Nestled on a cliff and separated by a gorge with two impressive neoclassical bridges spanning the 120 meter chasm, I can't think of another locale in Europe with a more dramatic location than Ronda. If you visit Andalusia and do not have time to stay overnight, Ronda is one of the best places to take a day trip in the South of Spain. Of course you could go with a tour group, but these groups tend to be quite large and don't provide a full experience of the town. If you are looking to craft your own day trip to Ronda, you came to the right place!
There are three ways to get to Ronda: car, bus, and train. Car is far and away the easiest way. Driving the hills of Andalusia is not as difficult as you may think. Renting a car for a day should run you about €50, and allows you to visit locations outside of town as well. This is the most labor intensive process, but may be worthwhile depending on your desired itinerary and schedule.
Although buses do tend to be slow in this part of Spain, the coverage is pretty comprehensive. The trip to Málaga in the east will take you about 2.5 hours. The trip from Sevilla in the west should also take you about 2.5 hours. There is plentiful coverage from the resort towns such as Marbella as well. Avanza (the bus company) sells plenty of tickets and can bring you just about anywhere in Andalusia from Ronda.
That leaves the train. Unfortunately, Andalusia's train system is not very extensive. Ronda is well connected to Córdoba (and by association the high speed rails up to Madrid and around the country). There is also another line that runs to Algeciras - this is very scenic. Unless you were traveling from Córdoba or Algeciras, I don't think I would recommend rail travel to Ronda.
Ronda's bullfighting ring is the oldest and most scenic bullfighting ring in Spain, dating back to 1785. Touring the ring is a must-do when visiting Ronda. The site allows you to explore the ring and its seating, as well as view several galleries about the history of bullfighting in Spain and Ronda more specifically. Interestingly enough, while the arena was the first of its kind for bullfighting, it actually began as an outgrowth of the riding school located at the same site. The riding school predates the bullfighting ring and is the second oldest in all of Europe (dating back to 1485). When visiting, you will also have a chance to learn about the art of horsemanship and even see some of the royal horses. The riding school still offers programming relating to horse dressing, and if you're lucky you'll be able to see some of the drills in the main hall of the school! Admission is €9 (€10.50 with an audioguide). If you go in the fall, you may even have the chance to see a real bullfight (be warned they are not for the faint of heart).
The Puente Nuevo is the focal point of Ronda. The newest of three bridges traversing the gorge, it dates back to the 18th century. Seeing the towering bridge over the 120 meter deep chasm is a breathtaking experience. There are three main angles of the bridge you can get. The first will be from Miradores de Ronda and Aves. Located within a quaint park alongside the bullfighting ring, this will likely be your "first look" at the bridge. The second angle is from the other side of the chasm. You'll see a sign on a building labelled Mirador Aldehuela, which will give you another incredible viewpoint. The third angle is from the gorge below. This is the most challenging but unique view of the arches you will find. Requiring roughly a 1.5 kilometer hike virtually entirely downhill, you will begin the walk at the edge of town - Puerto de Almocábar. Once there, you will take a road that brings you into the gorge. From there, you'll be virtually unaccompanied with nonstop views of the town above, the cliff, and most importantly the bridge. If all these angles made you curious about the history, there is an interpretation center with exhibits discussing the history of the bridge with a small entry fee.
The Palacio de Mondragón is a beautiful Moorish palace that houses exhibits of the history of Ronda along with beautiful views of the valley below the town.
There are very large and impressive fortifications around Ronda. Walking around them gives you a great opportunity to observe the landscapes around the town!
It can be difficult to get to an actual vineyard if you do not want to walk. If this is the case, VinoRonda (also known as the Ronda Wine Interpretation Center) can help you savor some of the best wines the region has to offer! For as little as €5, you will have the opportunity to learn about wine production in the region and taste some delicious wines. Located in the old side of Ronda, this is about as convenient as it gets to taste wines. Plus, the building was previously an old winery, adding to some of the fun of visiting.
My favorite winery is the Bodega Gonzalo Beltrán. Located in the gorge below Ronda, you can walk or drive the 2 km; one the way you will be treated to stunning views of the Ponte Nuevo. Their tour runs about €30 a person and includes a guided visit into their grape vines, small tapas, and four generous tastes of their wine. The best wine they offer is their Syrah - called Perizoso after a standing pool that sits on property filled with water for several months a year. If wine is something you enjoy, I highly recommend a visit! Make sure to contact well in advance, as wineries often only schedule one tour a day.
With less than 34,000 people, you might not expect a fine dining, gastronomic gem in Ronda. Yet this is Spain, where Michelin starred restaurants can be found in all corners of the country - including Ronda. Bardal is as good as any restaurant in the guide. Celebrating locally sourced food, Bardal calls itself an "agri-food project" - something that may seem quite haughty but is absolutely justified by their two Michelin stars. The restaurant offers a 16 course, €180 tasting menu with immense culinary highs. Offering lunch four days a week from 1:15 to 5 and dinner four days a week from 8 to midnight, Bardal is certainly worth the trip if fine dining is high on your priority list.
Add to
Details
Tapas Spots
If Bardal is a bit out of your price range, you're not alone. No need to worry though, as Ronda is home to some fantastic tapas bars. Located around the city, you can even make a tapas crawl out of it. Have two or three plates at roughly three tapas bars and you have a wonderful lunch or dinner!
Ronda is centuries old on both sides of the bridge. However, the "new" city is the side of the bridge with the bullfighting ring. Buildings on this side of the gorge date back a measly 300 years (compared to 1,000 years in the old city). In the new side of the city, you will be treated to a much more local experience than the tourist-oriented old city. Still home to the majority of residents, the new city is filled with restaurants, apartments, and beautiful shops to serve all needs. Among the tourist-oriented gift shops are small clothing boutiques, food stores, arts and crafts shops, and more. There are two main shopping areas in Ronda: Plaza del Socorro and La Bola.
Plaza del Socorro is a pedestrian-only square that has a more touristic slant given its proximity to the bullfighting ring; however, there are a number of cute stores selling clothes, souvenirs, toys, and much more. The pedestrian paths around the square are covered, giving the area quite a quaint feel.
Covered with a tarp to provide some refuge from the blazing Andalusian sun during the summer, La Bola (formally Carratera Espeniel) is the center of commerce in Ronda. However, shopping is not limited to the La Bola - the surrounding streets are also filled with small boutiques and other businesses worth visiting.
30 minutes to the north of Ronda is the ancient city of Acinpo - a must visit for any history buffs. Believed to be founded as a retirement community for older Roman legions 2,000 years ago, Acinpo holds many well preserved ruins. This includes a Roman bathhouse and a theater that is still used to this day. Visits to the site are free and allow you to see the beautiful agricultural hills to the north of the city. As the site does not have many trees, I recommend visiting in the morning, especially if visiting in the summer months. There are many wineries along the road to Acinpo, so I would stop at one after touring the site. These wineries make a great midday lunch stop!
To the southwest of Ronda, there is a phenomenal site called Cueva de la Pileta. Situated 30 minutes away from Ronda in the mountains, the cave has a plethora of neolithic cave paintings, discovered only 115 years ago. One hour tours are offered on the site explaining the antique art and the cave's geologic history, with an entry fee of €8.
On the way back from the Cueva de la Pileta, make sure to stop at one of the many natural attractions situated in Parque Natural Sierra de Grazelma - the swimming hole/waterfall at Cueva del Gato makes for an excellent picnic spot for lunch!
Add to
Details
Hotels
Ronda is typically a day trip from Sevilla, Marbella, Málaga, or one of the many towns in Andalusia. However, it can be great to spend some extra time! See some recommendations below:
Mark provides all sorts of info to help your travel needs! This includes specific travel itineraries and planning services. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like customized travel services.
Like this guide? Don't be afraid to say thank you and send a tip!
My name is Mark, and I've been travel planning since the age of 11.
About Me
I help redefine the way you experience the world. I don't just plan trips; we craft extraordinary adventures tailored to your unique desires. Mark's journey into the realm of travel planning began at an early age, driven by an insatiable curiosity to uncover the hidden gems and cultural nuances that make each destination truly exceptional.
Expertise Beyond Borders
Boasting an extensive portfolio of expertise, Mark is a seasoned navigator through the enchanting landscapes of Morocco, the captivating history of Jordan, the rich tapestry of Israel/Palestine, the cosmopolitan allure of Copenhagen, and beyond. Whether you're yearning for the vibrant markets of Marrakech, the ancient wonders of Petra, the historical significance of Jerusalem, or the contemporary charm of Copenhagen, I ensure that your journey is not just a trip but a transformative experience.
Custom Itineraries, Crafted with Care
I understand that no two travelers are the same. My commitment to personalization means that every itinerary is a bespoke masterpiece, meticulously crafted to reflect your preferences, interests, and dreams. From immersive cultural excursions to adrenaline-pumping adventures, we curate experiences that resonate with your individual travel style.
Why Choose Mark's Travel Recs?
Passion-Driven Expertise: Mark's lifelong passion ensures every itinerary has an authentic touch.
Global Perspective: With knowledge spanning diverse destinations, I offer journeys beyond the ordinary.
Attention to Detail: I leave no stone unturned, from accommodation to off-the-beaten-path excursions.
Seamless Planning: Let me take the reins for a stress-free journey from conception to execution.
Embark on a voyage of a lifetime with me—where the world is your oyster, and I help you discover its pearls
