Beware: Touch the Monkeys, Face the Fines - A Cautionary Tale from Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a popular destination for British tourists. It is it an oversees territory of the UK and you can get there by plane in less than three hours.

The Iconic Rock of Gibraltar: Many holidaymakers are drawn to the striking landscapes, sandy beaches and rich history of the location. But there's another quirky reason people visit that sets Gibraltar apart from other spots. The towering limestone Rock of Gibraltar is the territory's most iconic attraction. Visitors often climb or take a cable car to its summit for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and even Africa's northern coast on clear days.

Beware of the Monkeys: At the location, you'll likely see plenty of wild Barbary macaques, which are Europe's only wild monkeys. Found in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, these charismatic animals are a popular draw for visitors. Legend has it that as long as the macaques remain on the Rock, Gibraltar will remain British. The idea of frolicking around with monkeys in the sunshine seems like a very sweet idea – but a tourist had some words of warning to anyone planning to get too close to the primates.

Fines for Feeding Monkeys: In Gibraltar, it's not just about the risks of getting too close to the wild animals. Maria Canova learned this lesson the hard way when she was aggressively approached by the monkeys after trying to feed them. Despite the amusing TikTok video that ensued, feeding the monkeys is not only potentially dangerous but also illegal, with fines of up £4,000 handed out to offenders outside of the nature reserve. Tourists are now being warned to admire the Barbary Macaques from a safe distance to avoid unnecessary consequences.