Ronda, Spain: A Local’s Itinerary for a Perfect 2-Day Trip
If you’re thinking about visiting the City of Ronda a gorgeous hilltop town while exploring Southern Spain, I couldn’t agree more!
This ancient city is perched on top of a 100-meter-deep gorge the El Tajo Canyon through which the Guadalevín River runs through the city, which divides the city into two and is also home to one of the oldest bullrings in the country. It’s a place where famous writers like Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles (whose ashes are buried here) sought their inspiration, and where millions of tourists each year marvel at the beauty of Puente Nuevo.
It is rumoured that during the Spanish Civil War Nationalists were thrown off the Puente Nuevo Bridge and if you have read For Whom the Bell Tolls by Hemingway you will see where the inspiration for this scene in his novel comes from.
Located in the heart of Andalusia and retaining much of its original charm and well-preserved historic gems, Ronda is an unmissable spot on your Southern Spain itinerary.
Visit the historic Old Town Ronda where you can walk around the impressive Murallas de la Cijara, the old City Walls, to the Arco Felipe V. Strolling along the streets and their beautiful old buildings and the stunning views of the mountains and countryside surrounding the city.
So if you have 2 days to visit, how to spend them the best, to see what Ronda, Spain has to offer? Ronda is one of the beautiful ‘Pueblos Blancos’ in Spain’s southern region of Andalusia. In this article, you will find local expert insights and tips from a resident ex-pat who spent over 5 days exploring this wonderful city!
- Ronda, Spain: A Local's Itinerary for a Perfect 2-Day Trip
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Why Visit Ronda, Spain?
So what makes Ronda in Spain so special?
Ronda is a small town nestled in the mountain region of Andalusia and separated into two parts by the El Tajo gorge. It dates back to the 15th century.
Despite being a popular tourist destination in Southern Spain, it doesn’t feel as touristy and crowded as some of the bigger cities. Thanks to the fact that it doesn’t have any major landmarks, like the Alcazar in Seville or Alhambra in Granada, you will rarely encounter any overcrowding.
Throughout the centuries, stretching back to the days of ancient Rome, the beautiful countryside around Ronda has served as a fertile ground for the art of winemaking. This enchanting enclave within Andalusia, referred to as the Serrania de Ronda, has garnered a noteworthy reputation for its exquisite red wines, while also yielding a bountiful harvest of whites and rosés. You can enjoy many different wines when trying the fabulous Andalucian cuisine.
A visit to Ronda is truly a unique experience, and the views are hard to forget. If you have 2 days to spare, in this guide you will find everything you need to know to make the most out of your time in this gorgeous historic town.
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How to Get to Ronda in Spain
Ronda is located in Andalusia in southern Spain, an hour west of Málaga on the coast. The closest airport for Ronda is Malaga International Airport. If you’re renting a car from Malaga Airport, that would be the easiest and fastest way to get to Ronda.
Alternatively, you can also take a train from the main station (Malaga Maria Zambrano), and there are also direct buses going to Ronda from Malaga, but the journey is much longer.
Things to do in Ronda, Spain: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary
If you only have two days to explore, can you see everything Ronda has to offer? Of course!
Below is my suggested itinerary that covers all the highlights of Ronda. It is designed to give you lots of time at each place, so you don’t feel like you have to rush and see everything at a leisurely pace.
Day 1 in Ronda, Spain
On your first day in Ronda, you want to tick off some of the highlights, leaving you plenty of time for the next day to explore some of the lesser-known spots.
Stroll through the Bridge
One of the best things to do in Ronda is walk the bridges that divide the town. There are three bridges that connect the two parts of Ronda town – Puente Romano, Puente Viejo and Puente Nuevo or New Bridge. The last one is the most famous one, at an elevation of 120 meters, with a Parador hotel (former town hall) right next to it.
The bridge has a pathway from where you can take some photos but is also a functional bridge with traffic passing by all the time. If you need photos without people in it, you will need to head there first thing in the morning, ideally around sunrise.
Best views and photos of Puente Nuevo can be taken from the miradors which you will find in the gardens lining the El Tajo gorge, or from Casa don Bosco, which is a lesser-known photo spot for the bridge.
Visit the Ronda Bullring – Real Maestranza De Caballería
No visit to Ronda is complete without paying a nod to its bullfighting history at the Plaza De Toros De Ronda. In addition to his remarkable achievement in designing the Puente Nuevo, architect Jose Martín de Aldehuela also undertook the creation of Ronda’s Plaza del Toros, an iconic bullring that stands as one of Spain’s oldest and most awe-inspiring structures.
Whether you like it or not, bullfighting is engraved in the local tradition and Ronda has a particular place in its history as the cradle of two important bullfighting dynasties in Spain.
Pedro Romero is a name that’s synonymous with bullfighting in Ronda – he was the most important bullfighter originating from Ronda.
The bullring in Ronda is one of the oldest ones in Spain, and it is still in use. You can visit it as a museum, or book tickets for an active fight which takes place once a year – it’s called Goyesca of Ronda.
The tour of the bullring itself is quite fascinating, there are dedicated displays detailing fights, costumes and much of the history, and then you can of course also walk through the bullring itself.
Visit the Arab Baths
A short stroll down from Puente Nuevo, passing the beautiful Jardines de Cuenca with stunning views of the gorge, you will arrive at the best preserved Arab Baths in Spain that date back to the 13th and 14th centuries.
This excavated archaeological site dating back to the 13th century is a traditional Arab bathhouse featuring different rooms with vaulted ceilings, and the remains of a heating system under the floors.
While it’s not very big, it’s certainly worth having a stroll there to explore.
Stroll Through Alameda del Tajo
For some of the best views of the gorge and the surrounding countryside, take a stroll through the beautiful park called Alameda del Tajo.
There are a few viewpoints on the edge (miradors) from where you can admire the panoramic landscape, or get lost under the shades of the trees with trickling water from the fountains keeping you company. It’s also the perfect place to enjoy sunset views or people-watching during the day.
Day 2 in Ronda, Spain
Casa don Bosco
A modernist palace with a picturesque garden offering the best view of Puente Nuevo – does it sound like it’s worth your time?
This little-known hidden gem of Ronda is on Calle Tenorio, the first street down from the bridge as you walk away from the monument of Mirador de los Viajeros Románticos.
The inside of the house is a beautiful display of antiques, old 19th century tapestries, and gorgeous old windows that are daring you to go and explore the garden.
The garden is accessed by two staircases that join together in the middle, where you will find a fountain decorated with local tiles. As you venture to the edge of the garden, you will find a small viewpoint from where you can admire the best views of Puente Nuevo.
The entrance to this small palace is only 2 euros, and dare I say it was worth every penny!
Casa del Rey Moro
This old palace is located on the edge of the gorge, close to the old Puente Viejo. In addition to the gardens and views, the top highlight of the visit is the option to use the old Water Mine shaft a staircase which is a Moorish relic to venture all the way down to the bottom of the El Tajo gorge, where the river flows.
Despite the name, The Casa del Rey Moro was never the home of a Moorish king. It was built in the 18th century and its Moorish gardens are even newer having been designed by the French landscape gardener Jean Claude Forestier in 1912.
You can only access the gardens and the stairs down to the gorge, the palace itself is still in bad shape and in desperate need of renovation.
If you fancy an adventure and check the view of the bridge from a different vantage point, it’s certainly worth a visit.
Museo Lara
For those wanting to learn a bit of history, with a peculiar twist, I can recommend a short visit to the local Lara museum.
The museum is filled with peculiar oddities from torture devices, musical instruments, cameras, witches and much more. There are lots to see and the entrance is only 4 euros per person.
Restaurants and Tapas Bars in Ronda
Tapas & Local Wine at Tabanco Los Archos
Calle Nueva is a street filled with eateries, as it Plaza del Socorro which is about a 5 minute walk away and this cosy tapas bar sits right at the end of Puente Nuevo, and if you are lucky to get a seat by the window, you’re in for one of a kind experience!
You can enjoy sampling the local wines, with a selection of authentic Andalusian tapas, all while admiring some of the best views of the bridge right from your seat.
This place is very popular, but it doesn’t feel crowded or touristy – quite the opposite. The service is friendly and fast, and you certainly can’t beat the views!
Practical Tips for Visiting Ronda, Spain
Ronda may be a stunning place to visit, but you should keep in mind that it gets very hot in the summer months, and you need to prepare for a bit of walking.
Here are my top tips for visiting this stunning city in Andalusia:
- If you’re planning to drive to Ronda with your rental car, keep in mind that most of the apartments and private properties have very limited or no parking options. Check the closest public parking to where you’re staying if this is the case.
- If you want to use public transport, you can get a train or bus to Ronda directly from Malaga. The train and bus stations are in the centre of the city, and you can walk to most of the hotels or apartments in just 10 to 15 minutes
- Comfortable shoes for exploring Ronda are a must – the pavements are mostly old cobbled streets which are not suited for high heels
- Always bring a water bottle anywhere you go!
- If you want to hike in the El Tajo gorge, bring some proper hiking shoes with you
- Beware of restaurant charges – there are plenty of rip-off places that are designed to get every cent of you. One example is the Parador Hotel by Puente Nuevo – they will charge you an extra fee just because you sit on the outside terrace with a view, plus an extra charge for the breadsticks that you didn’t ask for.
Nestled upon a mountainous plateau in the captivating region of Andalusia, the town of Ronda lies merely an hour’s journey from the sun-drenched beach resorts of Spain’s illustrious Costa Del Sol, in the Malaga Province yet it feels worlds apart.
Whether you’re interested in hiking through the lush mountains of Sierra de las Nieves National park or sampling local delicacies at traditional tapas bars, Ronda has something for everyone. With its warm climate, friendly locals, and rich heritage, it’s no wonder why so many travellers from around the world choose to visit Ronda each year. So if you’re planning a trip to Spain anytime soon, make sure to put Ronda on your itinerary – you won’t be disappointed!
I hope you found lots of inspiration and ideas for your trip to Ronda in Spain! Enjoy your stay in this exciting Andalusian town and don’t forget to let us know how you liked it in the comments below this post.
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