March 2017 - More because of curiosity than visiting another WHS we went to Gibraltar. As we understood, it is quite expensive to park your car in Gibraltar, we tried to find a spot in La Linea. Luckily we found a spot for free, not too far from the border, so no worries about limited time in Gibraltar. At the border, there is a passport check and you have to cross the runway of the airport. Just before we wanted to cross, the border was closed and we had to wait for the arrival of the next plane. By feet you arrive at the main town of Gibraltar which is full of pubs, shops and tourist traps, that try to sell overprized bus trips to the Mediterranean steps and to the top of the Rock. Probably worth it, but our budget did not allow. We had a english early lunch and took the public bus to Europe Point, the southern tip of the Peninsula. From there you have a nice view at Marocco and for some reason, there is a giant modern mosque; a present of the Saudi King. From there you can walk along the east shore of Gibraltar until you reach the 3rd Battery. The viewing platform wasnt built back then, but at this spot you could look at the Caves entrances and it is in the corezone of the WHS.
Rather dissapointing is the other side of the road. Lokks like a garbage disposal and burning facility. Since you are not allowed to cross the tunnel, we took a hike towords the top and met a few of the famous monkeys. There are numerous military buildings but you have a nice view from the top, but of course its not the same than climbing all the way to THE ROCK. For us it was enough of Gibraltar though, and we could check it on our list.
Be sure to buy some booze. It is very cheap in comparison to Spain. Spanish Sherrys and Gins were half the price here. Probably limited though. All in all a nice experience, I guess the defence structures would have made it on the list as well together with the ROCK. I am not a fan of visiting archaelogical sites.