lifeofmytime

I'm going to be in Malaga at the end of September/beginning of October. I know it's over-rated, but I'd really like to visit the Rock of Gibraltar. I'm interested in photography and would love to get some close-up shots of the Barbary Apes. I'm also curious to visit the Nature Reserve and the caves.

I had originally planned on taking a bus tour from Torremolinos. It included a minibus tour of the Rock, plus a visit to the Nature Reserve and then a boat tour to see the dolphins. Oh and time to shop - which I could give or take. I'm not going there to shop. Since I'm traveling solo for the first time, I thought it might be a nice break from solitude to take part in a group tour. I've also looked into the possibility of doing it on my own - taking a bus from Malaga to La Linea, walking across the border and then taking a #3 bus to the cable car. If I did it on my own I'd have lots more time to wander and do my shutterbug thing. Though the dolphin tour sounds fun, I'd probably skip it in favour of heading back to Malaga on the 2:15 bus instead of 6pm.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has either done the group tour thing or has done it on their own. Which would you recommend?

daydreamer16

Hi I don't believe it's overated. I was there 3 years ago with my husband. We drove down from Conil de la Frontera. It was a long ride but I found the trip to the top of the rock fun and you can get some great pictures! We had lunch at a pub and did a little shopping-paid in Euros and got change in Pounds. If you're in the area I would go for it!

nytraveler

We stopped there several years ago since it was on the way from one place to another. It was definitely a waste of time unless you're looking for budget shopping. The "apes" are nasty monkeys known to bite if not fed and thee view of Africa was just a blur. The food (it was lunch time) was mediocre at best - and it took forever to get back into Spain.

I wouldn't bother given all the other places there are to see - have you already covered Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Ronda, etc?

Continental_Drifter

We took our kids and went several years ago. We still talk about it. BUT we knew what to expect.

Avoid the apes and keep your windows rolled up. They are very bold and will reach into a 2" gap if the windows are rolled down at all.

The kids still talk about how stinky the OUTSIDE of the car was from the apes climbing onto the car and wiping feces on it. They still call anything extremely stinky "monkey stink."

Gardyloo

We crossed over by car for a day visit several years ago and experienced the terrible "go slow" treatment by the Spanish border people upon returning; my understanding, however, is that things have moderated quite a lot since then, so I wouldn't let potential border delays prevent me from going.

We found Gibraltar to be a very interesting city. We didn't go up the Rock, but instead wandered around the old city, noted the strong Jewish presence, did a little duty free shopping but really enjoyed buying English-language books at the huge Safeway near the waterfront (since renamed I believe.)

I'd happily go again.

Aduchamp1

It is a quirky place, that should be added to the itinerary of someone who knows Spain and has some extra time for a detour.

It is the odd blend of Iberia and Britian.

We walked among the apes but were cautious and the monkeys too.

RAC

We really enjoyed Gibraltar. Amazing views from up top, St. Michael's caves, the tunnels, and yes the apes were all entertaining. Also if they're still doing dolphin safaris, that was fun too.

thursdaysd

I spent a day and night there, and thought it was a nice break in a month in Spain and Portugal. I took the train from Ronda and a taxi (shared with a couple on the train) and walked across the runway. I really enjoyed the contrast, but I am originally a Brit.

From my TR: "The rock looks just like the pictures and is truly impressive up close. The day I was there I could just make out the other Pillar of Hercules, Jebel Musa, across the strait in Africa. The British influence predominates on the rock, although I heard plenty of Spanish spoken. I used up some left-over pounds, ate fish and chips for lunch and Indian for dinner, and indulged in a gin and tonic. However, I found it interesting that at Europa Point, the southernmost tip, the sequence of buildings is lighthouse, souvenir shop, and mosque, a 1997 gift from guess who - King Fahd of Saudi Arabia. Once a Muslim country, always a Muslim country, according to the faithful, and Spain including Gibraltar) was Muslim for 700 years."

There were only a few lethargic Barbary Macaques in evidence, but it was very hot and I think they had enough sense to stay in the shade. I found public transport to be easy to use.

pat

I really enjoyed my day in Gibraltar. We visited not only the caves, but the museum that had the cask Nelson was carried back to England in, after his death. Enjoyed having tea at at outdoor cafe, and also, enjoyed seeing across the strait into Africa. One of those apes snatched a banana right out of the hand of one of the ladies in our group. I say, go!

lifeofmytime

Thanks for your input everyone. I'm almost positive I'll do the day trip... you only live once, right?

Still unsure if I want to do it on my own or if I want to do the group tour.

Ackislander

An interesting place. Once.

I would do the group tour. The driving is horrendous in Gibraltar, so you have to be bold to drive yourself.

We had no trouble crossing in either direction from Spain. Maybe it is just an annoyance from time to time.

We watched a German woman who insisted on carrying food out of the cafe at the caves. She was not amused to have a largish Barbary ape sitting on her head trying to tear the food from her hands -- and mouth.

thursdaysd

"The driving is horrendous in Gibraltar, so you have to be bold to drive yourself." Driving is unnecessary. There are perfectly good buses. I'm not fond of tours, so I'd go (and did go) by myself.