Postcard from Gibraltar
A return visit to the Rock 40+ years on - and what a change!
Gibraltar is a destination that captured my heart back in 1981, as my then-wife and I spent our honeymoon there. Some 42 years later, I stepped back onto the Rock, this time as a solo traveller.
Gib has changed dramatically in those four decades as a fair area of land has been reclaimed from the sea since my first visit. The new area seems to be predominantly covered by high-rise apartments, apparently most owned by overseas non-resident investors. Sadly, these apartments are outside the reach of the locals, and a high percentage are empty and slowly appreciating, so the locals will never be able to afford them.
I visited Gibraltar just before Christmas in 2023, disembarking from a cruise ship in the morning and having the best part of a day to explore. This I did by taking a shore excursion run by a born and bred Gibraltarian called Dave, who drove his mini-bus while giving an often humorous commentary on the way.
The dozen of us on the minibus enjoyed a tour of the rock, stopping at several places on the way.
Nestled at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and a treasure trove of attractions and surprises.
A Glimpse into the Past: As I stepped foot in Gibraltar, I couldn't help but feel the weight of history still in the air. This small peninsula has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, making it an absolute delight for history enthusiasts. The Rock of Gibraltar, an iconic limestone monolith, stood tall as a symbol of strength and resilience throughout the centuries.
One of the stops was close to Catalan Bay, which was the site of the hotel where my wife and I stayed for our honeymoon. However, the hotel was demolished in 2023, being beyond economic repair. A new chain hotel group has bought the land, and a new talk hotel will rise from the ashes of the original.
Partway through the tour, we stopped at a taverna for a wine tasting. Gibraltar lacks any space for a vineyard, so the wines on offer were Spanish. The taverna was run by a Spaniard. Still, the wines were good.
Gibraltar - Must-Visit Attractions:
The Rock of Gibraltar: From the top of the Rock, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar. The highlight was encountering the mischievous Barbary macaques at the Apes' Den, the only wild monkey population in Europe. Although wild, they have very few places to go and make a habit of trying to pickpocket visitors, so watch out for your mobile phone!
Europa Point: The tour stopped at Europa Point, the southernmost point of Gibraltar and mainland Europe. The sight of the Atlantic Ocean merging with the Mediterranean Sea was simply mesmerizing. The Trinity Lighthouse here, is a majestic structure that has guided countless ships throughout history. The Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque also caught my attention, with its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere.
St. Michael's Cave: My journey took me deep into the mystical depths of St. Michael's Cave, a natural wonder that left me in awe. Guided by the soft glow of the cave's lighting, I marveled at the mesmerizing formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave's magical atmosphere makes it the perfect venue for concerts and events, which would have added an extra touch of enchantment to the experience, although on this visit, there was no time.
Main Street: I remember Main Street from my first visit to Gibraltar all those years ago. This is Gibraltar's vibrant shopping district, however, as my visit was on a Sunday, the place was quite quiet. As I strolled along, I found myself surrounded by a wide array of shops, from high-end boutiques to duty-free outlets.
Conclusion: My return visit to Gibraltar was an adventure. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, Gibraltar has something to offer.
However, with the place being so built up now compared to 40 years ago, it has lost its charm. Having returned after such a long break, I see no real reason to want to make a third visit.
Safe travels!