Sunday 17th March 2019
Happy St Patrick’s Day to one and all and the many people we saw in Gibraltar dressed in various combinations of green for the occasion.
The last time we had travelled to Gibraltar from Ronda along with my mum and dad was about 15 years ago and the road conditions have definitely improved since then đ It was more of dirt track, with very little of the road complete all those years ago and our experience this time was enhanced not only by tarmac but with the stunning views we encountered along the A-369 & A-377 through the SerranĂa de Ronda landscape.
It is also possible to take the more direct route from Ronda on the A-397 to San Pedro to meet the AP-7 but not as interesting.
Along our journey we encountered several âmiradorsâ which take advantage of the views towards the villages on our route but we chose to stop at these on our way back.
In hindsight we wished we had stopped on the way, as the photographs we wanted to take werenât quite as good as the sun was going down by this time.
First village on our route, Atajate, the least populated village in the province of MĂĄlaga and the SerranĂa de Ronda.
Next village, Benadalid, in the Genal River Valley and close to the Guadiaro Valley, surrounded by the Cuco mountains and the Tajo de la Cruz gorges.
After passing BenalaurĂa in the distance we came to Algatocin, another of the well known Pueblos Blancos.
The village of BenarrabĂĄ was a mere dot in the vast landscape but our final white village, GaucĂn, which was by far the largest and most impressive mountain village, scattered across the two hills with amazing views to Gibraltar and North Africa, on a good day đ
As we descended the road out of GaucĂn heading south the views continued to impress as we passed Sierra Crestelina and the village of Casares nestled into the mountainside.
Finally we joined the AP-7 at Manilva on to San Roque, our gateway to Gibraltar.
After passing swiftly through Gibraltar Passport Control and the airport we made our way to Upper Town and the car park we remembered, where the cable car is located. The car park is divided into 3 coloured sections, one for local residents, free spaces and pay and display, so check where you park, if you don’t want to be wheel clamped.
We had been on the cable car previously so weren’t too bothered about doing it again but it’s a quick way to get to the top of the Rock, enjoy the fantastic views and meet the location population of Barbary Macaquesđ It cost around ÂŁ15.50 per person up & down.
Right next to the southern end of the car park are the Alameda Gibraltar Botanic Gardens and they are well worth visiting. Entrance to the gardens is free and they are a delight. A wonderful respite on a hot summers day I would imagine. We spent quite a long time meandering through this little oasis.
We could see the grand Rock Hotel from here and a new attraction named the Windsor Suspension Bridge. Apparently not for the faint hearted and I could see why! To take the bridge you have to purchase tickets for the Gibraltar Nature Reserve and Upper Rock.
We made our way back into Main Street, where we hoped we would find a suitable establishment for our long awaited Sunday treat.
On our walk we passed the South Bastion, Horatio Nelson Statue, the small Trafalgar Cemetery and The Gibraltar National Museum.
We eventually decided on The Royal Calpe Restaurant as they had a chalkboard advertising 4 different meat roasts. Perfect!
We chose a table outside but there was plenty of indoor tables too. The meal was buffet style and Ray opted for beef, whilst I sampled the turkey and roast pork.
The chef was generous carving the meat and there was an array of vegetables for all tastes to complete the meal. We were not disappointed.
Feeling suitable ‘full’ we headed back to the car and on to the southernmost point of Gibraltar, Europa Point, which we hadn’t visited before.
I wouldn’t say it was the highlight of a visit to Gibraltar but the drive on the road through the rock to get there and the views over the Straight of Gibraltar were worthwhile. A lighthouse, promenade, viewing areas and mosque completed the attractions, although there was also a cafe, children’s playground and a walk which you could from here.
Leaving the southern tip, we took the Europa Advance Road up the east side, passed a couple of small coves and beaches and the Rock of Gibraltar. It’s certainly not the prettiest road but the most direct back to the North District, From here we took the main road across Gibraltar Airport, where we did have to wait in traffic for a BA plane to land and taxi back to the terminal and finally through customs we started our journey back to camp.
Our day trip really doesn’t do Gibraltar justice and there are plenty of things to see and do, including 3 World Heritage sites and oodles of military history to keep you occupied for a few days.