Ronda

The Basics

As one of Andalucia’s most beautiful and accessible white hill towns, orpueblos blancos, Ronda is a popular day trip from the region’s bigger cities—Malaga, Seville, and even the coastal towns of Marbella and Gibraltar. Travelers can visit partially intact 14th-century Arabic baths beneath the city, stroll through the Islamic Old Town, enjoy fine local wines, and photograph stunning mountain vistas. A typical guided tour to the city often includes visits to El Tajo canyon, Puente Nuevo bridge, and Plaza de Toros de Ronda (Spain’s oldest bullring). It’s also possible to combine a visit to Ronda with stops at some of the area’s other villages, such as the lovely medieval town of Grazalema.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Ronda is a must-see for history buffs, photographers, and couples.

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.

• Shade is hard to find in Ronda; don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

• Day trips to Ronda from other destinations in Andalusia and the Costa del Sol last between six and 11 hours.

How to Get There

Ronda is located in southern Spain, roughly two hours by road from Seville. Daily trains connect Ronda to Granada, Malaga, and Madrid, and take between two and five hours. There are also multiple daily buses from Seville, Malaga, and Marbella.

When to Get There

Ronda’s position in the mountains gives it a slightly cooler climate than the rest of Andalusia, but summer temperatures still regularly top 100°F (38°C). September travelers can experience two of Spain’s most popular festivals: Feria de Pedro Romero and Corridas Goyescas.

How to Get the Best Photos of Puente Nuevo

Ronda’s iconic bridge can be difficult to capture on film from the town itself. Hike down to the bottom of the gorge for stellar shots of the bridge and neighboring Parador de Ronda hotel.

What is Ronda, and where is it in Andalucia, Spain?

Ronda is a scenic town in Andalucia in southern Spain. Perched on the edge of the El Tajo gorge, which cuts through the town center, it’s one of Spain’s famous White Villages (Pueblos Blancos). Ronda is around 1 hour from Malaga, 1.5 hours from Seville, and 2 hours from Granada.

What are the main attractions or landmarks to visit in Ronda?

The main attractions and landmarks in Ronda include the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), the Bullring (one of the grandest in Spain), the Moorish Kings Palace and Arab Baths, the Historic Quarter (with the Mondragon Palace, Giant’s House, and the Plaza Duquesa de Parcent), and Alameda de Tajo, from which you can enjoy sunset views.

What is the history behind Ronda's famous bridge, Puente Nuevo?

The Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), which spans El Tajo Gorge, was completed in 1793 after nearly four decades of work. It spans 217 feet (66 meters) from side to side and 322 feet (98 meters) from top to bottom. A previous bridge had been built in 1734 but collapsed in 1741.

What are the best times of year to visit Ronda for favorable weather and fewer crowds?

The best times to visit Ronda for favorable weather and fewer crowds are in the spring and fall shoulder seasons. The weather will still be warm and dry, but there will be fewer crowds than over the peak summer season. Prices will also be lower in the spring and fall.

Is Ronda accessible by public transport, and how can I get there from nearby cities?

Yes, Ronda is accessible by public transport from other major cities in Spain. Daily trains depart from Malaga, Seville, Granada, and Madrid (though you sometimes need to transfer at Antequera-Santa Ana) and take 2-5 hours. Several buses depart daily from Malaga, Marbella, Seville, Granada, and Cadiz.

Are there any special events or festivals held in Ronda throughout the year?

Yes, there are several special events and festivals in Ronda. The most popular include Carnival in late February or early March, Semana Santa (Holy Week) leading up to Easter, and the Pedro Romero Fair in late August and early September, when the only bullfight of the year is held at the Bullring.

Ways to explore

As one of Andalucia’s most beautiful and accessible pueblos blancos, Ronda is a popular day trip from the region’s bigger cities: Malaga, Seville, and even the coastal towns of Marbella and Gibraltar. Typical guided tours to the city cover the El Tajo Gorge, the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), and the Plaza de Toros de Ronda bullring, which is regarded as the birthplace of modern bullfighting. Adventurous travelers may even want to try a guided climb within the El Tajo Gorge.

You can easily fill a few days of sightseeing here if your itinerary allows. Among other highlights are the well-preserved Baños Árabes (Arab baths), the Cueva de la Pileta caves and their prehistoric paintings, and the Old Town, where you can explore palaces, museums and mosques.

Accessibility

Some areas of Ronda are not wheelchair accessible, such as the El Tajo Gorge and La Casa del Rey Moro; however, the center of town and many viewpoints are.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, sunscreen, water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, hat

Not allowed

Avoid driving in the heart of the old town; the streets are 1-way, narrow, and parking is limited.

Amenities

Tourist information center, paid public restrooms, cafés, restaurants

Address

Ronda is located in southern Spain, west of Malaga and northwest of Marbella. You can drive or take public transportation to reach the city from other destinations in Andalucia.

Driving

By car, the city is roughly one hour from Marbella, 1.5 hours from Malaga, and two hours from Seville. Ronda has many parking lots across the northern side of the old town.

Public transportation

Trains connect Ronda to Cordoba, Malaga, Madrid, and Algeciras near Gibraltar, and take between 2–5 hours, with varying frequency. Alternatively, take one of the multiple daily buses from Seville, Malaga, and Marbella.

Best times to visit

For a day trip, arrive as early as possible to allow for plenty of time to explore. If you can, stick around for Ronda’s epic sunsets.

Best days to visit

Sightseeing on weekdays is likely to be quieter, as locals are also out and about over the weekend, adding to the crowds.

Best months to visit

Andalucia generally surges with visitors over summer—June to September—and Ronda subsequently gets busier. Instead, try the shoulder months of April, May, or October for a quieter trip.

Special events

The Feria de Pedro Romero in September celebrates Andalucian culture and includes the famous Corridas Goyescas bullfight.