Mediterranean Steps
Mediterranean Steps things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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The hike up the Mediterranean Steps is definitely the best way to conquer the Rock, and we’re so glad we decided to take on the challenge! We hopped on the number 2 bus from the city center, got off at the Garrison gym stop, and made our way up the hill, passing the Jews Gate cemetery and heading up to the Pillars of Hercules. This walk up to the start of the steps was actually the toughest part—a steep, 10-minute walk up - and if I was to do it again I think would take a taxi to this point. Once at the Pillar of Hercules, we paid the £25 entrance fee for the Nature Reserve, which gives access to the steps and all the attractions once up there. The first half of the steps is fairly flat, running along the cliff edge, then there’s a more challenging incline of steps. Tough but definitely manageable even for novice hikers, especially with plenty of photo stops and water breaks. There are also ropes to hold onto for the more difficult steps which helped. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and the path is peaceful—hardly anyone else was around. Thankfully, there weren’t any monkeys on the way up but plenty once at the top at the different sites. The whole hike took about an hour and a quarter, which was a pleasant surprise because we had expected it to take much longer. Once at the top, we had a wonder around O’Hara’s Battery, then took a 10-minute walk down to Saint Michael’s Cave which was incredible. There’s also a little shop here to purchase food, drinks and ice cream - but keep these hidden as my husbands ice cream was spotted and stolen straight away by one of the monkeys who then proceeded to open and enjoy it right in front of us! Unfortunately, the Sky walk was closed for maintenance purposes so we headed to the Windsor Suspension Bridge which was again only about 10 minutes away. The views there were captivating, and it was the perfect spot for some great photos! By this point, we were halfway down, so it was much easier to walk back to the city center than to go back up for the cable car. The walk back down was only a scenic 30 minutes. I highly recommend the Mediterranean Steps - it was the highlight of our stay in Gibraltar! Skip the expensive cable car and opt for the scenic route up. Just make sure to wear comfortable trainers, take plenty of water, and enjoy the incredible views along the way!
Mariam K
00
As far as I’m concerned, if you are visiting the rock & wish to get the best out of it, you must start by going up the Med steps. A reasonable level of fitness & agility is required though, else you are likely to suffer a bit. Personally, I was pleasantly surprised & found them not as tough as I was expecting after reading reviews on TA & I’m just the wrong side of 50. That said, I do walk the occasional hill & keep moderately fit, so that definitely paid off! If you are suffering, just pause as often as you need & let that burn go from your legs before plodding on. If you have vertigo or a fear of heights like me, these really aren’t too bad. The vast majority of the precipices are covered visually by shrubs. The path itself is variable, loose stones, some pointy rocks & some high steps. Walking shoes would be advised imo. On the plus side there are frequent rope hand rails to help haul yourself up. Unless you are in a rush, you won’t want to go quick. I didn’t, even though I went on to cover the whole rock on foot afterwards. Took about 90 mins with PLENTY of stops for pics. If doing in peak summer, take plenty of water. I did it in early May, temp around 21 degrees. I went through a half litre going up, in hotter weather no doubt you’d want a least a litre. And then you have the rest of the rock to get round - no free potable water for me to top up until the Great Siege Tunnels, though you can pay for chilled cans at St. Michael’s Cave. Have fun going up the steps if you do, you won’t regret it. Plus it’s cheaper than the Cable Car ;)
Toxteth O' Grady
00
We did the Mediterranean Steps...active 23, 49, and 52 year Olds. It was an amazing walk/hike and worth the effort. The signage is not great. If you enter at the nature preserve (Jews Gate) we went right. This is important, as going right means tou take the steps UP! We feel that going up is a better journey than going down, as there are several areas with either deep steps, tough corners, and high elevation. We felt badly for those who were walking the opposite direction! While the "up" walk was very strenuous, the "down" walk requires patience and a high degree iof safety awareness as you navigate the path downwards. Regardless how you get there, the views are spectacular! Monkeys and Skywalk were cool too. We didn't do the bridge because of the location in which we parked, near the Jews Gate entrance. We'd highly recommend if you are in reasonable shape and up for a fun challenge!
Amy Guerke
00
A hike you absolutely must try!. Skip the pricey cable car and take the Rock on foot—it’s an adventure that’s well worth the effort. The trail is approximately 3 km long, with an ascent of about 420 metres (starting from the Europa Point free car park). It’s not as challenging as it might sound. Most people complete it in about 1.5 hours, depending on their fitness level. If you’d like to make it a bit shorter or easier, take the Line 2 bus from Europa Point to Garrison Gym and start your hike from there. Be sure to stop and turn around from time to time—the views along the way are absolutely breathtaking. This hike is the highlight of the Rock, so don’t miss out. You won’t regret it. Also you will not meet many people there and see the Rock from the other side.
Pavel Radkovsky
00
Excellent walk, a great way to get to the top of the rock, even though steep in places the path is well kept and has rope to hold onto in the steepest sections. I walked it in sandals and it was fine not slippy at all. Recommend that you take a bottle of water with you if it’s sunny but there is a cafe at the cable car station to get supplies. Recommend that you go that little further when you get to the road to walk up to o’Haras battery which is the highest point of the rock and worth seeing. You have to have a certain amount of basic fitness to do the steps but most people would be able to do it if they stop occasionally and catch their breath. Well recommended walking.
Andrew Darlington
00
A challenging hike mostly because of the heat, but well worth the effort for the stunning views of the African coastline and the Strait of Gibraltar. Make sure you take plenty of water, a snack for energy and appropriate shoes (comfortable trainers, no need for hiking boots). The walk starts by Jew's gate, you walk along a pretty path facing south of the island, there are great caves in the way (Goat's hair twin cave) and then you find the very steep steps to the top. When you get to the top, instead of going down the same way, you can take the other route and stop at St Michael's cabin (at the exit of St Michael's cave) for a much needed refreshment.
Caterina Bassano
00
Nearby Attractions Of Mediterranean Steps
Saint Michael's Cave
Skywalk Gibraltar
Apes Den
O'Hara's Battery
Gibraltar Rock
Alameda Wildlife Park
Charles V Wall
Camp Bay, Gibraltar
Douglas Lookout
Mediterranean Steps (bottom)

Saint Michael's Cave
4.6
(8.6K)
Click for details

Skywalk Gibraltar
4.5
(1K)
Click for details

Apes Den
4.5
(751)
Click for details

O'Hara's Battery
4.6
(268)
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
4MG4+2H8, Ohara's Rd, Gibraltar GX11 1AA, Gibraltar
Map
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(279 reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
adventure
scenic
off the beaten path
Description
Mediterranean Steps is a path and nature trail in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. One of the footpaths of Gibraltar, the path is located entirely within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and ...
attractions: Saint Michael's Cave, Skywalk Gibraltar, Apes Den, O'Hara's Battery, Gibraltar Rock, Alameda Wildlife Park, Charles V Wall, Camp Bay, Gibraltar, Douglas Lookout, Mediterranean Steps (bottom), restaurants:
