Many who are vacationing in the Algarve also take the opportunity to explore some of the cities in southern Spain. Huelva, Seville, Granada and Malaga are some of Andalusia’s most famous cities, but very close there is a small town that does not belong to Spain, but to the United Kingdom. Just three and a half hours by car since Castro Marim, in the Algarve, be aware that the city that is known by the presence of monkeys, despite being English territory, does not require passport to the Portuguese at the entrance.
Easy entry for Portuguese citizens
Gibraltar, overseas British territory located at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula, remains accessible to Portuguese citizens without passport requirement. Despite belonging to the UK, the enclave allows entry with the citizen card or identity ticket, facilitating tourism and regular travel, especially in the post-Brexit context.
The small peninsula, which borders land with the Spanish city of La Linea de la Concepción, is daily crossed by thousands of people, including tourists, workers and residents. The border is the main entry point for those who arrive by land, being effective but generally fast border control. The local airport, although small, receives direct flights from the UK only.
With an area of less than seven square kilometers, Gibraltar stands out as a tourist destination mainly by the presence of its imposing rock, views of North Africa and the presence of the only wild monkeys in Europe, theberbere monkeys, which inhabit the Nature Reserve of Upper Rock. Driving is on the right, as in Portugal, but with narrow roads and tight curves that require extra prudence of drivers.
Conduction and parking with precaution
According to the blog, visitors who choose to take a car should bear in mind that circulation within the territory can be challenging. Apart from intense traffic, especially in the summer months, parking is scarce and expensive. Private vehicle access to the Nature Reserve is not allowed, and only licensed taxis and organized excursions are authorized.
With regard to currency, the sterling pound is the official unit in Gibraltar. However, in some establishments it is possible to use euros, although the exchange rate is not always favorable to the visitor. For this reason it is advisable to use credit cards that do not cover additional fees on abroad payments as a way to minimize conversion costs.
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One of Gibraltar’s most curious particularities is the track of its airport, which literally crosses the main road. All vehicles and pawns who wish to enter or leave the territory have to cross the track, being interrupted traffic whenever there are aerial movements. This feature becomes one of the most unusual elements of local infrastructure.
To climb to the top of the famous rock, the most practical form is through the cable car, known as Cable Car. In just six minutes, visitors are transported to the highest point, where there are some of the most sought after attractions, including the SkyWalka Saint Michael’s Cavea Windsor Suspension Bridge and the Moorish Castle. These attractions are inserted in the Upper Rock Nature Reservethe green and protected zone of the rock.
Nature Reserve and the famous monkeys
The Nature Reserve, accessible only for authorized transport, offers not only stunning landscapes but also the possibility of observing the famous primates closely. These animals circulate freely throughout the area and are one of the most emblematic images of Gibraltar, being used to the human presence, although the security rules should be respected in their contact.
At the legal level, although Gibraltar is out of the European Union, Portuguese citizens do not need any visa for up to 90 days for tourist purposes. Brazilian citizens must present the passport, but are also exempt from visa for the same type of stay. This policy maintains Gibraltar as a destination accessible to various Lusophone audiences.
British laws in force
British rules apply to the territory, namely with regard to the prohibition of smoking in public spaces such as restaurants, hotels or shopping centers. This standard is strictly fulfilled and visitors should be alert to avoid violations during their stay.
Gibraltar is about 120 km from Cadiz, 140 km from Malaga and 210 km from Seville, which facilitates terrestrial access to those traveling from southern Spain. Geographic proximity combined with ease of entry make the territory a frequent stop in scripts throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
Geopolitical importance throughout history
Its strategic location, at the meeting point between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, has always given Gibraltar a geopolitical role of high importance. Gibraltar’s narrow control has been the target of disputes and achievements throughout history, which reinforces the symbolic and strategic value of the territory.
The rock, seen from the top or from the sea, is a striking image. Its grandeur and high position explain the military and commercial relevance that the place has always had. For visitors, it is also a place of contemplation, where nature, history and landscape cross.
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