Ronda | 7x unmissable highlights

The still unknown city is located in the Andalusia region Ronda (Location here). This place is close to the famous cities Sevilla en Málaga, but is less frequently visited on a trip to Spain. The city is located in a mountainous area at an altitude of 750 meters. According to most travelers, the truly authentic Spanish culture can be found in the south of Spain. When planning your trip to Spain, this is a unique place that you should not miss!

Sights

This place is best known for its famous gorge (more on that in a moment), but there are many other interesting sights to be found. Get ready for an unforgettable visit to Spain!

El Tajo de Ronda

Let's start with the most famous highlight, El Tajo de Ronda (Location here). An impressive gorge of about 50 meters long and an average of 100 meters deep. The river Guadalevin has split the city in two, leaving behind this deep rift. Via the walking path Carretera de los Molinos (Location here) you can descend into the gorge on foot, all the way down. It is quite a steep path but you are continuously rewarded with breathtaking views.

A bridge was built between the gorge in 1751, the Puente Nuevo, also called the 'new bridge'. Construction took 42 years and connects the old (Moorish) center with the newer one the Market. The bridge, together with the gorge, is the main attraction of the city. 

Besides this bridge there are two other bridges. Old Bridge (Location here), also called the 'old bridge' and Roman bridge (Location here), an ancient Roman bridge on which this Moorish bridge was built. Both bridges were built in the 16th century and are located right next to each other. Although Puente Viejo is located higher than Puente Romano.

Alameda Del Tajo

From the viewpoint Alameda Del Tajo (Location here) you have an amazing view of the area around the city. You look out over various fields, old farms and winding roads. Here you can enjoy the panoramic view. 

Tip: buy local delicacies in the city and have your own impromptu picnic in the sun. 

Bullring

The name actually says it all. Bullring (Location here) is a bullfighting arena. Similar arenas can be found throughout Spain, but this one is unique. It is the oldest arena in Spain made entirely of stone. It was built between 1779 and 1785 and can accommodate around 5000 visitors. This building is still used for bullfighting every year in September. The rest of the year the Taurina museum (click here) where you can learn more about bullfighting. The entrance fee is 6,50 euros per person for the museum and the arena.

Old center

The old center is vibrant, cozy and atmospheric. Most sights are also located in and around the center. It is best to explore the city on foot. We did not know this and had brought our electric bicycle. I can tell you; that is not recommended. We kicked our lungs out. The city is located in a mountainous area and this is reflected in the winding and steep streets. Even with an electric bicycle you can barely make any progress. Of course you go down nice and quickly, but then just try to get back up. Afterwards we were pretty much the only ones there on our bikes. This already says enough.

Since everything is close together, you can easily explore on foot. Stroll through the narrow streets, visit the cozy shops and be sure to visit Sabor a España (Location here)! This store has all kinds of delicious and unhealthy treats. Think of different types of nougat, caramelized nuts, marzipan and so on. Is your mouth watering yet? Be sure to bring something tasty with you for the Alameda Del Tajo viewpoint. 

Banos Arabes

The best preserved Arab baths are here (location here) to find. These date from the 13th century and their remains can be admired for 4,50 euros per person. An informative film about the bathhouse will also be shown. The water from the river Guadalevin was entered into the bathhouses via a small aqueduct and a water wheel. The outer walls have largely remained intact, as have the water pump tower and the aqueduct. The bathhouse is located just outside the old center, near the Puente Romana bridge. 

Casa Del Rey Moro

If you have good mobility you can visit the impressive water mine Casa Del Rey Moro visit (location here). A staircase carved into the rock wall takes you down a steep path to the river. During your visit you can descend into the mine yourself. Be careful, it can be very slippery! Once down you have a beautiful view of the Guadalevín river and you can see various birds that are constantly moving. Unfortunately, there is no bench where you can sit on to rest and the platform on which you can stand is not very large. 

Before you descend into the mine you walk through a beautiful Moorish style garden. Although the name suggests that this is the home of the Moorish king, this is not the case. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful building and the garden has nice places to relax. The entrance fee is 5 euros per person and this place can be visited from April to October. 

Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor

Because of the statue of Mary Our Lady Peace is Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor the most famous church in the city (location here). Construction took over 200 years, so there are several styles to discover. Both Gothic and Baroque styles, as well as Renaissance influences, are reflected in this building. If you walk up the spiral staircase you have a unique view of the city.

Practical tips

The best travel time is from April to November. During this period, a warm temperature and almost no precipitation predominate. However, in summer it can reach around 30 degrees. Since there are many steep roads and it can be physically strenuous, it may be wise to avoid the middle of summer. 

Tip: Please note that a kind of festival week takes place in the first week of September: the 'feria' (click here For more information). During this holiday it is extra busy in the city and some sights may be closed. 

Transportation

The nearest airport is in Málaga and this flight takes approximately 3 hours from the Netherlands. You currently pay around 150 euros per person for a return flight. From Málaga it is a 1 hour and 18 minute drive to Ronda. You can also choose to drive from Seville airport. This ride takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. 

Tip: Are you planning a tour through the south of Spain? Then definitely make a stop in this city! 

Residence

The city is not very big, but you can easily spend two days in this beautiful place. There is plenty to see and you can indulge yourself, especially if you like getting lost in the cute streets. 

If you want to spend the night here, this is certainly possible. Hotel Andalucia (click here) is a good option if you want to spend the night on a budget. Here you pay €85 for a double room for two nights. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the center. 

If you have more to spend, the Salvatierra Guest House (click here) something for you. This accommodation is located in the center, has an outdoor swimming pool and rooms with terrace and/or possibility of mountain views. For a double room with a stay of two nights you pay €178.

Day trip to Setenil de Las Bodegas

Do you have time to spare? Then be sure to visit this special village Setenil de Las Bodegas (Location here). This is one of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia and is only a 20 minute drive away. What makes this village so special? The houses are partly built into the rocks. This was done because of the climate, but the residents still benefit greatly from this. In winter the rocks provide warmth and in summer they provide cooling. 

Tip: spend the night in a rock house in the center of Setenil. 

There are several options to spend the night in a real rock house. Recommendations are Casa Cueva Un Rincon (click here) and Casa de las Lanzas (click here). These accommodations are very popular, so book on time! 

The village looks beautiful and it is quite an experience to walk through it. In every street you will find a cozy restaurant or café where you can enjoy delicious Spanish dishes. An absolute must-visit during your trip through Andalusia!

Also read: City trip Seville | 6x the most beautiful sights + tips