10x Gibraltar
Gibraltar is fun! You should definitely visit if you're in Spain. Whether you're going to shop or want to see monkeys, it's just very special to have been there.
No Pesetas but Pounds
You feel like you're still in Spain, but as soon as you step into a store, you immediately see that you are indeed in a British overseas territory. The prices are in Pounds. Fortunately, you can use your card! ;-)
Especially for the shopaholics among us!
Main Street has everything. From Marks & Spencer and Tommy Hilfiger to several jewelers and, of course, a lot of souvenir shops full of trinkets. If you're on holiday with your teenagers, they will surely want to pick out some knick-knacks. The best part is that if a store sells toys, there is a large Playmobil figure at the door!
Airport of Gibraltar
With a bit of luck, a plane will land just as you arrive in Gibraltar. What a cool sight that is! The airport is just across the border, and you used to have to cross the airport to get to the city center. 'Unfortunately,' there is now the Kingsway Tunnel, which is super convenient, of course, but it would have been more spectacular if you could still go to the city through the airport.
Rock of Gibraltar
You can't miss it: the imposing rock that prominently towers above everything. If you go up the mountain, watch out for the monkeys you encounter along the way. The older monkeys are nothing to be afraid of; they just sit quietly chilling. The young ones, on the other hand, are super mischievous, know exactly how to open a bag, and will completely empty it if you're not careful.
Morocco
Unfortunately, it doesn't count as a newly visited country on your list. From the tip of Gibraltar, 'Point of Gibraltar,' where the Europa Point Lighthouse is also located, you can see Morocco across the way, cool right!? Be careful not to be blown away, as sometimes a strong gust of wind can push you a few meters forward.
Saint Michael's Cave
If you like visiting caves, don't miss Saint Michael's Cave. In this beautiful cave, the stalactites and stalagmites are illuminated with colorful lights, a stunning sight. If you pay close attention, you'll also see the angel formed on the ceiling. I completely missed it, of course, because I was busy photographing during my family holiday. Coincidentally, I did capture it on camera!
Gibraltar Border Control
Unfortunately, since Brexit, it's necessary to go through border control. This means it takes a bit of time before you can enjoy your day in Gibraltar. If you're with a bus excursion, everyone has to get off the bus and walk across the border through the control. But it's also a fun experience, so just go with it.
Look left
I really had to think for a moment when I saw 'look left' on the road while crossing. Kind of lost my way, so to speak. In Gibraltar, they drive on the right because it borders Spain. This would be too confusing for everyone who commutes from Spain to work. If you're not quite awake in the morning, you might find yourself on the wrong side of the road.
Are you Spanish?
After all these cheerful and special reasons to go to Gibraltar, you must not forget that there has been much fighting over this piece of land. To this day, it's still sensitive that Gibraltar is part of the United Kingdom and not Spain. So never, ever ask someone in Gibraltar if he or she is Spanish.
Pubs in Gibraltar
To end on a cheerful note... In Gibraltar, you're not going to eat Spanish tapas, but enjoy a drink in the pub! You really feel like you're in the United Kingdom. After a few beers, when you step outside, you might almost forget where you actually were. Unless you've spent your whole holiday on the Costa del Sol in the pub, of course.
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