I am new to this forum and couldn't find a section for Gibraltar, so just chose this general Europe one; hope someone can help. We will be on a Med cruise from Sept. 12-Oct. 3, 2020, and will visit Gibraltar on Sept. 28 from 7AM-5PM. We are thinking of taking RS's advice (from his Europe guidebook) and buying tickets ahead for the cable car to the top and then walking down to see the sights on the way, rather than taking a tour. My question is this: I read several places that if it's at all windy, the cable car will not run. If we have previously-purchased tickets, will they be refunded or are we just out of luck? This possibility is the only thing that's making me think maybe we should do a tour, not so much worried about losing money on the tickets, but am afraid at that point, we'd be out of luck for getting any tour. Any help/advice from someone who's been there would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
We did exactly what you want to do except that we just bought the tickets for the cable car when we got there. As I remember the line was about five minutes long. At least it wasn't long enough to leave a major impression. It was windy but not exceptionally so. Do watch out for the monkeys -- they are aggressive.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you! I think we will maybe just chance getting there quickly (maybe by taxi from ship terminal), getting in line, & getting tickets. If it happens to be closed, maybe we can get a taxi ride as far to the top as they go & then walking down.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
What is your concern about ticket lines? Are you reading that lines are impossibly long? We were on a cruise ship and actually walked in. It is a bit of a hike -- maybe a mile or so to the cable cars -- easy to find. We were the only ship and it was a smaller Holland America ship. You can check "Whatsinport" to see if there is another cruise ship in port. It is a small port so don't know how many ships can dock.
Once on top we walked a little further up and could vaguely see Africa. And then walk down very slowly. Enjoyed exploring the WWII bunkers carved into the rock. Shortly after that we broke off the path and took the stairs down -- a lot of stairs. Once down found a British pub for a beer, snacks and then started walking back to the ship. I think we sailed at six or seven. Have a great picture of the road crossing gates down with cars backed up and a plane landing. Like a RR crossing. The road that runs directly across the airport's landing strip.
Posted by
Portsmouth
5555 posts
I've been to Gibraltar twice, the second time because my parents wanted me to take them otherwise once was enough. On both occasions we didn't have pre-arranged tours, once across the border there are plenty of tour guides that will take you on a tour either on your own or as a group (they all have licenced minibuses). Obviously you pay less to join a group tour. Our first tour was excellent, our second one was not.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you for all your help; it's much appreciated!
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
I wouldn't pre-purchase tickets. When we went, the line wasn't outrageous (April). The plan was to cable car to the top and see sights walking down.
The winds kicked up while we were in line. We got our money back then were ushered onto taxi vans (randomly filled with other people who were in line) waiting outside. I had planned on a taxi as backup. With the taxi we visited all the sights, had a guide commentary from the driver and were able to take photos with the Barbary apes.
Overall, I'm glad we ended up on a taxi and I'd suggest it as the better plan A. You will be able to find taxi vans near the ship and I believe the price for the tour is set.