How do you take a day trip to Spain while in Gibraltar? Easy; just walk over the border. The small town of La Línea de la Concepción is the other side of the divide, and while there are similarities it is fair to say that the town (La Línea, as it is generally known) is a different world to the expat-haven that is Gibraltar. A recent study found that La Línea was actually the second poorest town in Spain, juxtaposing awkwardly with the retirement wealth that keeps Gibraltar afloat. But still, the curiosity and novelty of walking across the border from the UK to Spain is not to be ignored, and La Línea has plenty to keep visitors intrigued for an afternoon.

The history of La Línea is fascinating enough, and in many ways the curiosity of Gibraltar increases when its neighbour is taken into account. La Línea has twice the population that Gibraltar has, but many of its residents nip over into the UK to work before returning to live in Spain. Rent is much cheaper in La Línea, while wages are dramatically higher in Gib. It is a no-brainer. But tourism isn’t interested in the wages vs. rent debate, it is interested in attractions, restaurants, bars and the rest.

What is there to see in La Línea? For one, the beaches are better here when compared to Gibraltar. Atunara is the beach you should seek out if you are looking to swim in the sea, while Torrenueva is also curious, largely because of the remains of the 16th century watchtower that gives it its name. Levante, Santa Barbara and Poniente are the other beaches in La Línea, all of which have good facilities and plenty of room in which to take in the sun. What about museums, sights, memorials, galleries and the rest?

La Línea is home to an impressive selection of monuments, starting with the Monument to the Spanish Worker in Gibraltar, a statue that does what it says on the tin. There is also the Monument to Camarón de la Isla, a tribute to one of the region’s great flamenco dancers. The old Bullring is quite interesting, although it might be eclipsed by the nearby Bullfighting Museum and the impressive collection of old bullfighting memorabilia found within. And with a day of wandering in La Línea completed, you can head back over the border to Gibraltar for a cold pint and some fish and chips. What a wonderful world we live in.