Ronda City: Best Things to Do & What to See
The city of Ronda is a special place where you truly feel like you are between the earth and the sky, with the gorge below, and the blue of the sky above. Standing on the edge of the gorge, you really feel the greatness of nature and this place, and you simply can’t get over how beautiful it is.
That’s Ronda for you. I expected it to be special, but even the pictures and videos I had seen did not convey what I really saw and felt there.
This place is full of history, which is “told” by the palaces and cobbled streets; the dramatic magnificence of the gorge is mesmerizing, and of course, the nature is so absolutely beautiful and rich that you can’t seem to put your camera down.
Things To Do In Ronda City
Almocabar Gate
“Almocábar” comes from the Arabic word “al-maqabir”, which means “cemetery”, but it does not have any ghastly connotations. In fact, today it is one of the most beautiful and important historical entrances to Ronda, belonging to the fortress wall and protecting the old part of the city.
As with many attractions in Ronda, we can thank the Moors who lived here at the time for this one. They built the Almocabar Gate that is now so popular with tourists back in the 13th century.
This gate is an excellent example of Islamic architecture. Given its former purpose, it is not surprising that the massive gate is made of stone, designed to withstand the tests of both war and time. Today, the Almocabar Gate is an opportunity to take a glimpse into the past.
Plaza del Socorro
The Plaza del Socorro is one of the most iconic parts of Ronda. In the center of the square, there is a fountain decorated with motifs from Greek mythology that attracts the attention of passers-by. The nearby Iglesia del Socorro Church is also worth a visit. Plaza del Socorro was destroyed by Napoleon, but was later rebuilt and is now thriving and popular with locals and tourists alike. For the residents, it is one of the witnesses of history.
The layout of this square is typical of many city squares in the southern part of Spain, with palm trees and beautiful benches in the center. Shops, cafes, and restaurants are scattered around.
While walking around the square, you can stop by the cute shops and buy souvenirs for your friends or mementos to remind you of your trip. Go to a cafe to try the local cuisine. The square is a great place for a walk or a cup of aromatic coffee.
Accommodation: Here are all your hotel options in Ronda.
El Tajo Gorge
This famous gorge is better known not for its size, but for the fact that it divides the city of Ronda in two. The gorge was created by the constant erosion of the Guadalevin River, which runs through it. The river carved away at the rocky terrain for years, and over the millennia the gorge we see today was formed.
El Tajo Gorge is quite narrow – only 68 meters at its widest part – but the 66-metre-long bridge that was built across it is still very impressive and gives the area a special grandeur. The depth of the gorge is about 120 meters. The aforementioned bridge (Puente Nuevo) took over three decades to build and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ronda.
By the way, you can also go down to the bottom of the gorge – the trail is not very difficult, but it will still require some effort. The path is quite narrow in some places, but there are not many obstacles along the way. Just keep in mind that after a heavy rain, the descent can be difficult because of the mud.
Discover: Book a tour of Ronda in advance online.
Plaza de Toros
Many people know that one of the things that characterize Spain is bullfighting. When visiting Ronda, make sure to stop by the famous Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest bullrings in the country, with its construction completed in 1785. A visit to Plaza de Toros offers a special insight into the unique Spanish culture.
The chances of witnessing an actual bullfight are low, as they only hold corridas here once or twice a year. However, if you’re in Ronda at the right time, it’s truly a unique spectacle to behold. If you’d like to learn more about bullfighting, I recommend visiting the bullfighting museum located within the bullring or taking a guided tour of the arena.
Church of Santa Maria la Mayor
This was the site of a Muslim mosque back in the 14th century. After the conquest of these areas by Christians, the mosque was converted into a church. The main minaret became a bell tower, and over time, the church itself turned into a magnificent Gothic place of prayer. Construction of the church began in the 15th century and only concluded the 18th century.
Today, this house of worship combines several architectural styles: Gothic, as evidenced by the stained glass windows and pointed arches, and Renaissance and Baroque, which give the design its uniqueness.
Arab Baths Archaeological Site
You can find quite a few Arab baths in the Andalusia region, and Ronda, which is so popular among tourists, is no exception. I have to mention that the baths in Ronda are considered to be the best preserved nationwide.
Ronda’s Arab baths stand on the outskirts of what was once the Muslim Medina. The thermal complex was divided into three areas: the cold, warm and hot bathing rooms.
Visiting these baths during your stay in Ronda is sure to be a memorable experience, as it is one of the town’s highlights. I suggest taking the time for a tour, as this will give you a chance to learn in detail about the baths and their purpose. You’ll also discover how the water used to be heated and supplied, along with many other interesting facts. Additionally, you’ll get to see the unique features of the architecture.
Read more: Andalusia, Spain: Best Things to Do and See.
New Bridge (Puente Nuevo)
The New Bridge (Puente Nuevo) is a symbol of Ronda and without a doubt one of the most visited sites in the city. Some tourists may even admit that the bridge is actually the reason why they came. The New Bridge spans the 100-metre-deep chasm that divides Ronda into the old and new cities. If you want to see and photograph the most spectacular views, this bridge is one of the best places to do it.
The construction of the huge arched bridge took from 1759 to 1793. Building such an impressive structure over such a deep chasm was a huge challenge at the time. Back then, they didn’t have the technology that we have today. Not everyone knows that there was an earlier version of the bridge built around 1735, but the structure was not reliable and collapsed just a few years later, killing about 50 people. The next version of the bridge is the one we see today.
Tip: For the best views and photos of the New Bridge, take the steps to Mirador Puente Nuevo de Ronda.
I would also recommend visiting a few impressive and truly noteworthy places that are not in Ronda itself, but right nearby. You can easily reach them by car or public transport.
Setenil de las Bodegas
Many places in the region of Andalusia have what are called “white towns” (pueblos blancos), which feature buildings with whitewashed walls. One such town is the blinding white Setenil de las Bodegas, which is attractive for its unique aesthetics. It also offers mouthwatering food and fabulous paths that simply beg you to take a walk.
I could say that Setenil de las Bodegas is just another white town, but it is actually a little different. Its distinction is that its houses are built into and under the surrounding cliffs. Take a walk through the streets of the town – tourists are always amazed by the buildings leaning into the massive rocks hanging above them, as if they were supporting them. Cuevas del Sol and Cuevas de la Sombra are two streets where this type of architecture really stands out.
You can also visit the Moorish fortress, where you can go up to the observation deck in the tower to take in the views. The Plaza de Andalucia is a lovely area to explore as well. The town has a wide variety of footpaths.
Tip: If you want to see the real charm of the town and the impression of the houses built into the cliffs, then don’t go in summer, because the crowds of tourists will overshadow the town’s uniqueness.
Garganta Verde
Garganta Verde is a canyon that is 400-metre deep in some places! It is therefore not surprising that it offers views of indescribable beauty and fabulous vegetation. It also gives visitors the opportunity to see griffon vultures, as it is home to one of the largest colonies of these birds in Europe.
The canyon has numerous hiking trails that vary in difficulty, so everyone can find one that’s right for them. One of the most popular routes is the descent to the bottom of the canyon. Given, this is not an easy hike, as there are quite a few steep sections, but the route will reward you with impressive views – you can be sure of that. The canyon has viewing platforms that offer not only amazing views, but also a chance to see the vultures up close.
Tip: Keep in mind that pets are not allowed in the canyon.
Zahara de la Sierra
This is another white town of Andalusia that is perched on a mountain, so it goes without saying that it has some breath-taking views. Walking around the town and its surroundings, you will find many scenic viewpoints that offer stunning vistas of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
You can explore the castle (or rather – its ruins), the remains of which testify to its former grandeur. The Church of Santa Maria de la Mesa and the town squares are also popular with tourists. I found Zahara de la Sierra to be a quaint town, and it’s definitely worth strolling through its streets.
Accommodation: Here are all your hotel options in Zahara de la Sierra.
Ronda Tours & Activities
Charming Ronda City attracts tourists not only with its wonderful attractions but also with a variety of activities. In this city, everyone will surely find something interesting to do. First and foremost, I recommend taking a guided tour of Ronda’s most fascinating sights.
If you decide to stay longer in Ronda, take advantage of the unique opportunity to try Via Ferrata. It is a mountain trail reinforced with cables, steps, handholds, ladders, and bridges. Completing this trail requires considerable physical effort, but an adrenaline rush is guaranteed. It’s one of the best things to do when visiting Ronda!
How To Get To Ronda
Regardless of the chosen mode of transportation, reaching the city of Ronda is easy and convenient. You can easily drive to Ronda from other cities in Andalusia. For example, it takes about 1.5 hours from Malaga and 2 hours from Almeria. Along the way, you can enjoy stunning natural landscapes, making the journey pass quickly.
Alternatively, you can travel to Ronda by train or bus from various locations in Andalusia. Train tickets can be booked in advance on the Renfe website, while bus tickets can be purchased through the Damas website.
Tip: Since parking in Ronda can be challenging, I recommend parking near the 13th-century Almocabar stone arch gates, which offer easy access to the city. Here’s the location of the parking area.
Ronda City Climate
Ronda’s climate is mild, continental, and typical of mid-latitude regions. In both the surrounding areas and Ronda itself, there are approximately 60 days of rainfall per year. Winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 15°C, while summer temperatures typically range from 20 to 28°C. The average annual temperature in Ronda is 17°C, with August being the hottest month, averaging around 25°C. The rainiest months are from November to January, so it is advisable to avoid traveling during this period.
Average Temperature
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Where To Stay In Ronda City
In Ronda, you will find a variety of accommodation options, ranging from simple guesthouses to luxury hotels and villas. If you want to stay as close as possible to the main attractions, choose a hotel in La Ciudad, the historic center of Ronda. The old town is where most of the historic architecture and cultural landmarks can be found.
Adjacent to the old town is El Centro, the most modern part of Ronda. Here, you’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. If you’re looking for a quieter place to stay and want to immerse yourself in the traditional local lifestyle, consider the El Barrio San Francisco neighborhood.
Below, I’ve listed some hotel options for different budgets to help you find the best place to stay in the city.
Budget Hotels In Ronda
- Hotel Andalucia – a simple 2-star hotel located in a quiet area of Ronda, just a 5-minute walk from the historic center. Guests can stay in rooms equipped with air conditioning, TVs, private bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi.
- Ronda Hotel Polo – a highly-rated hotel situated right in the center of Ronda. The rooms come with air conditioning, TVs, private bathrooms, and work desks.
Mid-Range Hotels In Ronda
- Hotel Maestranza is located in the heart of the city, opposite the oldest bullring in the world. The modern rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, soundproof walls, minibars, and private bathrooms.
- Hotel Palacio de Hemingway is situated in the historic part of Ronda, just 50 meters from the New Bridge. The beautifully decorated rooms feature antique furniture, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, soundproof walls, minibars, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Faqs About Things To Do In Ronda City
How many days in Ronda is enough?
If you plan to focus only on Ronda’s old town and nearby attractions, one day should be enough. This will give you time to get to know the city. However, if you want to explore the surrounding areas, consider staying in Ronda for at least two nights.
What is the best month to visit Ronda?
The best months to visit Ronda are May and September when the weather is not too hot. During these months, there are fewer tourists, and hotel prices are lower than in peak season.
Do you need a car in Ronda?
Ronda is a small city with most main attractions within walking distance, so a car is unnecessary. However, if you plan to travel more extensively throughout Andalusia, having a car is essential.
Can I drink tap water in Ronda?
Although Ronda’s tap water is considered safe to drink, many people describe it as hard. This means it contains high levels of calcium and magnesium minerals, which some may find unpleasant in taste. Consider buying bottled water or using a Grayl GeoPress water purifier bottle. I always take it on my travels, and it has never let me down!
Does Ronda have a train station?
Yes, Ronda’s train station is located in the city center, about a 15-minute walk from the old town.
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Here it is – the best things to do in Ronda City. Which one tops your list?
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Evelina
Hi, I’m Evelina, a travel enthusiast who loves nature, peace, and authentic places. I cherish the freedom to explore and learn with each adventure, whether it’s hiking trails, stunning beaches, natural parks, unique architecture, or rich cultural heritage. I hope my experiences inspire you to embark on your own journeys!
