Costa del Sol - Page 3

Gibraltar

A side trip to Gibraltar was on the plan today. In partly fantastic weather we drive towards the significant 426 m high rock. The British overseas territory at the southern tip of Spain is located at the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates Europe and Africa. It is not only interesting because of its special geographical location. It also attracts as a tax haven and headquarters for mail box companies. But of course we first drove past the Europa Point lighthouse on the Apes Den to the funny fellows. The British are interested in that the Barbary Apes are doing well, as the legend says that Gibraltar will remain in British hands as long as they live there. Here you should close the pockets and be vigilant, the monkeys are cheeky 🙂.

Inside the rock, in addition to St. Michael's Cave, are the Great Siege Tunnels. Driven into the rock from the year 1779, and expanded during World War II, the tunnels were equipped with cannons. In the impressive defense system you can see, among other things, reconstructed accommodation of the soldiers and has ingenious views from holes in the rock. Back in the center we walked a bit along the crowded Mainstreet before we turned off towards the airport. Its runway is only about 2000 m long and bordered on both sides by the sea. Because of the lack of space the runway crosses the only road connection with Spain. This is then closed, as with a railroad crossing, for each takeoff and landing. The only 6.5 m² large area of Gibraltar are also the reason that the local national soccer team does not get its own stadium, home games are played in Faro, Portugal.

Tarifa - Tanger

When you are already close to Africa, you want to cross over. That's what we did in Tarifa, a town at the narrowest point of the Strait of Gibraltar. This also made it strategically important. Today it is a paradise for kiters and surfers. Once there, we visited the Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno, a about 1000 years old fortress. Across the street the big ferries were already waiting. We still had time and walked along the wide sandy beach, also to the small island Isla de Tarifa, the southernmost point of the European mainland. It is connected to the mainland by a 150 m long causeway. If one includes unconnected islands, the southernmost point of Europe is the Greek island Gavdos, south of Crete.

When our ferry arrived, it was scrupulously checked all around, probably a popular destination for stowaways. The fast ferry takes only 35 minutes to Moroccan Tangier. After strict controls we were allowed ashore, already expected by begging children. For us, it went first of all from the ferry port up a hill to the Kasbah district of the old town. Small alleys, colorful houses and many stores with products of local craftsmanship. Here you also have a fine view over the harbor area to the sea. Even if the city is more European than other Moroccan cities, you should be dressed modestly as a woman here.

Very intrusive looks accompanied us, also the relatively aggressive salesmanship of the dealers are things that are a little uncomfortable at first. But everything went peacefully and relaxed here, in the evening we went back with the ferry to Spain.