Ronda

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.