Algeciras, the real Spain

If you want to visit the real Spain as opposed to the plastic one for tourists then Algeciras is a good bet. It isn't tarted up or full of English Pubs etc. It's a real, untouched, slightly scruffy town full of ordinary people, the way Spain used to be. However, there are lots of interesting places nearby to visit if the wanderer in you takes over. The most obvious one is just across the water - Gibraltar. Catch the local bus to the boarder and then walk across, cars can wait for hours to get in. Gibraltar is a British Colony (by choice!) and looks just like Britain used to in the 1950s, a real time warp. But it's a shoppers paradise because everything is so cheap (tax free). We took the cable car up to the top of the rock, fantastic view, but watch out for those evil monkeys! It's unnerving the way they stare at you, one even tried to get into the cafe while we were having a coffee, he came up the steps and was rattling the door handle!
Another good trip is a visit to Ronda, a lovely, white Andalucian village perched on the most fantastic gorge, (photo above), it makes your legs go funny just looking over the bridge! Catch the little train up to it, quite an experience!
We stayed at the Hotel Reina Cristina at the edge of the town, overlooking Gibraltar. (See photo above) This hotel is one of the original old Spanish hotels and has a very famous past. Winston Churchill stayed here and many other famous people too, have a look at the Roll of Honour in the foyer. It is built around an inner courtyard and is very beautiful, with wonderful, well cared for grounds. We were all inclusive and the standard of food was very good. It was adults only when we were there too, great! It is available with travel companies, but you can usually get a good deal by booking yourself with websites such as www.travelrepublic.co.uk . All in all a very relaxing, interesting holiday.