Background

Lower St Michael's Cave: A Subterranean Cathedral

Discover Gibraltar's hidden wonder: Explore the untouched beauty of Lower St Michael's Cave, a subterranean world of stunning formations and crystal-clear waters.

4.4

Discovered in 1942, Lower St Michael's Cave is a hidden network of caverns within the Rock of Gibraltar, showcasing stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and a crystal-clear underground lake. This untouched cave system offers a unique and adventurous experience for those willing to explore its depths.

A brief summary to Lower St Michael's Cave

Local tips

  • Book your tour in advance, as access to Lower St Michael's Cave is by appointment only and requires a minimum of three days' notice.
  • Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes and comfortable clothing suitable for scrambling and climbing.
  • Bring a camera to capture the unique geological formations, but be mindful of the lighting conditions.
  • Be aware that children under the age of 10 are not permitted on the tour.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the parking area near the entrance of St Michael's Cave in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, follow the steps downwards towards the entrance of Lower St Michael's Cave. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes and offers scenic views. Note that a Nature Reserve ticket might be required to access this area.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. From the bus stop, walk towards St Michael's Cave and then follow the steps down to Lower St Michael's Cave. Bus routes 2, 3, 7, and 10 can get you close to the Cable Car , from where you can walk to the cave entrance. A single bus fare is approximately £1.60 - £1.80 , and a Hopper ticket for unlimited daily travel costs £6. Note that you can pay with a credit card on all routes except the 5 and 10.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from various points in Gibraltar, including the frontier, airport, and cruise terminal. A taxi tour to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, including St Michael's Cave, can be arranged. Prices vary depending on the number of people and the duration of the tour, but expect to pay around £360 for a standard private tour for up to 6 people. This price includes Nature Reserve entrance tickets.

Unlock the Best of Lower St Michael's Cave

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Lower St Michael's Cave

Lower St Michael's Cave, also known as New St. Michael's Cave, is a hidden gem within the Rock of Gibraltar, offering a mesmerizing journey into the depths of the earth. Unlike the well-known St Michael's Cave, the Lower Cave remained sealed for an estimated 20,000 years until its accidental discovery in 1942 by Royal Engineers during World War II. They were creating a secondary exit for an emergency hospital when they broke through into this untouched world. Inside, you'll find a breathtaking display of nature's artistry. The caverns are adorned with a profusion of white, grey, and red stalactites and stalagmites, resembling a cathedral with its own pulpit, chancel, and organ pipes. These formations include almost all known types of speleothems: stalactites, stalagmites, rim stone, helictites, columns, coral rocks, flowstone, straws, and curtains. The cave's main chambers are remarkably large, and the variety of calcite formations is astounding. Perhaps the most impressive feature is the 37-meter-long underground lake, estimated to hold 200,000 liters of crystal-clear water. The cave has been preserved in its original natural state, with only minimal additions of ropes and lights to aid visitors. Visiting Lower St Michael's Cave is an adventurous experience. Tours typically last around three hours and involve some scrambling and minor climbing with ropes. It's recommended to wear sturdy shoes and casual clothing. Photography is permitted, allowing you to capture the unforgettable beauty of this subterranean world. Access is by arrangement only, with tours for a minimum of five and a maximum of twelve people. Children under ten years old are not permitted.

Popular Experiences near Lower St Michael's Cave

Popular Hotels near Lower St Michael's Cave

Select Currency