Many of those who choose the Algarve for vacation take advantage of the proximity to discover South Spain. Huelva, Seville, Granada or Malaga are some of the most visited Andalusian cities. However, there is a very close destination that although it is in the Iberian Peninsula, it does not belong to Spain, but to the United Kingdom. The city concerned is about three and a half hours by car from Castro Marim, on the leventy Algarve and the Portuguese do not need a passport to enter.
Free admission with citizen card
Despite being an overseas British territory, Gibraltar remains accessible to Portuguese citizens with the simple presentation of the citizen card or identity ticket. This ease remains in force even after Brexit, which continues to allow an ‘uncomplicated’ input for tourist purposes or punctual travel.
Land border with the Spanish city of La Linea de la Concepción, Gibraltar receives thousands of visitors daily, including tourists, workers and residents.
Earth entrance is done through a generally fast border post, although with safety control. The small local airport only operates flights from the UK.
A rock, monkeys and view to Africa
With less than seven square kilometers of area, Gibraltar attracts travelers for the grandeur of his rock, the panoramic view of North Africa and the only wild monkeys in Europe, the famous shades. These primates inhabit the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and live daily with visitors.
Although driving is done on the right, as in Portugal, the roads are narrow and curved, requiring special attention from drivers. The car circulation within the territory is limited and parking is scarce and expensive, especially in the summer months.
Few parking lots and a lot of traffic
According to the travel blog, circulating by car in Gibraltar can be a demanding experience. Traffic is intense and the number of parking spaces is very limited. In addition, private vehicle access to the Rochedo Nature Reserve is prohibited. Only licensed taxis and authorized excursions can enter.
The official currency is the pound sterling, although some establishments accept euros. However, the exchange rate is not always advantageous, so it is recommended to use bank -free bank cards for payment abroad, reducing conversion costs.
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A plane track that crosses the road
One of the curiosities associated with Gibraltar is the airport track, which cuts the city’s main road. Whenever airplanes are moved, car and pedestrian traffic is temporarily interrupted, creating a unique experience for those who visit.
To climb to the top of the rock, the most practical medium is the cable car, the cable car. In just six minutes it takes visitors to the highest point of the peninsula, where there are several attractions, such as Skywalk, St. Michael Cave (St. Michael’s Cave), Windsor’s suspended bridge and Moorish Castle Castle), all located in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve.
Jobs ‘loose’ in Gibraltar
The Nature Reserve offers views for natural landscapes and allows direct contact with the marshes. These animals are used to the human presence, but it is essential to respect security rules, so they cannot touch or feed animals, under penalty of sanctions.
In legal terms, Gibraltar remains outside the European Union, but Portuguese citizens can visit the territory with no need for a visa for up to 90 days. Brazilian citizens, although needing a passport, are also exempt from visa for short -term tourist visits.
British laws to fulfill
Despite the geographical location, the territory follows the United Kingdom legislation. Among the rules in force is the ban on smoking in closed public spaces, such as restaurants, hotels and shopping centers, a rule that is rigidly applied and must be respected by visitors.
Gibraltar is about 120 kilometers from Cádis, 140 kilometers from Malaga and 210 kilometers from Seville, which may be a stop for a car traveling south of the Iberian Peninsula. Proximity, coupled with simplicity at the entrance, makes this British enclave an increasingly popular choice.
Strategic value over the centuries
The location of Gibraltar, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, gives it a geopolitical importance that crosses centuries. Gibraltar’s narrow control was historically a vital strategic point for military empires and sea, reflecting the symbolic and commercial weight of this territory.
The famous rock remains the great emblem of the place. Because it is visible miles away, it conveys a sense of power and ‘mystery’. For visitors, it is a space where nature, history and British culture intersect in the Iberian Costa.
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