Rock of Gibraltar at a glance
Why visit: For the monkeys, incredible views, beautiful caves and military history.
How long to spend: 3-4 hours – at least
How to get to the top: Cable Car (closed until 2027), taxi tour or hike
Top things to see: The famous Barbary Macaques and the stunning St Michael’s Cave
The Rock of Gibraltar is one of Europe’s most iconic landmarks — full of dramatic scenery, fascinating history and, of course, plenty of cheeky monkeys.
After visiting several times, I’ve learned that to truly make the most of this huge attraction — part natural wonder, part open-air museum — a little planning goes a long way. So in this guide, I’ve pulled together everything you need to know about exploring the Rock of Gibraltar: the best viewpoints, how to get there, and insider tips for your visit.
The Cable Car is shut! How do I get up the Rock of Gibraltar in 2026?
Throughout 2026, Gibraltar’s Cable Car is shut for much needed refurbishment. If you’re visiting the Rock in 2026, don’t worry! You can still meet the famous monkeys and see all of the Rock’s wonderful sights. You have two options:
- Walk – Read my entry on walking up the Rock here. But note that the walk will be steep and challenging – only do this if you are confident doing a bit of hiking. There are different routes, some of which are more challenging than others – but all of them are steep and will take around 90 minutes. If you are confident taking this option, it’s beautiful, rewarding and free (except for the ticket!).
- Take a taxi tour: This is the easiest option – and unless you’re a local, it’s the only way to visit the Rock without walking. You’ll be able to see all of the top sights, and have a local guide. One of the top options can be booked here. You’ll also find taxi providers in Casemates Square, who will take you on a tour.
What is the Rock of Gibraltar?
Formed millions of years ago when the African tectonic plate collided with the Eurasian Plate, the Rock of Gibraltar is a huge limestone mountain. It stands alone, surrounded by sea, with the town of Gibraltar built on its slopes.
The immediate area around it in Spain is almost completely flat, which only adds to its dramatic appearance. You can see it for miles.
Given all this, it’s hardly surprising that the Rock of Gibraltar has been an important symbol throughout history. To the Ancient Greeks, it was one of the ‘Pillars of Hercules’ – the end of the known world.
For the last few hundred years it has been part of the British overseas territory of Gibraltar – a naturally formed impregnable fortress, complete with miles of man-made tunnels used by the army. Now it’s Gibraltar’s most popular attraction, with about a million tourists visiting every year to visit the top of the Rock, meet its famous monkeys, and explore its tunnels and caves.
Is the Rock of Gibraltar worth visiting?
Absolutely! Few places can boast so many – and so varied! – attractions as the Rock of Gibraltar. It truly has something for everyone: history, monkeys, natural beauty, hikes, an unbelievable cave and monkeys. It’s well worth a trip if you’re nearby in Southern Spain. For a sense of the types of things you’ll see on the Rock of Gibraltar, head down to the ‘Top things to see‘ section of this blog.
How to visit the Rock of Gibraltar from Spain
The recommended option: a guided tour
If you’re staying in any of the tourist hot spots in Southern Spain (e.g. Malaga, the Costa del Sol, Seville), you’ll be able to book a guided tour to the Rock. These will include transport to and from the Rock and potentially some sort of guided tour. You may need to buy your own ticket to the Rock – scroll down to ‘Do you need a ticket to visit the Rock of Gibraltar’.
This will undoubtedly be the most time-effective and least stressful option. The downsides are that it may cost slightly more, and that it may give you a bit less freedom to explore the Rock at your own pace. However many tours offer an option to explore by yourself – they simply manage the transport. If you want more freedom, this is the best option.
Top rated Rock of Gibraltar tours
- Top rated tour of Gibraltar from Malaga & Costa del Sol (including Marbella, Fuengirola and main resorts). Provides plenty of free time to explore at your own pace.
- A popular tour from Malaga to Gibraltar
- The top rated tour of Gibraltar from Seville
Visiting the Rock of Gibraltar by public transport
Depending on where you’re staying in Spain, you may be able to easily reach Gibraltar by public transport. If it’s possible, this will definitely be the most cost-effective option – though it will probably take slightly longer.
To get to Gibraltar by public transport, you need to take a coach to La Línea de la Concepción, the Spanish town that borders with Gibraltar. Coaches go to La Linea from Malaga, Seville, Cadiz, Marbella, Torremolinos and other spots across the Costa Del Sol. You can find timetables and book tickets here.
Once you arrive at La Linea coach station, it’s a short 5-10 minute walk to the border with Gibraltar.
Once you’ve arrived in Gibraltar, follow the steps from the next section, ‘How to go up the Rock of Gibraltar’.
Note: As the Rock of Gibraltar is in the British territory of Gibraltar, it means crossing an international border. Factor this in when planning your trip, as it can take time to cross the border. Make sure you have the necessary documentation. When you re-enter Spain, you may be asked for proof of your accommodation in Spain or your return trip out of Spain, if you are travelling with a non-EU passport.
Travelling to Gibraltar by car
If you have a car or are renting one, this is an easy way to visit Gibraltar. It can easily be reached from Costa del Sol and other major towns such as Seville in a couple of hours.
However, note that crossing the border with a car can be difficult. If you’ve rented a car in Spain, you may not be able to take it over the border. Even if you are allowed to, parking in Gibraltar can be near impossible. It’s best to park in La Linea (there are plenty of car parks) and then go into Gibraltar by foot.
How do you get to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar?
Once you’re in Gibraltar, it’s easy to spot the Rock. You can see it from everywhere. But how do you get up it?
There are usually three main ways to go up the Rock of Gibraltar – but throughout 2026, the Cable Car is closed for refurbishment. This means you either need to hike, or take a taxi tour.
How to walk up the Rock of Gibraltar
In my opinion, the best (and cheapest!) way to go up the Rock of Gibraltar is by foot. It’s also the most tiring, and takes the longest.
There are three entrances to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve that you can walk to by foot: Jews Gate, Moorish Castle and Devils Gap. Each of them has a ticket office, where you can show your purchase receipt to gain entry. You can see a map of the entry points here.
Once inside, you can use a number of routes of varying difficulty to climb to the Rock’s attractions. But note that the Rock is very tall and very steep – if you choose to walk, whichever route you take, it will involve a lot of walking upwards!
Moorish Castle: This is the closest entrance to Casemates Square, quite easily reached from the centre of town. Walk up the pretty Castle Steps, following the signs for the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. When you enter the Reserve, you’ll be close to the Moorish Castle.
Devils Gap: Also easily reached from town is the Devils Gap entrance. This is the way to go if you want to see the Union Jack Steps – iconic painted steps with both the Union Jack and Gibraltar national flag.
Jews Gate: The Jews entrance is the furthest south, and unless you’re staying nearby, it’s unlikely to be the most convenient. But for those interested in hiking, it offers the most beautiful walk up the Rock – the Mediterranean Steps. This entrance is also where you’ll find the Pillars of Hercules, a statue commemorating the Rock’s ancient significance.
The Mediterranean Steps take about 1-2 hours, and they’re not recommended for people with vertigo. They’re also very challenging.
We took the Steps and found the views to be extraordinary. It was also very peaceful and quiet, which isn’t the case on a lot of the Rock!
By Cable Car – closed for refurbishment
The Cable Car is closed for refurbishment throughout 2026. If you don’t want to or are unable to walk, take a taxi tour.
For an easier way up to the Top of the Rock, with wonderful views over Gibraltar and across to Spain to boot, take the Cable Car. You’ll find the Cable Car station just to the south of the old town, close to the Alameda Botanical Gardens. It takes just6 minutes to get to the top.
The downside, and what put us off, is that the Cable Car is very expensive. At the time of writing, a return ticket costs £19 on top of your entrance fee. It can also be very busy.
By taxi
The third way to explore the Rock is by a taxi tour. If you don’t want to or are unable to do too much walking, this is the best way to see everything. You’ll have a licensed guide who’ll take you to all of the main sights. Often, monkeys climb on top of the taxis.
You’ll find tour providers in Casemates Square. You can also pre-book a private tour here.
If you’re planning to visit Gibraltar, make sure to read my travel guides:
Top things to see and do on the Rock of Gibraltar
The Upper Rock Nature Reserve covers a huge area, and there are many attractions to see. If you’re not on a guided tour, it’s best to have a bit of a plan of action to see the attractions you’re most interested in in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. The official website has a number of trails to help you plan out your day.
Here’s a summary of the top attractions to see on your visit:
The absolute highlights of the Rock of the Gibraltar
Apes Den (and Gibraltar’s macaques)
For many people, this is the main reason to visit Gibraltar: the monkeys. There are around 300 monkeys on the rock, and you’ll find them all over the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Two spots where you’re bound to see plenty are the area between the Cable Car Top Station (where the cable car will drop you off, if you use it) and the Skywalk. The other spot is called Apes Den, a bit further down.
Fun fact: No one is sure how the monkey came to Gibraltar. Legend has it they came through an underwater tunnel, linking St Michael’s Cave with North Africa.
St Michael’s Cave
A huge, cathedral-like cave filled with stunning stalagmites and stalactites. It’s lit up by a light show, adding to the atmosphere. St Michael’s Cave is utterly beautiful, probably the most beautiful spot in all of Gibraltar, and it was my favourite spot on the Rock. Don’t miss it.
The Great Siege Tunnels
One of the most fascinating things about the Rock of Gibraltar is its many, many miles of tunnels. Mostly these were built by the British army during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and were used to defend British Gibraltar.
You can visit a section of these tunnels, which were built during the Great Siege of Gibraltar in the 18th century, and used again in World War Two. Inside the tunnel you’ll find cannons and an interesting exhibition about the siege and how the tunnels were used.
World War Two Tunnels
Another great place to learn about the military history of the Rock. Walk through a small section of the tunnels used in the Rock during the Second World Tour, and visit the exhibition about the importance of Gibraltar to the Allies. You can also visit Jock’s balcony, a lookout point deep inside the Rock, towards the airport.
Other interesting sights on the Rock of Gibraltar
Windsor Suspension Bridge
A suspension bridge spanning 70 metres over a deep ravine in the Rock. It offers a great view over Gibraltar.
Charles V Wall
A sixteenth century wall which you can walk alongside to climb up the rock. It was built in the 16th century, under the reign of the King of Spain Charles V, to help defend the Rock from Turkish pirates.
The Skywalk
A glass platform, sticking out from the top of the Rock. Not for the faint hearted – a chance to look down and see the Rock spilling out below you. Fun fact – it was opened by Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker.
Moorish Castle
One of the few remnants from Gibraltar’s Muslim past. Actually called the Tower of Homage, the Moorish Castle dates back to 1160 A.D., and was rebuilt in the 14th century. The tower has been recently restored and you can visit the inside. There’s not loads to see, but it’s an iconic building, and a reminder of an important part of Gibraltar’s history.
City Under Siege exhibition
A pretty dated, but nonetheless interesting, exhibition about the Great Siege of Gibraltar, which took place in the 18th century.
Batteries
The Rock was a vital defensive point for the Allies during World War Two. You’ll find many defensive lookout points and batteries, including O’Hara’s Battery and Princess Caroline’s Battery.
Is there somewhere to eat on the Rock of Gibraltar?
Yes! There are a few options for eating on the Rock of Gibraltar. Within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve are St Michael’s Cabin, Top of the Rock Cafe and Mons Calpe Suite. There are also a number of picnic spots – but I wouldn’t recommend eating out in the open, as the monkeys like to steal food!
If you have time, I’d recommend eating in Gibraltar town itself. Read my guide of the best restaurants in Gibraltar here.
What should I pack to visit the Rock of Gibraltar?
Make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes or trainers, as there can be a lot of walking. You’ll also need sunscreen (it gets hot even outside of summer), a reusable water bottle, lightweight layers (the caves can be cooler). And make sure you don’t forget your camera or phone with plenty of storage — the views are extraordinary.
Tip: Don’t walk around with any food or snacks out in the open. The monkeys will have them… And watch out for your bag.
How much time do you need at the Rock of Gibraltar?
The Rock covers a large area, and there are loads of attractions to see. I’d recommend dedicating at least half a day to visiting the Rock – at least 3-4 hours. You could easily spend all day here.
What is the best way to see the Rock of Gibraltar?
In 2026, there are two options to see the Rock of Gibralter: You can hike, or join a taxi tour – the best option depends what experience you’re after and whether you’re able to walk. Hiking is the most budget-friendly and scenic (I loved exploring the different routes up the Rock!). But it’s also the most physically demanding, and means you might be tired when you get to the attractions.
If you don’t want to or are unable to walk, you’ll need to book a taxi tour. This option is a great way to see everything and you’ll also have a local guide..
Do you need a ticket to visit the Rock of Gibraltar?
Yes, you need a ticket to visit the Rock of Gibraltar. At the time of writing this costs £25 – which is a lot, but it gets you entrance to absolutely everything on the Rock. As you’ll see below, there are a lot of attractions. If you want to take the Cable Car (closed for 2026), it costs £44 for entrance to the Rock and a return journey.
You can book your ticket online via the official website. You’ll be sent a confirmation email, which is all you need – show this at the ticket office, and you’ll be provided with a ticket to enter the various sights. Keep this on you, as some of the attractions – such as St Michael’s Cave – require you to scan it again to enter.
If you’re interested in doing a dolphin spotting boat tour as well, you can book a combo ticket for the cable car and a dolphin tour here.
Where can I see the monkeys in Gibraltar?
The famous Gibraltar monkeys freely throughout the Upper Rock Nature Reserve – when you visit the Rock, you’ll see them all over. Two of the spots where you’ll see lots of monkeys are the area called Apes Den and the area around the Cable Car Top Station and Skywalk.
What things are there to do near the Rock of Gibraltar?
The Rock of Gibraltar is absolutely the main sight. But the territory of Gibraltar offers plenty more – including fascinating museums and a gorgeous Old Town. Make sure to check out my complete guide of the top things to do in Gibraltar.
Final top tips for visiting the Rock of Gibraltar
- Don’t underestimate the monkeys. They’re wild animals, they’re smart, and they can cause injury. Don’t tease them or try to feed them, and pay attention to the signs around the Rock about how to behave near them.
- Plan your route. The Rock is a huge site with loads of attractions. You won’t be able to see everything — so prioritise what you want to visit and use a map to plan your route in advance.
- Don’t miss the caves. The Rock isn’t all about monkeys – St Michael’s Cave is seriously beautiful.
Visiting Gibraltar?
Read my guide of where to stay in Gibraltar and the top things to do in Gibraltar.
Read my other Gibraltar guides
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