/ Europe, Gibraltar, Travel, UK

Exploring Gibraltar with Kids: Monkeys, Caves & Views

Linda

From wild monkeys to magical caves and sky-high views, Gibraltar is full of surprises for families. This guide covers the best things to do in Gibraltar with kids—how to get around, what to skip (hint: the cable car!), and tips for making the most of your family’s day trip or cruise port stop.

If you’re cruising the Mediterranean or road-tripping through southern Spain, make sure Gibraltar is on your list—especially if you’re traveling with kids. This British territory may be small, but it’s packed with big adventures that are perfect for families. Whether you’re planning a stop on a Mediterranean cruise or making it part of a European itinerary, there are plenty of things to do in Gibraltar with kids that are both exciting and educational.

We spent a day visiting Gibraltar on a cruise, and between the wild monkeys, epic views, and magical caves, it quickly became one of the most memorable stops of our entire trip. Here’s everything you need to know to make your family’s visit smooth, stress-free, and full of fun.

It took us about 10 minutes to walk from the Gibraltar cruise port to the city center—super convenient even with kids. The walk is flat and easy, and once you arrive, there’s plenty of shopping, cafés, and local markets to explore. Perfect for a relaxed family day in Gibraltar before or after your shore excursions.

The Rock of Gibraltar & The Upper Rock Nature Reserve

This is where the real adventure begins. The Upper Rock Nature Reserve is home to Gibraltar’s most famous residents—the Barbary macaques (aka the monkeys!). They roam freely throughout the reserve, and spotting them was a major highlight for our kids.

You’ll get sweeping views over the Strait of Gibraltar, and on a clear day, you can even see Morocco across the water. The terrain is mostly easy to navigate, though strollers may be tricky due to a few hills and uneven paths—bring a carrier if needed for younger kids.

Tip: While the monkeys are fun to watch, avoid feeding or getting too close to them—they’re still wild animals (with a love for snacks and backpacks!). If you’re planning a Rock of Gibraltar family travel day, this is a great starting point.

St. Michael’s Cave

If we had to pick one favorite stop in Gibraltar, this would be it. St. Michael’s Cave feels like something out of a fantasy movie—with massive, color-lit rock formations and a cathedral-sized chamber that had our jaws on the floor.

It’s cool (literally and figuratively), easy to walk through, and completely kid-friendly—no scary surprises, just awe-inspiring natural beauty. Our kids wandered through in wide-eyed wonder, and we parents soaked in a moment of calm (and air conditioning).

For families wondering about St. Michael’s Cave Gibraltar, it’s a must-see attraction that’s both relaxing and fun for kids.

Standing at the Pillars of Hercules viewpoint—one of the best places to see the meeting of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. View from the Skywalk, a great place for family photos. The kids loved standing on the glass floor with the cliffs right below. The Ape’s Den is the perfect spot to watch Gibraltar’s famous monkeys up close. Just keep your snacks zipped away.

Other Must-See Stops: History, Views & Fun

There’s so much packed into the Upper Rock area that it’s worth hitting these highlights:

Ape’s Den – A popular monkey hangout spot where you can observe the Barbary macaques up close (just don’t bring snacks!).
The Skywalk – A glass-floored platform suspended over the cliffs with jaw-dropping views. Kids loved the thrill; we loved the photo ops.
World War II Tunnels – A fascinating walk through Gibraltar’s military history. It’s educational and surprisingly engaging for kids who like secret passageways and stories of the past.
Pillars of Hercules – A scenic lookout point where you can see the Mediterranean and Atlantic meeting—and on a clear day, the coast of Africa.

These are among the best shore excursions for families in Gibraltar.

Walking back to Gibraltar’s city center down the Castle Steps after exploring the World War II Tunnels. Inside the World War II Tunnels—an educational and surprisingly fun stop for kids who love history and secret passageways. It took us about 20 minutes with two kids and lots of stairs—big thanks to my husband for carrying the double stroller all the way down! If you’re visiting Gibraltar with kids, plan extra time for the walk and bring a carrier if possible.

Sign reminding visitors to keep a safe distance from Gibraltar’s famous Barbary macaques. These wild monkeys are fun to watch but can be unpredictable—never feed them or get too close. If you’re visiting Gibraltar with kids, always keep snacks and bags zipped up to avoid any curious little visitors!

Skip the Cable Car, Take a Tour Instead

One of the most common ways up to the Rock is via cable car—but we’d recommend skipping it, especially if you’re visiting with kids. The lines were long, the wait times slow, and the cable cars constantly stopped, which made for some very antsy little travelers.

Instead, we opted for a private family-friendly Gibraltar tour that we booked right at the port. It was affordable (around €50–60 per person), and our guide took us to all the top sights—Pillars of Hercules, St. Michael’s Cave, The Skywalk, Ape’s Den, and the World War II tunnels. It was efficient, air-conditioned, and way less stressful than navigating it ourselves with two little ones in tow.

Pro Tip: Tours can be booked the same day right as you disembark from your cruise ship. Some of these tour guides wait right where you disembark at the port while others can be found outside the cable car station. Smaller, local operators were friendly and flexible with timing, which worked great for our family.

Whether you’re exploring historic tunnels, watching monkeys swing from trees, or standing at the edge of Europe looking toward Africa, Gibraltar offers a little bit of everything. It’s doable in a day, easy to navigate, and filled with wow-factor moments your kids won’t forget.

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Posted On: July 12, 2025