☀️ Gibraltar heat warning — stay safe on the Rock
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 30°C with high humidity. Follow local advice, stay cool and hydrated, carry water (refill free at Casemates Square), avoid the Upper Rock between 12:00–16:00, and use sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+). If you feel dizzy or stop sweating, seek shade and fluids immediately.
Full guide: How to cool down in Gibraltar →Key takeaways
- 1.TL;DR: Gibraltar's Barbary Macaques Gibraltar's Barbary macaques are Europe's only wild primates — about 300 live freely on the Upper Rock.
- 2.Don't feed them (illegal, £4,000 fine), keep food hidden and bags zipped.
- 3.See them via the Rock Tour mini bus or hike the Mediterranean Steps.
TL;DR: Gibraltar's Barbary Macaques
Gibraltar's Barbary macaques are Europe's only wild primates — about 300 live freely on the Upper Rock. They're the star attraction. Don't feed them (illegal, £4,000 fine), keep food hidden and bags zipped. See them via the Rock Tour mini bus or hike the Mediterranean Steps.
What Are the Barbary Macaques?
Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) are Old World monkeys native to North Africa. Gibraltar is the only place in Europe where they live wild — around 300 individuals roam the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Despite being called "apes" locally, they are monkeys.
Where to See the Macaques
The macaques live on the Upper Rock and are most commonly seen at Apes' Den (the main viewing area, accessible via the Rock Tour mini bus), Queen's Gate, and along the Mediterranean Steps hiking path. Early morning (9–11am) is best — they're active and feeding.
Are the Gibraltar Monkeys Dangerous?
They're generally not aggressive, but they can bite if provoked. The main risk is food — they associate humans with food and will grab bags, snacks and phones. Feeding them is illegal (fines up to £4,000). Keep your distance, don't make direct eye contact, and never try to touch them.
Why Are There Monkeys in Gibraltar?
The most likely theory is that they were introduced by the Moors or British garrison. Winston Churchill famously ordered extra macaques imported during WWII to preserve the population. The legend says: if the macaques leave, Gibraltar will cease to be British.
Tips for Visiting the Macaques
Keep all food hidden in sealed bags. Don't carry plastic bags (they associate them with food). Keep your distance — at least 2 metres. Never feed them. Don't make direct eye contact. Keep children close. Secure phones and cameras.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there monkeys in Gibraltar? Yes — about 300 Barbary macaques live wild on the Upper Rock. They're Europe's only wild primates.
Are the Gibraltar monkeys dangerous? They can bite if provoked or if they associate you with food. Don't feed them, keep your distance and secure your belongings.
Why are there monkeys in Gibraltar? Most likely introduced by the Moors or British garrison. Churchill imported extra macaques during WWII.
Where can I see the macaques? On the Upper Rock Nature Reserve — Apes' Den is the main viewing area, accessible via the Rock Tour mini bus.
Can I feed the monkeys? No — feeding them is illegal and carries a fine of up to £4,000.
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Quick answers
What Are the Barbary Macaques?▼
Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) are Old World monkeys native to North Africa. Gibraltar is the only place in Europe where they live wild — around 300 individuals roam the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Despite being called "apes" locally, they are monkeys.
Where to See the Macaques▼
The macaques live on the Upper Rock and are most commonly seen at Apes' Den (the main viewing area, accessible via the Rock Tour mini bus), Queen's Gate, and along the Mediterranean Steps hiking path. Early morning (9–11am) is best — they're active and feeding.
Are the Gibraltar Monkeys Dangerous?▼
They're generally not aggressive, but they can bite if provoked. The main risk is food — they associate humans with food and will grab bags, snacks and phones. Feeding them is illegal (fines up to £4,000). Keep your distance, don't make direct eye contact, and never try to touch them.
Why Are There Monkeys in Gibraltar?▼
The most likely theory is that they were introduced by the Moors or British garrison. Winston Churchill famously ordered extra macaques imported during WWII to preserve the population. The legend says: if the macaques leave, Gibraltar will cease to be British.
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Daniel Toledo
FounderGibraltar-based writer and founder of Gibraltar Unlocked. Covering local food, travel, history and life on the Rock since 2023. Also builds web apps at instatales.ai.
