Gibraltar Rock & Nature Reserve
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Gibraltar Rock & Nature Reserve - by Michal Mrozek on Unsplash
Description
The Rock of Gibraltar is a 426m high promontory made of a single limestone block and nicknamed one of the two Pillars of Hercules, the other one being on the opposite side of the Straits, in Morocco. Most of the Rock's upper area is a nature reserve that is home to the around 300 Barbary macaques, over 100 caves and several tourist attractions grouped under the "Gibraltar Nature Reserve" access ticket. These include famous sights like the Mediterranean Steps, the Moorish Castle, St Michael's Cave and the WW2 tunnels as well as a series of less well-known points of interest.
Access & Transport
The easiest way to get there is to park in town and walk up. Do note that non-resident vehicles are not permitted access into the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, Upper Rock. Gibraltar has its own airport and is 20km east of Algeciras, 140km southwest of Malaga and 120km southeast of Cadiz. The public transport connectivity with Spain is poor.
Instructions & Recommendations
The territory's currency is the Gibraltar / British Pound, not the Euro. Tickets can be purchased on the day from either Jew's Gate or the Moorish Castle entrance to the Nature Reserve. If you are tackling the Mediterranean steps, you may consider visiting the Gorham's Cave Complex (separate fee applies)
Environmental & Social
Most of the attractions have a low carbon footprint and tourism helps preserve the architectural and natural heritage
Conclusion
If you have made it to Gibraltar this is the prime attraction so you can't really not visit. The most spectacular sight is probably the rock itself, followed by the views from the top (looking at Africa) and St Michael's Cave. Our advice is not to take the cable car so you'll not only get a more memorable experience but you won't feel like grumbling about the price, i.e. much better value!
Key positive
Unique views
Many historical and interesting sights
Key negative
A little expensive (w/o cable car)
Suitability
Only partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility: long slopes (cable car can partially solve the issue), caves and the Mediterranean steps will be a challenge.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 15m
est. visit time:3h
Start of Season 1:May, 01
MONDAY09:30 - 19:00
TUESDAY09:30 - 19:00
WEDNESDAY09:30 - 19:00
THURSDAY09:30 - 19:00
FRIDAY09:30 - 19:00
SATURDAY09:30 - 19:00
SUNDAY09:30 - 19:00
Start of Season 2:Nov, 01
MONDAY09:00 - 18:00
TUESDAY09:00 - 18:00
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 18:00
THURSDAY09:00 - 18:00
FRIDAY09:00 - 18:00
SATURDAY09:00 - 18:00
SUNDAY09:00 - 18:00