Private excursion to Gibraltar. Open left menu Gibraltar From Barcelona there is an excursion to the Rock of Gibraltar

Hello! I invite you on a sightseeing tour of Spain. In the previous article I talked about the small town of Mijas, and today the topic of our article is called an excursion to the Strait of Gibraltar, it was there that the next trip of my friends was organized.

Before starting my story, it is worth noting that all excursions in Spain usually include visits to two tourist places. So this time their excursion was to the Strait of Gibraltar and to the city of Tarifa.

on the way to Gibraltar

I'll start with a small digression and write a couple of sentences about Gibraltar. Gibraltar is located in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, most of which is occupied by Spain, which we already know. However, Gibraltar is a British overseas territory and occupies a strategic position above the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

landscapes of Spain

landscapes of Spain

The Strait of Gibraltar is a place with a unique geographical location and a fascinating opportunity for tourists to see the coast of Africa, which is located just 14 km away. An excursion to the Strait of Gibraltar is a unique opportunity to see the strait itself, which, according to legend, arose thanks to Hercules, and to visit the well-known rock.

rock of gibraltar

rock of gibraltar

In addition, if the weather is clear, then it will be possible to see the Pillars of Hercules, which are located along the southern and northern shores of the Strait of Gibraltar (of course, tourists will see those on the European part in any case). There are many legends about the Pillars of Hercules, one of which says that the passage in the rocks was made by Hercules in order to shorten his path and not bypass the Atlas Mountains. Thus, a strait appeared that connected the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and the rocks remaining along the shores of the strait were called the Pillars of Hercules, which symbolize the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar.

pillars of Hercules

In addition, tourists are attracted by very profitable shopping, as well as the opportunity to get acquainted with magots (tailless macaques) - the only species of monkeys living on the European mainland.

on the approach to Gibraltar

on the approach to Gibraltar

All of the above attracts an incredible number of tourists to this small area, despite the peculiarities of entering this part of Britain. The duration of the trip depends on whether tourists decide to visit Gibraltar on their own or with an excursion from a travel agency. Of course, the second option is the most optimal. The excursion is usually one-day, but very eventful.
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Source http://otpusk21.ru/otdyih-v-ispanii/eksk ursiya-na-gibraltarskiy-proliv

Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, where Europe meets Africa. Gibraltar was known in ancient times as Mons Calpe (Latin: Mount Calpe), one of the two mythical Pillars of Hercules. The site was subsequently renamed Gibraltar, from the Arabic phrase "Jebel Tariq" (??? ????), or "mountain of Tariq", in memory of the famous Arab commander Tariq ibn Ziyad, who led the Arab invasion of the Iberian Peninsula in 711 Since then, Gibraltar has been under the rule of the Moors for a long time, but since 1462 it came into the possession of Spain, and in 1704 it went to Britain, under whose influence it remains to this day.

The geographical location of Gibraltar and its eventful history have influenced the complex mixture of traditions and cultures on its territory. Gibraltar is like a magnet attracting tourists and travelers from all over the world. Despite small area, only 6.5 sq. km, Gibraltar is rich in various attractions.

The main attraction is the Rock of Gibraltar. To see all its splendor, you need to go through the main street (Main Street) to the South Gate, and then take the cable car, from the cabin of which an amazing view of the city opens. The cabin rises to the very top of the cliff, and from a height of 426 m above sea level you can see the coasts of Africa and Spain. At the top of the cliff there is an 18th-century fortress complex. Part of the fortifications is located inside the rock, descending into the depths for many tens of meters in a network of intertwining tunnels known as Great Siege Tunnels (Great Siege Tunnels). In 2005, the tunnels were opened to tourists, and now everyone can follow the paths of Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle.

You can see interesting archaeological finds and learn about the main stages of the city’s development during an excursion to the Gibraltar Museum. One of its most important exhibits is the first Neanderthal skull, found in Europe in 1848. A separate hall of the museum is dedicated to the collection of weapons from the period XVIII - early XIX century. There is also a large scale model of Gibraltar itself from 1865.

Walled City of Gibraltar – the only place in Europe, where semi-wild monkeys live - Magots. According to local belief, Gibraltar will remain British as long as at least one monkey is alive. Magots live in the natural park-reserve Apes Dane, where it is very pleasant to take a walk on a hot day. In addition to monkeys, there are a lot of monkeys in the reserve interesting species birds, as well as a large number of rare plants.

For lovers of underwater beauty, there are three diving schools in Gibraltar that accept both beginners and experienced divers, for whom dives to sunken ships are organized. People come to Gibraltar not only to admire nature and visit the sights, but also to enjoy shopping. The fact is that Gibraltar is an offshore zone, and many goods here are much cheaper than in other European countries.

There are several ways to get from Spain to Gibraltar.

• By plane. Gibraltar has its own airport, from which there are regular flights to Madrid, Malaga and other Spanish cities.
• By train. There is no railway connection in Gibraltar itself; you will first have to get to the Spanish border town of La Linea, or to Algeciras (20 km). La Linea has direct connections with Madrid, Seville, Malaga (with a transfer in Bobadilla) and other cities in Spain.
• By bus. The nearest bus station is in La Linea. From here there are regular buses to Algeciras (every half hour during the day, once an hour in the evening), and flights depart several times a day to Malaga, Seville, Cadiz, and Jerez.

Tariffs for tourism department services:

Hello! I invite you on a sightseeing tour of Spain. In the previous article I talked about the small town of Mijas, and today the topic of our article is called an excursion to the Strait of Gibraltar, it was there that the next trip of my friends was organized.

Before starting my story, it is worth noting that all excursions in Spain usually include visits to two tourist places. So this time their excursion was to the Strait of Gibraltar and to the city of Tarifa.

on the way to Gibraltar

I'll start with a small digression and write a couple of sentences about Gibraltar. Gibraltar is located in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, most of which is occupied by Spain, which we already know. However, Gibraltar is a British overseas territory and occupies a strategic position above the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

landscapes of Spain

landscapes of Spain

The Strait of Gibraltar is a place with a unique geographical location and a fascinating opportunity for tourists to see the coast of Africa, which is located just 14 km away. An excursion to the Strait of Gibraltar is a unique opportunity to see the strait itself, which, according to legend, arose thanks to Hercules, and to visit the well-known rock.

rock of gibraltar

rock of gibraltar

In addition, if the weather is clear, then it will be possible to see the Pillars of Hercules, which are located along the southern and northern shores of the Strait of Gibraltar (of course, tourists will see those on the European part in any case). There are many legends about the Pillars of Hercules, one of which says that the passage in the rocks was made by Hercules in order to shorten his path and not bypass the Atlas Mountains. Thus, a strait appeared that connected the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and the rocks remaining along the shores of the strait were called the Pillars of Hercules, which symbolize the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar.

pillars of Hercules

In addition, tourists are attracted by very profitable shopping, as well as the opportunity to get acquainted with magots (tailless macaques) - the only species of monkeys living on the European mainland.

on the approach to Gibraltar

on the approach to Gibraltar

Outwardly, Gibraltar resembles a cheerful and bright mosaic, but its fate was completely different - it is a continuous series of battles and bloody wars, although there are absolutely no gold or oil deposits on its territory. The whole value of the city lies in its geographical location, it is sometimes even compared to a “cork”, which at any moment can plug the strait that connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. From a bird's eye view, Gibraltar resembles a narrow knife blade. Its long cliff along the meridian line crashes into the Mediterranean Sea, as if aiming at Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in Africa. They are separated by only some 14 kilometers of strait. From the city, in any weather, you can see the Moroccan coast with the naked eye.

Gibraltar has an amazing climate, which allows you to come here on holiday almost all year round. The coastal waters are a paradise for divers, and on land, shopaholics and lovers of antiquities enjoy themselves. They also often hold their wedding ceremonies Very famous people. The most popular trips here are for one or two days from Spain or Morocco.

To get from Barcelona to Gibraltar, you should first get to the Spanish city of La Linea. It is located 5 kilometers from the border with Gibraltar. The remaining distance can be covered on foot or by bus. You can also drive your own car, only in this case you will be likely to stand in line, which may take long time. There is no vehicle tax to enter Gibraltar.

In order to visit Gibraltar, foreign nationals require at least a UK transit visa. It is most convenient when you are already traveling in Spain, and you have an open UK visa in your passport with multiple entries (valid for at least 1 year).

The area of ​​Gibraltar is small - only 6.5 square kilometers. Its history, dating back over 3,000 years, and its attractions are much more significant. Here you can walk for at least a week along its ancient streets, examining ancient monuments and fortresses. In a couple of days, during which tourists mainly come here, you can quickly explore interesting places cities.

The most popular in the city is the funicular ride to the highest point of the cliff - 412 meters from sea level. The climb itself is a thrilling attraction, and the views from the top of the cliff are simply mesmerizing. From the terrace located at the top station of the funicular, you can clearly see not only the city below, but also two continents and the territories of three countries.

During your trip to the rock, at the upper and middle stations of the funicular you can meet semi-wild monkeys - magots. This is the only colony of monkeys of this species preserved in Europe. Local residents have a belief that Gibraltar will remain British territory as long as there is at least one monkey alive here. Monkeys here are carefully protected, guarded and monitored. There is a special position of an officer who must directly monitor the monkeys. At birth, each individual is given a name and a chip is implanted that tracks its location. Twice a year, the Governor of Gibraltar sends detailed reports to London listing the names, ages and sex of all resident monkeys. At the top stop of the cable car there is a souvenir shop where you can buy a toy monkey as a souvenir if you wish. She will have a real certificate - a birth certificate. Feeding the monkeys and petting them is strictly prohibited here. It should be remembered that even if a monkey bites you, you will have to pay a fine of 250 British pounds, not it.

After getting up close and personal with the magot monkeys, you can go downstairs and stroll through the Alameda Botanical Garden. It was founded in 1816 for the recreation of soldiers of the local garrison and local residents. The most interesting exhibits of the garden are stone palm trees that are over 200 years old and a Dragon tree that is already 300 years old.

You should definitely visit the southernmost point of Gibraltar – the Europa Point lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1841, its main purpose is to indicate the route for passing ships. The lighthouse site offers a magnificent view; in good weather, from its site you can see the mountains of Morocco, the coast of Africa and a piece of Spanish territory - the city of Ceuta.

Not far from the Europa Point lighthouse is the Ibrahim al-Ibrahim Mosque. It was built in 1997 and is a gift from the King of Saudi Arabia to the residents of Gibraltar. Also not far from the lighthouse is the Church of Our Lady of Europe. On the foundation of this church you can see an inscription related to the time of its construction - 1309. However, experts claim that before the walls of the Christian shrine were erected on this foundation, there was a mosque on it.

In addition to these two shrines, belonging to different religions, in Gibraltar you can see two synagogues - the Flemish and the Great. The Great was the very first Jewish site on the territory of Gibraltar. It was originally built in 1724 and restored after a landslide in 1766. The Flemish synagogue, built in 1880, also suffered numerous destructions.

After you get tired of the heat, or just want to see an unusual natural miracle, go down to the caves of St. Michael. You will get a lot of unforgettable impressions by seeing the halls with stalactites and stalagmites, which are located at a depth of 65 meters. There is a legend that says that these caves are connected to the African continent through an underground tunnel. During the Second World War, this grotto was a military hospital, and today, due to its popular acoustics, the grotto is often used as a venue for concerts. Below the first level of the cave there is an amazingly beautiful lake, surrounded by stone sculptures - the creations of Mother Nature herself.

While still in Gibraltar, you should definitely take a walk along its main street - Main Street. Gibraltar, like Andorra and San Marino, is included in the duty-free zone, which is a real paradise for shopping lovers. All the main city stores are located on this street. You just need to remember that on Saturdays the shops close at 13.00, and on Sundays they are practically closed at all. It is best to purchase souvenirs to remember your visit to this city at the center of crafts and arts, which is located in the barracks building, or at the crystal and glass factory. There, after you watch the amazing skill of the glassblowers, you can buy the thing that suits your liking.

An empire on whose possessions the sun never sets - this is how Great Britain was spoken of in the glorious colonial era. Indeed, in terms of the number and range of overseas territories, old Britain confidently outshines pompous Spain, and no less snobbish Portugal, and even France and the Netherlands, and, unlike them, it has managed to maintain demonstrative loyalty to the Crown of its “exotic” citizens. One of the striking examples of this is Gibraltar, a country with an area of ​​only 7 square meters. km, located in the most strategic place on the planet: at the exit from Mediterranean Sea into the Atlantic Ocean - where Europe meets Africa.

Half of Gibraltar's area is occupied by a 400-meter-high limestone cliff, and the other part manages to house an airport (which also serves as a highway and a place for walking), a seaport, city neighborhoods and even a nature reserve. People come here to see Africa while standing in Europe, to wander through 50-kilometer underground tunnels, watch birds and dolphins, fight off very rare and very arrogant Barbary macaques, and simply be inspired by the courage and resilience of the Gibraltarians, who have been faithful to Her for 300 years. To your Majesty the Queen.

How to get to Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a popular destination on cruise routes on the Mediterranean and Atlantic, so most tourists, as a rule, arrive here in the morning on board the ship and leave the territory on the same day. However, there is nothing stopping the free traveler from extending his stay by arriving at Jib by plane: daily flights from London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports, as well as from Birmingham and Manchester, are operated by British Airways, EasyJet and Monarch Airlines. Royal Moroccan Airlines also has daily flights from Marrakesh to Gibraltar.

Another option is to land at Malaga airport, from where you can take a bus to the Spanish town of Algeciras (120 km), and then transfer to municipal bus number 120, going to the border with Gibraltar (La Linea). Buses to Algeciras also depart from other cities in Spain: Seville, Cadiz, Granada, etc.

Search for flights to Gibraltar

Visa to Gibraltar

To visit Gibraltar you will need a separate visa, which you must apply for at the consular section of the British Embassy or British Visa Application Centres.

Citizens of the Russian Federation who have a valid UK multi-visa valid for at least 6 months in their international passport, as well as a multi-Schengen visa with a validity period of at least 7 days at the time of their intended departure from Gibraltar, can visit it without a visa.

The main attraction of Gibraltar is, of course, the Rock, or Cape of Europe, one of the two Pillars of Hercules and the point of Eurasia closest to Africa.

Transport

7 sq. km of Gibraltar is easy to explore from and to on your own feet; transport is most likely not needed. However, it is worth considering that the roads leading to the top of the rock and the observation deck are very steep, and weigh your strength for such a forced march in advance. For those who do not like physical effort, there is bus route No. 2, which runs from the border through the entire city to Cape Europe. You can also use the services of minibuses, but they will not be cheap: drivers of seven-seater minivans set off only when all seats are filled, or they request full payment for 7 passengers.

Despite strong British traditions, traffic in Gibraltar is usually on the right.

Travel to Gibraltar

Weather in Gibraltar

Cuisine and restaurants of Gibraltar

The gastronomic traditions of Gibraltarians originate in British cuisine, so here you can have a hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon and beans and an equally hearty dinner of classic fish and chips. Pubs with excellent beer and Indian cuisine are everywhere. Restaurants with a view are located in the yacht port and offer Mediterranean, French and Italian cuisine. A snack in a cafe will cost about 5-8 GBP, lunch in a restaurant - from 30 GBP. Prices on the page are as of October 2018.

Entertainment and attractions

The main attraction of Gibraltar is, of course, the rock, or Cape of Europe, one of the two Pillars of Hercules and the point of Eurasia closest to Africa. You can climb to the top of the rock on foot or by cable car. The observation deck offers a dizzying view of the seemingly so close coast of Morocco, the Strait of Gibraltar - one of the busiest shipping areas on the planet, the expanses of the Mediterranean Sea on one side and Atlantic Ocean- on the other hand, well, Gibraltar itself, of course. The only wild representatives of the primate order in Europe, the magots, or Barbary macaques, live and feel great here.

It is not recommended to try to pet macaques: these semi-wild animals behave very impudently and are not averse to snatching a handbag or camera from a touched tourist, and if they are irritated and frightened, then even bite. The fine for feeding monkeys is 500 GBP.

Continuing your way higher up the rock, you will find yourself in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, where not only monkeys are protected, but also rare birds, including the Barbary partridge. A crazy number of migratory birds stop here during seasonal migrations, which are convenient to observe from the Jew’s Gate Ornithological Observatory.

Next, you should go to the 14th century Moorish castle - evidence of the 700-year rule of the Moors. Here you can visit the casemates, admire the Gate Tower with a domed roof characteristic of Islamic architecture, and climb the Tower of Memory, which offers a wonderful view of the territory.

You should definitely continue your acquaintance with the history of Gibraltar in the “galleries” - underground tunnels total length 50 km. The first was excavated at the end of the 18th century, during the Spanish siege; During the Second World War, the system of moves acquired its current form.

From the numerous embrasures and ventilation holes you can admire the landscape.

Once inside the city, you can visit the Gibraltar Museum, whose well-chosen exhibits tell the history of the area from the Phoenician and Greek periods to the recent conflicts with Spain. Among the masterpieces is an Egyptian mummy from the 7th century BC. e. and a superbly preserved 14th-century Moorish hammam in the museum's courtyard.

Gibralatar Hotels

Despite its modest size, Gibraltar can offer travelers several accommodation options, with expensive hotels significantly outweighing budget ones. In a hostel and boarding house you will be asked to pay from 15 to 30 GBP per night; in the high-level Bristol and Elliott you will have to pay at least 80 GBP. Well, in the pompous The Rock, where John Lennon and Yoko Ono were legally married, get ready to fork out at least 150 GBP.