St. Michael's Cave
St. Michael's Cave
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience St. Michael's Cave
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
359 within 3 miles
Attractions
108 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Scotty102Innerleithen, United Kingdom690 contributionsFabulousA real must see, stunning rock formations, wonderfully put together light show. Was one of the highlights of the Rock. Ticket is part of the combined nature reserve ticket so works out inexpensive if you visit other sites as well.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 December 2023
- Tracy006Yorkshire Dales National Park, United Kingdom247 contributionsWonderful day exploring the rockWe had a great day visiting the top of the rock. St Michael’s cave was a lovely stop. There is access for anyone who needs assistance if you can’t manage the steps into and out of the cave. We took some amazing photos of the stalactites and the light show is beautiful it’s like being in a natural cathedral! The little cafe there makes great coffee, sandwiches and cakes a great stop for brunch. We used the mini bus guides at the entrance to the rock lift and our guide was so lovely and extremely knowledgable and helpful!Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 December 2023
- avipitiHod Hasharon, Israel4,607 contributionsBeautiful caveThe stalagmites and especially stalactites are really amazing. They light them up with different colors. The cave isn't very big, and it doesn't take a long time to see it. There's a concert hall inside the cave towards the exit. If you walked down from the top, after St. Michael's Cabin continue down for a few minutes, and then turn left and walk to the cave entranceVisited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 4 January 2024
- leaholden237 contributionsBeautiful RocksI don't know what I was expecting but this went above it. The part of the cave open to visitors is fairly small but it's absolutely amazing. The alternating between seeing the rocks in normal light and the light show is fantastic. You can spend a lot of time in here just looking around and taking in the rock formations.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 21 January 2024
- badmintontimHastings, United Kingdom4,534 contributionsWow! What a great placeA great experience as soon as you go in and wonder at the natural formations that are in there against the coloured lights. One could stand there for so long and see something different each time. The light show is well worth seeing as well. Photos are good and not a bad price. Recommended. Enjoy.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 18 February 2024
- Kiara SChester, United Kingdom1,031 contributionsNot to be missed!I almost didn’t go because I thought “you’ve seen one cave you’ve seen them all.” This cave is so unique and has so much historical significance that it’s definitely worth the time to visit. It’s small and sections are not open to the public. Take the time to read to descriptions throughout the cave so you can appreciate its history and beauty.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 March 2024
- IAN DWigan, United Kingdom26,337 contributionsHighlight of my visitFor me this was the highlight of my trip to Gibraltar and the Rock. The size of the stalactites are massive and this coupled with the most amazing light and sound show just add to a most memorable experience. I was shocked to find a full theatre inside the cave.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 20 March 2024
- Shelagh M1 contributionThe Awakening St Michaels CaveThe cave was an amazing experience . We had visited a few years ago but the new Awakening the light and sound was unbelievable! I felt like I was in a cathedral with the music it was so relaxing . I could’ve stayed for hours but unfortunately our tour guide only allowed us 20 mins which wasn’t enough to appreciate it . Our grandchildren loved it too they are 9,10 and 12 .Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 12 April 2024
- BigMerkGlasgow, United Kingdom2,709 contributionsGreat experience- it’s a short visit but well worth doing.We visited the caves as part of the Nature reserve visit. They were quite busy and there isn’t too much to see, but it’s definitely worth going. The lighting was amazing as were the patterns of the stalactites and stalagmites throughout. The short show is worth seeing too. There is a cafe and gift shop here too.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 4 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
3,560 reviews
Excellent
2,037
Very good
1,048
Average
355
Poor
71
Terrible
49
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
KikoDinoGirl
London, UK49 contributions
Feb 2020
I always feel a bit bad giving a natural beauty a relatively low score. However, essentially the cave had been turned into an auditorium with tacky music and obvious lighting. The cave itself is lovely but part of me thinks either strip the light altogether or update it so there aren't massive lighting stands. We spent about 30 minutes walking through and there are information boards that provide information that is of interest.It's probably quite a good way of introducing little ones to a cave without their being miles of walking either side. The cafe outside is very good, with decent food, clean toilets and obviously cheeky monkeys.
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mackenzie J
6 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
WOW this place is beautiful from the scenery to the visuals it is everything from a very relaxing environment to a literal light show with sfx. You can get photos of you with your family/friends with the green screen for a nice background in the photo. You can get it printed for only £10 with a great quality photo absolutely love it.
Written 14 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mikhail Z
London, UK68 contributions
Jun 2021
We just walked inside the caves on the first day, as a part of an extensive tour over The Rock. Now there is some construction work inside, but it's still worth the visit.
An unexpected, but extremely impressive extension of our experience came later. We had a great fishing trip with Joey Catania (just look for his name together with "tuna fishing Gibraltar" if you are interested). When we were enjoying our catch cooked to perfection in The Ocean restaurant, Joey joined us and mentioned that there is an option to visit Lower St. Michael's Caves. They are available in a guided group only, so Joey connected us with Victory Tours company and they organized a great visit on very short notice.
If you do such tour impromptu, like us, please be better prepared. It's a reasonably physical activity, nothing extreme, but you have to climb a bit, slip on your bottom, strafe on your knees, etc. I wish I would have more robust pants; my ones were completely destroyed at the end :). But the tour is worth it 100%! Our guide, Steve, was gentle and caring, we enjoyed everything.
An unexpected, but extremely impressive extension of our experience came later. We had a great fishing trip with Joey Catania (just look for his name together with "tuna fishing Gibraltar" if you are interested). When we were enjoying our catch cooked to perfection in The Ocean restaurant, Joey joined us and mentioned that there is an option to visit Lower St. Michael's Caves. They are available in a guided group only, so Joey connected us with Victory Tours company and they organized a great visit on very short notice.
If you do such tour impromptu, like us, please be better prepared. It's a reasonably physical activity, nothing extreme, but you have to climb a bit, slip on your bottom, strafe on your knees, etc. I wish I would have more robust pants; my ones were completely destroyed at the end :). But the tour is worth it 100%! Our guide, Steve, was gentle and caring, we enjoyed everything.
Written 7 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
perioddramafan
Vienna, VA21 contributions
Sept 2019
What a surprise to find caves at the top of the Gibraltar rock. The stalactites, stalagmites, and hollow limestone tubes are lit up with changing lights. The entire effect is surreal and awesome.. Legend says that the Greek poet Homer once wandered around these caves. You too will love doing so, but wear good walking shoes and prepare for many stairs. Outside the cave and in the park, you'll see the wild tailless Barbary apes closeup. Down in the town, enjoy the fantastic fish and chips in the British cafes.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam M
London, UK40 contributions
Nov 2020 • Solo
The cave is very well designed. It would be amazing to see a show inside as it is set up to do.
The rock formations have been highlighted through a light show and stand out very well.
It's all part of the rock and is included in the price of the ticket
The rock formations have been highlighted through a light show and stand out very well.
It's all part of the rock and is included in the price of the ticket
Written 6 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trishna
Birmingham, UK111 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
Went as part of a tour and it’s definitely worth the trip from Spain. Really beautiful and a thing to marvel. The ‘awakening’ experience - a four-minute light and sound show - is also worth staying for.
Written 27 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rae Jay
Gibraltar2 contributions
Feb 2020
The upper cave is beautiful and accessible for all users. But if you're up for adventure during your holiday book ahead for a tour of the lower cave. Lower St Michael's Cave as led by expert Pete Jackson is everything that makes a dream adventure holiday!
A marvellous creation of nature that draws back the rocks hard external curtain and reveals a gem of limestone masterpieces. The hall of fame, doves chamber, old Churchill and his apes all beautifully created with your imagination and thousands of years of water trickles through the layer of rock. To top it off one of the worlds most beautiful lakes hides in here, but you have to navigate around it on a ledge the width of a debit card.
Get Pete's info from the Gibraltar tourist board to book your tour.
A marvellous creation of nature that draws back the rocks hard external curtain and reveals a gem of limestone masterpieces. The hall of fame, doves chamber, old Churchill and his apes all beautifully created with your imagination and thousands of years of water trickles through the layer of rock. To top it off one of the worlds most beautiful lakes hides in here, but you have to navigate around it on a ledge the width of a debit card.
Get Pete's info from the Gibraltar tourist board to book your tour.
Written 29 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheRestlessTraveller
Northop Hall, UK339 contributions
Sept 2020
As you will already know from its own website
“Saint Michael's Cave is a series, or network of caves made of limestone, which are found on the Rock of Gibraltar. St Michaels Cave is located on what is called the Upper Rock.”
But the visual spectacle truly has to be seen to be appreciated. From enormous stalagmite and stalactite to the genuinely cavernous openings and almost theatre sized section the view that awaits can be jaw dropping. On our visit we had but an hour due to a very busy tour schedule but could have easily spent 2-3 more as there was so much to take in. The artificial light show really set off the interior caves but wasn’t a distraction from taking in the more natural aspects of the cave area. You felt, as I guess was the intention, particularly in regard to the lighting, you were in the bowels of the earth. Very dramatic and memorable. As we were on a schedule we took numerous photographs of the experience but even as a photographer you could never truly capture an experience that fills the sense beyond the purely visual.
On exiting the Cave we also had the wonderful bonus of meeting the islands well know residents, the apes. Curious, resourceful and highly entertaining these really added to the feeling that you had captured an important part of the island experience. They tell you it’s never guaranteed that you’ll meet them but having the opportunity to do so was icing on the cake.
High recommended whether you go by tour, car or cable car and especially if you find our simian friends are around. Truly enjoyable.
“Saint Michael's Cave is a series, or network of caves made of limestone, which are found on the Rock of Gibraltar. St Michaels Cave is located on what is called the Upper Rock.”
But the visual spectacle truly has to be seen to be appreciated. From enormous stalagmite and stalactite to the genuinely cavernous openings and almost theatre sized section the view that awaits can be jaw dropping. On our visit we had but an hour due to a very busy tour schedule but could have easily spent 2-3 more as there was so much to take in. The artificial light show really set off the interior caves but wasn’t a distraction from taking in the more natural aspects of the cave area. You felt, as I guess was the intention, particularly in regard to the lighting, you were in the bowels of the earth. Very dramatic and memorable. As we were on a schedule we took numerous photographs of the experience but even as a photographer you could never truly capture an experience that fills the sense beyond the purely visual.
On exiting the Cave we also had the wonderful bonus of meeting the islands well know residents, the apes. Curious, resourceful and highly entertaining these really added to the feeling that you had captured an important part of the island experience. They tell you it’s never guaranteed that you’ll meet them but having the opportunity to do so was icing on the cake.
High recommended whether you go by tour, car or cable car and especially if you find our simian friends are around. Truly enjoyable.
Written 12 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ItalyLover129
Hampshire UK37 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
The caves are a must if you visit the Rock. The coloured lights and music make a really great addition to the stunning formations inside. I found the caves magical and would be so sorry if I hadn’t seen them. The monkeys also popped in and made it even more exciting.
Written 23 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juan
Valencia, Spain115 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The San Miguel Cave is the name given to a network of caves and rocky passageways, mostly limestone, located in the upper part of the Peñón de Peñón Natural Reserve.
Gibraltar, at an elevation of more than 300 meters above sea level, derives its name from a similar grotto in the sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo in Apulia, Italy, where according to legend there was a famous apparition of the archangel Michael.
It is the most visited of the more than 150 caves found inside the Rock of Gibraltar, receiving almost a million visitors a year.
The ticket has a price of approximately €15, but it is a good place to stay a little longer if the visit is on a hot summer day since it is even cold inside, inside there are several rooms where they even have concerts for The acoustics it has and the lights placed in strategic ways, as well as the location to take good photos, make the visit a good recommendation.
Gibraltar, at an elevation of more than 300 meters above sea level, derives its name from a similar grotto in the sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo in Apulia, Italy, where according to legend there was a famous apparition of the archangel Michael.
It is the most visited of the more than 150 caves found inside the Rock of Gibraltar, receiving almost a million visitors a year.
The ticket has a price of approximately €15, but it is a good place to stay a little longer if the visit is on a hot summer day since it is even cold inside, inside there are several rooms where they even have concerts for The acoustics it has and the lights placed in strategic ways, as well as the location to take good photos, make the visit a good recommendation.
Written 30 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I do not see a way to buy individual etickets in advance although the website recommends that. How would I do that?
Also, what are the hours for the cave in November?
Thank you
Written 11 April 2023
I purchased ticket at the Cable Car base station. Gibraltar was a sudden trip with zero planning
Written 25 April 2023
Is this suitable for someone who uses a walking stick but can manage stairs?
Written 29 November 2022
It is a damp environment so good footwear and a non slip tip to the stick should be fine.
Written 1 December 2022
My husband is a US Veteran however our excursion was purchased thru a cruise ship trip hence we had our military discount built into the cruise and not into the tickets for this so I am unable to answer this accurately
Written 7 July 2022
Is there an elevator to part of the caves?
Written 7 December 2021
How accessible is it? I can manage some steps if they are accompanied by a handrail, but don't want to be going up/down steep angled flights
Written 6 October 2019
You should be fine as there are handrails and the steps are not steep.Beautiful inside and lots of room to walk around. There are also flat open areas.
Written 10 October 2019
wij hadden een combinatie ticket. kunt u niets op internet vinden.
Written 18 September 2019
Please could someone tell me if you have to go near the monkeys to get here as I am not keen to be near them thank you very much
Written 24 August 2019
You can approach the monkeys as they think you'll feed them. They won't just run up to you if you don't want to interact.
Written 25 August 2019
Mat Far
Boston, Massachusetts
How much is it to walk around on your own? Is there an actual lake? If so can you swim in it?
Written 7 August 2019
In the main caves yes you can enjoy on your own. If you can get booked into a lower cave tour again you can do on your own. Lots of climbing and rope work and yes there is a lake. Whether you can swim depends upon your guide and the mix of guests. On our tour my son was invited to swim but he declined due to the temp of the water.
Both tours are amazing
Written 8 August 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 38
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing