Most of Gibraltar's upper Rock, starting at a level just above town, is a nature reserve. The top of the Rock offers spectacular views over the peninsula and into Spain. On clear days is is even possible to see Morocco in the distance. The Rock is home to more than 600 plant species and it is an important resting place for migrating birds. Especially, when the wind is westerly it is a good place to observe various bird species, including raptors and storks, which sometimes congregate in flocks of up to 3000 to cross the strait. The birds visit the Rock on their way from Africa to Europe (between January and June), or vice versa (from late July to early November). When the wind is calm or easterly, the Tarifa area is usually better for bird watching.
Most people visit the Rock for its colony of Barbary macaques, which are the only wild primates in Europe. Some of the animals hang around the Apes' Den near the middle cable-car station, while the majority can be found at the top cable-car station. According to legend, the British will leave Gibraltar when the apes disappear. The macaques were probably introduced from North Africa in the 18th century.
Hotels in Upper Rock Nature Reserve
Travel Guides for Upper Rock Nature Reserve
Find a flight to Upper Rock Nature Reserve