Located on the Southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula is the tiny country of Gibraltar. One of the more unique destinations to visit in the Mediterranean it shares its only land border with the Spanish mainland. Despite its limited territory, there are around 30,000 residents with the territory fiercely contested over by the British and the Spanish. It has been a crucial trading point and still is a vital marine commerce route.
Quite a number of visitors to Spain combine their trip with a whistle-stop tour of Gibraltar. They can cross the border from La Linea a border town either on foot or by car.
Getting across: Walking across the border is no big deal generally and like crossing the border in any other country. There are the usual protocols and checks and it should be done in a short while (subject to the crowds). The only hassle is for those willing to travel by car. On a busy day, long queues can form at the border and it can take a couple of hours to make the crossing. The better alternative is to leg it across without much of a fuss.
Reasons to visit Gibraltar: There are plenty of reasons to want to spend a holiday in the country. With numerous places of historical and cultural significance, amazing scenery, great shopping, and a vibrant nightlife scene there is a lot to keep visitors engaged during their tour of the country. The best part of visiting is that because of its very limited size getting from point A to B is convenient and never involves more than a short trip. A lot of couples wanting to tie the knot also visit the country. Weddings in Gibraltar became popular after John Lennon and Yoko Ono got officially married in the country in 1969.
Accommodation: While there is no dearth of hotels in Gibraltar, Spain is also a popular choice to stay because of the cheaper accommodation available. Dropping in for a day trip is preferred by many visitors to Spain.
A distinctive British feel: A lot of visitors get a pleasant surprise when they visit Gibraltar. This is because, despite its location in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, it has a strong look and British feel to it. Gibraltarians speak almost perfect English similar to native English back home in the UK. Despite also having a Spanish influence among other nationalities there is an overwhelming sense of Englishness in all that you see and experience. Another common factor is the use of the Pound Sterling, which along with the Gibraltar Pound is the standard legal tender here.
Use the taxi service: Since a lot of the attractions are on the rock a very steep climb, the best thing to get around is to hire a taxi. The best way to get one is from the city square as most of them hang out in that area. When you get a taxi to ask the driver for his name and number so you could get him whenever you need their service at any other time.
Olivia's Travel Tips 