The Rock of Gibraltar
The Rock of Gibraltar
4.5
About
Spend the day exploring the limestone promontory towering over the British exclave of Gibraltar. You’ll see 200-year-old tunnels, the ruins of a Moorish castle, and over 100 caves, including St. Michael’s Cave. Spot the native macaques and cross the Windsor Suspension Bridge over a 164-foot-deep gorge. From the hilltop, take in the fantastic views of the whole town, the Bay of Gibraltar, and the Mediterranean. To get up there, you can take the cable car or hike the winding Mediterranean Steps trail. Alternatively, take a guided taxi tour that includes four to six stops along the way. – Tripadvisor
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- Diane MMarietta, Georgia105 contributionsWonderful View, seriously consider the walk down.We are a couple of 59 yr old in average condition. We didn't realize when we purchased the nature reserve tickets that we would have to walk all the way down the rock. We had thought we would be able to see some items at the top. We miscalculated the steep decline and decided our knees couldn't do it. If you're going to do the entire nature reserve you don't need round trip tickets.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 September 2023
- Damien SAdelaide, Australia6,542 contributionsInteresting PlaceAn amazing attraction indeed. From the moment you see it, it is mesmerising. Easy day trip from Spain 🇪🇸 or flight from other areas. The area is pretty built up. The food and people being English is great for some tax free shopping. There is alot to see and do of you have a few days there.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 September 2023
- Mark G.Newent, United Kingdom31 contributionsBad routes and mapsWe decided to walk the Mediterranean steps. On arrival at Jew's gate we paid a sullen guy in the kiosk for our tickets. Card only. NOT CASH ! on walking upwards, we found out that the map was inaccurate. We met people from USA and Germany who had a (different) map and they were also 'lost'. There was little signage on the Rock at all to help. Take your own maps, card to pay and of course camera. The views are amazing and well worth the walk up (and down)Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 7 October 2023
- Mike OChester, United Kingdom82 contributionsGreat day outA very interesting day. There are things to see and do for everyone. From superb sights and views to historical exhibits and museums. There are more adventurous things to do like the sky walk, the suspension bridge, and the cable car. St Michael's Cave is stunning, with the lighting showing off the rock formations to their best. Last but not least, there are the Barbary Apes to see. There is a lot of walking involved, but it is well worth it, or you could take a taxi or minibus tour but you do not get to see everythingVisited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 9 October 2023
- bobt354Birmingham, United Kingdom244 contributionsRock onWell if you are in Southern Spain you’ve got to visit Gibraltar once. We went with Reuban travel in Malaga by coach. Takes two hours and see plenty of country side. On arrival to the rock you have to get off the coach and go through customs etc which was a pain and took up to a hour with the same on return. We took on the rock tour which was enjoyable and interesting seeing the caves and apes. Thought the duty free shops were no cheaper than on the mainland.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 October 2023
- John P4 contributionsTrip made worthwhile because of on bus tour guideWe went to Gibraltar from Torremolinos on 11th November and our tour guide Sergio/ sometimes called Steve was absolutely superb for the whole journey. He explained so many different aspects of our trip from historical to current times plus being funny and witty. This made our trip well worth the money. Enjoyed the rock tour particularly St Michael's cave, incredible light show plus the apes. Gibraltar fulls of shops, not our scene. Thanks SergioVisited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 November 2023
- Laurence PNewhaven, United Kingdom285 contributionsA lot of changeThird visit and boy has it changed over the years. We decided to walk from the 100 Ton gun up the rock. We stopped off and asked for directions at one of the check points. Unfortunately, getting directions in English was very difficult. We worked it out on Google maps though as the maps provided are useless. St Michaels cave was very nice as they added lazer lighting, better than I remember last time. The apes were all friendly, just don't be that tourist that tries to put your arm around them - they don't like that ;)Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 November 2023
- twisteddivaVirginia488 contributionsGreat day tripWe drove from Marbella to the border town of La Línea, where we parked the car and walked thru 2 customs and immigration check points and across the very long street that also doubles as a runway in order to get to the main street. It was rather busy, considering this is presumably low season, but not difficult to navigate. We took the cable car up to the top, wandered around, marveled at the Rock from the overlook and steered clear of the Barbary macaques, which can be vicious when provoked. The weather was spectacular, not a cloud in the sky. Had a quick and inexpensive lunch in town and got back on the road before the hordes of tourist buses began their trek out of the town. An excellent day trip.Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 23 December 2023
- Nicol J18 contributionsOMGNot the cheapest experience, but if you plan it well (unlike us), the Rock offers all-day amazing program. Unfortunately, we had only couple of hours, but still awesome experience. Hopefully, we will be back in the future to enjoy the rest beautiful Gibraltar has to offer.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 December 2023
- traveller2454Dalbeattie, United Kingdom664 contributionsThe pleasure of being on top of The Rock!What an experience and an absolute must-see. We loved almost everything about it from the cable car ride going up to the extensive views to St Michael's Caves and the see-through bridge! Of course, the Barbary apes are a huge attraction and fascinating. Our only gripe was the cable car where I paid in advance for what I thought was the cable car up and nature reserve entrance fee. When we got there, it appeared that only the cable car was covered and I had to pay almost the same amount again (£96) for four adults and two children for the nature reserve. I've checked the websites again and I'm still confused about this! Also, I would warn anyone with bad balance or trouble walking that it's a very long walk down, the path is gravelly, rocky and very uneven. It's no mean feat to come down. I was absolutely exhausted and very sory. However, in general, I wouldn't let either of these facts spoil the pleasure we had being on top of The Rock.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 11 January 2024
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4.5
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KikoDinoGirl
London, UK49 contributions
Feb 2020
My daughter and I got the cable car up to the top of the rock and asked for the price to include entry fee into everything whilst we were there; Nature park, St. Michael's cave and so on. It wasn't the cheapest but it was also a whole day out. We spent a lot of the time exploring, walking around the area and watching the macaques. In the busier areas, i.e where the tour buses stopped the monkeys were particular confident and one jumped on my back and opened my bag before someone stopped and hit him with a clipboard to get him off me. Really, the amount of tourists ignoring the signs and feeding them regardless, puts the blame firmly on them. I spent a few minutes clearing up McDonald wrappers and pringle packets that the baby monkeys were playing with. However, all in all a lovely clean well kept wildlife area. We took a rather long walk down and feeling the pain the day after. It isn't particular well signposted but we just kept walking down and eventually hit the town near an awesome Indian cafe where we rested and ate far too many samosas. Recommend, a lot of fun, and a great way to explain about monkey behaviour to a 10 year old.
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John R
Worcester, UK71 contributions
Oct 2019
When we arrived in the morning from mainland Spain the sky was grey and overcast. Main Street looks like it's seen better days but it's a great place to do some duty free shopping. You can't go far in Gibraltar without being reminded that this place has history. The City Walls remind you that over the centuries many have tried, and failed, to conquer The Rock. Trafalgar Cemetery commemorates Gibraltar's role in Nelson's greatest victory, a victory that also cost him his life. Once outside the town Europa Point is a great vantage point from which to appreciate The Rock itself and look across the Gibraltar Straits to the mountains of Morocco beyond. We then boarded a mini bus and hit the road to the upper rock where we met the local residents, The Barbary Apes, and went into the siege tunnels that enabled Gibraltar to hold out against Napoleon's armies. All in all well worth a visit, especially if you're a history buff.
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
World Travel Guru
Dubai, United Arab Emirates141 contributions
Nov 2020 • Solo
I visited this superb nature reserve over 2 sperate days this week. First day I walked to the top of the Rock and walked down. The second day I took the cable car and walked down. I recommend you visit over 2 days in order to see everything and do the guided tours which are included in the entrance fee.
The monkeys are great to see. However, please be very careful if you have a bag or rucksack as the monkeys associate these items with food and will open you bag in a flash. I recommend you keep rucksacks to be worn on your chest, not your back. I took the guided tour of the world war 2 tunnels and our guide was Willie who was very knowledgeable and helpful guide. The spectacular St Michaels cave is within the natur mie reserve about half way to the top. The best time to visit is during the pandemic as it's 100% safe and it's not busy.
The weather was warm enough for shorts and T shirts during my visit this week.
The monkeys are great to see. However, please be very careful if you have a bag or rucksack as the monkeys associate these items with food and will open you bag in a flash. I recommend you keep rucksacks to be worn on your chest, not your back. I took the guided tour of the world war 2 tunnels and our guide was Willie who was very knowledgeable and helpful guide. The spectacular St Michaels cave is within the natur mie reserve about half way to the top. The best time to visit is during the pandemic as it's 100% safe and it's not busy.
The weather was warm enough for shorts and T shirts during my visit this week.
Written 9 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travlingrrl
Los Angeles, CA112 contributions
Sept 2019
We had booked a tour of the Lower St. Michaels cave and had cleared the wait-list 2 nights before, but the night before we received a message via phone that the tour was cancelled due to operational reasons. Our backup plan (and original) was DIY to the cable car up the mountain to explore, and say "We have climbed the "Rock Of Gibraltor" and walk down into town to go shopping. We did a short walk through town to get to the cable car and had no idea how long the wait would be but it ended up being about 2 hours. My best advice for anyone going up (which I didn't realize till I got to the front) is you can pre-buy your tickets online and save a lot of time. There is one cable car going up and one going down that holds about 15-20 people. Once we got to the top we had a lot of fun taking pics of the Barbary apes and holding onto all our belongings with our dear lives. There were a lot babies and these monkeys are known to grab your glasses, hats , purses and anything else. After we had our fill of taking pics we headed towards the upper cave and did a quick tour of it. These are the upper caves and are about 10 pounds to get in. After we headed down the hill we went past the Moorish castle and back into town. I think if I was to do it ever again I would either do the taxi/local tour that drives you to the top and to each stop or if I was going to do the cable car pre buy my tickets so I wouldn't feel so rushed. All in all we had a great day and lots of laughs and screams.
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven G A D M
Cardiff, UK11 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
A main trip to do in Costa Del Sol - first of all, remember your passport! Our hotel didn’t tell us but luckily our coach driver checked. if you are staying in the Costa Del Sol, this tour should be top of your list. The minibus tour is typically 2 hours with a stop at all the main view points of the rock. Masses of history and facts are provided by the drivers. The drivers are very well skilled drivers and speak multiple languages at steady pace. If you don’t like narrow roads and heights then you may want to consider staying in the town but you won’t be able to experience the real magic of Gibraltar, which is top of the rock and the driving tour. When you get to the top of the rock you will see breathtaking views of Gibraltar that make superb photos. Not to mention multiple monkeys who are friendly, if you are worried about the monkeys - they are not interested. The monkeys will play about and avoid humans pointing cameras about. They are very playful amongst themselves but you shouldn’t feed or touch them. You can get close and take photos but they will most likely turn away, security are watching the monkeys and visitors so no need to worry. Our tour included St Michael’s cave which was an added beauty in our experience, if you don’t mind lots of steps then you should enter St Michaels cave if possible. There are masses of limestone formations and intricate lighting inside the cave. Enjoy your visit and definitely take the bus tour of the rock!
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian B
18 contributions
Dec 2019
I have gone up the rock by cable car, walked & cab. By far the best way is the cab tour. You get to see all 3 levels & interact with the barberry apes. The cable car is fun but can be crowded & I feel a little expensive for what you get. Walking up is tough & wouldn’t recommend it in the heat of summer. On the way up you can stop at caves in the cab. The tour of the caves is interesting & informative. On a hot day a great way to cool off a little. When visiting the apes make sure you hang onto your belongings they can be a little naughty.
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Desislava
2 contributions
Sept 2021 • Family
Absolutely disappointed. A very expensive price that did not match the experience. We went up as a family to enjoy the so called “remarkable” view and experience of gilbraltar however were met with extreme hostility from the monkeys up there. We were warned not to feed the animals and therefore followed the rules; however that did not stop the continued attacks by the monkeys. I myself leaving with a large monkey bite on my arm that has bruised and will stay for quite some time. I am not the only person with a story, cause whilst we were up there everyone we encountered had some sort of story of their own attack they had just experienced.
The first aid they offered up the cliff face is one of the waitresses from the restaurant. Who when we asked if it happens often, she had said that this was a continuous thing that happens all day long; with kids and people of different ages coming in with various injuries.
I am deeply saddened as this was a VERY expensive activity and no where were we warned about such hostility from the monkeys. I am writing this to just allow people the chance to become aware, as I was not prepared to receive such a vicious attack whilst my back was turned.
The first aid they offered up the cliff face is one of the waitresses from the restaurant. Who when we asked if it happens often, she had said that this was a continuous thing that happens all day long; with kids and people of different ages coming in with various injuries.
I am deeply saddened as this was a VERY expensive activity and no where were we warned about such hostility from the monkeys. I am writing this to just allow people the chance to become aware, as I was not prepared to receive such a vicious attack whilst my back was turned.
Written 3 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
puddey
Glasgow, UK1,584 contributions
June 2022 • Couples
First of all if you have ArmedForces/ Military ID entrance to the Nature Reserve is FREE. You will still have to pay for the cable car and get your Nature Reserve ticket separately at the ticket booth ( not the gift shop) at the top.
The cafe and the restaurant where both open, they serve a light breakfast in the cafe until 12 and if you book a table in advance for the restaurant there is a discount given for the cable car.
We visited sky walk, the fabulous St Michaels Cave and the Suspension Bridge , the signage for the bridge is very poor and is easily missed. It was very warm and the walk back up to get the cable car is not the easiest. There is also a cafe and toilets at the Cave.
The cafe and the restaurant where both open, they serve a light breakfast in the cafe until 12 and if you book a table in advance for the restaurant there is a discount given for the cable car.
We visited sky walk, the fabulous St Michaels Cave and the Suspension Bridge , the signage for the bridge is very poor and is easily missed. It was very warm and the walk back up to get the cable car is not the easiest. There is also a cafe and toilets at the Cave.
Written 13 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stuart
Wrexham, UK10 contributions
Mar 2020
Visited Gibraltar on a day trip whilst holidaying in Benalmadena. Really enjoyed visiting the town with its wide variety of shops and friendly atmosphere. Strange seeing British bobbies on the beat and red telephone and post boxes.
Took a minibus trip to the top of the rock to see the Barbary apes and visit the stunning natural cave used as an auditorium for concerts. Views are stunning from the top and on a clear day you can see the Moroccan coastline.
Prices generally comparable to U.K.
Took a minibus trip to the top of the rock to see the Barbary apes and visit the stunning natural cave used as an auditorium for concerts. Views are stunning from the top and on a clear day you can see the Moroccan coastline.
Prices generally comparable to U.K.
Written 23 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew Lockwood
Manchester, UK5 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
I’ve visited the top of the rock every year for about 10 years and previously enjoyed it. I haven’t been for 2 years due to COVID and when I returned this year I found that you now have to pay to walk up or down the rock which was always a good option if you wanted to save money. If you pay £70 for a family to go on the cable car they have reduced the area that you can walk around on the top. They have put another ticket booth for the nature reserve 30m down the path where they demand more money to walk where you could previously walk freely. You also can’t get to St Michael’s cabin to have a meal. I suspect St Michael’s cabin will be losing a lot of business from this and I probably won’t be going back. There were no more than 10 monkeys at the top probably as they were not being fed there but being fed further down in the nature reserve to tempt the customers to pay again and go to the nature reserve.
Written 8 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We will arrive by ship on Saturday June 15th. We would like to take the cable car up. 1) what is the cost of the cable car?
2) what is the best way to get to the cable car from the port?
3a)Is it best to buy cable car tickets now or wait till we arrive?
3b) if we buy our cable car tickets now is there a skip the line for pre purchased ticket holders to get on or do you wait?
4) Is there a one way ticket and/or round trip ticket for cable car? How much are the tickets per adult? child? and if so at what age is a person considered an adult?
5)If we walk down from the top of the rock will we get the opportunity to see the caves? If so, approximately how much time should we allow to visit the caves?
Written 14 May 2024
Hi,
1) cost is approx 50 dollar’s return but includes entrance to the nature reserve which is essential, otherwise you cannot see any of the sights such as tunnels, caves etc. cable car one way plus reserve is about 40 dollars.
2) you can walk it, Gibraltars a small area.
3) Buy your tickets when you arrive as if the weather is poor it’s not worth visiting the rock or at least wait until closer to the time.
Both one way and return options available - both include nature reserve entrance.
4) kids are considered an adult after 11.
5) caves are near the cable car station and you probably want to spend a 30 minutes to an hour there if you also see the light show which is stunning.
Word of caution it’s quite a trek from the cable car station to the tunnels. There are very good web sites to read up on before you go.
A lot of visitors book taxis for the day which take you to the top and ferry you between sights and wait for you all for a set price.
Written 15 May 2024
Hi. Who knows, if I don't need any attractions (cave, bridge and so on) and want to go up on foot without cable car, how much will be entrance to the national park only? Or to go up to the rock I must to buy pass that includes all these attractions?
Written 23 October 2023
We just walked it from the center of town. We bought a pass as I believe that only Gibraltar Residents can enter without paying. The walk had some steep parts, but you stay mostly on roads both up and down. When we got to the top, we learned there is a staircase going straight up, but we opted to walk back down the way we came. We started at Moors Castle.
Written 25 October 2023
Is seeing the monkeys safe for a baby
Written 24 September 2023
I don't think it's safe for you, because my wife was bitten by a monkey without being provoked by anything.
Written 26 September 2023
I walked. From the Spanish border it would take me approx 25 mins. Maybe 30 if I wasn’t rushing. A lovely walk. From the Elliott hotel in the town centre more like 6/7 minutes,
Written 9 April 2023
Bonjour
Je souhaite savoir si les visites de Gibraltar sont toujours possibles depuis que la quarantaine est imposée à l’entrée en Angleterre.
Merci de votre aide
Written 1 August 2020
Hej
Jag undrar om det går att simma över gränsen mellan Spanien och Gibraltar, mest som en rolig sak att ha simmat mellan Spanien och England
Written 11 March 2020
Sorry, I took a tour from the cruise ship, so I did not notice.
Written 23 September 2019
He visto que par subir, aunque se coja el teleférico, hay un trozo andando. Me gustaría saber si es mucho lo que hay que andar y si es mucha cuesta para que lo suba una persona mayor.
Written 21 August 2019
Für ältere Personen sind die Laufwege schon anstrengend. Es geht steil bergauf und teilweise ist es sehr steinig. Aber mit den Angebotenen Bustour können auch Menschen die nicht gut zu Fuß an alle interessanten Punkten gebracht werden.
Written 21 August 2019
Is the sky walk accessible from the top of the rock? Is it included in park admission? We are cruising there next summer and I really want to be able to do the sky walk while we are there.
Written 19 August 2019
Ignore people telling you to use taxi tours. I suspect they own them. We were quoted €120 for a 90 minute tour which is nowhere near enough time to relax and have a coffee at the top and take pics. And NO they won't wait for you. What a ridiculous comment. They want to get you up and down as quickly as possible to get their next €120 bagged.
They will harass the hell out of you as you queue to get the cable car ( which is awesome) shouting and pointing at clipboards. It's all a bit desparate and tacky to be honest.
Pre book the cable car and pay online and there's no queueing.
Written 31 October 2019
Hola ,quiero ir en estos días de Agosto a visitar 1 día Gibraltar,voy con mis hijos de 13 y 9 años y no se muy bien si con su DNI en vigor valdría para pasar ya que me han comentado por otros canales que hace falta el libro de familia.
¿Alguien podría aclararme esta duda?
Gracias por adelantado
Written 11 August 2019
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