Consider visiting the breathtaking city of Ronda if you’re planning a trip to Southern Spain. This charming Andalusian treasure is a day trip away from Malaga, Seville, or the Costa del Sol resorts. Discover the top things to do in Spain’s tranquil city of Ronda with the help of this guide.
Despite being the third most visited city in Andalusia, Ronda does not resemble the Alhambra in Granada, Spain in terms of a tourist conveyor belt. It’s a much more relaxed and carefree option.
In May 2018, we traveled throughout Andalusia for two wonderful weeks. One of the best parts of the trip was our stay in Ronda. It has a charming atmosphere and is ideal if you don’t have much time.
We will discuss the merits of visiting the stunning alpine city of Ronda while in Southern Spain. Stay the night if you want to truly understand the city.
That way, once the (very few!) crowds have thinned out, you can eat dinner and enjoy an incredible view of the sunset.
Let’s start making your Ronda itinerary for one day!
How to Get to Ronda
Fly into Malaga if you want to spend a few days relaxing on the beach before going to Ronda for a day trip.
It is the primary airport serving Spain’s renowned Costa del Sol and is the nearest airport to Ronda. Malaga has many low-cost airline flights, making it an ideal destination for affordable flights from most of Europe.
Flying into Seville, which is always popular, is another alternative if you’re more interested in culture and cities. After exploring Seville, you can easily travel by day to Ronda.
Let’s look at how to get to Ronda. Unfortunately, getting to Ronda, Spain isn’t the simplest due to the slow, winding roads and erratic rail connections.
To Ronda By Train
If you have an interrail pass, we advise you to only travel by train. There are numerous trains departing each day, but try to reserve interrail passes in advance because there are only a limited number of seats available on each trip.
The train from Seville or Malaga is much more expensive and takes a long time because you have to change at Cordoba, Bobadilla, Antequera Santa Ana, etc. rather, rely on the bus.
Reminder: If you’re in Cordoba and want to spend the day in Ronda, the train ride only takes 1 hour and 50 minutes each way.
For more information on trains, see thetrainline or renfe.
Drive a rental car to Ronda
Another choice is to rent a car in Seville or wherever you are staying along the Costa del Sol. Both places take less than two hours to go to Ronda.
Verify whether you require an international drivers license before planning to drive in Spain. Always remember to check the traffic in your area before leaving.
Ronda By Bus
For those on a tight budget, the bus is the best alternative. You must make reservations with Damas, who operate a number of buses each day from Malaga to Seville and vice versa via Ronda.
It should only cost about 11 euros, be direct to Ronda, and take just more than two hours.
Here is the Damas website where you can look up bus prices; it is in Spanish but has an English translation.
Purchase A Ronda Tour
An planned tour would be the perfect option if you want to rest while local specialists handle all of the planning.
The majority of excursions take care of transportation, provide skip-the-line passes, and occasionally even offer guided tours of popular attractions.
Here are a few of the most popular Ronda tour choices:
- Full-day trip from Seville to Pueblos Blancos and Ronda
- Private full-day bus trip to Ronda and Setenil departing from Malaga
- Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas are from the Costa del Sol.
Activities In Ronda, Spain, For One Day
It’s no longer a secret. Ronda was once mostly unknown, yet a place of such beauty can never be kept a secret for very long. It is yet untapped, therefore right now is a wonderful time to go.
Due to its size, Ronda may easily be explored in a single day. There won’t be any sense of missed opportunities.
The River Guadelevin has over the years dug out a steep canyon that divides the city in half.
The majestic Puente Nuevo Bridge, which crosses the gorge of El Tajo, is Ronda’s focal point. The bridge, which stands around 100 meters above the canyon’s floor, is a truly amazing sight. It is the main reason most tourists come to Ronda, and for good reason—it’s amazing!
Ronda simply had the impression of being upbeat, joyful, and enjoyable. We admired it.
- Be In Awe Of The Magnificent Puente Nuevo Bridge
What other starting point is there? It’s unique, as you can see from the pictures! The fact that the bridge can be seen from so many various locations and that it is free to visit is the nicest aspect.
The 66 m wide bridge that we can see now was built between 1759 and 1793. only 34 years in all. It is Spain’s most popular bridge for photos thanks to the amazing architecture.
The bridge is the focal point of the scene. With the throng and ambiance pulling you in the correct direction as you approach the area, you won’t need a map.
You should definitely make the trek down to the El Tajo Gorge’s base. Between the riverbed and the top of the bridge, there are various lookout places. The hike should last about two hours, including time for pictures. The wide steps at the beginning of the walk, which seem considerably steeper on the way back up, are the hardest part.
obtain up early or stay up late to capture the sunrise and sunset over the bridge; it will be worth it to obtain some amazing images of this amazing event.
Want to know some fascinating facts about the bridge’s past?
- The first bridge was destroyed in a collapse that sent 50 individuals 100 meters to their deaths in 1741.
- The bridge interpretation museum is located on the North side of the bridge, next to Plaza Espana. However, in the 19th century, the museum housed bandits and other dangerous criminals.
- Are you ready for an unverified myth?
- Rumor has it that Spanish Civil War captives were tossed to their deaths from the Puente Nuevo bridge. Even though these are just rumors, does it seem that unlikely?
- On this page, you can learn more about the bridge.
- Take In A View While Picnicking
Imagine this as a location for a picnic! Picking up some snacks from town and setting up your picnic with a view halfway down the canyon and looking back up at the impressive bridge is the ideal plan.
For your baguette, pick up a bottle of local wine, some cheese, and some chorizo. However, keep in mind that it will be hot, so make room for an ice cream!
Cross the bridge to the south, turn right onto Calle Tenorio, and continue on this street until you notice several pathways descending to the right that descend into the Tajo gorge. You can set up your picnic and choose the greatest vantage locations for the bridge.
Pro-Tip: Although the weather was ideal when we arrived in June, it may get very hot in July and August. Try an early or late picnic instead of one between 12 and 4 p.m. if you know it will be too hot to be outside. By doing so, you can avoid the throng and the heat.
3. Place of the Toros of Ronda
Completed in 1784, the Plaza de Toros in Ronda is entirely composed of stone. It is where the Rondeo style of bullfighting originated.
Real Maestranza de Caballeria de Ronda, Spain’s most renowned and ancient order of horsemanship, has a rich history in the bullring.
The Plaza de Toros has been referred to as Spain’s largest bullring. Let’s explain that.
With only 5,000 spectators, it is hardly the biggest bullring in Spain. It’s actually relatively little compared to the 23,798 at the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in Madrid. It does, however, boast the 66m-diameter largest sand circle in the world, which is equally spectacular.
There are two levels of spectator seating. The roof is supported by 136 stunning Tuscan sandstone columns, and the inside frame is encircled by 68 exquisitely constructed arches.
Visit this website for additional information about the bullring’s history.
Everyday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 p.m., or 8 p.m., depending on the season.
Adults pay €6.50, while audio guides cost €8.
- Museo Del Bandolero (Museum of the Bandit)
This museum provides a window into locals’ daily lives in Ronda throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. But there’s a catch. The focus of the museum is some of the most infamous bandits in Spanish history.
Various official papers, including arrest warrants, newspaper articles, and displays, can be found throughout the museum. They create profiles for the bandits so that visitors can learn more about their intriguing (albeit fleeting!) lives.
The bandit museum was highly recommended by a friend, and we really enjoyed it! Popular and perhaps romanticized themes from Spanish history include bandits.
From the bridge, head south for about 5 minutes, and you’ll reach the museum.
Why is the Bandit Museum interesting? Visit this page to view TripAdvisor user reviews.
Everyday from 11 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., except on Saturdays, when hours extend to 8 p.m.
Adults pay 3.75 euros.
- Head over to the Arab Baths
The Arab Baths, also known as Baos Arabes, are the best location in town to view Moorish architecture. The 13th-century baths are currently regarded as Iberia’s best-preserved Arabic hammams.
The baos are located in the former Arab neighborhood, now known as San Miguel, about ten minutes’ walk from Puente Nuevo.
According to the Roman design, the hammam is divided into three distinct sections: hot, warm, and cold.
In the furnace room, fires would warm the water. Steam would then heat the warm and hot baths, but it would depart through chimneys before heating the cold bath.
Here is where you can find out more details on the history and architecture of the baths.
Opening Hours
Fall and Winter
Mon. thru Fri. 10 am to 6 pm; on weekends, holidays, and on Saturdays, 10 am to 3 pm
Summer and Spring
Mon. thru Fri. 10 am to 7 pm; on weekends, holidays, and on Saturdays, 10 am to 3 pm
$3 for adults.
- Wander Ronda’s Complex Streets
If you still have time, you can stroll through the town’s pedestrian-friendly core near Carrera Espinel.
Clothing stores, souvenir shops, restaurants, churrerias, and cafes abound in Ronda’s streets and plazas.
If you feel like going into a pub for a refreshing beer, there are also plenty of bars with outdoor seats in the sun.
Want to avoid missing anything by taking a guided tour of Ronda?
Check out Get Your Guide’s sightseeing walking tour of Ronda.
Alternatively, if you’re on a tight budget, see whether a GuruWalk free walking tour of Ronda is available.
Where To Eat While Visiting Ronda For One Day
In Ronda, there are several excellent dining options, including both upscale eateries and inexpensive tapas pubs.
In addition to the nearby Plaza del Socorro, Calle Nueva is a roadway lined with restaurants.
On the south side of the bridge, there are several restaurants, though. So, depending on your mood, you have a variety of possibilities, and you are truly spoiled for choice.
Listed below are some well-liked dining options based on excellent reviews:
- Menu | Al-zahra Arabian Restaurant
- Menu Bardal
- Menu at Bodeguita El Buen Comer
- Menu for Gastro-Bar MK
Menu for Las Maravillas
- Menu | Puerta Grande
Accommodations in Ronda
Between Seville and Malaga, Ronda is an excellent stopping spot. You can also travel back and forth from either city. To experience the atmosphere once the throng thin down, why not stay an extra night?
We spent the night in Ronda when we were there in order to get the most out of our visit. You have a wide variety of top-rated hotels and apartments to choose from in Ronda.
The best advice we can give is to reserve your lodging in Spain as soon as possible, especially if you intend to travel there in the summer.
During the summer, there can be very little availability and you might have to pay a premium for any accommodations that are still available.
The following list of well-liked hotels and apartments includes customer reviews from booking.com:
lodging in Ronda
- 9.2 rating for Catalonia Ronda
- 9.0 rating for Catalonia Reina Victoria
- 9.1 rating for the Hotel Colon
- 8.6 rating for the Ronda Hotel Polo
Residences in Ronda
Apartments in Alameda Del Tajo had a 9.7 rating.
Apartments Avanel had a 9.1 rating.
- 9.3 rating for Apartamentos La Bola Suite
- Apartments in Villa Serali: 9.3
- 9.6 rating for Pinsapo (Centro ciudad)
Best One-Day Activities In Ronda, Spain, Interactive Map
Discover More About Spain…
Check read some of our other entries if you’re creating a Spain travel itinerary for a future trip.
Travel guides to Spain
Greetings from Spain. All of our travel guides for Spain may be found here.
Spain is a nation in southwest Europe that is bordered to the north by France and to the west by Portugal.
Spanish capital, Madrid
approximately 47 million people.
English: Spanish
Central European Summer Time (CEST) and Central European Time (CET) are the two time zones.
Travel Highlights in Spain
Spain offers fantastic diversity for tourists. You can travel to Barcelona to experience the city with its beaches and the Mediterranean or go to Madrid to experience Spanish large city living.
But Andalusia is where Spain’s beauty truly shines. A few beautiful old cities that are brimming with culture and delectable cuisine are Cordoba, Granada, Seville, and Ronda.
Spain’s National Parks
There are 16 breathtaking parks to explore in Spain, which has been committed to protecting land as National Parks since 1918.
The well-known national parks in Spain are listed below, along with details on what makes each park unique:
Doana National Park: a well-known location for birdwatching
Garajonay National Park features ancient woodlands.
- Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park: Opportunities for hiking
Beautiful mountain walks can be found in Picos de Europa National Park.
- National Park Sierra de Guadarrama – One hour from Madrid
- Winter sport-friendly and close to Granada is the Sierra Nevada National Park.
Teide National Park is the most popular national park in Europe.
Popular Destinations In Spain:
- Avila
- Catalonia
A. Cordoba
- Guatemala
- Ibiza
- Spain
Magna Grecia
- Ronda
A. Seville
- Toledo
In Valencia
Our preferred hike is located not far from Granada in a village named Monachil. The hike, called Los Cahorros, has an Indiana-Jones atmosphere.
There are several fantastic day trip choices from Madrid, including Segovia, Toledo, and Avila. You can organize your trip to Spain with the assistance of our travel guides.
Just be careful not to develop a siesta addiction!
You may plan for your trip using our list of the top things to do in Ronda, Spain, we hope!
If you need any assistance organizing your trip to Spain or have any inquiries regarding Ronda, do let us know in the comments section below.
Travel safely,
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