Gibraltar
is not of course on the Costa del Sol as it is a British colony west of
the Costa. Completely ignored in most Spanish tourist literature, it is
as if it didn't exist as far as Spain is concerned. Many of the tourist
guides and maps do not mention anything between Algeciras and Cadiz!
One major guide to the Costa del Sol produced by the Costa del Sol
tourist office suggests many excursions from the area - but no mention
of this place! It is, however, an option for many British ex-pats and
tourists visiting the area because if its unique situation and its
Britishness - our only conclave in mainland Europe. Gibraltar is
situated at the entrance to the Mediterranean. Its strategic location
and history has made the Rock of Gibraltar a symbol of strength
throughout the world. It is connected to the Spanish mainland by a sandy
isthmus and has been a British territory since 1704 and is a member of
the E.U. Its military past is diminished and this self-governing
territory is now emphasising on offshore finance, tourism and
telecommunications.Gibraltar claims that its shopping provides the most
competitive prices in western Europe. Ex-pats come here for the English
supermarkets, tourists come for the cheap electrical goods, cameras and
crafts. There is much to see if history is your interest. There is also
the cable car, the apes and a modicum amount of beaches and of course,
the Rock itself which incidentally contains over 140 caves.Gibnet
provide the following comment - "a short distance from the concrete
jungle called the Costa del Sol, Gibraltar stands apart with its history
preserved waiting to welcome you to this small friendly British
territory located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsular where
you will find something truly different". You will have noticed that
they do not mention Spain either! Warning, do not try to cross the
border back into Spain with over the limit duty frees as the Spanish
customs are very strict. You will need your passport for this excursion.
To see a great collection of old Gibraltar postcards taken in the early 1900s, click here
