La Linea properties
Exploring La Linea
The industrial nature of La Linea and its position as a border town means that most visitors passing through the area just drive straight on to reach Gibraltar and rarely give the town a second glance.
However, the area is a working Spanish town and behind the façade of the factories and the industrial towers, lies a traditional old Spanish quarter.
In the heart of the old town there is a lovely old square where the locals congregate to chat each day. There are many outdoor cafes in this area that come alive at lunch and in the evenings with people socialising and catching up on the days events.
One of the area’s most popular tourist attractions is the beautiful 19th century colonial-style church called the Parroquia de la Immaculada. Close to the church on Calle Duque de Tetuan there are some interesting New Orleans-style buildings that are definitely worth a visit. This area is also very popular for socialising thanks to the many nice bars which serve excellent local fish dishes.
Most of the residents of La Linea seem to pass their time on a street just round the corner from here called Calle Real. Here there are many more bars along with some wonderful and traditional cafes and cake shops. A bar called Stadium Bar is also in this area and has a large screen TV showing all major Spanish and English football matches.
On the main square, which is called Plaza Cruz Herrera, there is a lively Irish bar called Molly Blooms and there’s also a kebab restaurant. For some more up market venues, try Puerta del Sol and Taberna de Juan where you can also enjoy a nice dinner.
The original port area of the town is called La Atunara and this area is a big draw for locals and visitors. In the harbour you will find an atmospheric old church sitting alongside some comfortable bars and restaurants.
Those interested in the chequered history of La Linea should head to Levante beach where the remains of the town’s fortifications and a watchtower dating back to the 17th century still stand. King Felipe V ordered the defences to be built when sovereignty of Gibraltar was won by the British. While you are at Levante beach you can also see the remains of a WWll bunker network.
As with almost every town in Andalucia, La Linea has its own bullring, which attracts spectators from across the region. The Plaza de Toros in La Linea also has a bullfighting museum where you can learn something about the history of the bullfight and its place in Spanish culture.
There is also another interesting museum in the town called the Isthmus Museum, which is located within the old military HQ building, which is the oldest functional building in La Linea. The museum holds a collection of pieces from the area’s important naval past as well as artefacts from the middle ages and much more.
La Linea also has its own theatre, the Teatro Municipal La Velada. Many national and international productions have appeared here and it is a wonderful night out. You will need to check with the theatre for performance details.
