Gibraltar > The microstate of Gibraltar

Today we leave at half past eight, half an hour earlier than usual. We are heading to Gibraltar. Gibraltar was captured from the Spanish in 1704 by an alliance of the British and the Dutch. In 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht established that Gibraltar belongs to the British. Gibraltar is only 6.8 km² in size and is largely dominated by the 426-metre-high Rock of Gibraltar. After about an hour and a half of driving, I see the enormous rock rising in the distance. It looks quite strange in the otherwise flat landscape. Because Gibraltar is British territory, we formally have to pass through customs. We get off the bus and walk to the border control. Showing our passport is enough to exit Spain and, a little further on, enter the United Kingdom. Interestingly, just beyond customs we encounter a barrier. The gate is closed and fences come down—an airplane is about to land. To enter Gibraltar, the runway must be crossed. Once an EasyJet plane has landed, the barriers go up again. We walk across the runway toward the centre of Gibraltar. We pass the Landport Tunnel, which used to be the only access point to the territory. We arrive at Grand Casemates Square, the central square of Gibraltar, and walk down Main Street, a shopping street filled with stores and restaurants mainly aimed at tourism. It is a bit disappointing; the side streets feel rather quiet and lack atmosphere. On a terrace, we order a drink. Around midday, we gather again at the square. From here, we start a tour of the peninsula. David welcomes us in his minibus. As soon as we set off, the road climbs steeply.

Gibraltar - The 436meterhigh Rock of Gibraltar

The views over the harbour and the bay are beautiful. Through the sound system, we receive explanations in Dutch about the sights we pass. We go by parts of the old British fortifications, which are still well preserved. On the southern side of Gibraltar, we arrive at Europa Point—the southernmost point of the peninsula. When I step out, I notice a strong wind. I have to hold myself steady to take a photo of the lighthouse. In the distance, the coastline of Morocco is visible. The distance from Gibraltar to Morocco is only 24 kilometres; from the southernmost point of Spain, it is just 14 kilometres. The weather is once again beautiful, with plenty of sunshine. We continue driving up the Rock of Gibraltar. Along narrow roads, we climb higher and higher. I suspect it is a one-way system, as passing oncoming traffic would be difficult and I see none. We enter the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Signs warn drivers to go slowly because of Barbary macaques. These monkeys are the only wild monkey population in Europe and are accustomed to humans. They can be quite bold if they smell food. David advises us not to take any food outside.

Gibraltar - The lighthouse at the southernmost point of Gibraltar

We arrive at St Michael’s Cave. Beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations have formed through water seeping through the porous rock. The formations are impressively lit. Outside again, I see several Barbary macaques walking across the car park. From a safe distance, I take a photo; the animals seem completely unconcerned. At a viewpoint further up the rock, more monkeys are gathered. They are likely well fed, as they look quite large and healthy. They move between the railings and the rocks, occasionally climbing up and down. Back in the centre of Gibraltar, we say goodbye to David. On the square, I order fish and chips for lunch—a local tradition and a typical British dish. At three o’clock, we leave Gibraltar. We walk back across the runway to customs, where we pass without any issues. The bus is already waiting for us. On the way back to Jerez de la Frontera, we also visit the white village of Vejer de la Frontera. We arrive around five o’clock, as the sun is already starting to set. From the parking area, we walk up a steep path to the village on the hilltop. The streets are quiet and most restaurants are already closed, as tourism here mainly seems to take place around lunchtime. On the main square, one café is still open. I wander through the narrow streets; all houses are painted white, likely a regulation of the village.

Gibraltar - The square of Vejer de la Frontera

The streets are narrow and often steep. At a quarter to six, we walk back to the bus together. It is about an hour’s drive to the hotel. I liked the restaurant from yesterday, so I reserve a table online from the bus. When we arrive at the hotel, I still have some time before dinner, so I go to the gym and do a few exercises. At eight o’clock, I join the restaurant. Today I choose a Thai noodle dish—another excellent choice.