What to do in Ronda

Ronda is one of the most beautiful villages in Andalusia. But What to do in Ronda? This andalusian village is close to Málaga (1h:30) and Seville (1h45 by car). Ronda sits in the heart of the Serrania de Ronda with a population of approximately 35,000 inhabitants. It is Surrounded by lush river valleys and sitting above a deep ravine called El tajo.

Ronda was declared a city by Julius Caesar in the first century AD. When the Moorish troops invaded the region, one of the first routes they followed was the old Roman one, linking Gibraltar with the Roman settlement of Acinipo. Muslim historians agree that Ronda was originally just a castle and a small town, which they called Izna Rand Onda, or simply Onda, which means Castle City. This castle was conquered in 711 by the Berbers. Ronda, from a simple castle, soon became a city that had a region under its dependence.

Things to visit in Ronda

Ronda can be visited on foot and a single day is enough to discover all the attractions and points of interest.

Plaza de Toros

You can star visiting the Plaza de Toros with more than 200 years, this is one of Spain’s oldest bullrings and the site of some of the most important events in bullfighting history. One of the best bullfighters in Spain founded the bullfighting school of Ronda. You can visit the bullfighting arena as well as the museum, located at the same place.

Plaza de España

The town’s main square was made famous by Ernest Hemingway in one of his greatest novels For Whom the Bell Tolls. The episode is based on events that took place in the Plaza de España. This plaza is the entry point to “the City”, or the old and monumental part of Ronda, which is accessed from the most modern and commercial through its impressive New Bridge (Puente Nuevo), which starts here.

Puente Nuevo

Continue on your way to Plaza España and you will finally see the Puento Nuevo, the main attraction of Ronda and the emblem of the city! You should definitely cross the bridge for a selfie stop. To have the most beautiful view on the bridge and take the perfect picture, you should go to the first viewpoint, but be careful taking the picture or selfie, because the viewpoint is not well secured, so watch your steps and specially cellphone or camera! Every year, hundreds of cameras are found at the bottom of the ravine.

Jardines de Cuenca

The so-called Jardines de Cuenca (Cuenca Gardens) are spectacular and beautiful gardens located on the cornice of the Tajo de Ronda with an ingenious arrangement of stepped terraces. They are dedicated to the city of Cuenca, which was twinned with Ronda.

Plaza del Socorro

You can finish your tour with the Plaza del Socorro, a pretty little square surrounded by bars and restaurants terraces. The perfect place to take a refreshing break to end this day of visits.

Bonus: Wine Route in Ronda

The Serranía de Ronda is one of the latest additions to the official wine routes found throughout the country. With wines from the area being valued with increasing regard both locally and internationally, the region of Ronda is well worth being labelled a first class destination for enotourism.