How much time should I allow to explore Gibraltar’s Upper Rock Nature Reserve?

Short answer

Allow at least half a day: a guided minibus or taxi tour covers the main sights in about two hours, while exploring the attractions on foot at your own pace can easily take most of a day. Nature Reserve tickets are valid for the whole day.

Detailed answer

The Upper Rock Nature Reserve has 17 attractions spread across steep ground, so the time you need depends on how you get around.

By vehicle, a guided Rock tour is the quickest option. Blands Travel's Rock Tour, for example, lasts about two hours and stops at the Apes' Den, St Michael's Cave and Europa Point.

On foot, allow considerably longer. Walk Gibraltar's guided Upper Rock walk takes about three hours at a leisurely pace and links Devil's Gap Battery, the Apes' Den, the Windsor Suspension Bridge, Jews' Gate, the Mediterranean Steps, O'Hara's Battery, the Skywalk and the viewing deck by the Great Siege Tunnels. The Nature Reserve's own guided Wildlife Walk runs on Thursdays from 09:30 to 12:30. If you add time inside St Michael's Cave, the Great Siege Tunnels, the World War II Tunnels and the Moorish Castle, a full day is realistic.

The Mediterranean Steps on their own are a steep, at times arduous, climb from Jews' Gate at about 180 metres to O'Hara's Battery at about 419 metres. The guided Lower St Michael's Cave trip takes about three hours by itself.

The Cable Car is closed for refurbishment, so if you walk up from town rather than taking a tour, add the climb to your timings.

Plan around opening hours. From October to April the Nature Reserve is open from 09:00 to 18:15 (last entry 17:45), and from May to September from 09:30 to 19:15 (last entry 18:45). Your ticket is valid for the whole day. Toilets are dotted around the Rock and first aid is available at the major attractions. If you tire, a private taxi can be called on +350 20070052, though demand is high and there is a charge.