If you have never been to Gibraltar and are staying somewhere on the Costa del Sol, then hiring a car and driving down is easy and worthwhile. You'll need your passport to get in as it's still a British territory, but that is no hassle and the shopping options and wave of attractions make it worthwhile.

The Rock of Gibraltar is so named because of the huge lump of rock that sticks up for 200m here. It lies roughly in the middle of the three-mile strip of land and tourists are permitted to drive up its flank. Make sure you have a meaty engine in your cheap Gibraltar hire car, though. Views of the ocean and sea from The Rock are sublime.

Underneath The Rock are a bunch of caves, including the largest, St Michael's Cave. It has huge caverns and puts on concerts during the summer. Another big attraction in Gibraltar is the harbour area which gives access to the Bay of Algeciras. The Watergardens Quay and Marina Bay are popular attractions here and you can get on a boat tour and go dolphin watching.

The best shopping in Gibraltar is in the centre of town along Main Street. There are some malls here, yet for the most part there are standalone stores. Other popular Gibraltar attractions include an old British fort and the Gibraltar Museum.

Budget car rental while in Gibraltar, if you don't already have one, is a must for checking out the nearby Costa del Sol and its pumping beach resorts. Also within reach are the town of Cadiz and the enchanting Ronda Valley.