Are the Gibraltarian monkeys really so impudent? What is inside the Rock of Gibraltar? How to get to Europa Point on foot and what is there actually to see? What do the Gibraltarians think about life after Brexit? Read on and see for yourself.
The Gibraltarian macaques are one of the main reasons why tourists visit this remote part of Europe. Their image as devious thieves waiting for every opportunity to rob poor passers-by is well known worldwide. But isn’t that at least part of it a bit exaggerated? According to my experience, it is.
As we went to observe those furry Gibraltarians, we actually found them pretty cute. They weren’t interested in us at all, jut continued in their daily business as usual. One was trying to find the best roots to eat, others were eating oranges provided by the rangers, and the little ones were playing or fighting with their siblings and jumping from railing to branch. We also saw some that were trying to get things from people, but those were cases when these people were actually bothering them in some ways. So no wonder these still wild animals try to let them know they are no pets or toys.
Once up on the Rock, don´t miss the opportunity to explore what is actually inside the Rock. As you walk down from the upper station of the Cable Car, the first place to stop by is St. Michael´s Cave. It is actually a huge stalactite cave of numerous floors and I felt like Alice in Wonderland exploring it. It also serves as a concert hall, which in my opinion must be a stunning experience.
Next are the tunnels. Gibraltar, with its very strategic position and being used by military aplenty, had of course a strong need to hide military troops and equipment from the opponents throughout its history. And thus, tunnels were progressively made. First the Middle-ages Great Siege Tunnels, which are spectacular and full of very well made expositions and explanations. Then there are the modern tunnels. All are interconnected and together they form a system of 55 km (!!) of halls and ways. Actually, the tunnels under the Rock then they are longer the all the roads above! Just part of it is open to public and the guides give explanations in a very interesting way.
Part of the Great Siege Tunnels
Let´s move on away from the Rock and to the tip of Gibraltar. It is called the Europa Point and one way to get there on foot is through a tunnel which the pedestrians share with motorised traffic. Quite interesting and a bit scary, too. Once you get there, you will see that part of the point is still under construction. There is a lighthouse, a pricey restaurant and a mosque. Why would there be a mosque, you may ask? The reason is simple. The whole construction here is paid for by Saudi Arabia and this is said to be the biggest mosque outside of Arab world.
Finally, since this is a very current topic, we were interested in what Gibraltarians think about Brexit, since it will probably affect them much more than the UK mainland. Those we asked said that no one really knows what will happen with them. In London, the overseas territories are not the main problem. There are a lot of Spanish people working in services in Gibraltar, and Gibraltarians in Spanish companies, too. They are afraid that the border with Spain will close and it will be more difficult and time-consuming to get through. They think that a lot of people will move to the UK mainland in order to simplify thinks for them and Gibraltar will thus experience some decline. But Gibraltar`s will to stay British is very strong and my believe is that time will show us they will cope with Brexit well enough in the end.
We visited Gibraltar at the beginning of May and I think it was a perfect timing regarding weather, as it is not yet too hot to explore the stony patch of British land. Plus you can avoid the long queues at the border.