La Linea
La Linea de la Concepcion is Spain's port town which borders Gibraltar. On first sight having
left the main N340 Cadiz to Malaga road heading for Gibraltar there seems little
to detain you in La Linea as you pass the smokey chimneys of the power station
and enter an uninspiring port town. However, don't let first impressions
prevail. Just behind the run down looking apartments is a pretty old centre
buzzing with locals at one of the town's many outdoor cafés.
Considering the inflated cost of staying in Gibraltar La Linea is well worth
considering as an alternative as the old town centre is only a few minutes
stroll from the border post. Also if you're driving here for a day trip to
Gibraltar it's not worth the hassle of taking your car over the border as the
traffic jams on both sides really can spoil the day out. Just find the border
and find a parking space in the streets next to McDonalds and walk across.
There's a tourist information right here at the end of Avda. 20 de Abril.
Taxis are available as you arrive in Gibraltar to take you to the town centre
for about 3 Pounds. There are also minibuses offering tours to the top of the
Rock for €25 per person which includes all entrance fees. Alternatively, just
walk across the runway towards town and you'll be there in 10 minutes.
Make sure you remember your passport as it is required to cross over to
Gibraltar. if you're doing any duty free shopping over there don't exceed your
allowance as the Spanish police will search your bags and confiscate anything
extra. And one other tip ... if you decide to drive over the border and anyone
approaches you whilst you're in the traffic jam don't hand over money for the
Gibraltar entance permit they assure you that you'll need once you get to the
customs post. There is no such thing and it's just a scam. All you need is your
passport.
The Iberostar City Gibraltar hotel is very handy being on the Paseo Maritimo just 300m from the
border. The AC La Linea is 2km from Gibraltar on the same road and is another
fine option which offers some very attractive deals. One of the best budget
options is Hostal Carlos on c/Carboneras which is a well looked after place
right in the town centre. It's well worth booking in advance as it is frequently
full. Hostal La Campana on the opposite side of the street is a pleasant
alternative.
The restaurant which adjoins Hostal Carlos is a real gem. Its fairly basic
dining room is largely frequented by local workmen attracted by an amazing range
of dishes which are available on all of its fixed price three course menus which
range from €8 to €20 and include a bottle of Rioja wine per couple. Starters
include salads, soups, omelettes, paella and even chips and eggs whilst main
courses include a surprisingly large selection of meat and fish dishes. The
staff are always busy, very friendly and the menus are translated to English.
Provided you're not looking for something too fancy this is well worth a visit.
Along c/Carboneras there's a selection of interesting places to eat. Tapas Bar
Patagonia next to Hostal Carboneras serves up some fine meat tapas whilst La
Opereta a little further down is a pricey but high quality restaurant which also
offers a good selection of tapas for €1 each at its downstairs bar. La Tasca is
another good choice for meat dishes and El Rincón around the corner in the alley
that leads to the town hall serves cheap daily menus and tapas.
The most important tourist attraction in La Linea is the Parroquia de la
Inmaculada, a beautiful 19th century colonial style church. Calle Duque de
Tetuán just west of the church is characterised by the New Orleans like
buildings on its corner and some interesting bars serving up typical local fried
fish. There's also a bar called Stadium Bar which has a massive screen and shows
most major Spanish and English football matches. East of the church is the main
pedestrianised street of Calle Real where most of the inhabitants of La Linea
seem to pass their time in the long line of cafés and cake shops that line the
street. Towards the end on the right is c/Ramón y Cajal which takes you into
Plaza Cruz Herrera, a lively square with good local bars, Molly Blooms Irish pub
and a kebab restaurant. At the end of Calle Real turn right and you'll find a
few more nice bars notably Puerta del Sol and Taberna de Juan which is also a
fine choice for dinner. The main post
office (Correos) is directly opposite.
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