Ronda is a unique city built on the top of the El Tajo gorge. Its spectacular view and its undeniable charm will amaze every traveller.
Modern bullfighting was almost invented in Ronda at the end of the 18th century.
Furthermore, the city association with famous figures such as Ernest Hemingway, who loved bullfighting or Orson Welles, whose ashes are buried in Ronda made it famous on an international level.
What To Do In Ronda ?
1. The Commercial Street
The town’s pedestrian street is called Calle Espinel. This street is also known as “La Bola” (The Ball), this nickname comes from the legend saying that one winter, kids made a giant snowball in the street.
Ronda’s commercial life takes place in this street, where you will find all kind of shops : from modern shops and gift shops to old fashioned and vintage shops.
2. Plaza de Toros – Bullring
Ronda is known as the home of modern bullfighting. Indeed, its bullring, called The real Maestranza, is one of the oldest and most impressive in Spain.
Francisco Romero, who was born in Ronda, was the one who gave bullfighting its new rules. His grandson, Pedro Romero, became one of the most Spain’s famous bullfighter.
You can visit the bullring as there is a museum inside. The price of entry is 7.00€ per person and 8.50€ with an audio-guide.
3. Puente Nuevo – The New Bridge
Offering a spectacular view over the El Tajo gorge, the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) joins the old Moorish part of the city with the newer part.
In 1735, a bridge consisting of a 35 metres diameter arch was built in Ronda, in only 8 months. Unfortunately, the bridge collapsed killing around 50 people.
In 1751, the building of the new bridge begun. This time, it took more than 40 years for the bridge to be built.
Take a walk down into the gorge, along the Camino de los Molinos, the view of the bridge is breathtaking.
4. Palacio De Mondragón – Mondragon Palace
The Mondragon Palace is home to the municipal museum devoted to Ronda’s history between Moorish and Roman cultures. This palace will astonish you with its outstanding gardens.
Built in 1314, by the Moorish King Abbel Malik or Abomelik, it was later used a the primary residence for Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand.
Address – Plaza Mondragon, 5. Entrance costs 3.75€. On Tuesdays there is free entry from 3pm for EU citizens.
5. Baños Arabes – Arab Baths
Built at the end of the 13th century, during the reign of King Abomelik, the Arabic Baths of Ronda are the Spain’s best conserved.
Following the Roman model of thermal bath, those Arabic baths are divided into three main zones : cold water, warm water and hot water bathrooms.
The Baths are located in the old arab quarter of the city and are still in very good condition as they are almost complete.
Address – Calle Molino de Alarcón, s/n. Entrance is 3.75€ per person.
6. Arabic Wals and City Gates
Throughout the Islamic era, the Moors built a series of city walls and gates around Ronda. The picturesque city already had well defined limits on one side, by the natural border given by the gorge.
The largest and most protected gate was the Almocabar gate, it took its name from the Arabic cemetery (al-maqabir) which stood in this section of the town.
This gate located on the southern part of the city faces Gibraltar and the sea and used to be a main point of entry.
Where To Eat ?
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De Locos Tapas
De Locos Tapas is a unique restaurant in Ronda’s Old Town, located right next to the Almocabar Gate.
If there is one restaurant not to miss in the city, it is definitely this one. The chef, Guillermo, creates delicious tapas that you will not see anywhere else.
Some of his creations include a delicious soft-boiled egg aromatized with truffles, a wonderful caramelized “foie-gras” with its special ice cream and many more tasteful cuisine.
The tapas offer in the restaurant changes frequently with some new additions or special creations.
Furthermore, the hospitality of everyone working in this restaurant and the good atmosphere make it one of Ronda’s greatest restaurant.
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Confiteria Las Campanas
If you are feeling like you need sweetness in your life then don’t hesitate to take a pastry from Confiteria Las Campanas.
The delicious pastry with almonds will definitely make your heart melt !
The Bonus !
Cueva del Gato, Benaoján – the Cat’s Cave, Benaoján
Twenty minutes away from Ronda by car, the Cat’s Cave is one of the most impressive cave complexe in Andalusia. Its name comes from the fact that the mouth of the cave looks like a cat’s face.
If you want to cool off, relax and enjoy a picnic, the Cat’s Cave will be the perfect place to do so.
It has even been added to Andalusia’s list of Natural Monuments. Indeed, the water is crystal clear, clean and exceptionally cold.
The access to the Cueva del Gato is really easy as you can drive straight to the river and park on the side.