Things to Do in Gibraltar: The Rock, the Apes & Two Continents

Gibraltar · Updated June 2026 · By Richard J.

Gibraltar is a curious, compelling sliver of Britain at the tip of Spain — a towering limestone Rock guarding the gateway between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, home to Europe's only wild monkeys, honeycombed with caves and wartime tunnels, with Morocco visible across the strait. It's tiny, easily seen in a day, and a fascinating add-on to an Andalusian trip. This is our shortlist of what's worth booking.

Top-rated experiences

Live availability and prices from GetYourGuide, sorted by what travellers actually rate. The Rock tours, cable car and dolphin-watching trips are the headline bookings.

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When to visit Gibraltar

Gibraltar shares the warm, sunny climate of southern Spain. Spring and autumn are ideal; summer is hot and busy; winters are mild.

Mar–Apr
13–20°C
Spring — mild, clear, pleasant.
May
15–23°C
Lovely — warm, before the heat.
Jun
18–26°C
Warm, sunny, lively.
Jul–Aug
21–29°C
Hot, humid, busy; the Levanter cloud.
Sep
19–27°C
Ideal — warm, easing crowds.
Oct
16–23°C
Mild, golden, relaxed.
Nov
13–19°C
Cooler, quieter, some rain.
Dec–Feb
11–17°C
Mild winter; quiet, good value.

The rest of your trip

Plan the rest of your trip

The non-activity essentials — same partners we use ourselves.

Travel insurance

SafetyWing

Airport pickup

Welcome Pickups

Spain/Gibraltar eSIM

Airalo

Rental car

For day trips

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Frequently asked questions

How long do you need in Gibraltar?

A day, or even a half-day, covers the highlights — the cable car up the Rock, the Barbary macaques, St Michael's Cave, the Great Siege and WWII tunnels, and the views to Africa. Most people visit Gibraltar as a day trip from the Costa del Sol or as a stop on an Andalusian itinerary rather than an overnight.

Can you see the Gibraltar apes?

Yes — the Barbary macaques on the Upper Rock are the only wild monkey population in Europe and Gibraltar's most famous residents. You'll see them on the Rock tours and around the cable car top station. Don't feed or touch them (it's prohibited and they bite), and keep bags closed — they're bold and quick.

How do you get up the Rock of Gibraltar?

By cable car from the town to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, on a guided minibus or taxi tour that includes the main sights, or on foot via the Mediterranean Steps for the energetic. The cable car plus a walk down past the apes and caves is the classic approach; tours bundle the entry and transport.

Do you need a passport for Gibraltar?

Yes — Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, so crossing from Spain is an international border and you need your passport. The crossing is usually quick on foot, though it can queue at busy times. Check current entry requirements for your nationality before you go.

When is the best time to visit Gibraltar?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal — warm, sunny and less crowded. Summer is hot and busy, and the Rock can attract the Levanter, a damp easterly cloud that caps the summit. Winters are mild and good value, pleasant for sightseeing.

Affiliate disclosure · We earn commission on bookings — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend activities we'd send a friend to.
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