The Rock of Gibraltar – or 5 Myths about Gibraltar busted

Post originally Published August 12, 2015 || Last Updated April 10, 2020

See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.

Trip Index (what we have published so far):

Why you should visit the Princes' Island Istanbul

My Top 20 Things to do in Istanbul

Why you should make the trip to Ephesus Turkey

Things to do in Izmir

Things to do in Bodrum

My top 15 Things to do in Kos

My Top 10 Things to do in Athens – on a layover

The Rock of Gibraltar – or 5 Myths about Gibraltar busted

Visiting 'Gibraltar' has been been on my to-do list for quite some time.

Myth #1 You can't drive on the Rock of Gibraltar


Busted!

Yes - you can! While the roads are narrow it's absolutely possible. Most car rental companies will only give you a manual in Europe (i.e. stick shift). This will be annoying enough but you will also be required to drive up 20% ascents and never ever roll back an inch. It's fun but you need to bring the skills!

The Rock of Gibraltar – or 5 Myths about Gibraltar busted

The fee for the Gibraltar Rock is GBP 10 per person and GBP 2 per car.

You can drive up to the Saint Michael's Cave and walk up to the highest point from there.

The Rock of Gibraltar – or 5 Myths about Gibraltar busted

The Rock of Gibraltar – or 5 Myths about Gibraltar busted

The Rock of Gibraltar – or 5 Myths about Gibraltar busted

Myth #2 You need to drive on the left side in Gibraltar


Busted!

This isn't the China mainland & Hong Kong border - all cars drive on the right - like in the rest of continental Europe. You don't have to switch sides at the border - no crazy traffic confusion.

Myth #3 - You can order a 'Gibraltar' anywhere in Gibraltar


Busted!

I found only one decent coffee shop in town (given it was Sunday) and the barista thought I would poke fun at him by ordering a 'Gibraltar'.

Myth #4 - You can't drive with your rental car into Gibraltar


Busted!

Most car rental companies allow you to go to Gibraltar (as well as to Andorra or San Marino). This usually does even incur an extra fee. Just ask when you pick up the rental or before making a reservation.

The Rock of Gibraltar – or 5 Myths about Gibraltar busted

Myth #5 - You will get an exit/entry stamp into your (US) passport when leaving Spain and entering Gibraltar


Busted! (at least for me)

While there is a real border control when entering Gibraltar it's much more relaxed coming back. The immigration officer wanted to see that I have a passport (I just held it open through the car window) but no stamping or close-up checking was done. No passport stamp for me.


See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.