Mediterranean Steps Hike, Skywalk & Cable Car
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Port
Gibraltar
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$110
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Calling all hikers, adventurers, nature enthusiasts and photographers -- set your sights and cameras on the unspoiled beauty of Gibraltar's environs on this energetic tour that takes you off the beaten path and up the side of the Rock. This is a challenging excursion with three hours devoted to ascending and descending the Rock over tricky terrain.
Your exhilarating adventure begins with a short journey from the pier to Jews Gate, the Upper Rock entrance to the Nature Reserve. Here, you'll meet your specialist guide, who will lead you up the Rock and share a vast knowledge of this natural wonder.
The British military created the Mediterranean Steps as part of a system of communications that ran between defense points. During your climb, your guide will point out the gun placements, gun batteries and old military bunkers that date back to World War II. Of special note, tucked among the steps are a series of caves that date back to the Neanderthal period. Have your camera for postcard-perfect views.
More than 500 different plant species grow on the Rock of Gibraltar. You'll see many of them as you make your way up the steps. Endemic species include Gibraltar candytuft, Gibraltar thyme, and Gibraltar sea lavender. Keep an eye out for the Gibraltar campion (Silene tomentosa) -- once believed extinct but now making a comeback on the high cliffs of Gibraltar. It remains one of the World's rarest and most critically-endangered plants. In Spring, more than 120 species of migratory birds rest here.
Upon reaching the 1,398-foot summit of O'Hara's Battery, built in 1890, take in the superb view over the Strait of Gibraltar, Windmill Hill, Europa Point, the Great Sand Dune, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Spanish Costa del Sol.
Then head to the Skywalk, perched on one of the highest points of the Rock of Gibraltar. The original octagonal gun base at the center has been repurposed as a bench seat -- a clever homage to The Rock's military history. When visitors stand at the edge of the observation platform, pressed against the glass, the entire structure seems to vanish. The result is a feeling of hovering unsupported above the stunning landscape. It's humbling, frightening, and breathtaking.
After some photos, walk to the Cable Car Upper Station for a ride back to town and return to the ship.
Please note: Transportation is by mini-coach with a driver-guide only. Wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on the transportation. Participants must have a high level of fitness. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, steep inclines, gravel, grass, rocks and at least 595 uneven, rough-hewn steps. Tour requires walking about 1.5 miles with an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet. Please realistically assess your physical fitness and ability prior to booking, as the walk is almost entirely uphill. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes. If you have a zoom lens for your camera, you are encouraged to bring it.