What to see and do in Ronda, Spain — white city above the gorge

Charming Ronda in the Spanish province of Malaga is an amazing city on the edge of a deep gorge. It attracts tourists with many viewing points (miradors), Moorish heritage, and a large selection of attractions worth seeing and visiting. This city is also included in the Route of the White Villages of Andalusia (Pueblos Blancos).

A trip to this picturesque corner will exceed all your expectations because it is not for nothing that Ronda is the most popular destination in Andalusia for a day trip. However, if you have the opportunity, stay here for a few days to enjoy this incredible place.

The best attractions to see in Ronda in 1 or 2 days

We have compiled a list of where to go in Ronda so that you do not miss the most interesting. Get ready for a pleasant walk — the city is small and all the attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Puente Nuevo Bridge

The answer to the question of what Ronda, Spain, is famous for is easy to find — it is the incredible Puente Nuevo (New Bridge). It connects two parts of the city at a height of 120 meters above the El Tajo gorge, along the bottom of which the Guadalevin River flows. This bridge is one of the most photographed man-made landmarks in Spain.

The New Bridge of Ronda offers a breathtaking view of the valley. To better examine the structure and its majestic arches, use the Puente Nuevo observation deck (Mirador del Puente Nuevo).

Read also: New Bridge of Ronda — what to see, history, interesting facts

Bullfighting Arena of Ronda (Plaza de Toros de Ronda)

If you plan to spend only 1 day in Ronda, Spain, then be sure to visit the bullfighting arena. This is one of the city’s main attractions — it became the cradle of modern bullfighting in Spain, which originated in the 18th century.

Ronda has the largest bullfighting arena. And we are not talking about the capacity but about its diameter — 66 meters.

Here you will get acquainted with the history of bullfighting as part of Spanish culture. Even if you do not approve of this tradition, you will be interested to learn about what remains behind the scenes of the show. The tour includes a visit to the square, the Bullfighting Museum, and the Royal Saddlery of the Casa de Orleans, as well as a collection of antique firearms. Audio guides are available for visitors in Spanish, English, German, and French.

Casa del Rey Moro

If you are looking for unique things to do in Ronda, Spain, then visit the House of the Moorish King. Of particular interest here are the beautiful terraced gardens and the secret shaft in the rock leading to the bottom of the gorge. It was carved out of the rock during the time of the Moors to provide the city with water in case of a long siege.

The shaft is a complex engineering structure with rooms, arches, and branched corridors. The absolute darkness is dispelled by the dim light of lamps. And the sound of drops of water breaking on the stone adds an even greater sense of mystery. Having gone down to the very bottom, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the gorge and the city above it.

Palacio de Mondragón

One of the interesting places to go in Ronda is the Mondragón Palace. It is also known as the Palace of the Marquis of Villasierra, which now houses the Municipal Museum of Ronda. This historic building in the Mudejar style was erected in the 14th century. At various times it was owned by King Abd al-Malik of Benimeri, son of the Sultan of Morocco Abu al-Hasan, and the Catholic Monarchs Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon.

The museum has a lot of historical and archaeological information that will surely captivate you. But we also recommend you admire the beautiful Moorish-style courtyard, the coffered ceiling of the Noble Hall, and the beautiful gardens overlooking the Ronda Gorge.

Arab Baths (Baños Árabes)

If you are planning a trip to Ronda for just one day, Arab Baths is one of the things to see. They were built in the 13th century and have been perfectly preserved since the time of Moorish rule.

The Arab Baths in Ronda are located in the old Jewish quarter, next to the Guadalevin River and the Culebras Stream. So you will have to go down.

In ancient times, baths were used not only for hygiene. They were also a place for important meetings, religious rituals, and other social interactions.

This ancient structure includes three rooms — cold, warm, and hot. The central hall is decorated with beautiful arches and star-shaped holes for light to enter. The hydraulic system and boiler used to heat the water have also been preserved here.

Alameda del Tajo & Mirador de Ronda

If you are looking for free things to do in Ronda, Spain, one of them is a walk through the old city park with a visit to the best observation deck.

Alameda del Tajo was laid out at the beginning of the 19th century and attracts with its grandeur and abundance of greenery. On hot days you can find the desired shade and freshness here, and in autumn — admire the golden leaves. After walking along the central alley, you will get to the Mirador de Ronda. This is a balcony that seems to hang over an abyss. It offers a breathtaking view — one of the best in Ronda.

Plaza Duquesa de Parcent

When you get tired of sightseeing and walking, go to Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, where you can relax and enjoy the moment. This is one of the most beautiful historical places in the old town that are worth seeing in Ronda.

This square is home to the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, the Town Hall (once a military prison), the Convent of Santa Isabel, and other historical buildings.

There are also several shopping pavilions, cafes, and restaurants in Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, as well as a shaded area. The ancient stone fountain, statues, and colorful citrus trees add a special atmosphere to this place.

Mirador de Aldehuela

If you are looking for breathtaking views, you will find them in this little corner of Andalusia. The Aldehuela viewpoint is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ronda, Spain. It is located near the Puente Nuevo, next to the Convento de Santo Domingo.

The Aldehuela viewpoint offers incredible views of the El Tajo Gorge and the bridge. It is also a great place to watch the sunset. The mirador is named after the architect who built the New Bridge of Ronda, José Martín Aldehuela.

To avoid the crowds, come here early in the morning or at 5 p.m. when the place is less crowded. 

Palacio de Salvatierra

Walking along the quiet streets of the old town (La Ciudad), do not miss another attraction of Ronda, Spain — the Palace of the Marquis of Salvatierra. It is located on the edge of the Tagus Gorge, near the Old Bridge. The building of hewn stone was erected in 1798 in the Baroque style — with Corinthian columns, a large balcony, and wrought iron bars. The facade attracts attention with a pediment supported by four unusual caryatids in the form of Mesoamerican slaves. They are divided into 2 pairs. The young men are depicted with their tongues hanging out as if they want to tease those entering. And the girls are bashfully covering their nakedness.

At the top is the family coat of arms of Vasco Martin de Salvatierra. After the capture of Ronda, he was the protege of the Catholic kings — the monarchs-consorts Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon.

Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor

One of the most important religious buildings in the city is the Church of Santa María la Mayor. Be sure to include it in your list of things to do in Ronda, Spain. It stands on the site of the old city mosque Alhama from the 13th century, of which the mihrab and wall have been preserved.

Construction of the church began in 1486 and was completed only in the 18th century. Therefore, its appearance includes two architectural styles — Gothic and Renaissance, each of which amazes the imagination with its beauty and richness.

To make your tour meaningful, use the audio guide. It is available in French, English, Italian, German and Spanish. In addition to visiting the church, you can go up to the roof, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views. 

Jardines De Cuenca

The terraced Cuenca Gardens were laid out in the 1960s to celebrate the twinning of the Spanish cities of Ronda and Cuenca. They are located on the Tajo de Ronda ledge, between Puente Nuevo and Puente Viejo.

The Cuenca Gardens are a pleasant place to stroll. There are many rose bushes, conifers, and other greenery planted here. But the main reason why we consider this place a must-see in Ronda, Spain, is the incredible views that open up from here onto the Guadalevin River Canyon and the Puente Nuevo Bridge. Particularly beautiful photos are taken at night or early in the morning, after dawn, when the sun illuminates the bridge.

Calle La Bola

A walk along Calle La Bola is another must-do activity in Ronda. This pedestrian street, about one kilometer long, is the perfect place to relax, have lunch, and have a glass of Spanish wine. Here you will find many restaurants, souvenir shops, craft workshops, and small shops with local products.

Casa Museo Don Bosco

Next to the main attraction of Ronda — Puente Nuevo — is the Casa Museo Don Bosco. It was built in 1850 by Ronda’s architect — Santiago Sanguinetti, and at the beginning of the 20th century, the mansion was reconstructed. In 1939, the owners donated the mansion to the Salesian Congregation as a sanatorium for members of this religious order. It served this role until 2008. Today, the house is a museum.

A tour of the Don Bosco mansion allows you to travel back more than a century. The house has preserved the original furnishings of the early 20th century in the Art Nouveau style. Here you can see handcrafted furniture, 19th-century tapestries with pastoral motifs, decorative elements in the Mudejar style, a collection of paintings, and many other interesting details.

At the back of the house, there is a garden with a fountain. It hangs over the famous El Tajo gorge and offers panoramic views of the Guadalevin River Valley and Puente Nuevo.

Puerta de Almocabar 

When planning your itinerary through Ronda, Spain, don’t miss the massive and impressive Almocabar city gate. It is located in the southern part of the old town, near Plaza Ruedo Alameda, and was previously part of the fortress fortifications. 

The gate was built in the 13th century, during the Islamic period, and its name — de Almocabar — is translated from Arabic as cemetery. The fact is that, according to tradition, Moorish cemeteries were built outside the city walls. And one of them in Ronda was located opposite the gate.

Winery Tours

Visiting Ronda would not be complete without a tour to its wineries. The city has a very favorable location and an excellent climate for growing grapes. 

You will be pleased to visit one of the best wineries in Ronda — Bodega Joaquin Fernandez, Descalzos Viejos Bodegas, or Chinchilla Bodegas. They offer fascinating tours, tastings of their famous wines, and traditional regional tapas.

What else to see and do in Ronda, Spain

We have tried to create for you a comprehensive list of the best places to visit and see in Ronda. However, this city is so full of attractions that the list may be too long to read. To be fair, we will briefly supplement it:

• Iglesia del Padre Jesús;
• Plaza del Socorro;
• Alminar de San Sebastián;
• Arch of Felipe V;
• Paseo de Blas Infante;
• Museo Lara;
• Puente Viejo;
• Puente Romano;
• Cijara Gate.

Things to do near Ronda, Spain

There are also many interesting attractions around Ronda, Spain. Here are our recommendations for you.

• Visit the small town of Setenil de las Bodegas. It is located 20 minutes from Ronda and is famous for its picturesque cave houses literally cut into the rock mass.
• Spend some time at the Ascari race track. It is located just 13 kilometers north of Ronda. A half-day ticket includes five laps. A full-day ticket will allow you to ride ten laps.
• Go hiking in the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. The park covers an area of ​​18 thousand hectares, and its highest peak, La Torrecilla, rises to 1909 meters. On the slopes of the mountain, there are small authentic villages, such as El Burgo, Casarabonela, and Ojen.
• Explore the unique Cat Cave (Cueva del Gato). It is located 25 kilometers from Ronda. At the entrance to the cave, there is a lake with crystal water, where you can cool off in hot weather.
• Walk along the famous Caminito del Rey (Royal Path) to see the unforgettable beauty of wild rocks and test your endurance. To do this, you must first buy a ticket on the official website (available only online).

Tips for tourists: what you need to know before traveling to Ronda

• Be sure to take comfortable shoes with you so that a long walk does not tire you out prematurely. It also allows easy access to the Arab Baths, the shaft in the House of the Moorish King, and the viewpoint to see the New Bridge.
• When you go on a tour of Ronda, take plenty of water to drink and sun protection for hot days. Most of the places you will pass are in the open sun.
• To see Ronda in peace and avoid the crowds, stay overnight. The city is free of day trippers in the morning and evening.
• Ronda is a popular tourist destination, and hotels fill up quickly. So make reservations in advance, especially in high season.

What to try and where to eat in Ronda, Spain

Hiking helps to work up an appetite, so we want to recommend some great places and their most popular items on the menu.

When visiting Ronda, go to Pedro Romero to try the national dish, ox tail (Rabo de Toro). You remember that this city is the cradle of bullfighting, right?

Another iconic place in Ronda is the restaurant of the Don Miguel Hotel, located next to Puente Nuevo. The restaurant has a terrace with great views of the bridge. They also cook oxtail and carrillada en salsa — pork cheeks in sauce.

More budget-friendly but decent options are Telepizza and Michelangelo Pizza. You will leave satisfied and full.

Of course, in Spain, you should try as many tapas as possible. In Ronda, we recommend Bar El Lechugilla, Bar Antonio and Casa Mateos.

The coffee shop Churreria Alba is a great place to enjoy great churros with hot chocolate. Keep in mind that it is always crowded and you may have to wait for a table.

Where to stay in Ronda

Ronda is a small city. Therefore, it makes sense to stay in the center to quickly get to the sights or even admire them from your window.

• Coronel Apartments are a great option in the heart of the city, next to the Church of Santa Maria La Mayor and the bullring. Here you will find all the amenities and even bike rental.
• Apartamentos Rondacentro has rooms with stunning views from the terrace of the mountains and the sunset. So ask for this option. The apartments are located next to the famous Puente Nuevo, and there are restaurants and bars nearby.
• Hotel Soho Boutique Palacio San Gabriel has an authentic Spanish atmosphere and is located in a restored 18th-century building in the historic center of the city. It has an internal courtyard with plants and a fountain.
• Parador de Ronda is located in the old town hall and has stunning views of the Ronda Gorge and Puente Nuevo. Its restaurant serves Andalusian cuisine. The hotel also has a café and a gift shop.

And if you want to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, great views, and comfort, then we suggest two excellent hotels just 10 minutes’ drive from Ronda.

• Hotel Ronda Moments is a romantic and very cozy hotel with an incredible swimming pool. The reception staff speaks German, English, Spanish and French. Accommodation includes breakfast. The beautiful surroundings are ideal for hiking and cycling. Bicycles are available for rent at the hotel.
• Hotel Bodega El Juncal is a wonderful country estate with a swimming pool and views of the Serrania de Ronda mountains. This hotel has an excellent Spanish restaurant, as well as a terrace and a beautiful garden. In addition, you can visit the winery and wine cellars.

How to get to Ronda

The nearest airport to Ronda is located in Malaga. From here, as from other nearby resorts, it is very easy to get there. The fastest and most convenient way is by car. It is easy to rent a car to travel around Andalusia.

Many hotels offer airport transfers — check this information in advance.

There is a bus station in Ronda. Routes from many cities in Andalusia arrive here, including Seville, Granada and Malaga. The company Avanza Grupo operates the service. Tickets can be purchased online.

From Malaga, the journey takes 1 hour 45 minutes, from Granada and Seville — 2 hours.

There is also a convenient train connection with Ronda. You can even get here by train from Madrid. The journey from Malaga will amaze you with its picturesque landscapes — you will pass through tunnels and viaducts. Trains depart regularly from the Maria Zambrano station in Malaga (Estación de Málaga-María Zambrano) and arrive at Ronda station in two hours.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ronda worth visiting in Spain?

Ronda is worth visiting. It is an ideal option for a one-day trip that will leave you with pleasant impressions. The city is divided by an impressive gorge, which is connected by an ancient stone bridge. There are also many other attractions and viewpoints. Ronda is great for walking.

How to spend a day in Ronda, Spain?

Ronda has many historical monuments, viewpoints with breathtaking views, and cozy and atmospheric squares. You can have a very pleasant day in Ronda.

How many days are enough in Ronda?

A two-day trip is the best option for a visit to Ronda to see all the sights and fall in love with this friendly city. However, if you are limited in time, then one day is enough to see all the most interesting things.

What is Ronda famous for?

The most famous landmark of Ronda is Puente Nuevo. This is a bridge that connects two parts of the city over the El Tajo abyss at a height of 120 meters.

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