your knickers at M+S - I hear you like the frilly ones for your outfits you wear on saturday nights

Thanks for the tips
Jon

Domino

May I disagree with "Alhambra in a day" ?

The Alhambra in itself is worth a whole day and the Gardens another half day even if its just to lose yourself in the tranquility so close to bustling life.
I remember bumping into a GDY at abt mid-day and he was so proud to have "done the Alhambra" in 2 hours that morning after breakfast. ISTR he was "doing Cadiz" in the afternoon.
If you do find time then the Cathedral is also worth a visit but so is the Science Park (especially if you have any youngsters with you as fully interactive).
Then there's a trip up to Pradollano ski resort, about 2,100m asl and abt 1200m below Valeta the 2nd highest peak (3,390m) with proper road all the way.. There is a ski lift that will take you up to Borreguiles another 3-400m further up.
the air up there is so fresh and invigorating.

decent hotels are available in centre of Granada from abt €45/rm/n (plenty for less though) and plata del dia from around €7. Good evening meal under the walls of the cathedral at the cafe Via Colon for about €12-15/head

Don't do a "japanesey" or "GDY" tour to say you have been and here are 2000 foto's to prove it - go, savour and remember.
rgds


ps have seen a book abt the Peninsular Wars walk somewhere and it looks very interesting.

EsuriJohn

Try Merida about 2.5hrs north the best preserved Roman town in Europe bar non including Rome and it is on the River Guadiana so you will feel at home. There is a Parador which is said to be nice and well located. An extra hour (about the same time as Gib) further north is Caseres a totally walled medieval town. It also has a very old brewery run by monks in a monastry. I could recommend two very nice hotels.

A bit futher north is Salamanca the oldest university town in Europe (their claim) with 2 Cathedrals and a wonderful Plaza Mayor. Again I could recommend a nice hotel.

However from many weeks spent in Gib I can say it is worth a day visit lots of history but claustrophobic for much longer. If you could plan the visit to coincide with say Beating the Retreat or a Band Concert in the caves that would add spectical. The Rock Hotel used to be the place to stay but may be a little tired now (a favorite of Ronnie Corbett). If you do stay on the Rock I used to pop into the Casino for a good but cheap evening meal.

We like Conil on the way down a lovely real Spanish seaside resort that looks out over Trafalgar. Around that area there are lots of good quality hotels. Or try Jerez full of history and Bodegas and it has a Parador. Just to the west is Cadiz again full of history.

If you throw a 3.5 hr travel radius around Ayamonte there are some truly amazing places from Gib in the south to Lisbon in the north, Granada in the east to the end of europe in the west.

jackytoo

I think the OP was asking for a route from CE to Gibraltar

cadíz is a great place to stop, one of my favourite places. Nice sea front Parador (modern) which has good offers out of season. Worth a visit is vejer de la frontera which is not too far from Gibraltar.

Wander around the back streets in Gib and there are lots of small morroccan shops selling foodstuffs. Midway on Main st is the courthouse (unusual front garden with strange trees and lots of seashell borders) you can get married there. The coffee shop across the road is used by the barristers all sitting around in their robes.

Crossing the border can be a nightmare. Early morning is best or afternoon. Avoid bank hols or fiesta days.

boobella

yes Cadiz is great especially at night

vejer de la frontera is beautiful

try and go to the Roman ruins Baelo Claudia at Bolonia http://www.costadelaluzholidayguide....fa-and-bolonia

Jon-Bxl

Thanks for the hints and tips. I have no real experience of Gibraltar so this has been useful. If I were to summarise - Gibraltar can be nice, but has problems..... the places to stay in between CE and there can be great however. The journey may be better than the destination.

Gibraltar may be a stopover if going further - but in itself as the end point? - it depends on what you are looking for. Certainly good place to stock up on cheap duty free booze and any UK stuff at eg Morrisons if there.

Thanks

Jon

Fredbargate

I presume I am the one who lives / lived closest to Gibraltar.
We sold yesterday

Gib is like MARMITE

http://www.gibraltar.gov.uk/holiday.php

Places to stay I would recommend staying in Spain, better value for money, however if you send me some dates I will see what can be worked around them.

Others have mentioned things to do but you must do:-

A rock tour or go to the top of the rock on the cable car and walk down.
The lower part of the rock can now be done by free buses, all buses in Gib are now free except the journey to and from the frontier to the market place which is the bottom North end of Main st.

A tunnel Tour and or Lower St Michaels cave.

Buy whatever you like but be careful the prices are not competitive / ripoff unless you are a good bargainer.
Buy English items and food if you like.
If you are driving in fuel is much cheaper.

Crossing the frontier, going in by car best before 9 am or shortly after, come out before 3 pm. avoid fridays.

Jon-Bxl

Thanks Fred - really interesting.

Congratulations on selling your home - but I hope you will be staying in Spain..so we keep getting your input !

Jon