Another country, but very like England -Gibraltar adventures

So this one’s been on the list for a while, but it’s never really worked out, last time we were in this direction the wind was blowing a gale, so staying waterside was not really a fabulous idea, so we gave it a miss.

Michele has fancied coming for a while, where as I (Paul) has some less than perfect preconceptions, in my head I had this down as uk theme park in the sun, so I wish to put these ideas to bed and actually experience the place and decide for myself.

So here we are, Alma the Adria Vision is front row, overlooking the very expensive sailing boats ( when is it a boat and when is it a yacht ? ).

After a scenic drive along the coast, we arrived at the La Linea motorhome aire, a perfect base for our Gibraltar adventure.

Crossing the border was a breeze and a bit of fun, once though passport control, stamped we were on our way down ‘Winston Churchill Avenue’ and out across the Runway !

soon we were immersed in the unique atmosphere of this British enclave on Spanish soil ,Red phone boxes and all .

Day One was dedicated to conquering the Rock of Gibraltar.

A quick queue (how British) and eighty eight Pounds later we had our tickets for both the return trip on the cable car and entry to the nature reserve and all its attractions.

We ascended via the cable car, you get to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the bustling port below or in Michele case look absolutely petrified, guess the memories of being trapped on a chair lift during a thunderstorm storm in the Rila mountains will never fade.

But the reality is the ride is smooth, although I’m not sure it lasted the 6 minutes they claimed.

At the summit, it is tourist land, but that was to be expected, a cafe and souvenir shop await, but so do some of the best views on the rock.

And here we get our first encounter with the mischievous Barbary macaques, Gibraltar’s famous residents.

We explored the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, marveling at the stunning vistas from the Skywalk, a glass-floored platform that extends out from the edge of the cliff.

Well at least that sounded positive, I think of all the attractions, the sky walk was the least impressive, on my imagination I was thinking it would be something similar to the glass walkway on the Eiffel Tower, with a clear view down, but sadly not it had a frosted floor and wasn’t really all that high off the cliff.

After following the rough footpath for a while we found the show caves, we have visited our fair share of show caves in the past and these didn’t disappoint!

St. Michael’s Cave is renowned for its unique geological formations, and one of the most striking features is the “Angle.”

This natural rock formation, formed over millions of years, creates a dramatic and almost otherworldly scene within the cave.

The Angle is a steep, sloping rock face that appears to defy gravity

Next up (yes it’s a busy day) …..The Windsor Suspension Bridge

It’s certainly a thrilling addition to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. This 70-meter-long bridge spans a deep gorge, connecting two batteries along the Royal Anglian Way.

As you walk across, the bridge gently sways, offering a thrilling experience for those who dare.

But the real reward lies in the breathtaking views. The bridge offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, including the Mediterranean Sea, the distant coast of Africa, and the sprawling city below.

The Great Siege Tunnels are a remarkable feat of engineering and a testament to the resilience of the British during the Great Siege of Gibraltar (1779-1783)

Carved directly into solid rock by soldiers these tunnels were crucial in the defence of the rock

Initially, the tunnels were created to provide protected passageways for troops and artillery. 

 

However, as the siege progressed, they were expanded to accommodate cannons, creating a formidable line of defence against the Spanish and French.

The cool, damp air, the echo of footsteps and sight of the cannon emplacements all help to enhance the sense of awe for this masterpiece

The tunnels offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of Gibraltar and the ingenuity and determination of its defenders.

Our second day and second crossing of the runway saw us exploring more of Gibraltar.

We embarked on a scenic coastal walk, starting at Catalan Bay, a picturesque fishing village. The path continued along the coast, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Eventually we reached Europa Point, the southernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, after doubling back as it turns out that you can’t walk though the road tunnels once you pass sandy bay, but what a perfect beach they created there !

Europa point offers panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar and the African coast.

After our coastal walk, we delved into the heart of Gibraltar.

We strolled down Main Street, a vibrant thoroughfare lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, but sadly also filled to the brim with tourists

Our two days in Gibraltar were an unforgettable experience.

This unique blend of British and Spanish influences, coupled with the stunning natural beauty of the Rock, created a truly unique and memorable adventure.

And has it changed my mind, boy you bet, it’s so much better than I had imagined

Paul.