Ronda is one of the most unusual cities in Andalusia, spread across dramatic cliffs on both sides of a deep gorge. Travelers come here for Ronda sightseeing: the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge, the charming old town with its narrow streets, and breathtaking viewpoints.
In this guide, I’ve gathered the main Ronda attractions and the best things to do in the city: where to find the most beautiful photo spots, where to go for a walk, and what you definitely shouldn’t miss when planning your itinerary.
But first, I would like to talk about the development of Ronda as a city.
A bit of history about Ronda
Ronda is a small but unique town with a rich past. Its history dates back to the Neolithic and Early Copper Age (5th-4th millennium BC), when seasonal settlements appeared in this area. Of particular interest are the Palaeolithic rock paintings found in caves such as Cueva de la Pileta.
According to one version, the name of the city comes from the Celts of the 6th century BC, who called this place Arunda. In the following centuries, the Phoenicians settled here and founded the nearby village of Achinipo.
The city itself was formed after the Second Punic War, when the Roman general Scipio ordered the construction of the castle of Lavr.
During the time of Julius Caesar, Ronda was granted city status, and the inhabitants of the settlements became Roman citizens.
The development of the city in modern age
The 18th century was a period of intense construction. One particularly notable event was the building of the New Bridge (Puente Nuevo), which connected the two parts of the city and contributed to its further development.
The 19th century gave Ronda a romantic image: the city became a symbol of traditions such as bullfighting, but the cultural heritage of this place is much broader, making Ronda unique and attractive to tourists today.
Top attractions in the city
As usual, sightseeing in any city, start with the historic centre.
If you're travelling by car, it's best to park it in the car park, it's called Parking Ronda.
The car park is located very close to the centre - just a 10 minute walk. The rate is about 2.20 euros per hour - not too expensive, we are on holiday after all.
Don't forget the parking rules, do not leave your car in places with a yellow line, otherwise your car may be towed away.
But let's not talk about sad things. So, let's begin our walk:
Historic Centre of Ronda
One of the first points on your list should be the historic centre, which will transport you back in time with its narrow streets and traditional architecture.
Walking through the old town, you will see:
- A lot of charming white houses, perfectly preserved from ancient times;
- Plaza Duquesa de Parcent - one of the most famous squares in the historic centre with a beautiful fountain. An excellent place for photos and a short break.
- Plaza del Socorro - the central square, a must-see for tourists who want to experience the atmosphere of Andalusia.
- Church of Nuestra Señora del Socorro - the majestic building on Plaza del Socorro, which is worth including in your walking route.
Puente Nuevo bridge
When it comes to the must-do things to do in Ronda, the first one that comes to mind is the majestic Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), which is what tourists come here for.
This 18th-century architectural masterpiece took 40 years to build, connects the old part of the city to the new, and is one of the most photogenic sights. The bridge offers incredible views of the El Tahoe Gorge and the surrounding scenery. A very picturesque place!
Bullfighting arena
Another important attraction in this Andalusian town is the bullfighting arena, the Plaza de Toros.
This is one of the oldest arenas in the country and is where modern bullfighting as we know it originated.
Visitors can tour the arena as well as a small museum dedicated to the history of such a spectacular sport.
Mondragon Palace
Mondragon Palace (Palacio de Mondragón) - a fine example of architecture from the era of Muslim rule.
Inside, there is an archaeological museum that tells the story of the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Its construction dates back to the XIV century, when it served as the residence of King Abd al-Malik and later became the home of Catholic monarchs.
When you visit the palace, you will plunge into the atmosphere of the past, exploring the preserved archaeological artefacts, interesting elements of decoration.
The main attraction of the palace is its ornate patios and gardens, which will take you back to the Alhambra era in Granada.
Stroll around the picturesque terraces while enjoying views of the valley and hills of Ronda.
Don't miss the courtyards and the magnificent Andalusian pottery framing the fountain, which has come to symbolise tranquillity and peace.
The exhibitions inside the museum are dedicated to archaeology and, of course, the history of the area.
You can see ancient artefacts found near the town, study in detail reconstructions of everyday life of past eras.
Entrance is paid, but inexpensive - 3 euros. Interesting, informative for all ages.
Other Sights in Ronda
Cuisine of Andalucía
Don't forget to savour the local cuisine as well.
Ronda is full of cafés and restaurants where you can savour typical food of andalucia, such as tapas, a variety of seafood, jamón and the region's famous wines.
The city is also known for its sweets, especially alfajores, a local dessert that is a must-try.
Natural wonders
If you have already visited all the places of interest but still have time for a walk, nature lovers will love it here - there are many trails around Ronda, including hiking trails, where you can enjoy the natural wonders.
The Sierra de las Nieves National Park, for example, offers scenic walks to enjoy beautiful views of the local flora and fauna.
And for lovers of outdoor activities and adrenaline, there is also something to do: 1 hour from Ronda there is a very interesting King's Path - Caminito del Rey.
A walk along a narrow canopy path about 1 metre wide in the Garganta del Chorro gorge will give you an unforgettable experience!
Ronda combines rich history, impressive architecture and natural wonders. It is a unique place that is worth seeing for anyone interested in the culture and traditions of Spain.
Don't miss the chance to explore the attractions of Ronda and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this amazing city.
If you liked Ronda, you may also be interested in these places:
- Discover the attractions of Malaga
- Visit the surrounding area: what to see around Malaga
- Take a look at the unique town of Setenil de las Bodegas
- Planning a trip by car? You can rent a car with us and comfortably plan your own route to Ronda.
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