The Barbary Macaques

The Barbary macaques of Gibraltar are among the territory's most beloved attractions, famous as the only wild monkeys living free in Europe. These tailless apes, originally from the mountains of North Africa, roam the upper slopes of the Rock in several lively troops, lounging on walls, grooming their young and gazing out over the strait. Legend holds that as long as the macaques remain, Gibraltar will stay British, and they are cared for and cherished as unofficial guardians of the Rock. Encountering these characterful, inquisitive apes up close amid spectacular scenery is a highlight of any visit, a rare chance to meet wild primates on European soil.

The landscape

• The wild apes - Europe's only free-living monkeys.
• The troops - the macaques lounging and grooming on the Rock.
• The legend - the guardians said to keep Gibraltar British.
• The setting - the apes against the strait and sea views.

When to go

April to October brings the warm, sunny weather when the macaques are most active and the Upper Rock most pleasant to explore, though they can be seen year-round; mornings are often a lively time to watch them. The macaques share the same spectacular viewpoints as the rest of the Rock.

Practical notes

The macaques are genuinely wild and can be bold, so visitors are advised not to feed or touch them and to guard bags and food, and they are best enjoyed with respect from a sensible distance. As Europe's only wild monkeys, characterful guardians of the Rock amid spectacular scenery, though, the Barbary macaques are a delightful and memorable encounter.

Nearby

St Michael's Cave, the summit and the cable car top station lie nearby.