GORHAM'S CAVE COMPLEX
VISIT US
VISITING THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Walk in the footsteps of Neanderthals along the Mediterranean Steps nature trail.
MEDITERRANEAN STEPS
The Mediterranean Steps is a path and nature trail in the Upper Rock area of the Gibraltar Nature Reserve. Most of the trail is within the inscribed World Heritage Site of the Gorham's Cave Complex as much of the natural vegetation along the path has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years, providing visitors with a unique glimpse of the environment which has existed since Neanderthal times.
Starting at Martin's Path by Jew's Gate on the western slopes of the Rock of Gibraltar, the trail guides the visitor around the southern extremities of the Rock until joining Mediterranean Steps proper on the eastern side. The steps zig-zag up the steep cliffs to near the summit at Lord Airey's and O'Hara's Batteries. Visitors will pass by a pair of natural caves known as Goat's Hair Twin Caves on the way as well as various old military installations, while enjoying spectacular views across the Strait of Gibraltar and Mediterranean Sea.
For more information see VisitGibraltar.gi
Opening hours
07:00 to 22:00 daily.
Access is free to Gibraltar Identity Card holders; visitors access is included in the Nature Reserve fee which is available for a small charge on entry to the Reserve (free for children under 5).
VIEWING PLATFORM AT EUROPA ADVANCE ROAD
In December 2017 a viewing platform was opened at 1st/2nd Europa Advance Batteries, Europa Advance Road, to provide greater access to the World Heritage Site without damaging the fragile archaeological deposits. The caves themselves are subject to an annual quota of visitors because of their archaeological sensitivity.
Tours to the caves are available (email neanderthals@gibmuseum.gi ), but access is difficult and not allowed for anyone with health or mobility issues. The viewing platform is accessible for people of all abilities. There is parking on site at the Viewing Platform for a small number of vehicles.
From the viewing platform there is a spectacular view of the whole World Heritage Site, from the sea caves to the highest point of the Rock at O’Hara’s Battery by the top of the Mediterranean Steps footpath and nature trail. There are interpretation panels on Neanderthals and the Gorham’s Cave Complex, information on the history of the Strait of Gibraltar, and on our exceptional natural heritage. A short video gives an insight into the caves themselves and how these are explored by our team of archaeologists and specialists.
In addition to the interpretation panels, the Gibraltar National Museum’s staff on site look after visitors and explain directly the values that they are observing from this unique location.
Opening hours
Mondays to Fridays: 10:00 to 14:00.
Last entry: 13:30.
Weekends and public holidays: Closed.
Talks
Talks by Museum Staff on site are every 30 minutes starting at 10:00. The last talk is at 13:30.
Each talk lasts about 20 minutes.
Special arrangements to open additional hours may be made for organised groups by prior appointment. Please email neanderthals@gibmuseum.gi or telephone (+350) 200 74289.
Entry Fees
Adults: £5.00
Children (under 12): £2.50
Infants (under 5) and Gibraltar Identity Card holders: Free
A discounted joint ticket is available for purchase on site or at the Gibraltar National Museum to visit the Museum and the Viewing Platform.
A view of the entire World Heritage Site from the sea caves to the Rock’s summit, as seen by boat.
BOAT TRIP
Weekly boat trips to view the Gorham’s Cave Complex World Heritage Site from the sea are conducted by Dolphin Adventure. The unique experience includes a recorded commentary by the director of the Gorham’s Cave Complex, Prof. Clive Finlayson explaining the different attributes of the site. Visitors may also encounter some of Gibraltar’s rich marine life such as cetaceans and seabirds. Boats depart from Marina Bay each Sunday morning, weather permitting.
Please note this is privately run by a third party and all bookings and enquiries should be made via Dolphin Adventure directly on +350 200 50650 or info@divegib.gi
TOURS OF GORHAM'S CAVE
Gorham’s and Vanguard Caves are spectacularly sited on the eastern shore of Gibraltar, and visiting them is a very memorable experience. However, they are moderately difficult/difficult to access on foot. No visits are allowed within 48 hours of bad weather, and visits may have to be postponed at short notice if the weather is adverse.
Areas of the sea cave complex that can be visited and numbers of visitors allowed may vary from time to time. The standard tour, for up to 5 people, is to the entrance of Gorham’s Cave, but not inside, in order to protect the fragile archaeological deposits. All visits must be escorted by guides from the Gibraltar National Museum.
Standard Tours down to the sea caves are typically available twice a week between 1st July and 31st October, weather permitting, with prior arrangement. Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, and there is a waiting list.
Exceptionally, groups of fewer than 5 people may be permitted. Usually, individuals or fewer than five people wishing to visit the site will be incorporated into other parties whenever possible.
Standard Tour Fees
There is an entry fee of £25 per person, plus a guide fee of £25 per group.
Individuals pay the entry fee plus a proportion of the guide fee depending on the size of the group. The guide fee may therefore vary between £5 and £25.
Gibraltar Residents will be charged the guide fee only.
To book a tour, please email neanderthals@gibmuseum.gi
Please read the Visitor Advice Note here.
Specialised Visits
Specialised visits led by our Senior Scientists may also be arranged.
Please contact our office on neanderthals@gibmuseum.gi for details.
Walking tour of the caves.