Gibraltar, Gibraltar

I absolutely adore Gibraltar. Despite the fact that I mostly make my living and try and find writing gigs taking the mick out of Britain, I'm quite proud of the fact that Britain has managed to keep Gibraltar as a territory while it's 1 km from Spain - a fact that cheeses off the Spaniards no small amount.

Gibraltar is of course, known for it's defining feature - Gibraltar Rock, which juts incongruously and proudly up from the tiny island, which seems nearly too small to support it.

The cable car ride up to the Rock is definitely worth the cost - and pay to see the Apes and take the audio tour, which is interesting and fun. Despite charging several limbs for the pleasure, the Gibs have mainly left the Rock alone - there are oodles of abandoned, crumbling structures that once housed British soldiers and armaments.

There is a lovely Moorish castle, and the really cool tunnels that were a predominant feature in Britain's victory against Spain in the late 18th century - I guess they focused more on that than keeping America in check. Zing!

The Apes are horrific little creatures, spiteful and vicious, and will attack as soon as they see food, or if you get too close to them. I stupidly took a Milky Bar out for my youngest sprog and was promptly leapt on by an ape that was heavier than he looks, and scratched by its no doubt rabid claws. But hey, that's all part of the fun of being a dumb tourist.

The shopping and restaurants in Gibraltar are really lovely - there are plenty of British shops, and Spanish ones too, and you can use your pound coins with abandon. There's even a Norwich credit union!

The Rock hotel is a lovely example of Art Deco architecture, and is part of the skyline once in City centre.

After scaling The Rock and eating and drinking your fill, wander around Gibraltar - I promise you'll stumble into lovely little courtyards, turn the corner to gorgeous archictectural pieces and be delighted at the views.

If you're visiting Marbella or anywhere along the Costa del Sol, it's well worth the short drive to Gibraltar - but make sure you bring your British passport and wave it round smugly.

We went here as the last stop on a p&o cruise and all I can say is WOW. What a great place to shop. When we got off the ship there were plenty of 'cabs’ actually mini vans waiting to take us either up to the apes or straight to the main high street of shops. We plumped for the shops. The whole place was like being back in Britain only cheaper, sunnier and mostly cleaner. There were even bobbies on the beat. I bought 3 bottles of very expensive perfumes, 100ml, at less than half the normal price. Also bought duty free ciggies for the family I think they cost 50p a packet, amazing and the food we ate cost so little we wished we could fit in seconds. A great day trip wish I could shop there all the time.

We visited Gibraltar for a day trip from Portugal. It was a long and tiring coach journey but worth it. Our driver dropped us off on the Spanish side as it was quicker than queueing in traffic. We then walked through customs and you have to show your passport.

There is duty free shopping in main street but we were not that impressed. You can buy cheap cigarettes and alcohol but check the price first. It varies from shop to shop.

Our coach driver had arranged for us to go on a sightseeing tour of the Rock and that is what we did for most of our time. It was a first for me and hubby and we really enjoyed it. The weather was hot and clear. It was late August/early September. The views were brilliant.

The main attraction of course was the cheeky monkeys and they did not disappoint. There are additional places you can view on the rock and we went in some spectacular caves. Remember though the prices will be extra.

Take a drink and pack up if you can as prices are as high as the rock itself. Take a hat if its sunny to avoid sunburn as there is little shade.

So walking parts will be hard for the less mobile. You can also access the Rock via a terrifyingly steep cable car. That will be my means of transport on my next visit. I would not like to spend a week here but a couple of days would be good.

Everyone speaks English but watch out for the currency. If you get change in Gibraltarian pounds you may end up stuck with them

Loved the place though.

Historical, interesting place for max 3 nights unless touring southern Spain. View the caves, see the apes, take a trip to Tangier, or go inland to Jerez and the coast to Cadiz, or strike east.

A variety of boat trips to see dolphins & whales in the Straits but unfortunately we saw none.
Visiting the apes is a must but hang on to your hats 7 bags. The views from the rock are fantastic & head sets provide the information
Spain is cheaper for accommodation
Alcohal is cheap

The UK in spain, what more can i say. The med on your doorstep, africa across the water, spain across the border, few hours drive away is portugal. From the monkeys on the rock to M&S on the high street - a historic, beautiful and sunny day, whether a daytrip, weekend or more, Gibraltar is wonderful.