1 Puente Nuevo (New Bridge)

This magnificent 18th-century bridge spans the El Tajo gorge, connecting the old and new parts of Ronda. Standing over 100 meters above the canyon floor, it offers unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape. The bridge has a small museum and a viewing platform, and the nearby pathways descending into the gorge provide even more spectacular vistas.

To enjoy an even more impressive view of the bridge, you can descend a short flight of stairs and embark on a roughly 10-minute walk along a sandy trail. This path leads to a remarkable lower-angle viewpoint, offering a fresh perspective of the bridge’s grandeur. Unfortunately it was closed in December 2023 for renovation, but this spot is also an excellent place to catch sight of the picturesque waterfall cascading beneath the bridge.

2 Jardines De Cuenca

Perched on the edge of the Tajo gorge’s cliffs, the Jardines de Cuenca (Cuenca Gardens) offer another spectacular viewpoint onto the New Bridge. These gardens, named in honor of Ronda’s twin city, Cuenca, due to their shared topographical features, provide a serene setting. As you meander among the vibrant rose beds, you’ll be treated to spectacular vistas encompassing all three of Ronda’s famous bridges and the picturesque valley stretching out beneath them.

3 El Tajo Gorge

This dramatic natural landmark offers a breathtaking backdrop to the city. Hiking trails along and through the gorge provide an up-close experience of the area’s natural beauty. The various viewpoints from the city overlook the gorge, offering spectacular photo opportunities.

4 Mirador de Ronda & Alameda del Tajo

For those seeking to capture Ronda’s beauty from a higher perspective, two exceptional viewpoints are available. The Mirador de Ronda stands out first, offering panoramic views that stretch across the gorge, the encompassing mountains, and the iconic Puente Nuevo. Adjacent to the celebrated Plaza de Toros is the Alameda, a picturesque promenade and garden lined with lush trees, a favorite gathering spot for families during the summer months. Both of these scenic overlooks are situated along the precipice of the Tajo Gorge, providing a unique vantage point to appreciate the town’s stunning vistas, making them must-visit destinations in Ronda.

5 Plaza de Toros (Bullring)

Renowned as one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, Ronda’s Plaza de Toros holds a special place in the history of bullfighting. Built in the late 18th century, it is a stunning example of Spanish classical architecture. Visitors can tour the arena, the stables, and the bullfighting museum, which chronicles the history and art of the corrida and the Real Maestranza De Caballería, the oldest order of horsemanship.

6 Baños Arábes (Arab Baths)

These well-preserved 11th-century baths are among the best remnants of Islamic architecture in Ronda. Located in the city’s ancient San Miguel quarter, the baths are a testament to the sophisticated engineering of the Moorish era. Visitors can explore the vaulted chambers and learn about the traditional bath process. Watch out for the opening Times: Tue to Fri 9.30-20:00. Sat, Mon 10:00-14:00 and 15:00-18:00. Sun 10:00-15:00.

7 Fuente de la Duquesa de Parcent

Plaza de la Duquesa de Parcent, nestled in the heart of Ronda, Spain, offers an idyllic setting for a peaceful break amidst a day of exploring. This verdant square, adorned with a courtyard and an enchanting fountain, provides a serene backdrop for observing the daily life of locals. Situated in Ronda’s historic La Ciudad district, the plaza is surrounded by many of the town’s significant monuments and museums. For those keen to explore further, a short stroll away lies Plaza del Gigante, a charming square renowned for its authentic and beautifully preserved buildings.

8 La Ciudad (Old Town)

Ronda’s old town is a maze of medieval streets, historic buildings, and quaint plazas. Landmarks like the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor add to the area’s charm. Strolling through these ancient streets is like stepping back into a different era. Join a walking tour if you want to take it all in under the guidance of an expert.

9 Puente Viejo

Puente Viejo was built in the early 17th century, replacing an even older bridge that had collapsed. Its construction was crucial for Ronda, as it provided a vital link between the Moorish old town and the newer parts of the city that were expanding on the other side of the gorge. Nowadays, Puente Viejo is a popular spot for tourists and photographers, offering pretty great views of the El Tajo gorge and the surrounding landscapes. The area around the bridge is peaceful, in  contrast to the more bustling parts of the city like the New Bridge.

10 Try local delicacies

The most interesting traditional dishes in Ronda are related to almonds, reflecting the region’s abundant almond harvests. Sopa de Almendras or almond soup combines ground almonds with garlic, bread, and sometimes saffron, resulting in a creamy and aromatic first course. There are also many pastries for those with a sweet tooth, such as ‘Yemas del Tajo,’ egg yolk sweets named after the famous gorge, and ‘Turron de Ronda,’ a type of nougat made with almonds. And of course, the local wines are amazing and there are many wineries to visit on a tour.

How much time you need

Make it a day trip | If you‘re short on time, there are excellent day trips from Sevilla or from Malaga that include a visit to Ronda and optionally a few more „white villages“ of Andalusia in the region. I think the white villages themselves merit a separate exploration of at least a few days, but at least you‘ll get a glimpse of what to return for;)

Stay overnight | A weekend is the perfect amount of time to spend here – you‘ll have enough time to enjoy the food and a bit of Spanish nightlife as well, and will not be rushed to discover the city and surroundings.

How to get there

By car | You can easily rent a car in any major city you’re arriving to. Driving to Ronda offers beautiful views and control over your itinerary. From Malaga, the journey takes about 1.5 hours via the A-367. If you’re coming from Seville, it’s approximately a 2-hour drive on the A-374. The roads leading to Ronda are well-maintained and offer scenic mountain vistas, making the drive part of the adventure.

By plane | The nearest airport to Ronda is Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, which is served by numerous international and domestic flights. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a bus to Ronda. The drive from the airport to Ronda takes about 1.5 hours.

By train |Ronda is connected by rail, offering a picturesque journey especially from the direction of Algeciras. Trains from Malaga take about 2 hours and provide a comfortable ride with stunning views of the Andalusian countryside. The train station in Ronda is centrally located (and taking the train is almost always preferable to the bus in my opinion).

By bus | Buses to Ronda are available from major cities like Malaga, Seville, and Granada. The trip from Malaga takes about 2 hours and from Seville, roughly 3 hours. Buses, operated by companies such as Avanza, depart regularly throughout the day. This is an economical option, though travel times can be longer compared to driving.

Cost of travel

Traveling to Ronda can be a manageable expense,it’s not as costly as major Spanish cities like Madrid or Barcelona.

Transportation Costs | Your main expense is likely to be the transportation to Ronda itself. If flying into Málaga, internal flights in Spain could cost over €100 depending on your origin. From Málaga, bus and train tickets to Ronda typically range from €10 to €25. Once in Ronda, the town is compact enough to explore on foot, but local buses and taxis are available for longer distances, with bus fares around €1.30 and taxis starting at a minimum fare of about €3.50.

Accommodation | Ronda offers a mix of traditional Andalusian and international cuisines. A meal at a mid-range restaurant might cost around €10-20, while a snack or coffee could be around €3-5. Budget travelers can save by dining at tapas bars, where small plates are typically priced between €2-4. Another economical option is opting for the ‘Menu del Dia’ at local cafes and restaurants, which usually costs less than €10.

Food and Drink |Ronda offers a mix of traditional Andalusian and international cuisines. A meal at a mid-range restaurant might cost around €10-20, while a snack or coffee could be around €3-5. Budget travelers can save by dining at tapas bars, where small plates are typically priced between €2-4. Another economical option is opting for the ‘Menu del Dia’ at local cafes and restaurants, which usually costs less than €10.

Activities | Admission fees for top attractions like the Ronda bullring museum usually range from €7-8. Other attractions, such as ancient churches and scenic viewpoints, are often free or request a small donation. Prices for additional activities, such as guided tours or visits to nearby vineyards, will vary depending on the provider.

On a tight budget, it’s possible to keep daily expenses under €40 or even €30 with careful planning. A mid-range travel experience in Ronda might cost around €50-100 per day, while a more luxurious visit could cost upwards of €150 daily.