Gibraltar: the Rock, the macaques and a border with no queue, 40 minutes away

Under the EU–UK treaty signed on 14 July 2026, Gibraltar joined the Schengen area and the fence at La Línea came down. Passport checks now take place at the airport and the port instead of the land crossing; Spanish citizens can enter with their ID card and Gibraltar residents with their residence cards. Park in La Línea (several car parks next to the frontier) and walk in: driving into Gibraltar means queues and very scarce parking.

The nature reserve ticket (in August 2026: £30 for adults, £22 for children aged 5–11, free under 5) covers St Michael's Cave with its illuminated stalactite show, the Skywalk glass platform, the Windsor Suspension Bridge, the Great Siege Tunnels dug by hand in 1782, the Moorish Castle, the 100-tonne gun and all the footpaths. The Apes' Den is where you meet the macaques: keep bags closed, do not feed them (fines apply) and do not touch them.

The cable car closed in November 2025 for complete reconstruction and is expected to reopen around 2027. Until then, the way up is a taxi or minibus "Rock tour" from the frontier or the town (the easiest option, about 1.5 hours with stops). The Mediterranean Steps, the spectacular path up the south face, have been closed since a rockslide in May 2026.

Main Street is a mile of duty-free shops (perfume, electronics, spirits and tobacco within your customs allowance), pubs and squares. Casemates Square at the north end is a good place for lunch. Europa Point at the southern tip has the lighthouse, the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim mosque and a viewpoint over the Strait; a bus runs there from town.

The Bay of Gibraltar has resident dolphin pods, and boat trips from the marina run most days in summer, usually 60–90 minutes. A good alternative to the whale trips from Tarifa if you have small children.