Car hire Gibraltar

Simply known as the Rock by those in the know, Gibraltar is that ancient British enclave at the toe of the Iberian Peninsular that geographically has far more in common with Spain that Britain. It's a fun holiday destination or daytrip from the Costa del Sol for those with a hire car, with great shopping and nightlife.

Gibraltar is only around three miles long; a thin strip of land with the chunk of rock sticking out of the middle of it. You can drive your hire car to the top of the Rock – 200m up – and take in the fantastic Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea views. The curious Barbary apes also reside on top of The Rock; while underneath is St Michael's Cave, with its large caverns and concerts.

In the town of Gibraltar itself, which is largely centred on the sizeable harbour in the Bay of Algeciras, there is plenty to see. Head for Marina Bay and Watergardens Quay to take a boat trip of the harbour and do some dolphin watching. Or perhaps take in the old British fortifications and Gibraltar Museum if you are intrigued by the history of the place.

Many visitors to Gibraltar simply enjoy wandering the British-esque streets and taking in the shops. Tax-free goods include the latest fashion, tobacco and alcohol, along with electronics, and are best had along Main Street. English-style pubs are all around and there is also a slew of terraced cafés and fancy seafood restaurants.

Cheap Gibraltar car rental is a must. There is just so much to see in the region, what with the verdant Spanish coast well within reach. The so called Costa del Sol stretches most of the way across the southern coast and has many popular resorts, including Marbella, Torremolinos and Malaga.