Rock of Gibraltar

Rock of Gibraltar
Rock of Gibraltar featuring a beach, general coastal views and mountains
Rock of Gibraltar
Rock of Gibraltar
Rock of Gibraltar


Stand at the top of Gibraltar’s most famous landmark and enjoy panoramic views, a wealth of historic attractions and the famous macaque monkeys.

The Rock of Gibraltar is one of Europe’s most recognizable landmarks and home to a famous troupe of macaque monkeys. Towering 1,397 feet (426 metres) above Gibraltar, The Rock, as it is more commonly known, offers some of the continent’s most staggering views where you can stare across two continents and two seas.

Gibraltar’s monkeys are a famous bunch. As the only wild population of monkeys in Europe, the 230 barbary apes receive their fair share of attention and they revel in it. Hop in the cable car, which soars its way up the near-vertical rock and stop at Apes’ Den to get up close to the cheeky monkeys.

Leaping along the rocks, the pale brown-colored monkeys are entertaining to watch, but have been known to get a bit aggressive, especially if they have babies, so don’t get too close. It is believed the monkeys were either brought by Moors or, some say, arrived from Africa via an undersea tunnel which ended in St. Michael’s Cave. The monkeys are highly protected and there is a famous phrase in Gibraltar which states: "when the apes leave the Rock, so will the British."

Continue to the very top of the Rock of Gibraltar for truly breathtaking views. On a clear day you can easily see the coastline of Africa, the long Spanish Costa del Sol and the point where the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean collide, providing a true top-of-the-world feeling.

From the very top, start the steep walk back down The Rock to visit the other attractions such as the O’Hara’s Battery, St. Michael’s Cave, the Great Siege Tunnels and Military Heritage Centre. On the way, look for the different plant species that grow on the different altitudes.

Much of the upper sections of The Rock are within the designated Upper Rock Nature Reserve and entry tickets also include access to the St. Michael’s Cave, the Apes’ Den, the Great Siege Tunnels, the Moorish Castle, the Military Heritage Centre and the 100 Ton Gun. No private vehicles are allowed to drive on St. Michael’s Road up The Rock however, you can either use the cable car, private tour bus, taxi or embark on a challenging hike.

Plan a trip to see Rock of Gibraltar

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Top Floor Studio-The Hub-Self Catering
Sunborn Gibraltar Yacht Hotel Resort
E1 Gibraltar

Tours & day trips

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Wildlife & nature

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Reviews of Rock of Gibraltar

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
104
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
56
4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Travelled to Gibraltar with a view to using the cable car to take us to the rock. The queue was 2 hours long and folk were constantly pestered in the queue by a taxi firm offering to drive them to the rock. My recommendation would be to pre-book a trip with one of the local companies. Gibraltar is not at all what I expected. It is a very busy location containing many of the U.K. shops.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Do not visit the top of the rock with a plastic bag. The monkeys think you have food in there and will grab it, or in my case jump on your back to grab it.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

If you have a forces discount card tale it with you. Big savings on the cable car!

4/5 - Good

EddieMc

Use the taxi service to visit the Rock. St Michaels Caves Amazing, Monkeys were incredible. John ex police was an excellent tour guide with the taxi

5/5 - Excellent

Fiona

Worth the £5 pp if walking daily. Allow all day and lots of water take, as only 1 cafe and information centre.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The mini bus trip to see a number of attractions at the rock is worth doing

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Holiday Inn Express Gibraltar by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Gibraltar by IHG

3.5 out of 5
21-23 Devils Tower Road, Gibraltar, GI
Holiday Inn Express Gibraltar by IHG
E1 Gibraltar

E1 Gibraltar

3.5 out of 5
E1, Gibraltar
E1 Gibraltar
E1 Studios, Sea & Beach Views, High Floor

E1 Studios, Sea & Beach Views, High Floor

4 out of 5
92 Devil's Tower Rd, 1808 / 1807, 18th floor, Gibraltar
E1 Studios, Sea & Beach Views, High Floor
Lovely Brand New Massive Studio

Lovely Brand New Massive Studio

Gibraltar
Lovely Brand New Massive Studio
Large Studio with view-Hosted by Sweetstay

Large Studio with view-Hosted by Sweetstay

Gibraltar
Large Studio with view-Hosted by Sweetstay
Gibraltar Seaview Studio: Top Floor Bliss

Gibraltar Seaview Studio: Top Floor Bliss

Gibraltar
Gibraltar Seaview Studio: Top Floor Bliss
Brand New Studio Near The Beach, Gibraltar

Brand New Studio Near The Beach, Gibraltar

Gibraltar
Brand New Studio Near The Beach, Gibraltar
E1 Lovely High Floor, Spacious Studios, Sea and Beach Views

E1 Lovely High Floor, Spacious Studios, Sea and Beach Views

Gibraltar
E1 Lovely High Floor, Spacious Studios, Sea and Beach Views
Top Floor Studio-The Hub-Self Catering

Top Floor Studio-The Hub-Self Catering

3.5 out of 5
4 Stirling Way, Gibraltar
Top Floor Studio-The Hub-Self Catering
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Rock of Gibraltar

At the Rock of Gibraltar, visitors can enjoy a fabulous climb for stunning views, explore the area by bike, or embark on an outdoor adventure. The region also offers delightful walking paths, shopping opportunities, and the chance to see playful dolphins. Whether you prefer an active or leisurely experience, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this unique destination.

Shopping

The main shopping area in Gibraltar is Main Street, where you'll find a variety of duty-free shops, boutiques, and souvenir stores. If you're up for a drive, visit the nearby Ocean Village, which offers stylish shops and restaurants along the marina.

Recreation

Victoria Stadium, located 311m from the Rock of Gibraltar, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. For a more tranquil experience, the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, also 311m away, provides stunning views and peaceful surroundings. Additionally, the Gibraltar Squash Club, 1.2km away, promotes wellness through sport and relaxation.

Adventure

Explore the iconic Rock of Gibraltar by hiking its scenic trails, where breathtaking views await. Visit the famous Barbary macaques and discover historical sites like the Great Siege Tunnels. For thrill-seekers, try abseiling or rock climbing for an exhilarating experience amidst stunning landscapes.

Nightlife

In Rock of Gibraltar, King's Bastion offers a lively arcadeAdventureZone, perfect for families and those seeking adventure. Located 435m away, it combines fun activities with a vibrant atmosphere, making it an excellent spot for an enjoyable night out.

Find the best attractions near Rock of Gibraltar

Exploring the Rock of Gibraltar offers a delightful mix of culture and history, with attractions such as military museums and historic sites. Visitors can engage in outdoor experiences and romantic strolls while marveling at the iconic landmark. Whether you're keen on learning about Gibraltar's rich heritage or simply enjoying the stunning views, the area promises a memorable experience for every traveller.

  • Casemates Square: A vibrant landmark filled with friendly vibes, Casemates Square is the perfect spot to relax, enjoy local cuisine, and soak in the lively atmosphere, all just 373m from the Rock of Gibraltar.
  • Military Heritage Centre and Great Siege Tunnels: Located a mere 124m away, this military museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Gibraltar's storied past, showcasing the Great Siege Tunnels and rich cultural heritage.
  • World War II Tunnels: Just 186m from the Rock, these historic tunnels reveal the strategic military importance of Gibraltar during the war, providing a captivating experience steeped in history and culture.

Best time to go to Rock of Gibraltar

The best time to visit Rock of Gibraltar is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.7°F (17.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June69.3°F (20.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July74.1°F (23.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
August75.2°F (24.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
September70.9°F (21.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October66.0°F (18.9°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
November59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Rock of Gibraltar

To save money on your trip to the Rock of Gibraltar, plan your visit between November and January when prices are lower. Book your accommodation at least three months in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Saturdays tend to be the cheapest nights to stay, while Tuesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options. Additionally, consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for better savings. Take advantage of free activities and explore the stunning natural landscapes without spending a penny.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Rock of Gibraltar are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Rock of Gibraltar about 3+ months out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Rock of Gibraltar is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Rock of Gibraltar is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your selections based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save some money by combining your hotel accommodation at the Rock of Gibraltar with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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