Discover all the best things to do in Ronda, Andalucia and around:
- Old town,
- Bridge Puente Nuevo,
- Arab baths,
- Pueblos blancos…
Plus all my tips to spend 1, 2 or 3 days in Ronda: map, getting around, hotels…
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Andalucia:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Andalucia: DiscoverCars
The unmissable visit: Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces
My favorite excursion from Seville: White villages and Ronda
My favorite places to stay:
- Seville, to explore the vibrant city – see best rated accommodations
- Cadiz, the charm by the sea – see best rated accommodations
- Ronda, to explore the white villages – see best rated accommodations
- Nerja, pour la Costa del Sol – see best rated accommodations
Why visit? Best things to do in Ronda, Spain
Is Ronda worth visiting?
Ronda is definitely worth visiting.
It is even one of my favorite destinations in Andalucia.
There are lots to see in the town itself, with architectural elements from various periods, as well as many interesting places to visit within 1h drive.
What is Ronda famous for?
Ronda is famous for 2 reasons:
- The very deep chasm of the Guadalevin river in the middle of town with its bridge
- And as the birthplace of bullfighting. The ring Plaza de Toros was built in 1785 by the architect who built the impressive Puente Nuevo.
Top 5 things to do in Ronda
I will introduce the best things to do in Ronda in more detail later in the article with photos and details.
Here’s the list of my top 5:
- Visit the Bullfighting ring
- Get dizzy as you admire the bridge from above
- If you can, walk into the canyon, to admire the bridge from below
- Visit the Arab Baths and learn about the engineering behind it
- Explore at least one of the white villages around (pueblos blancos) e.g. Grazalema
More photos and things to do after the planning tips.
Planning Tips & Map – Ronda, Andalucia
Where is Ronda located? Map
- South of Spain
- In the Malaga Province, North West of Malaga
- Malaga to Ronda = 1h30 drive
- Sevilla to Ronda = 1h45 drive
- Cadiz to Ronda = 1h40 drive
- Below is a map to help you get oriented:
All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates and practical tips) in my Travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your road trip around Andalucia:
Plan your dream trip in Andalucia thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 150+ pre-selected locations
- GPS + tips to make the most of your time
- 300+ original photos to help you choose
How to get to Ronda
- by car – it is located in the Ronda mountains, but the drive is not difficult.You can easily drive there.
- by bus – public transport available from Malaga, Marbella, Seville and more.
- by organized tour from Seville – book a day trip to explore some white villages and Ronda – see program and availability
- from Malaga or Costa del Sol – book a day trip to visit Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas – see program and availability
Need to rent a car in Andalucia?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Don’t take a car too large, since village streets can be narrow
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Parking in Ronda
- It is almost impossible to find a parking spot in the city center.
- The best option is to park in a commercial car park outside the city center.
- Parking Martinez Astein, Parking El Castillo or the parking at the train station (Parking Renfe) are some of the best options.
- If your property is close to the center, it is best to leave your car in the hotel carpark.
- Street areas marked with a yellow line have limited period parking and must be avoided.
Best time to visit Ronda
- The best time to visit Jerez is Spring or Autumn when the weather is pleasant.
- July and August are pretty hot, and it is best to avoid visiting Jerez during these months.
- February and March can also be interesting as it is less crowded
- Best to visit on a weekday
Getting around – Touristic map
- The best way to explore Ronda is on foot, as vehicles are not allowed inside the old center.
- Most of the key attractions are not too far from each other.
- no hop-on-hop-off buses
- You can also book a guided walking tour – see program
- However, reaching the Arab baths require a lot of walking downhill or driving
- all around town you can find maps with all the highlights in town
- or take a carriage
Visit Tips
- avoid heels, there are old pavements and lots to explore
- it gets busy during the day with day trippers, stay at least one night to enjoy it after the tourists have left
- plan at least 1 day to explore the town itself
- you can also stay several nights as a base to explore the region
- it is easy to explore the old town, however the Arab baths or the view at the bottom of the bridge are not easy to access
- lots of restaurants and shops
Where to stay in Ronda
Where to stay in Ronda
You can stay:
- In the Old town, for historical buildings
- In the newer part of town, busier with access to restaurants
- In the countryside around, for cheaper options
Best places to stay in Ronda – accommodation suggestions
- where I stayed
I stayed at Apartamentos Rondacentro. Located right next to the bridge, they include a carpark and views of both city and countryside.
I really enjoyed my stay.
see photos and availability - 4-star Hotel
Catalonia Ronda is right in the center of town, with an infinity pool overlooking the Plaza del Toros.
see photos and availability - Private apartment
Apartamento Calle Nueva is well located and modern.
see photos and availability - Boutique hotel in countryside
Hotel Boutique Molino del Arco will charm you with olive trees, garden, pool and lots of light.
see photos and availability
Where to stay in Andalucia?
My favorites on a road trip:
- In Sevilla, to explore the vibrant city – see best rated accommodations
- In Cadiz, the charm by the sea – see best rated accommodations
- In Ronda, to explore the white villages – see best rated accommodations
- In Granada, for the history – see best rated accommodations
- In Nerja, pour la Costa del Sol – see best rated accommodations
#1 to 5 – Admire the Chasm and Puente Nuevo
#1 – Walk on the Puente Nuevo Bridge & admire from the top
The Puente Nuevo Bridge is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ronda.
It is a bridge that connects the old town with the new town.
It was built in the 18th century using locally sourced material and stands at a height of 98 meters.
During the Spanish War, it was used to throw prisoners to death.
Today, you can stand on the bridge to take in the spectacular views of this Andalusian town.
#2 – See the bridge from the East bank (Mirador de Aldehueda)
There are various places across the town from where you can see the bridge.
But the one from the East bank (Mirador de Aldehueda) is one of the best.
This viewpoint is right next to the bridge on the left, in front of the convent.
The place can get busy with tourists during the day. But it is still worth visiting this place for a few pictures.
From here, you can see the bridge, the river Guadalevin as well as the town at the back.
#3 – Walk down to Mirador La Hoja del Tajo
You can drive down by car to the viewpoint (without the waterfall).
Don’t try to walk down that road, it is made of large rocks.
If you are on foot, take the path starting in the old town at Puerta de los molinos. Your first stop will be #5 and then down to #4. (Lots of stairs and slope).
- The views from the car access offer a better overall impression with the cliffs – 15min drive down from the city center
- The miradors on the walking path offer a closer look at the bridge and views of the waterfall under it – Plan 1h
- Best close to sunset for the colors of the cliffs and bridge
#4 – See the bridge with the waterfall (path via Puerta de los Molinos)
As I wrote in the section before, don’t miss the closer view of the bridge, with the waterfall of the Guadalevin river.
It might not flow much though…
#5 – Bridge guardhouse museum
Beneath one of the central arches of the bridge, was a chamber that was used to torture prisoners of the Civil War.
To enter the chamber, you had to go through a guardhouse.
Today, the guardhouse has been converted into a small museum.
Visit the museum for insights into the bridge’s history.
#6 to 8 – Admire the Bullring Plaza de Toros
#6 – Look at the impressive statues outside
Plaza de Toros in Ronda plays a huge role in the history of bullfighting.
Make sure you take your time admiring the entire complex.
Look at the impressive statues outside and in particular the Monumento al Toro or the great bull statue.
A close look at the statue gives us an idea of the strength and the beauty of the bull.
#7 – Enter the Arena
The Plaza de Toros was built between 1779 and 1785.
It has a diameter of 66m or 217ft. It is much smaller than many other arenas in Spain. But the fighting ring itself is the largest.
It has a capacity of 5000 seats.
It is unique as it is entirely made of stone and its seating arena is fully covered.
- Opening hours: Open at least 10am to 6pm (some months later)
- Entry Fee: 8€ – Plan 30min to 1h30 depending on your interest for the museum
- Website
#8 – Learn about the history of bullfighting in the museum
The arena has a small but informative museum.
The museum showcases a collection of bullfighting costumes and weapons.
It’s an excellent place to understand the history of bullfighting and the noble order of horsemanship.
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#9 to 14 – Explore the rest of the Old Center
#9 – Town gate
To explore the Old Center, start from the southern end.
This is where you will see the tall Town gate from where you can enter the old center.
The Town gate or ‘Puerta de Almocabar’ dates back to the 13th century Islamic period.
#10 – Old town streets
Walking down the well preserved old streets gives you a real life feel of the old times.
The old town is charming. The streets are narrow and the entire town can be easily covered on foot.
#11 – Iglesa de Santa Maria la Major
This Church is one of the most interesting monuments in Ronda. It was built over the remains of a 13th century mosque.
It’s a blend of various major architectural styles.
Its façade looks ordinary and not too inviting, but the inside is surprisingly opulent and awe-inspiring.
Once inside, admire the beautiful colourful main altar and side altars.
Look out for a small wooden door inside that takes you to the top.
You will have to climb 76 stairs to get to the top.
But from the top, you get to enjoy a panoramic view of three sides of the town (not the bridge-end though).
It’s all free and worth a visit.
#12 – Mirador & Jardines de Cuenca
The Jardines de Cuenca are botanical gardens.
You can admire the rose plantation here or spend some time taking in the view of the Ronda bridges from the Mirador.
This is one of the best free viewpoints in Ronda to capture its three bridges and the gorge.
Opening hours: 8 am to 10 pm
#13 – Plaza del Socorro & Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Socorro
Plaza del Socorro is an impressive square in the middle of the Old Town.
The square holds historic significance for being the place where the Andalusian flag was first unfurled.
The square has some of the best restaurants and cafés in Ronda. Perfect for taking a mini-break when walking around town.
A prominent monument in this square is the Nuestra Senora Church.
Two prior churches stood in the place of this church from the 16th century. Both of them were demolished during different periods in history.
And the present church was built as late as 1956.
#14 – Mirador de Ronda
Mirador de Ronda is yet another viewpoint in Ronda.
This viewpoint overlooks the gorge and is excellent for appreciating the mountains surrounding Ronda.
#15 to 19 – Museums and historical buildings to visit
#15 – Ronda Arab Baths
The Arab Baths in Ronda are one of the best preserved structures from the Arab times.
These baths were built between the 13th and the 15th century and stood outside the city walls next to a mosque.
Purification of the body at the bath was a prerequisite for entering the adjoining mosque.
When you visit the Baths, you can see three distinct rooms (providing water at three different temperatures – cold, warm and hot) as well as the water supply chain to these baths.
Notice:
The great video about how the baths used to function
The beautiful arches and roof openings – the ruins are in great condition to understand how it was set up
The nearby small bridge over the canyon
- 3.50€ – Plan 45min
- Open 10am to 6pm (only up to 3pm on Sat and Sun)
- 25min walk from Plaza de Toros (downhill)
#16 – La Casa Del Rey Moro
This historic structure contains a water mine, an old house and a garden.
The water mine is what draws the most interest. Its a 14th century structure used to supply water to the residents of the walled city in times of seige. Christian slaves would form a chain to transport water from the mine to the top.
- You have to climb down 350 steps to see the water mine.
- The structure is poorly maintained, slippery and physically tiring.
- Visit it to understand the mine’s role in the defense of Ronda.
The Neo-Mudejar styled house built in 1911 is being restored and is not open for tourists.
There is a small cliff-top garden in this complex as well.
#17 – Palacio de Mandragon
This is a 14th century Moorish Palace of King Abomalic I.
Over the years, it was awarded to the Valenzuela family and the Mondragon family.
When you visit the palace,
- observe the beautiful patios – still unchanged from the Moorish times
- visit the city museum housed inside
- check out the beautiful water features in the gardens
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 9 am to 7 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am to 3 pm
Entry Fee: 3€
#18 – Casa Museo Don Bosco
This modernist building was built in 1850 and later redone in the 20th century.
The place has a small shop-like opening. But on the inside, you will find
- locally handcrafted furniture and ceramics dating back a couple of centuries
- a garden located on the edge of ‘el Tajo’ offering spectacular views of the bridge and the gorge
The place is more peaceful than many crowded touristic viewpoints in the city.
- Opening hours: 10 am to 8 pm (Sunday 10 am to 7 pm)
- Entry fee: 2.5€
- Website
#19 – Museo Lara
Museo Lara is a one-of-a-kind museum with the most eclectic collection of objects.
The museum’s exhibits are a personal collection of the promoter Juan Antonio Lara Jurado.
The objects range from jewelery, watches, cameras, torture objects and witchcraft.
Those interested can easily spend 1.5 hours here.
- Opening hours: 11 am to 7 pm (11 am to 8 pm in summer)
- Entry fee: 4€
- Website
#20 to 30 – things to do around Ronda
#20 – Acinipo Ruins
Small archeological site off the beaten track.
The main feature is what remains of the Roman theater including part of the wall from the 1st century AD.
The site also offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and mountains.
Part of the ruins are even from a Bronze age settlement.
- Ronda to Acinipo = 30min drive
- Plan 40minutes
- Free entry
- Closed on Mondays – Tue to Sat – 10am to 5pm – Sun: 9am to 2pm (in theory)
#21 – Setenil de las Bodegas
Probably one of the most famous villages in Andalucia, because of the streets under the cliffs.
The white houses embedded in the rock are quite a sight.
The village has existed since the 12th century, but it is possible that people have been settling here since well before.
The area is famous for its meat (chorizo, sausage…) that you can buy in many shops.
- Ronda to Setenil = 20min drive
- Plan 2h – or more if you eat in one of the cave house
- Easy access to the 2 main streets, some stairs to the various miradors – lots of signs to find the places of interest
- learn more in my article
#22 – Zahara de la Sierra
One of the most dramatic white villages in the area, with a fort on top of a rocky promontory and the turquoise lake under it (Embalse de Zahara el Gastor).
Originally, it was a Moorish outpost at a strategic location between Seville and Ronda
- Ronda to Zahara de la Sierra = 40min
- Free access
- Plan 1 to 2h to explore
- Village on a hill – steep slopes from the carpark
And don’t miss the view of the village from the bridge.
Park and walk on the bridge over the lake. Better light in the afternoon (not like in my picture).
#23 – Road to Puerto de las Palomas
Force your trip between Zahara de La Sierra and Grazalema, to go up the mountain through Puerto de la Palomas.
The road is not wide and winding, but worth the effort!
The views over the Zahara-el Gastor Lakeare breathtaking.
#24 – Grazalema
Beautiful and well maintained white village niched in a high valley (800m – 2625ft altitude).
The white houses with red roofs are surrounded by limestone peaks and lush vegetation.
The whole scenery is very picturesque, and the cobbled streets deserve a visit.
It is my favorite village in the area.
- Ronda to Grazalema = 45min
- Free access
- Plan at least 2h to look at it from various angles
- Slight slope from the carpark and inside the village
And don’t miss the magnificent drive to get there from the North, the mountain range is stunning!
#25 – The drive North of Montejaque through Sierra de Grazalema
On the drive between Montejaque and Grazalema (just north of Montejaque), you can enjoy a beautiful mountain range. And as you approach Montejaque on MA-8403, you enjoy steep rock formations around Rio Gaduares.
#26 – Montejaque
A tiny village with small white houses surrounded by mountains.
It is nestled between 2 bluffs.
It is less developed or touristic than the other villages around. Some houses are still in bad shape.
Thanks to that, you can see how they really were before being updated into tourist accommodations.
- Ronda to Montejaque = 25min
- Free access
- plan 30min to 1h
- On a hill side – narrow cobbled streets
- driving in this village is complicated
#27 – Cueva del Gato
Cueva del Gato is a cave near Ronda known for its cold spring waters.
Most tourists visit this place for a refreshing swim.
Entry to the cave is not permitted. But you can swim in the water nearby.
It is best to come here in the afternoon during summer months, if not the water is just too cold for a swim.
- It is about a 20-minute drive away from Ronda.
- Plan 1h at this place
- Parking costs 1€ and entry to the pool 2€
#28 – Cueva de la Pileta
Cueva de la Pileta is about a 30-minute drive away from Ronda.
They are known for their colourful drawings.
Some drawings are over 25000 years old and the color and the lines are still intact.
Visit details:
- A tour to the cave needs to be booked in advance.
- Entrance to the cave involves climbing up a few steep stairs. Be prepared.
- The walk around the caves can also involve some climbing. Wear good shoes.
- They’re no toilets in the area.
- The temperature inside the cave is much cooler and it is great to be visited during the Summer months.
#29 – Beaches closest to Ronda: Marbella (Costa del Sol)
The closest beaches to Ronda are those around Marbella on the Costa del Sol.
Plan 1h10 drive through the mountains.
#30 – Wineries
Visiting a winery in Ronda is an excellent half-day activity.
You can choose from a variety of Bodegas around Ronda like
- Bodegas Fernandez Bolet
- Bodegas Viejos
- Bodegas Sangre
- Bodegas Lunares
- Bodegas Conrad
The speciality is mostly rosé or red wine because of Ronda’s altitude.
A typical wine tour will take you 2 hours and will consist of a tour around the winery followed by wine tasting.
And keep track of your own trip!
1, 2 or 3 days in Ronda – itineraries
How do I spend a day in Ronda?
My suggested itinerary is:
- Admire the bridge from above
- Visit Plaza de Toro
- Walk around the old town
- Visit the Palacio de Mandragon
- Get down to the Arab Baths
- And down to the view of the Bridge from below
2 days in Ronda
Day 1
- Admire the bridge from above
- Visit Plaza de Toro
- Walk around the old town
- Visit the Palacio de Mandragon
- Get down to the Arab Baths
- And down to the view of the Bridge from below
- Admire the sunset from Mirador de Ronda
Day 2
- Visit the Acinipo Ruins
- Visit the unique village of Setenil de la Bodegas
- Visit the white village of Grazalema
3 days in Ronda
Day 1
- Admire the bridge from above
- Visit Plaza de Toro
- Walk around the old town
- Visit the Palacio de Mandragon
- Get down to the Arab Baths
- And down to the view of the Bridge from below
- Admire the sunset from Mirador de Ronda
Day 2
- Visit the Acinipo Ruins
- Visit the unique village of Setenil de la Bodegas
- Visit the white village of Grazalema
Day 3
- Visit Montejaque
- Visit one of the caves (Gato or Pileta)
- And head to Costa del Sol, if you want some beach time or visit a winery
FAQs
About the name Ronda
The first recorded name of this city is ‘Arunda’.
Records suggest that the name was bestowed upon it during the times of Romanisation.
Arunda means ‘surrounded by mountains’.
Over the years, the name changed from Arunda to Ronda.
Ronda is also referred to as the ‘the Eagle’s Nest’ for its mountain-top location.
Is one day enough for Ronda? How much time do I need?
Yes, one day is enough if you visit only the old town of Ronda. You can cover a lot.
However, if you want to explore the villages around or visit a winery, you need longer, 2 or 3 days.
Is Ronda on the coast?
Ronda is a mountaintop location situated at a height of about 2540 meters.
The closest coastal town to Ronda is Costa del Sol situated at a distance of 61 kms from Ronda.
Is Ronda safe?
Ronda is one of the safest places in Andalucia with no known instances of physical violence involving tourists.
But because of its popularity as a tourist destination, it is best to watch out for pickpockets and exercise basic caution.
Do you need a car in Ronda?
To see the old town, you don’t need a car.
But to explore the magnificent region, it is really the best option!
Need to rent a car in Andalucia?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Don’t take a car too large, since village streets can be narrow
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Want to see more of the best Andalucia has to offer?
- Best landscapes in Andalucia in 40 pictures – read article
- 24 best things to do in Andalucia – read article (to be published)
- 17 most beautiful white villages in Andalucia – read article
- 20 best beaches in Andalucia – read article
- 21+ best cities and towns in Andalucia – read article
- Best castles and forts in Andalucia – read article (to be published)
- Cordoba vs Sevilla vs Granada – where to go? – read article
- Tips to plan a road trip around Andalucia – read article
Planning a trip to Andalucia?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Andalucia thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 150+ pre-selected locations
- GPS + tips to make the most of your time
- 300+ original photos to help you choose
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Setenil de las Bodegas, the village under rocks
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