Start planning your trip to Ronda, Spain with this handy travel guide to the top things to do!
Ronda is a magical city built across the deep El Tajo gorge. It has more beauty, charm and history than many cities put together.
I visited Ronda, Andalucia for the first time last January and have been dying to return. It’s one of those cities that captures your imagination.
From beautiful alleyways and cobbled streets, to ancient city walls, the famous new bridge and incredible sweeping landscapes, it’s easily one of the most photogenic cities in Spain.
Where is Ronda?
Ronda is located about 100 km west of Malaga, within the stunning countryside of Andalusia.
While Ronda is an easy day trip from Malaga, it’s also perfect if you’re spending spending weekends in Marbella or Seville. The roads are easy for tourists to navigate, and the countryside you pass through will have you glued to the window all the way!
To make the most of your trip, I’d recommend spending a few days in Malaga, before heading to explore Nerja, Antequera and Ronda. If you don’t fancy organising a trip, take a look at tours of Ronda such as this one, which include transport and activities.
Things To Do In Ronda
Visit The Puente Nuevo
Ronda’s so-called ‘new’ bridge isn’t particularly new… but this 18th Century bridge is what draws the crowds. Joining the two sections of the city, the bridge reaches a height of 100m, with its base deep in the base of the gorge and the Guadalevín river.
Take a walk in Ronda’s Jardines De Cuenca
The Cuenca Gardens are set over a series of terraces. Not only do they overlook the gorge, they also offer great views to the bridge. I visited at sunrise which cast a magical light across to the bridge, illuminating it in a vivid shade of yellow and gold.
Tour Ronda’s Plaza Del Toros
Ronda’s bullring is one of the oldest and most picturesque in Spain. The city is often said to be the home of modern day bullfighting after Francisco Romero reinvented the sport in the 1700s.
While I’d never endorse it as an activity (quite the opposite in fact,) there’s no denying this is a stunning piece of architecture. As you wander the sandy arena, it’s amazing to think of it filled with 5,000 spectators.
Check out Ronda’s stunning views
I’ve already said it, but Ronda is a city of stunning views. From the dramatic balconies overlooking the fields and mountains, to the ancient cobbled streets, you’ll be continuously reaching for your camera.
Go wine tasting at one of the Ronda’s premier wineries
The region around Ronda is perfect for producing wine. At 700m, the area benefits from hot days and cool nights – the perfect conditions for producing great wine.
Bodega Joaquin Fernandez produces around 60,000 bottles of red a year. If you stop by here for an afternoon, not only can you enjoy the stunning views of the vineyards, but also learn about the wine by tasting it. I’d say that’s my kinda trip!
Interested in travelling around Spain? Check out these posts for inspiration and to help plan your visit:
SEVILLE, SPAIN: TOP 5 FOOD EXPERIENCES
SEVILLE, SPAIN: TOP THINGS TO DO
CADIZ, SPAIN: THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE
BEST RESTAURANTS IN CADIZ, SPAIN
BARCELONA’S TOP NEW RESTAURANTS
THE ULTIMATE FOODIE WEEKEND IN BARCELONA, SPAIN
FOUR GREAT DAY TRIPS FROM MALAGA, SPAIN
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN NERJA, SPAIN
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN ANTEQUERA, SPAIN
MALAGA: TOP 10 THINGS TO DO ON YOUR FIRST VISIT
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN IBIZA
A PERFECT LONG WEEKEND IN VALENCIA, SPAIN
THE PERFECT 24 HOURS IN MADRID, SPAIN
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Omg those pictures look amazing!!
I better jump on the airplane right now 😀
X finja
Thanks Finja! I loved my trip there. It’s got such a dramatic landscape, like nowhere else I’ve ever been. I hope you have a chance to visit soon! 🙂
This is cool! I’m in Ronda right now, this town is beautiful!!! Thanks for the tips!
Thanks Matt – great to hear they’ve come in handy!
I’ve been in Spain since August 15th… (home base is Jerez) Rented a car and booked a room, finally, for this weekend in Ronda! I remember reading your blog about this city many months ago when planning this trip… I’ve loved everything about this region of Spain. Thank you for the suggestions.
Thanks for your lovely comment Nicole! So nice that you planned your trip using my blog 🙂 It’s one of my fave places too – so glad you enjoyed it!
Heh Chloe – just lucked on to this! We are heading to Pablo Blancos now for a couple of days (staying in Zahara de la Sierra) & will definitely keep your suggestions in mind. Thanks so much. Regards Rosalie
Hi There! Thanks for the great article to help us start planning our visit to Ronda! Can you advise where you stayed if you would recommend it?
Hi Christine, I’ve visited a few times. The first was on a day trip (stayed elsewhere) and then the next time I stayed in a small hotel in the centre. To be honest it was very dated so I wouldn’t recommend it but I passed lots of cute looking places, and there seem to be a few apartments for rent too. Best of luck planning the rest of your trip! It’s a magical place!