I'm planning a three to four week trip to Spain and Portugal in Sept/Oct. There is so much I want to see that I'll have to make choices. I generally don't cross borders just to say I've been on the other side and I usually skip places that are solely tourist traps. That said, how much do I miss skipping Gibraltar and Tanger as day trips?
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Knowing you, maybe: Gibraltar for the history and to see how many ships are passing through the strait at any one time. You can skip Tanger for your whole life and not have missed anything........the rest of the country, however, is worth a month at least.
Posted by
Chicago/Rural WI
811 posts
I can't speak to Tangier, but regarding Gibraltar... I enjoyed it for a few reasons: - the monkeys on the Rock were a hoot. My husband, on the other hand, was less than enamored with their antics when one decided to get up close and personal by springing up and hugging him. - the views from up top were incredible and worth the detour - it was really, really nice to have a ham-less lunch for once Overall, it was a real slice and I'm glad we took the time to visit... once.
Posted by
Chicago, USA
81 posts
I had to pick between Gibralter and Tanger and I picked Tanger. And do not regret it at all . The exposure to a different culture the tiny little paths in the Casabah. Sipping mint tea in a cafe where Jim Morrison used to go too. Stand underneath teh Balocy where Matt Damon jumped from in Bourne identity ( mu husbands favoriet movie ) and the food was worth the day trip any day. You have to get a local good guide not a tour that the hotels have to offer they stick you in a bus with 20 other people, We did a private tour just me and my husband with our own guide and driver who were willing to go where ever we wanted to and stop whenever and when ever we wanted to and it was a great experience! Let me know if you need the number of the guide! He was awesome we felt spolt and indulged and the price was not too extravagant. 230 euros for two people all things inclusive including the ferry ride from Tarifa.
Posted by
OP
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
Thanks for the responses. More to think about...
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I have to agree with Sarah...although it is a big city, it was a unique cultural experience. Intense and overwhelming, but totally worthwhile. I did enjoy my ventures out into the countrside more (Assilah and Chefchouen ), but if I had only been to Tangiers I would not have been disappointed.
Posted by
S.F. Bay Area, CA, United States
1878 posts
Of the two, my wife and I have only been to Gibraltar. Twice, and we made it a point to go back the second time. It's probably the only place where you can take a picture like this:
http://flic.kr/p/9nCzHK In fact, we rented a car in Spain specifically so that we could return to Gibraltar. Otherwise we could have done fine on the train. The caves are also really neat.
Posted by
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA
62 posts
I enjoyed visiting both, but I have to say that in either case those destinations are a long way from the typical Spanish tourist centers like Madrid or Barcelona. If you are going to be in the South of Spain as a part of your trip then by all means make a visit Gibraltar or Tangier, but I would not go out of my way to visit either one specifically.