Gibraltar: Rock the Rock

After spending a few days in Gibraltar with Peggy, I’ve got plenty of stories to share, a few laughs to look back on, and maybe some advice if you’re ever heading that way. Gibraltar is a small but peculiar place—British in spirit but with a Mediterranean twist, full of quirky experiences that make for a unique visit.

The Rock and the Macaques

No visit to Gibraltar would be complete without a trip to the famous Rock. It’s the centerpiece of this tiny territory, visible from miles away, and we wouldn’t miss the chance to visit it. When we sailed in the mist, we could see the rock appear from aboard our sailing vessel Bagabonda. The plan was simple: take the cable car up, take in the views, and meet the infamous macaques that rule the Rock like they own the place. And honestly, they do.

These cheeky little monkeys are as much a part of Gibraltar as the Union Jack flags fluttering in the wind. They’re not shy, either. The moment we stepped out of the cable car, they were strolling around like they were the ones on vacation. I swear one of them gave me a look like, “Yeah, I live here. What of it?” We kept our distance because I’d heard enough stories about these guys snatching bags and food. And it didn’t take long before a German tourist made the point when he left the shop with a sandwich wrapped in a bag outside his backpack that got snatched seconds after stepping outside. Still, it was amazing to see them up close, especially with the backdrop of Gibraltar stretching out below us. You can see the Mediterranean on one side and the Atlantic on the other, and if you squint, you can almost imagine where Europe and Africa meet.

Europa Point: The “Let’s Walk” Mistake

After our macaque encounter, we thought we’d stretch our legs and walk to Europa Point, the southernmost tip of Gibraltar. It looked like a straightforward walk on the map. But let me tell you, maps lie. Or at least they don’t tell you about the endless uphill climbs. We got about halfway there, sweating and cursing our over-enthusiastic decision to walk, when we gave up and hopped on a bus.

Now, Europa Point itself is stunning. You’ve got the lighthouse, the mosque, and views all the way to Africa on a clear day. It’s a place steeped in history and culture, where you can really feel the convergence of different worlds. We caught our breath, took in the scenery, and quietly resolved never to trust a walking route in Gibraltar again.

The Hunt for Good Food… and Fish and Chips?

When you think of Mediterranean cuisine, your mind probably goes to fresh seafood, tapas, and all kinds of culinary delights. So, we were surprised to find that many restaurants in Gibraltar seem obsessed with fish and chips. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy good fish and chips as much as the next person, but why is it the star of the show here? It felt like every place we passed had it front and center on their menus, almost like they were trying to outdo each other on who could fry the best cod.

Thankfully, we did find some good spots that offered more variety. There’s something nice about being able to sit outside, enjoy the warm breeze, and dig into something a bit more… adventurous. We even had some great seafood that reminded us we were still on the Mediterranean. But seriously, if you go, just be prepared to see more than your fair share of fish and chips signs!

Shopping for Provisions and the Hunt for a Two-Prong Plug

We spent part of our time in Gibraltar provisioning for the next leg of our journey. Now, provisioning in Gibraltar has its perks—it’s duty-free, so you can find good deals on certain items. We stocked up on essentials for Bagabonda and felt pretty good about it until we hit a snag.

We realized we needed a two-prong plug. Simple, right? Wrong. You’d think being so close to Spain, we could easily find a standard European two-prong plug, but no. This is Gibraltar, where the British rule, and apparently, so does their plug system. We went from shop to shop, explaining what we needed, and were met with blank stares or indifference. At one point, it felt like we were searching for some mythical object no one had ever heard of. I’ll tell you, it was a humbling experience. Eventually, we found one, but not without a struggle.

Fueling Under the Airport Runway

One of the more surreal experiences in Gibraltar was fueling Bagabonda under the airport runway. Yes, you read that right. Gibraltar’s airport is famous for having its runway intersect with the main road, but what you might not know is that the marina’s fueling dock is situated right beneath it. As we were filling up, a plane came in to land right over our heads. It’s one of those moments where you stop and think, “Only in Gibraltar.” It’s both thrilling and a little nerve-wracking to see a jet so close while you’re handling fuel!

The Streets of Gibraltar: The Good, the Bad, and the Crowded

Main Street is the heart of Gibraltar. It’s lively, bustling, and packed with people—locals, tourists, and shoppers all mingling together. The shops are a mix of British high street staples and quirky local businesses, and while it’s fun to wander down Main Street, it’s also a bit of a challenge. The crowds can get overwhelming, and there’s always a sense of organized chaos. It’s charming in its own way, but if you’re looking for a peaceful stroll, you might want to look elsewhere.

Outside the main hub, Gibraltar’s streets tell a different story. Many areas don’t have proper sidewalks—or footpaths, as they call them here. It makes walking around a bit precarious, especially when you’re dodging traffic on narrow roads. The streets themselves aren’t the cleanest either, which was a little disappointing. There’s a lot of beauty in Gibraltar, but some of the streets could definitely use a bit of TLC.

And don’t get me started on the service in some of the shops. I’m not sure if it’s a post-Brexit thing or just a quirk of Gibraltar, but a lot of the shopkeepers seemed more like they were working for the public service than in retail. It felt like a chore for them to answer questions or help you find something. Maybe that’s just part of the charm, but it did leave us scratching our heads more than once.

Reflecting on Our Gibraltar Adventure

In the end, Gibraltar is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression—part British, part Mediterranean, and wholly unique. Our three days there were full of unexpected moments, from the thrill of fueling under the runway to our near-defeat by the macaques. Yes, we had our challenges—like finding that elusive two-prong plug—but those little quirks are part of what makes traveling fun.

If I had to give some advice to anyone planning a visit: come prepared for the weird and wonderful. Gibraltar isn’t like anywhere else. Take time to explore outside of Main Street, but be ready to deal with some chaotic streets and less-than-enthusiastic customer service. Make sure to visit the Rock (the macaques won’t let you forget it), and if you’re thinking about walking anywhere far, double-check the elevation before you go!