Having left the Tarifa region and the Atlantic coast we drove east along the coast to the famous Rock of Gibraltar. We spent one night on the Spanish side of the border at the Marina Camping Park in La Línea de la Concepción. We rode our bikes across the border/airport runway and explored the very unique territory that is Gibraltar. Unfortunately the weather decided to welcome us with typical British fashion, intermittent showers combined with high winds, which curtailed our explorations somewhat. Our time there also coincided with some large cruise ships visiting the port, which made the small town centre very crowded. Having said all that what I saw I liked. The geology and history along with the mix of cultures was fascinating. Gibraltar is well worth a visit and hopefully further exploration when we have a bit more time. Here are some fun facts about Gibraltar:

• Gibraltar is an British Overseas Territory and have twice voted, in 1967 and 2002, to remain so.
• Gibraltar is home to some 30,000 inhabitants
• To enter Gibraltar on foot or by bike/scooter you must cross the airport runway, so as planes land the border is closed. Luckily there are only 3-4 commercial arrivals and same number of departures each day. Cars and other motorised vehicles now pass in a tunnel under the runway.
• Much of Gibraltar’s workforce live in Spain and timing ones commute has an added complication if the runway crossing has to close. Great excitement for the many tourists who turn out to view the spectacle not so much if you are late for work.
• Inhabitants of Gibraltar are are called “gibraltarenños” or colloquially “llanitos”
• The official language of Gibraltar is English but they have their own unique language called ‘Llanito’ which is a mixture of Andalusian Spanish and British English
• Gibraltar has an very low tax rate and no VAT (sales tax)
• Economically the service sector, specifically maritime, financial and tourism, creates most of Gibraltar’s revenue
• Favourable taxes and laws have made Gibraltar a base for many casinos and online bookmakers
• ‘The Rock’ is 426m (1,400ft) high, most of the upper part is a nature reserve.
• It has the only wild monkey population in Europe, over 300 Barbary Macaque monkeys call Gibraltar home.
• There are 150 caves and over 52km of tunnels inside the rock of Gibraltar, these were used during the numerous sieges and wars that have been waged in the region. You can also see the battlements and walled defences throughout The Rock.
• Gorham’s Cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site a site of archaelogical interest it is considered to be one of the last know habitations of the Neanderthal in Europe
• In a half an hour by fast ferry you can be in Tangiers, Morocco.
• Gibraltar is a full member of soccer’s UEFA since 2013 and FIFA since 2016. They played in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, having been previously denied membership in 2007.
• Rugby Union is also popular and Gibraltar is believed to be the birthplace of the rugby variant Tag Rugby