Let's face it one of the biggest reasons for visiting The Rock of Gibraltar is to get to see the wild monkeys up close and personal! In this quick article I will explain some details on how to do it.
There are really 3 options for getting to the top:
(there is also a bike tour, but I haven't done that, so I don't speak on that in this article)
The Van Tour
You can take a van tour to the top of The Rock of Gibraltar. There will be a stand and several van drivers after you cross the border from Spain into Gibraltar, before you cross the airport runway. There are stands and tour guides along Casemates Square, Main Street, and at the cable car which all will be offering van tour guide services.
The prices are close to the same everywhere along the way, but some may be different ranging from 25-40 pounds (check with them for more accurate prices as they may vary). If you want the experience of walking across the runway, wait to take a van tour until you get to Casemates Square and Main Street. Summer/Winter seasons also vary in prices depending on tourism demand. All of the van tours are similar, although some of them may offer more private taxis/vans as well as at a more leisurely pace.
The van tours last about 2 hours and take you up the south Side of The Rock where you can visit the Mons Calpe Pillars of Hercules Statue, Jews Gate, and see the Mediterranean Steps. Further on to St. Michaels Caves, which is an exquisite experience. Next will be toward the top of The Rock, with awesome views of the Sea and Spain as well as visits to the monkeys. There may be a stop near the Mons Calpe Cafe restaurant, a place to grab a refreshment, souvenirs and see more monkeys (also a place to use the restroom).
After the top you pass down some windy roads with a couple stops along the way which might include The Great Siege Tunnels, Princess Caroline's Battery overlooking the airport, The WWII tunnels, and finally exiting past the Moorish Castle. If you are lucky, when you get to these locations, you might get to see a plane landing and departing at Gibraltar, one of the worlds top ten most dangerous airports. See Ministry of Flight on YouTube for amazing plane videos at this airport.
The thing to note about the van tours is they are similar but might vary slightly. If there is something on the list you particularly want to see make sure to let your driver know before booking. For example walking through the Great Siege Tunnels or the WWII can take up to 15 minutes to a half hour, where as stopping at the Skywalk and seeing the monkeys may only be several minutes. Once again talk to your driver and see what options you have, usually they have a board to show you with a list of stops along the way, thats the best time to ask.
The van tour is great for those who are not keen on walking and want to get a full experience of seeing a big part and some very special parts of The Rock of Gibraltar. Remember that foreign cars are not allowed to drive past the entry gates so driving up is not an option. The Van Tours give you the chance to see a lot of Gibraltar, especially if you are only here for a short part of the day.
Cable Cars
If you want a fun thrill take the cable cars up to the top. There are a couple variations with this option.
First if you just want to go up the cable car and back down again, that's an option and is around £18 roundtrip (once again prices vary, if you want a quick answer tweet the Cable Car Gibraltar, they seem to be posting each day on Twitter which will get you a fast response and updated prices). This route only includes the cable car and does not include the £16 Upper Park Reserve entrance fee. The cable car is about a 6 minute ride up, so if you are limited on time it allows for the experience of seeing the monkeys and being at the top of The Rock.
With this option of the cable car ride, you will experience phenomenal views in all directions from The Rock, the gift shop and cafe, and of course the monkeys. There are usually plenty of monkeys around this area. Finally, if you're not into hiking into the Upper Rock Reserve, there is an area to walk a short distance which allows for more views of the monkeys and spectacular views out across the bay and the sea, as well as some old WWII buildings.
If you choose, you can walk down The Rock by entering the Upper Rock Reserve. There is a ticket office to purchase access to The Reserve. I absolutely love walking down this route and seeing the sites. You can choose to head south and see the Skywalk and walk a bit further to the Caves. After that I would head back toward the north of The Rock to see The Great Siege Tunnels and the Gibraltar Airport Runway. This option is a half day (allow for 4-6 hours) event. Once you purchase your entrance ticket, it is good for the entire day.
Hiking Up The Rock of Gibraltar
This is my favorite way to get up. The views you get along the way are mesmerizing and highly recommended. You also get to experience some of the old homes and buildings along the climb up the steps.
If you choose this route, there are several entrances along the town side of The Rock. My favorite and the one I take weekly is going up via the Moorish Castle. See the video below for complete instructions. Going this way will take all day but allows you to see so much at your own pace.
If you start at Casemates Square, make your way down Main Street. At Engineer Lane take the way to the left. Follow that up, and if you are inclined, stop at my friends bakery for a muffin or cupcake to take along with you on your walk, they have GF and Vegan options as well. Don't forget to bring water for the hike, especially in the hot hot summer!
After passing Piece of Cake Bakery, continue up for a couple more minutes where you will reach Castle Steps, across the street from the Cheers Bar. Follow Castle Steps up a steep incline. This will really get your exercise on!
Once you pass the little yellow kitty house with a lush little garden along the steps you will be at Willis's Road. You will see a bus stop to your left, turn left and make your way up that street toward the Moorish castle.
At the Moorish Castle entrance, there is a pay station to enter the Upper Nature Reserve. The current entrance fee is £16 and allows access to all areas of the Upper Reserve and attractions (not including the cable car). The entrance sites only take cards, no cash.
From here you can keep going up to see the WWII Tunnels, A City Under Siege Exhibition (featuring soldiers names carved out from the 1700's), continuing up to Princess Caroline's Battery. This area features panoramic views of the runway and Spain. There's a small but hidden museum just underneath that takes a few minutes and is worth the visit.
If you follow the signs to The Great Siege Tunnels, you will pass the restrooms. This is one of the only locations on this route, so take advantage of it. Make your way up a bit more to visit inside The Great Siege Tunnels. At this location there is usually monkeys, and it also features more panoramic views of the airport runway and Spain.
From here you can head back down to Princess Caroline's Battery. Turn left to keep heading up The Rock. If you take the path to the right it will lead you along the side of The Rock, through a small neighborhood and further to Devils Gap Battery. If you take the path to the left, go up a bit further for a nice nature hike up to the cable cars, viewing platform, and more monkeys. And further to the Skywalk and St. Michael's Caves.
To explore all of these sites will take all day. Keep in mind there are limited areas for refreshments or services until the cable car station and further to St. Michael's Caves. Bring lots of water and some snacks, the hike up during the summer months can be very hot and taxing.
Have a great time visiting Gibraltar. Please leave any questions or comments you may have. The fastest way for me to respond to questions or comments is by leaving a comment on one of my YouTube videos as I check and respond there daily.
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