Gibraltar: Rock Tour, Skywalk & Apes with Local Storytelling

Summary

History, wild monkeys, glass skywalks and Gibraltar’s layered stories

You’ll ride up Gibraltar’s legendary Rock with a local guide who brings every legend to life — from ancient castles to wild Barbary macaques leaping overhead. Stand on the Skywalk’s glass floor (if your nerves allow), explore St Michael’s Cave’s cool depths, and end at Europa Point where two continents meet. It’s less like ticking off sights and more like living inside someone else’s story for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that?” Carl grinned as he pointed at the limestone rising above us. He’d been telling us about the Pillars of Hercules — apparently Hercules smashed through mountains here (I admit I only half-remembered that myth from school). The Rock of Gibraltar just loomed, kind of stubborn against the sky. There was this weird salty tang in the air, mixed with something sweet from a bakery down the road. Our little group squeezed into the van — honestly, I was relieved for the air conditioning — and Carl switched easily between English and Spanish as he greeted a couple who’d joined last minute. It felt like everyone knew him. Maybe they did.

The drive up twisted past old walls and sudden views of sea so blue it almost looked fake. We stopped at the Moorish Castle; stones cool under my hand, older than most countries I’ve lived in. Carl told us about sieges and tunnels — honestly, I didn’t expect to care about military history but somehow his stories made it feel personal. At one point we heard monkeys screeching somewhere above us and someone joked they were waiting for snacks (Carl warned us not to feed them). The Barbary macaques appeared at Upper Apes Den — bold little things, one tried to climb onto a stroller before being shooed away by its mother. There’s something about seeing wild animals just going about their business right there on the Rock that sticks with you.

I have to mention St Michael’s Cave — cool damp air and light flickering off stone formations like some kind of underground cathedral. It smelled faintly earthy, almost metallic? Not what I expected after all that sun outside. The Skywalk was next; standing on glass with nothing but wind between you and the drop is… well, my knees didn’t love it but wow, what a view over both Spain and Morocco on a clear day. Someone said you could see Africa if you squinted (not sure if that was true or just wishful thinking). Afterward we wandered through the Botanic Gardens — palms, bright flowers, old men playing dominoes in the shade.

We ended at Europa Point where the lighthouse stands guard over two continents. Carl shared a story about Churchill sending more monkeys during WWII because of some superstition (I laughed — it sounded like something out of a movie). The tour covered everything: Great Siege Tunnels echoing with old battles, Charles V Wall running along steep hillsides, even driving across Gibraltar’s runway which felt oddly rebellious for such a tiny place.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Gibraltar's key sights and history

• Drive across Gibraltar runway
• Visit Moorish Castle and fortifications
• Explore Great Siege Tunnels
• See 100 Ton Gun at Napier Battery
• Walk at Upper Apes Den with Barbary macaques
• Visit St. Michael’s Cave
• Experience panoramic views at The Skywalk
• Explore Gibraltar Nature Reserve
• View Pillars of Hercules
• Visit Europa Point and Lighthouse
• Stop at Catalan Bay beach
• Pass by Charles V Wall, Trafalgar Cemetery, and Botanic Gardens

Top questions

How long does this Gibraltar Rock tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Is pickup included in this Gibraltar tour?

Yes, pickup is included as part of your day.

Will we see Barbary macaques during this tour?

Yes, you’ll visit Upper Apes Den where Barbary macaques live freely on the Rock.

Are there stops at historical sites like Moorish Castle?

Yes, you’ll stop at Moorish Castle as well as other key historical sites.

Does this tour include entry to St Michael’s Cave?

Yes, visiting St Michael's Cave is part of the itinerary.

Is this suitable for families with young children?

Yes, child safety seats are available and infants can ride in strollers or prams.

What languages are available for this guided tour?

The tour can be given in 9 languages including English and Spanish.

Will we visit Europa Point during this trip?

Yes, Europa Point is one of the highlights near the end of your route.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned people carrier (with child seats if needed), all main entry fees including St Michael’s Cave and Skywalk access, plus storytelling from a knowledgeable Gibraltarian guide who switches between languages as needed before dropping you back after exploring every major sight on Gibraltar’s Rock.