Why should you visit Ronda?

Despite its modern growth, Ronda proudly preserves its historical charm, especially in its old town. The town’s fame is rooted in its dramatic ridges, breathtaking views, and the deep El Tajo gorge that the Rio Guadalevín flows through. The 18th-century Puente Nuevo (“new bridge”) is a marvel that spans a 100m chasm, and it’s a must-see for visitors. It offers stunning views of the Serranía de Ronda mountains from the Alameda. So, if you’d like to learn more about this magnificent town, stay with us.

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Where Ronda is located and how to get there

Ronda, nestled in the province of Málaga, Andalucia, is a town of unique accessibility. It is conveniently located and easily accessible from major cities like Seville, Málaga, and Gibraltar. The town provides parking facilities, although the streets can be narrow. The well-maintained, toll-free roads ensure a smooth navigation experience. Ronda’s bus station offers connections to other cities in Andalusia, with Avanza Grupo operating in the region. Tickets can be conveniently purchased online. For those preferring public transportation, Rome2Rio is an excellent resource for researching routes. The weather in Ronda is typically mild, with warm summers and cool winters, so pack accordingly for your visit. With such easy access and comfortable travel options, you can plan your trip to Ronda with peace of mind.

How much time should I spend in Ronda?

The choice is yours regarding how much time you should spend in Ronda. Thanks to the town’s easy accessibility and compact size, a day trip allows you to cover all the essential sights. However, for a more leisurely experience, consider spending a night in Ronda or its vicinity. This way, you can savor the town’s charm during the quieter evening and morning hours, away from the bustling high-season crowds. With the flexibility to choose your ideal duration, you can maximize your Ronda experience.

Where to stay in Ronda

Even though it is a small city, it offers a diverse range of accommodation options. We recommend staying in the center, as it’s a pleasant city to walk around; you can do all the sightseeing on foot and enjoy the bars, restaurants, and shops. The city caters to all preferences and budgets, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, all offering a comfortable stay in the city’s heart. With such a variety, you can find the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate during your Ronda visit.

What to do in Ronda?

Impressive views at the Puente Nuevo

The Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) in Ronda is a 98-metre-high symbolic spot and a must-see landmark. It was visited in the 18th century and offered spectacular views of the houses overhanging the Ronda Gorge. Many people walk up a path to get a broader view of the bridge over the Guadalevín River and take photos. From the top of the bridge, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Serranía de Ronda mountains and the El Tajo gorge. Despite its name, the Puente Nuevo is relatively new in Ronda’s history, as there is an older, smaller bridge on the outskirts of the historic quarter. The new bridge was built to connect the old town with the latest city and is now the central point of Ronda. The Puente Nuevo is not just a bridge but a symbol of Ronda’s resilience and ingenuity, as it was a significant engineering feat when it was built.

©Credit: NatBud – stock.adobe.com
Copyright: ©NatBud – stock.adobe.com

Bullring

Ronda is famous as the birthplace of modern bullfighting. The sport can be seen yearly at the spectacular Feria Goyesca, which takes place at the beginning of September. During this event, the fighters and some audience members dress in attire similar to Goya’s sketches of life in the region. Pedro Romero, a legendary bullfighter from Ronda, broke away from the prevailing Jerez ‘school’ of horseback bullfighting in the 18th century to establish a style of bullfighting where matadores faced the bull on foot. The bullring, Plaza de Toros, has now been turned into a museum, and visitors can walk out into the arena, connecting you to the rich history of Ronda.

©CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ángel M. Felicísimo

Moorish King’s Palace and Baths

After taking in the impressive views, we recommend visiting two more exciting stops. At the Palace, you can ‘explore its beautiful gardens and a former Arab mine with a stairway cut into the rock, featuring over 200 steps that lead down to the river.

A bit further ahead, you’ll come across the Arab Baths. These baths date back to the 13th century and are considered the best-preserved you in the entire Iberian Peninsula.

©Creator: Jose Miguel Sanchez
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Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

A stroll through the historic quarter

Charming cobbled streets lined with elegant mansions in Ronda’s old town, La Ciudad. One notable mansion is Casa de Don Bosco, which has a glass-roofed patio. Nearby, the Palacio Mondragón retains remnants of beautiful miniature water gardens from their time as a Moorish palace. Plaza Duquesa de Parcent is a lush public space featuring a conveYou’llo churches and the attractive arched Ayuntamiento building. NearbyRonda’s Armiñan leads to the traditional workers’ barrio, San Francisco, known for its excellent bars and restaurants. Plaza del Campillo offers a stunning view down to the Puente Nuevo. Calle Espinel, opposite the bullring, is a famous pedestrianized “high street” boasting old-fashioned shops.

Taste Ronda Wines

The wine-producing area of Serrania de Ronda in the DO Sierras of Malaga is known for producing ‘Rondworkers.’ Modern wineries in this area produce red wines from various grapes and white wines from different varieties. The white wines are classified as Crianza and Blanca Joven and are best paired with sea” ood and fis.” The red wines are classified as Crianza and Tinto Joven and are recommended with meats and cheese. Visitors can tour the vineyards and enjoy wine tastings at the wineries, some of which also host special events.

The conclusion

Ronda, known as the Ciudad Soñada or “City of Dreams,” has a romantic aura that has attracted artists like Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles. It is considered one of Spain’s most beautiful cities due to its spectacular location and the Puente Nuevo, or “New Bridge,” which spans a 400-foot gorge. Ronda’s small size creates a sense of familiarity, and its top sights are within walking distance, making it magical when the day crowds have left and romantic lights illuminate the bridge and surroundings. That’s why we strongly recommend visiting it.