Gibraltar Upper Rock: Walking Tour with Monkeys & Med Steps

Summary

Walk Gibraltar’s Upper Rock nature reserve with monkeys, bridges, and wartime tunnels led by a local who knows every shortcut and story

You’ll climb Gibraltar’s Upper Rock with a local guide who knows every story and shortcut—passing old batteries, crossing Windsor Bridge, meeting cheeky monkeys at Apes Den, and pausing for coffee inside St Michael’s Cave. Expect laughter and quiet moments both—plus flexible pacing so no one gets left behind.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the salt in the air — sharp, almost metallic — as we started up the path into Gibraltar’s Upper Rock nature reserve. Our guide, Javier, had this habit of pausing every so often to point out things I’d never have spotted: a faded military plaque here, or the way the light hit Devil’s Gap Battery just right. The climb isn’t gentle (I mean, my legs felt it), but there’s something about seeing the city shrink below you that makes you forget how much you’re sweating. We passed a group of locals chatting in Spanish near Genoese Battery; one of them waved at us like we were old friends.

I didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did when we reached Apes Den. The monkeys are bold — one tried to unzip my backpack (Javier just grinned and shrugged). There was this moment on Windsor Bridge where the wind picked up and for a second I thought about turning back, but then someone behind me cracked a joke about “British weather” and suddenly it felt lighter. You get these quick flashes of history: Rooke’s Battery rusting quietly in the sun, then Queen’s Lookout with its sudden hush. At St Michael’s Cave we stopped longer for coffee — honestly, sitting there damp from the cave air with a sweet pastry in hand was weirdly peaceful.

We didn’t do the Med Steps this time (someone in our group wasn’t keen), but Javier said he could arrange it if you message ahead. Instead we wandered over to O’Hara’s Battery and then up to the Sky Walkway — glass underfoot, wind everywhere. By then my legs were jelly but I still wanted more. Some folks peeled off at the cable car top station; others kept going to see if they could squeeze in a look at the Great Siege Tunnels (again, just ask if you want that). It never felt rushed — everyone walked their own pace and nobody seemed bothered by it.

I keep thinking about that view from Queen’s Lookout: ships scattered below like toy boats, Morocco hazy across the water. There was something grounding about hearing Javier talk about his childhood here while gulls wheeled overhead. If you’re even half-curious about Gibraltar’s layers — military stories, wild monkeys, strange little corners — this walking tour is how you find them. Not perfect footing everywhere (watch your step), but maybe that’s part of why it sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Walking tour of Gibraltar's Upper Rock

• Visit Devil’s Gap Battery
• See the Genoese Battery
• Meet monkeys at Apes Den
• Cross the Windsor Bridge
• Explore Rooke’s Battery
• View from Queens Lookout
• Stop at St Michaels Cave cafeteria
• Pass Jews Gate
• Walk the Med Steps (optional)
• Visit O’Hara’s Battery
• Walk the Sky Walkway
• Climb Charles V Steps top
• See Cable Car Top Station

Top questions

How long does the Gibraltar Upper Rock walking tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 3 minutes but can vary depending on group pace.

Is hotel pickup included for this Upper Rock walking tour?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are available nearby.

Will we see monkeys during this Gibraltar walking tour?

Yes, you'll visit Apes Den where you'll have a chance to see Gibraltar's famous monkeys.

Do I need to be very fit for this Upper Rock walking tour?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness as there are some steep sections.

Are children allowed on this Gibraltar tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I request to visit specific sites like the Great Siege Tunnels?

Yes, message ahead if you'd like to include sites like the Great Siege Tunnels or WWII Tunnels.

Is lunch included on this day trip from central Gibraltar?

No lunch is included but there is a stop at St Michael's Cave cafeteria for snacks or coffee.

Does this walking tour cover all main attractions on Upper Rock?

You’ll visit key sites such as Devil’s Gap Battery, Windsor Bridge, Apes Den, St Michael’s Cave and more; some stops depend on group preference or prior arrangement.

What’s included

Your walk includes guidance from an English-speaking local who adapts to your pace; entry into Upper Rock nature reserve; stops at highlights like Apes Den for monkey encounters and St Michael's Cave for refreshments; plus optional routes or extra tunnel visits if arranged in advance.