ONE DAY IN RONDA : THE PERFECT DAY TRIP ITINERARY

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Written By Sara Green

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This post is all about what to see and do in Ronda, Spain

Ronda is one of the most enchanting places to visit in the whole of Spain. It’s an Andalusian ‘‘pueblos blanco’ or white village and it’s the perfect place for a day trip from Malaga or Seville.

I’d seen a photo of the bridge in Ronda years ago and stuck it on my Google Maps ‘Want to Visit’ list which is a thing I often do when I see a place that interests me in a news article or on social media or if someone recommends a place to me. I finally decided to book a trip. I wasn’t disappointed and you won’t be either.

Ronda’s location is dramatic! It’s part of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park and perches high above the El Tajo gorge, which splits the town into two. The famous photo of the bridge that I saw is what connects Old Town to New Town.

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This post is all about what to see and do in Ronda, Spain : the perfect day trip from Malaga

RONDA HISTORY

Ronda was settled as early as the 6th century! The Celts, the Phoenicians and the Romans have all lived in Ronda at one point in time so it has a rich and diverse history.

The Berbers took control in the 8th century, and named it Hisn-Ar Rundah (Castle of Rundah), and that’s where Ronda got its name. In the 15th century, Ronda was captured by the Christians.

Today Ronda is an extremely popular destination in southern Spain: the third most visited city in Andalusia.

Ronda is one of the most popular day trips to do from Malaga or you can do a full day tour from Seville.

I decided to visit Ronda independently as I'd hired a car. If you choose to do the same you can simply walk around Ronda on your own using this guide or take a guided walking tour.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN RONDA IN A DAY

Ronda is the perfect place for a day trip if you’re staying anywhere on the southern Spanish coast. Only an hour and a half away from Malaga and around an hour away from the coastal resorts of Estepona, Marbella and Benalmadena.

A day trip will leave you truly enchanted by this historic and wonderful city. It’s more than just a bridge! There are beautiful lookouts everywhere, parks to relax in, an historic bullring and so much more.

Follow my Ronda itinerary for all the must sees during your time in Ronda.

Plaza de Toros

Ronda is home to the oldest stone bullring in all of Spain. I personally am not an advocate for bullfighting, but it is still a significant part of Spanish culture. This eighteenth century bullring still hosts bullfights and is open for tours.

You can admire it from outside for free or pay a small admission charge of €9 to enter the bullring.

As you enter you’ll notice a small, decadent chapel where bullfighters take a moment to pray before entering the bullring.

Your admission ticket also grants you access to the museums which are separated into two sections: the Real Maestranza de Caballería and the Museo Taurino. Real Maestranza de Caballería has artifacts of the calvary training such as antique weapons, uniforms, and armor and the Museo Taurino displays bullfighting artifacts from past to present, showcasing various prints, costumes, and memorabilia through the ages.

Last but certainly not least, you’ll reach the bullring. Go in the middle to look up at the countless rows of stands, and marvel at the grandness of the area. Whilst this sport was important historically, I don’t recommend that you watch a bullfight due to the cruelty that surrounds it.

 

🙃 Did you know? although this bullring might not be the largest in the world (5000 seats), it does have the largest Rueda (the circle of sand in the middle), which has a diameter of 66 meters! That’s BIG!

 

Mirador de Ronda & Alameda del Tajo

Just behind the Plaza de Toros in the New Town is a lovely little 19th century park, the Alameda del Tajo.

If you want to take in the sights of the town from above (and you should) there is a really beautiful viewpoint from Alameda del Tajo: Mirador de Ronda, which offers some fantastic vistas of the gorge, the mountains, and Puente Nuevo.

Stroll around Alameda del Tajo which can be wonderful under the shade of the trees. The walk is especially beautiful if you visit in the spring, when pink and white blossoms cover the trees along the walkways.

Cross Puente Nuevo Bridge

The Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) is just 5 minutes walk from Plaza de Toros and Alameda del Tajo towards the Old Town.

Puente Nuevo is the iconic landmark of Ronda and the reason most people visit the town.

This 18th-century bridge, which is the newest of three bridges in Ronda, hangs high over the 100-meter-deep Tajo gorge. It connects Old Town to New Town. This gorge is also home to the mighty Guadelevín river which divides the town.

The bridge was completed back in 1793 after over 30 years of work.

When crossing Puente Nuevo you get some gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside and above the middle arch in the bridge, you’ll also see a solid column that was priorly used as a prison! These days, you can visit the prison where there is a small exhibition.

There are also some great walkways that will lead you to several different lookouts for better views into the rural area surrounding Ronda.

 

😟 Not so fun fact: The first attempt to unite the old town with the new one was over the Tajo in 1735 with a 35 meter arch built in 8 months, but it shortly collapsed, killing about 50 people.

 

WATCH THE VIDEO ON WHY YOU NEED TO ADD RONDA TO YOUR BUCKETLIST

Puente Nuevo from below

The view from the top of the bridge is amazing, but it has to be said the best view and the most iconic view in the town is from below Puente Nuevo. For this view head to Mirador el Hoya de Tajo (location here) along the south side of the gorge.

From below you can really appreciate just how tall and striking Puento Nuevo is. You can also see the waterfall of the Guadelevín River below.

The path down into the gorge is a little sketchy so make sure you wear some good shoes. It’s a pretty long walk down and an even longer walk up so I wouldn’t recommend it in the peak heat of the middle of the day. I’d also make sure you have some water with you as you’re going to get a little breathless on the way back up! These collapsible water bottles are my go to. The walk is pretty hard work but it’s a Ronda must see!

Ronda’s other bridges

Puente Nuevo is the newest and largest of three bridges that connect the city across the gorge, but it’s not the only one worth seeing.

Most people who visit Ronda don’t even realise there are two other bridges that cross the El Tajo gorge. The other two bridges, Puente Viejo (also known as the Roman Bridge) and Puente Arabe, bring you much lower into the gorge, offering a different perspective on the area.

Puerta de Almocábar & Iglesia del Espíritu Santo

Puerta de Almocabar, on the southern side of town, is one of Rondas 13th century town gates. There are also city walls there and they are some of the most impressive historical remains in Ronda.

The gate was one of the main entrance to the town and led through a cemetery of Iglesia del Espiritu Santo (the Church of the Holy Spirit).

Old Town

One of my favourite things to do in Ronda is to simply wander around Old Town. It’s amazing! It has the quintessential look of Andalusia with the whitewashed buildings and stunning architecture. As you wander around you’ll come across palaces and museums such as the Church of Santa Maria La Mayor, which used to be the city’s mosque during the Arab era and Mondragon Palace.

Arab Baths

The Arab Baths (Baños Arábes) are a fascinating termal complex from the Muslim period in Ronda. They date from the 13th and 14th century and are some of the best preserved in Andalusia. There is a small charge of 3.5 euros to enter but it’s well worth the charge.

Opening Times & Tickets:

Tuesday – Friday from 9.30 AM – 8 PM

Saturday and Monday from 10 AM – 2 PM and 3 PM – 6 PM

Sunday open from 10 AM – 3 PM.

Buy your tickets here.

Best Time to Visit

The summers are HOT! I cannot reiterate that enough! I was in Ronda at the end of June and it was 37 - 39C in the afternooons which isn’t really condusive to the walking up and down the hills you do in Ronda if you’re visiting the lower viewpoints that is. It can also be very busy with day trippers from the surrounding areas.

Instead of the height of summer, it may be best to visit during the late spring or early autumn - April and May or October. This is when temperatures are cooler, and it’s easier to explore.

 

👍🏼 Top Tip: I recommend spending the night in Ronda so you can get up early or go out late in the evening to experience the town with fewer visitors.

 

How to Visit Ronda

Malaga is the nearest airport to Ronda.

Ronda is about an hour and a halves drive from Malaga or Seville and it’s easy to get a day trip tour from any location along the south coast of Spain.

I personally drove to Ronda and it’s how I’d recommend getting to Ronda as it allows you to explore other places around such as Sentenil de Bodegas.

I recommend renting a car through RentalCars.com as they search the biggest brands in car rental, have flexible rentals and no hidden fees. Book your rental car here.

Getting Around

The town is pretty small so the best way to explore is on foot so pack a good pair of walking shoes or walking sandals. If you’re driving, there are lots of parking areas in Ronda that are all close to the center that are decently priced.

Where to stay in Ronda

If you decide to do more than a day trip and stay overnight in Ronda there are many hotels to choose from.

As the main draw of Ronda is Puente Nuevo and the views of to the surrounding countryside you’ll find that many of the hotels are located on the edges of town in order to make the most of the views.

There are apartments and villas that are more centrally located though.

Booking.com

I stayed at Apartamentos de Ciudad in Old Town which was a reasonably priced hotel with large rooms, a fridge and a small pool area to cool off from the Ronda heat.

Best Eateries in Ronda

Ronda has some delicious food so you certainly won’t be disappointed when it comes to meal times! There are many restaurants and tapas bars all around town that serve the very best of authentic Andalusian cuisine. Most of the bars and restaurants are situated in New Town and you can grab a bite to eat until late in to the night.

Some of my favorites are:

Andalusia Guide Books & Good Reads

 

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Hello, World!

Sara Green
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