Ronda: Unveiling the Historic Charms of Spain’s Andalusian Gem
Ronda, Spain
Another wonderful little Spanish gem located 100 kilometers from Málaga is Ronda, which makes a great morning day trip. You can even pair this with another city (such as old town Marbella) and make a full day adventure. We drove in our rental car but there are also daily buses and trains so it is easily accessible even without a car. Ronda is definitely a family friendly town and if you are traveling with kids you may want to check out some kid friendly Ronda activities. Lets take a look at some of the highlights from our trip and what we will cover in this post:
QUICK GUDIE:
Language: Spanish
Currency: Euro
ACCOMMODATION:
We didn’t stay overnight here so we do not have personal recommendations for accommodation, however you can search hundreds of options and find the best for you here:
Hotels & Apartments:
If you want the chance to look for a wide variety of accommodations, in a full price range, here is you best search options:
Hostels:
If you are more interested in parties, nightlife and having automatic meet ups then maybe a hostel is for you! Check out the options here.
ACTIVITIES:
Plaza de Toros de Ronda:
I suggest starting the city adventure at the bullfighting arena, one of the oldest arenas in Spain. It’s said that Ronda is the birth place of bullfighting. Plaza de Toros de Ronda is one of Spain’s oldest and most revered bullrings, symbolizing the deep-rooted tradition of bullfighting in Andalusia. Built in 1785,( by the same architect who built the Puente Nuevo), this stunning arena stands as an architectural gem with its neoclassical style, featuring a large, circular ring surrounded by two tiers of stone seating. The bullring has a rich history and is closely tied to the development of modern bullfighting, particularly through the legendary Romero family, who revolutionized the sport. Today, it serves not only as a venue for bullfights but also as a cultural attraction, where visitors can explore its museum and learn about the history of bullfighting in Ronda.
Puente Nuevo:
The true highlight of little Ronda is definitely the Puente Nuevo bridge that spans across the El Tajo gorge. If you’re wondering why it’s called the “new bridge” it’s because it was built in 1759 and that’s new by Andalusian standards. The spectacular bridge is nearly 100 meters high. But the true magic is from the viewpoints below.
To get this view , first head for the Mirador de María Auxiliadora along the south Davide of the gorge. The path down into the gorge is noticeable and there are natural stopping points along the way. It’s a steep incline down so expect the trek back up to be a little tough but I would say it’s not too bad for even the average adventurer. The view however is worth it in order to truly admire the beauty and stature of the bridge. There are multiple levels you can hike to so depending on how far you want to go it could take as little as 20 minutes or up to an hour or more to go all the way to the bottom of the gorge.
St Mary Major church:
This beautiful church is found in Duchess of Parcent Square. The construction of the church took almost 200 years and presents a mixture of gothic and renaissance styles. Go inside to see the Gothic style nave and columns and its two floor renaissance style choir and beautiful baroque elements. Please remember to be respectful of others while inside as it is a church that is used by the locals.
Stroll around the cobblestone streets for this ancient Roman town.
What to Eat in Ronda:
We didn’t spend more than half a day here so unfortunately I cannot give too much of a detailed guide for the best places to eat in Ronda. However we did find a lovely pastry shop on our way out of town.
Casa Don Curro Pastries :
On our way back to the car we passed by this tiny little shop which had delicious looking pastries in the window. I couldn’t resist and we went inside to meet this sweet man who spoke zero English and adored our failed attempts at anything other than numbers for Spanish. We got 3 churros, and 3 other pastries for only €5.50. He even gave us a free one and samples of the prosciutto from their butcher shop.
Want to see more in Spain ?
Ronda, Spain, is a breathtaking destination that captures the essence of Andalusia with its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the iconic Puente Nuevo spanning the deep El Tajo Gorge to the charm of its cobbled streets and ancient bullring, Ronda offers an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of southern Spain. Whether you’re exploring the stunning countryside, indulging in local cuisine, or immersing yourself in the region’s traditions, a trip through Andalusia is a must-visit for any traveler seeking the true spirit of Spain.
Happy Travels xx
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Trip: March 2021
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