Staying in Spain - driving to Gib

[Monkey Nuts]

It's my 40th in October this year, and I'm planning a trip down to Spain to celebrate, and of course getting down to Gibraltar and stocking up at Stagnetto's

My current thinking is to stay in Estepona, and then take a day trip down to Gib in a rental car which I plan to hire for the week.

As I've never been to Gib before, I wondered if any BOTL have any advice or tips for such a trip.

Thanks!

[Cigar-aficionado]

Great place to buy your stock but remember that the Spanish customs will only allow you to bring 50 cigars each out of Gibraltar and back into Spain

[Eddie]

That then begs the question... I'm assuming the law says that you can import 50 cigars per visit out of the EU. So if you visit every day you can stock up. Is there any law to stop this?

[Cigar-aficionado]

Not sure on that one but I am told the Spanish check a lot due to Spanish citizens shopping in Gib for their smokes

[Ryan]

Park on the Spanish side at La Linea. Don't drive into Gib, it's a pain, and it's worse getting back out. There's plenty of parking on the coast road just oustide for ?1 per hour. Walk to the customs point about 1/2 mile. Once through, get a 1 day ticket on the bus (?2) to Casemates Square. Walk diagonally through the square to the start of main street and you'll be very close to where you want to go..
50 cigars per person and 1 litre of spirits is the limit. Havana Club Barrel Proof is an unbelievable deal there.
Officially you are not "supposed" to visit every day. I think I remember hearing something about 8 days. However, they don't stamp your passport, or hand.
I have "heard stories" about guys going from La Linea to Gib and back 4 times in the one day, with their mules..
It's about a 40 minute drive from Estepona, though I haven't done that in about 10 years. I usually go from the Cadiz side now.

Last tip, don't forget your passport.

Edit. Spanish customs guards do keep an eye out at the border. I've been over and back through there 8-10 times and stopped once, for a receipt for a pair of sandals. Not worth the risk though.

[Cigar-aficionado]

Nice little Sunday market in Estepona as well

[Monkey Nuts]

Thanks guys!

I'll have my girlfriend with me so 100 cigars will be plenty to keep me going for a while

Thanks for all the info Ryan - I'd heard driving and parking in Gib was a nightmare so I'll follow your tip. Thanks for the heads up on the rum too

[PoohBore]

I think the barrel proof has Been replaced by maestro iirc.

I think it's the same stuff just a different label.

[Ryan]

I think the barrel proof has Been replaced by maestro iirc.

I think it's the same stuff just a different label.

That's true. I didn't see any Barrel Proof at all in Cuba in November, just Maestro Seleccion, it's over-priced in Cuba anyway. However, I haven't seen much of it outside Cuba. Still lots of Barrel proof in Gib last July though, although three bottles less after my visit.
Somebody who was in Gib more recently might confirm if the Maestro has made it there yet?
As for it being the same stuff, lots of people in Cuba insisting it's a new blend. It looks, smells and tastes very, very similar to me anyway. Nicer bottle and packaging though.

MonkeyNuts, regarding parking in La Linea, if you have Google Earth or that kind of thing, here are the coordinates for where you want to park, or as near to it as you can.
Latitude 36? 9'28.17"N
Longitude 5?21'11.34"W

[Cigar-aficionado]

Still had barrel proof at the end of October and great prices too but brought back 15 year old HC and Ron Zacapa

[M1F2R3]

Can't give you too much advice on what to buy and where but do go and see the monkeys!

Also, the harbour in Gib would be a fab place for a smoke & drink

All the best for your birthday!

Fred

[Monkey Nuts]

MonkeyNuts, regarding parking in La Linea, if you have Google Earth or that kind of thing, here are the coordinates for where you want to park, or as near to it as you can.
Latitude 36? 9'28.17"N
Longitude 5?21'11.34"W

Thanks Ryan - much appreciated!

[Monkey Nuts]

Can't give you too much advice on what to buy and where but do go and see the monkeys!

Also, the harbour in Gib would be a fab place for a smoke & drink

All the best for your birthday!

Fred

With a username like mine how could I not see the monkeys!! Thanks for the birthday wishes - it is nine months away though......

[snooky]

All good advice , Casemates is a great place for a smoke or even the Cafe across from Stagnettos. Get your hundred plus say a pack of 10 for personal use whilst there.

[M1F2R3]

With a username like mine how could I not see the monkeys!! Thanks for the birthday wishes - it is nine months away though......

Lol! The monkeys are epic, they always clown around & worth taking some smokes with you as the views are amazing.

You're welcome. I like to get things done early ()

Also, there is a fantastic restaurant called The Landings - worth a visit imo

If you fancy a look - http://www.thelandings.gi/gallery.htm some lovely photos on there