Gibraltar entry

I'd park in La Linea and walk across/back. The Spanish border guards can be hopeless at any time in processing vehicles. And occasionally (usually to distract from some domestic problem), the Madrid government throws a hissy fit and makes things even worse. With Spain's current political problems that could happen any time.

It's an easy walk.

Thank you so much!

I've always parked on the Spanish side, there's a manned, underground car park pretty much five minutes walk from the border. You'll drive smugly past the very long line of cars queuing up to drive into Gibraltar. It's all rather pathetic on behalf of the Spanish authorities in respect of this particular border, I'm sure the Moroccan authorities don't act with such ineptitude.

BTW, it's a British Overseas Territory not an English one.

Once you pass through the border you will be accosted by drivers offering you guided tours in their minibuses. We've taken two of these tours, one was very good, one wasn't. They are a good way of touring the rock in a speedy and efficient manner and with a knowledgable guide, our first one taught us so much whilst our second one was more interested in telling us stories of his ex wife and wondering where his next shot of brandy was going to come from, trust your gut instincts if you're going to go with this option.

Thanks for the information!

We walked across and found it easy and hassle-free. You may already know, but if you walk into Gibraltar from the border, you will actually walk over the runway for the Gilbraltar airport. Before we went, and when I found a video on YouTube showing that, shared it with my spouse, and it resulted in a big "Cool!!" It was a unique experience to see, but we did not walk the entire way...we were met by a guide upon walking into the territory. And, yes cars can for a really long line for clearance, especially when workers re going to/fro work. I cannot advise re: parking, as our day guide transferred us smoothly to our Gibraltar guide (using cell phones to connect), so we had what is likely an exceptional experience.....dropped off very close, thru border control, meet our guide and then drive on our way for the tour.......reverse course smoothly upon departing.

I would suggest arranging a guide ahead of time, so you will be met by someone who can easily show you what you are interested in seeing. Emily with South Ole Spain tours arranged the most wonderful guide, who efficiently showed us what we wanted to see, explained what we were seeing, and told us about the history, along with sharing what life is like in Gibraltar now. I recall he had been the assistant chief of police (or commissioner...or whatever it is called). He was fabulous, truly professional, and drove us between major sights. We did not take the time to visit the city/shopping part, as our time was limited (due to our wanting to get on to our overnight stay in Old Town Marbella).

We went to the top of the rock (do be careful with the apes...we watched one open someone's backpack and then warned the person, who was otherwise clueless....we visited the cave, the siege tunnels (very interesting), and went to the point.....while our time there was maybe three or so hours, it was definitely worth the drive (we traveled from Granada thru Ronda, to Gibraltar, and then over to Marbella that day.......a long day!

We were there in early March that year, so while there were other tourists, it was not overrun with people......pleasant, and the weather was great!

Enjoy your trip!

Thanks for all the info. Very helpful.

We also parked in a parking garage in La Linea. We walked across the border and through downtown to the cable car. I had planned to take the cable car because it goes higher than the taxis will take you. While we were standing in line, the cable cars shut down because of wind. We all grouped into taxi vans (my plan B) that took us to see the sights.

In retrospect the taxi van may have been the better choice. The driver gives you a good overview while he's driving. It's probably the most efficient way to see the major sights. Plus the driver uses treats to make sure you get a photo op with a Barbary Ape on your arm, shoulder or head if you want one. After the tour, we walked back through town, had a traditional pub grub meal and went back to our car.