Gibraltar on your own

[pcrum]

Hi:

 

We will be traveling on the NCL Epic, arriving in Malaga on May 9.  Our ship offers a Gibraltar On Your Own Tour that is basically transportation to Gibraltar.  Once we get to Gibraltar, do you recommend a private tour, or can we see the sites just walking on our own.  We are a fairly fit middle aged couple.  Any hints on what not to miss is Gibraltar.  We will have around 4 hours there to do as we please.

 

Thank you.

[hkto]

Giblartar claim to fame is the rock. Two ways to get there: funicular which I don't think stops in the middle, primarily for views and monkeys and van tours which are basically taxis that go up the mountain and cover most of the attractions like St.Michael cave. And of course it's possible to do it on foot but it takes long time 

[John Bull]

 

Bars & tour agencies in all the vacation resorts along the Costs del Sol sell coach day-excursions to Gib. and you'll be amongst the thousands who cross the border into Gib by excursion coach.

I have very little doubt that NCL like other cruise lines will charge significantly more than the other coach excursions, but you have the simplicity of pick-up at the port and the security of the coach's return on time being NCL's problem. The drive is about  2 hrs incl the border crossing.

YOU WILL NEED YOUR PASSPORT.

 

First thing you notice immediately after you cross the border is that you'll drive across the runway of Gib's airport.

 

The coach drop-point & coach park have changed since I last went, but it'll be handy to Main Street.

I suggest the first thing to do is to take an Upper Rock Tour by van or taxi. They're available at the border and the cruise port and various places in town. Most cruisers on CC actually port in Gib, so your best bet is to check (or ask) on TripAdvisor about the best pick-up point for those arriving by coach. Or Cruise Critic Gib resident Ollie&bertie'smum might respond here.

 

The Upper Rock Tour costs about £22 or €25 per person, non-negotiable, includes all admissions, and the tour takes about 90 to 120 minutes.  It's a standard tour, they've been doing it for years and both the itinerary and timings are what works for pretty-well everyone.

You visit the Jewish monument for a photostop, with southerly views over the Straits (most days you can see the north coast of Morocco).

Then St Michael's Cave (westerly views over the Bay of Algeciras and Spain), about a 20-minute stop - you can tour the cave or just admire the view. 

Then the apes den on the ridge (similar westerly views, plus by climbing a short flight of steps beside the den easterly views down the sheer side of the Rock and across the Med.). Time spent here is about 15 minutes - it's a single-track one-way road, so you bale out at the back of the line of vehicles and walk up to the den where eventually your van/taxi will get to the front of the line. You're not permitted to feed the apes, drivers used to feed the apes with fruit & veg but I'm not sure if that's now also banned. They're a thieving bunch and will take anything they can - handbags, hats, sunglasses, anything they can get their hands on. You'll do fine, but anyone timid can stay in the vehicle, the apes climb all over the vehicles.

Next the hand-hewn Great Siege Tunnel and galleries (views down over the airport and the Spanish border.) About 20 minutes here .Not to be confused with the lower and vastly more extensive WW2 tunnels

Then back down to town past the WW2 tunnels entrance and the Moorish Castle. 

 

There are also more extensive customised taxi tours, but you'd need to find sharers. For the standard tour van/taxi drivers will find sharers.

 

An alternative is the cable-car to the sunmit, but since you'll be arriving at the same time as the hordes you'll probably find long lines at the bottom station.

The top station is only a couple of hundred yards from the apes den, and St Michael's cave is only a 10 - 15 (?) minute walk, but it's inconvenient for other sights.

 

Then spend your remaining time in and around Main Street and Casemates Square - pubs, cafes, duty-free shops (comply with Spanish customs limits), and minor sights such as the Governor's Residence and the little Trafalgar cemetery.

GB pounds or euros accepted everywhere that you're likely to spend (but keep an eye on exchange values), most also accept cards.

 

I'm not keen on Cruise Critic's new-style search engine but it seemed to work this time.

Here are a number of threads that might be useful, be wary of any info which might be out of date.

https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/search/?q=Gibraltar &type=forums_topic&nodes=149

 

JB 

Edit: "They're a thieving bunch and will take anything they can" refers to the apes, not the drivers 

Edited March 26, 2019 by John Bull

[pcrum]

Thank you!

[SixOneTwo]

Is a private excursion to Gibraltar a possibility from a port stop in Cadiz?

[John Bull]

21 minutes ago, SixOneTwo said:

Is a private excursion to Gibraltar a possibility from a port stop in Cadiz?

 

Yes - with a caveat.

It's a very straightforward 90-minute drive to the Gib, border.

But there are often long & slow lines for cars crossing into Gibraltar, sometimes taking several hours (re my earlier post I think coaches can avoid that line). Sometimes the same for leaving Gib.

 

Because of that, whenever we've driven to Gib we've parked at one of the many carparks a couple of minutes' walk from the border in La Linea, and crossed on foot (no delay). Lots of others do the same.

Then five minutes on a local bus to the town (euros accepted) 

Going up the Rock is easier by van/taxi because of parking at places like St Michael's cave & past the apes den.

The town is easy to explore on foot.

 

If you rent a car, agencies at Cadiz rail station are a 10 to 20 minute walk (depending where your captain parks) whereas town centre agencies are a cab ride away. But there'll be a small premium location fee for renting at the rail station.

 

If you prefer not to rent a car I suggest you just need a car & driver. I doubt you'd find a Gib driver/guide in Cadiz and you really don't need a guide in Gib. 

 

JB 

 

 

[SixOneTwo]

John Bull, thanks for all of the detailed insight. One last question, is a train a possibility from Cadiz to some practical point in Gibraltar?

[John Bull]

44 minutes ago, SixOneTwo said:

John Bull, thanks for all of the detailed insight. One last question, is a train a possibility from Cadiz to some practical point in Gibraltar?

 

 

No - there are train stations in  San Roque and Algeciras, both are a taxi ride from the Gib border but there's no direct train ride to either from Cadiz. Shortest train ride involves about 3 changes of train and 8 hours journey time!!!!

So I'm afraid that by train is a no-no.

 

You could google for buses, but I doubt there's a service into Gib. - bus destinations near Gib would probably be La Linea or Algeciras 

 

JB  

Edited March 28, 2019 by John Bull

[SixOneTwo]

Again, thanks.  Will have to include this in another trip, another time.

 

[John Bull]

1 hour ago, SixOneTwo said:

Again, thanks.  Will have to include this in another trip, another time.

 

 

Lots of cruises include a port stop in Gib

(one reason being that it's a port outside the EU, which means EU taxes aren't applied to shipboard purchases).

So for your next Med trip mebbe look for Gib on the itineraries. Or Gib plus Andalusia (and a day-trip to Tangiers, Morocco?) for pre/post-cruise out of Barcelona or Malaga

 

Happy sailings

 

JB 

Edited March 29, 2019 by John Bull

[LondonTowner]

If I was stopping in Malaga or Cadiz for a day I certainly wouldn’t bother withoing all the way to Gibraltar. There’s much more to see and do in those cities than there is in Gib, particularly in Malaga.

 

 

[pcrum]

Just now, LondonTowner said:

If I was stopping in Malaga or Cadiz for a day I certainly wouldn’t bother withoing all the way to Gibraltar. There’s much more to see and do in those cities than there is in Gib, particularly in Malaga.

 

 

What would you recommend in Malaga?

[LondonTowner]

Well, if I hadn’t been before it would have to be a visit to the Alhambra in Granada.

 

what I would do is related to what myself and OH like. So, we’d probably visit the Thyssen Museum and the Car Museum. Have a few tapas and then a G&T in the rooftop bar of the Hotel Malaga Palacio or the Parador.

 

There is loads of info on what to do in both places, so do a search or look on Tripadvisor.

[ollienbertsmum]

On 3/26/2019 at 6:54 PM, pcrum said:

Hi:

 

We will be traveling on the NCL Epic, arriving in Malaga on May 9.  Our ship offers a Gibraltar On Your Own Tour that is basically transportation to Gibraltar.  Once we get to Gibraltar, do you recommend a private tour, or can we see the sites just walking on our own.  We are a fairly fit middle aged couple.  Any hints on what not to miss is Gibraltar.  We will have around 4 hours there to do as we please.

 

Thank you.

 

John Bull has answered your question well.  

 

If you only have 4 hours, and you have come all the way from Malaga then you would be advised to do a Rock tour.  I would go with a taxi tour to be honest.  The driver may suggest you pair up with other tourists to keep the per person cost down.   The drivers give a good narrated tour.  They cannot go into the sites because they are obliged to stay in their vehicles on the one-way roads.  They tell you where to meet them.  

 

Not sure where your meeting point is to get back to the ship.  You would have time to do a bit of duty free shopping on Main Street and take a photo posting a post card in the red pillar boxes.  

 

Enjoy Gibraltar.  I work in a clinic overlooking the main square - I will wave down to you on 9 th May. 

[little britain]

On 3/26/2019 at 5:54 PM, pcrum said:

Hi:

 

We will be traveling on the NCL Epic, arriving in Malaga on May 9.  Our ship offers a Gibraltar On Your Own Tour that is basically transportation to Gibraltar.  Once we get to Gibraltar, do you recommend a private tour, or can we see the sites just walking on our own.  We are a fairly fit middle aged couple.  Any hints on what not to miss is Gibraltar.  We will have around 4 hours there to do as we please.

 

Thank you.

^^^  Malaga versus Gibraltar -no brainer! 

I often treat Gibraltar as a 'sea day'........

 

 

[John Bull]

1 hour ago, little britain said:

^^^  Malaga versus Gibraltar -no brainer! 

I often treat Gibraltar as a 'sea day'........

 

 

 

And I treat Malaga as a "drive into the countryside day"  

Each to their own. 

 

Yes, Gib has its limitations as you're clearly aware, having taken a number of cruises that stop there.

But you're being more than a bit unfair - it's a unique and interesting place that's well worth the day for folk who've never been there.

 

JB  

[campolady]

We all have personal preferences but Gibraltar is nowhere near as interesting as Malaga IMO.  Gibraltar has a good historic past but doesn't have enough to tempt me the travelling time there from Malaga.

 

Edited April 25, 2019 by campolady

[campolady]

On 4/1/2019 at 8:36 PM, pcrum said:

What would you recommend in Malaga?

A few suggestions pcrum:-

It is a 1.5 km walk from the cruise terminal to the port gates so a shuttle bus is provided at a cost of 5 Euros. If you feel energetic and want to walk through the port you will pass the recently built 'Muelle Uno' ('Pier One') bar. restaurant and shops development that is a good place to break your journey. When you get to the port gates go straight across 2 roads (the second is Malagas main artery the Avenida Alameda Principal) and you will be in the heart of the old city. 

SHOPPING - Malaga is a great place for a bit of retail therapy - the main shopping street is the pedestrianized Calle Larios. As well as all the well known international stores, and the big Spanish department store El Corte Ingles, the city is home to many artisan shops many of which specialise in local food produce, hand crafted Silverware and Flamenco clothing. Larger stores and the market are closed on Sundays but some smaller/privately owned shops do open.

ARAB BATHS - Missed by most visitors to Malaga the Arab baths are a great place to unwind and be massaged by experts using centuries old techniques. 

GIBRALFARO CASTLE - Bus 35 from the Parque de Malaga (park opposite the port) will take you right up the hill to the Gibralfaro Castle entrance. Soaring over the city, the 14th century castle was built to defend the citadel and provides spectacular views over Malaga bay and over the Bullring. After visiting the Castle walk back down the hill for less than 5 minutes and you will come to the entrance of the Parador Hotel - a really lovely place to stop for a Coffee break; you can get the bus back into the city centre from outside the Parador gates. 

ALCAZABA - Situated below the Gibralfaro Castle is the Alcazaba, a fascinating Moorish Citadel with many features similar to those found at the Alhambra in Granada (but without the crowds!). You can buy a reduced price joint entrance ticket for both Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba.

 ROMAN THEATRE RUINS AND DIG - Situated at the base of the Alcazaba, visitors are now allowed to walk through the ongoing archaeological Dig to get a closer look at the ruins; closed Mondays. 

CATHEDRAL - A truly spectacular building known as the One Armed Lady as only one tower was built - probably due to lack of funds but legend has it that money for the second tower was sent to rebel US forces to help them in their battle against the Brits in the War of Independence. Next to the Cathedral is the Bishops Palace Square which is a great place to sit and people watch. 

MUSEUMS - Malaga is home to far too many museums to list them all but these are my particular favourites:-Picasso Museum, Carmen Thyssen Museum, Glass + Crystal Museum and Motor Museum/Fashion Museum.TAPAS BARS - Malaga is a Foodies paradise. You are spoiled for choice of high class restaurants but, for us, Tapas is the only way to go. Definitely try the local speciality 'Fritura Malaguena' which is a delicious mix of deep fried small fish. Just follow locals into a bar and you won't go far wrong. 

CHURROS - Churros are deep fried Donut-like fingers served with very thick Hot Chocolate or Coffee (dunking is compulsory lol!) can be found in many of Malagas traditional bars but Casa Aranda is a Churros institution visited by people from all over the world. 

BEACHES - If walking around a city isn't your thing, Malaga has several beaches close to the city centre. The best known is La Malagueta Beach about 5 minutes walk from the port entrance - the beach is especially popular with locals and is fringed with some good Chiringuitos (beach bar/restaurants).. 

HOHO BUS - The sightseeing tour bus stops immediately outside the port gates and takes you all around the city including a trip up to Gibralfaro Castle. 

MALAGA PARK/PARQUE DE MALAGA - Situated just across the road outside the port gates (and by the drop off point for the shuttle bus) this is an oasis in the city. Parakeets, Tropical Trees, small childrens play area and peace + quiet make this a nice place to relax.

 

Edited April 25, 2019 by campolady

[Alaskanb]

I recollect visiting a bullring museum in Malaga -fascinating if you have never seen one

[Hlitner]

On ‎4‎/‎1‎/‎2019 at 1:36 PM, pcrum said:

What would you recommend in Malaga?

We consider Malaga as a "gateway" port to that entire region of Spain.  You have many options depending on your own personal wants.  The easiest day would be to simply stay in Malaga and explore the city.  Once you leave the city you spend weeks and not get bored.  Some folks will go all the way to Granada so see the Alhambra (they have reserved timed admission) which is best done on a tour.  We will often rent a car and just drive off to do multiple things.  Perhaps we will drive all the way to Ronda which has its own charm (especially around the Gorge).  On other trips we might drive over to Marbella for some shopping.  or perhaps a drive in the other direction to Nerja for a beach day, visiting nearby caves, etc.  In many ways I consider this port similar to Naples in that there is an option for every mood.  I did leave Gibraltar out of the mix because that has already been ably handled by JB's knowledgeable posts.  But we do tend to leave Gibraltar to the monkeys and spend our time in Spain :).

 

Hank

[SKYLAI]

I tried to contact the semi private tours on Gibraltar, but they are full booked on the date when my cruise arrives.

 

I wonder how much are the taxi cost to to the rock and see the St-Michael's cave and the Apes.

[campolady]

2 hours ago, SKYLAI said:

I tried to contact the semi private tours on Gibraltar, but they are full booked on the date when my cruise arrives.

 

I wonder how much are the taxi cost to to the rock and see the St-Michael's cave and the Apes.

It was 26 euro earlier this year.  There are many minibuses waiting right outside the cruise terminal; they take 8 people and set off as soon as they are full.

[relaxatsea]

Three years ago, we took a public bus to the cable car station the Casemates Square.  We bought tickets and went up to see the Rock on our own.  We then took another public bus back to the Casemates Square and walked around there for a while.  We enjoyed Gibraltar very much, and the views were magnificent from the top of the Rock.