This pueblo blanco (white town) has one of the most beautiful settings around, perched precariously on the edge of a gorge offering magnificent panoramas over the whole valley. It is famous for the Puente Nuevo, the bridge linking the 2 sides of the 100m deep El Tajo Canyon. Ronda is close enough to Seville and Malaga for a day trip, but you can enjoy the beautiful surrounding by staying a night or two.
Summers in Ronda are long, warm, and dry. Unlike many Spanish destinations, July and August aren’t uncomfortably hot either, with average highs around 26–30°C.
WHAT TO DO & SEE?
1. The Plaza de Toros de Ronda
One of the oldest arenas in Spain. Ronda is known to be the birthplace of bullfighting. Built-in 1785 by the same architect who built the Puente Nuevo (“New Bridge” in English), it can host 5,000 spectators.
2. Ronda viewpoint
Alameda del Tajo gardens are one of the essential things to do in Ronda. This 19th-century park is laid out with five avenues lined with trees leading to the cliff edge, where there are viewpoints jutting out over the gorge if you’ve got a head for heights.
3. Puento Nuevo
The main attraction of Ronda and the emblem of the city on all the postcards! Completed in 1793, after 42 years of construction, the Puento Nuevo crosses the valley and connects the old and new towns previously separated by the El Tajo valley and the Guadalevin River. This spectacular bridge is nearly 100 meters high.
You can get another viewpoint of this bridge from down below. This is a great way to admire the beautiful architecture and get a sense of the scale of this spectacular piece of engineering. To reach the bottom of the El Tajo gorge, start in the pretty Plaza de Maria Auxiliadora square where there’s an unpaved road you can follow, which isn’t too strenuous but turns steep and rocky in parts.
4. Duchess of Parcent Square
This square is surrounded by several monuments including the city hall but the most remarkable is undoubtedly the St Mary Major Church.
5. Ronda’s Arab Baths
They were built during the town’s 12th-century Moorish period and were used by Muslims to purify themselves before visiting the mosque. The design is similar to a Roman bathhouse, with separate hot, warm, and cool rooms where people would gather and socialize.
6. Plaza del Socorro
Plaza Socorro is considered to be the modern political center of Ronda in the new town. This pretty little square is surrounded by bars and restaurant terraces. Here you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the Nuestra Senora del Socorro Church.
7. La Casa del Rey Moro
The Casa del Rey Moro or House of the Moorish King is an 18th-century building in Ronda, Spain. The building is named after a tile on the facade, representing a Moorish king. What is interesting in this heritage place is that you’ll find a water mine that was built in the 14th century and formed part of the defensive fortifications of the town.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK?
While in Spain, you should explore the numerous tapas bars they have. Here are some suggestions for where you can go in Ronda for tapas:
1. Casa Mateos
They have a larger selection of tapas on their Spanish menu rather than the English one. Nevertheless, still great food and great wine!
2. Restaurant Bar El Lechuguita
Classic Spanish food & wine is served in a traditional environment at this established venue.
3. Siempre Igual ronda
Intimate dining spot offering small plates & traditional Spanish entrees in a convivial atmosphere.
4. Tragata
If you are looking for a restaurant, Tragata is a great place to explore Andalusian-Asian food, a creative take on food.
5. Abades Ronda Restaurante
A nice restaurant offering great views of the valleys of Ronda.
