St Michael's Cave

St Michael\'s Cave
St Michael\'s Cave
St Michael\'s Cave
St Michael\'s Cave
St Michael\'s Cave


Venture into the deep recesses of this vast cave embedded in the Rock of Gibraltar and discover its geological formations, long history and legends.

St. Michael’s Cave is a vast network of limestone grottoes with an entrance found perched 984 feet (300 metres) above sea level on the Rock of Gibraltar. Take a tour through the impressive caverns, where stalactites dangle from the ceilings and stalagmites rise up to meet them. Learn about a history that dates as far back as the Romans.

There are many legends surrounding St. Michael’s Cave. The most famous is that it was the exit to a 15-mile (24-kilometre) long tunnel that stretched under the Strait of Gibraltar to Africa and that it was through this tunnel that the Rock of Gibraltar’s famous macaque monkeys arrived in Europe. Watch the mischievous monkeys on your way to the entrance of the caves and you may well wonder exactly how Europe’s only wild monkey population got here.

Make your way through a series of caves, each leading into the other. From the Upper Hall, the caves descend until they reach a depth 250 feet (76.2 metres) below the height of the entrance. Embark on a special guided tour to reach the lower cave and small lake. The main exit of the caves was in fact blasted from the rock during World War II when the cave was prepared for, although never used as, an emergency hospital.

The magnificent Cathedral Cave is open to visitors and often plays host to concerts, ballet and theatre thanks to its beautiful acoustics and romantic setting. Experience the magic of a performance deep underground if you are lucky enough to visit at the right time.

Buy a combination ticket which includes access to St. Michael’s Cave along with the one-way cable car to the Upper Rock, the Great Siege Tunnels and the entry to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. All the attractions are open from morning to evening. To reach the caves walk east along Queen's Road from the town centre. The route is clearly signposted.

Plan a trip to see St Michael's Cave

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Things to do near St Michael's Cave

At St Michael's Cave in Gibraltar, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including guided cave tours and scenic rock tours. For those seeking adventure, a day trip can also provide opportunities to spot dolphins in the surrounding waters. Additionally, the area offers delightful shopping experiences nearby, ensuring a well-rounded visit to this natural wonder.

Shopping

While St Michael's Cave itself is a natural wonder, for souvenirs, head to Main Street in Gibraltar, where you’ll find an array of shops selling gifts and local crafts. If you're up for a drive, visit Ocean Village, located 1.3.1km away, offering a vibrant marina with additional shopping options.

Recreation

Explore the serene Upper Rock Nature Reserve, where you can unwind amidst nature's beauty, just 497m from St Michael's Cave. For recreational fun, the Gibraltar Squash Club, located 249m away, offers a relaxing atmosphere perfect for fitness enthusiasts.

Adventure

At St Michael's Cave, explore stunning limestone formations and dramatic caverns. Engage in guided tours that unfold the cave's intriguing history, or enjoy thrilling light shows. Nearby, you can hike the scenic trails of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife near St Michael's Cave at King's Bastion, where you can enjoy bowling and arcade games in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. This adventure zone, located 621m away, is perfect for a fun-filled evening with friends and family.

Find the best attractions near St Michael's Cave

St Michael's Cave in Gibraltar is surrounded by captivating attractions, including castles, lookouts, and scenic bays, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, romantics, and beach lovers alike. Explore the enchanting St Michael's Cave itself, alongside other notable Gibraltar attractions. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, this picturesque destination offers a delightful blend of experiences for every traveller.

  • Moorish Castle: A historical gem located 311m from St Michael's Cave, Moorish Castle offers a romantic atmosphere steeped in culture. Explore its ancient walls and enjoy panoramic views of Gibraltar.
  • Gibraltar Botanic Gardens: Situated 311m from St Michael's Cave, these gardens provide a serene outdoor experience perfect for families and couples alike. Discover diverse plant species in beautifully landscaped surroundings.
  • Skywalk Gibraltar: Just 186m from St Michael's Cave, Skywalk Gibraltar is an adventurous lookout that combines breathtaking views with a thrilling experience, ideal for those seeking romance and a touch of excitement.

Best time to go to St Michael's Cave

The best time to visit St Michael's Cave is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average 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 average 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 SunnyAverageAverage
March55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
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)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August75.2°F (24.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
September70.9°F (21.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October66.0°F (18.9°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
November59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St Michael's Cave

To save money on your visit to St Michael's Cave, consider travelling between November and January when prices are lower. Book your accommodation at least three months in advance, and look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Saturday is the least expensive night to stay. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and hotel type, and consider eco-friendly options. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to further savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities in the area for a budget-friendly experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St Michael's Cave 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: Book your hotel around St Michael's Cave about 3+ months out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St Michael's Cave is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around St Michael's Cave is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, chosen location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel booking at St Michael's Cave with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.