Goldenbackpacker.com

GIBRALTAR - STAY FOR LESS "££G"

GIBRALTAR , a British Dependency since 1791, is strategically positioned at the very end of Spain pointing South over the narrow straits linking the Atlantic Ocean & Mediterranean Sea to the vast continent of AFRICA . Best known as “ THE ROCK” it has awesome views from the top crest, like being on top of the World! Sometimes an unusual fog, called the “levanter” is caused when Easterly winds warmed by morning sun picks up moisture from the sea & sweeps over the Rock & leaves it shaded. Over the years Gibraltar has had many occupiers– Phoenicians - Romans - Moors & finally the British, the Spanish had little interest till now. GB tells you what to see, with choices wider afield of where to stay, as just over the Border is Spain & La Linea which is much cheaper. Staying over the Boarder also allows you travel further into Spain to enjoy the richly romantic Andalucia Region & maybe experience exotic Morocco.

ACCOMMODATION

NO 1 – GIBRALTAR, Emile Youth Hostel at 20/30 Montague Bastion, Line Wall Road (near Casement Square, the entrance to Main St) tele +350 51106 Email: Emilehostel@yahoo.com - £15 pn for a dorm bed incl breakfast. No self-catering, small lounge/dining area & limited services, timed showers, cold taps only in wash rooms & lock out 1030 till 1630 or later, but it's a clean & well managed Hostel

NO 1 – LA LINEA, Hostal Florida on Calle Del. Sol 37 (just off Plaza de la Iglesia)tele 956 17 13 00 Email: hostal_florida@telefonica.net - E 15 for single ensuite room with TV. This Hostal is a better deal than staying in Gibraltar, with Bar/ Restaurante “El Choni” below & La Linea Town itself has a much more lively day/ night life.

FOOD – in Gibraltar you will find a large SAFEWAY/ MORRISONS Supermarket in the Harbour District, offering real British provisions – bread, fresh fruit & vegetables, baked beans & has a fast good food café & bar in store. It's so popular many ex. UK patriots living in Spain flock over the border to stock up but it's expensive! In Town there's also a variety of restaurants & even a fish & chip shop. In La Linea a DIA Supermarket is just around the corner with all a Backpackers needs at a fraction of the Gib. prices as are the many street Bars & Restaurants

TRAVELLING AROUND to climb this spectacular outcrop is easy on foot & easier when you use the local shortcut up the Europa Steps into the Nature Reserve, also avoiding the £5 entry. The many trails & paths on The Rock have tremendous views & historic sites, guns, bunkers etc. You can also take the Cable Car for £8 or get a special mini bus tours or a taxis to take you to the top for many £'s. The public Bus service from the Border to all parts of the Town is only 60p a ticket. To get to Tangier in Morocco, North Africa, regular ferries go from the Spanish port of Algerciras for E40 return or from Gibraltar each Friday night, £35 return

“FREE” SIGHTS TO SEE

1. GIB - Europa Steps, interesting flight of mid town steps onto The Rock - painted red, white & blue
2. “ -Top of The Rock, continue up steps to The Rock Nature Reserve for free, the locals use it!
3. “ - Ape Den, famous Rock Monkeys which legend says if they leave Gib. so will British
4. “ - Europa Point Lighthouse, 1838, only LH outside UK maintained by Trinity House
5. “ - Alameda Botanical Gardens, flora from sub tropical areas, converted parade ground 1816
6. “ - Main Street, a typical British shopping street, M&S, Boots, Pubs, Policemen & Tax Free
7. “ - Airport Runway, unique walk across the wide open tarmac & massive view of North Rock
8. LA LINEA – Parque Sofia, green area with shady trees & old bunkers, on way to Med. beaches
9. “ - Mercado Concepcion, hive of local activity, meats & veg within & clothes around
10 “ - Playa de Poniente, bay beach with ships moored, marina & view of whole Rock before

CHARGE SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

1. GIB - St Michael's Cave, majestic Rock caves contain a unique concert theatre & stalagmites
2. “ - The Siege Tunnels, dug out in the Great Siege 1779-83 with over 30 miles tunnels
3. LA LINEA – Museo Taurino, one of the most important bullfighting museums in Spain
4. RONDA - ancient Gorge Town in Spain, reached by picturesque train in a day from Algerciras

* Barbary Macaques, S M Ince - Kevin, Moggs, Patrick, Milan, Natalie, Brie – Lawrence, Francis, Zoe