Nestled in the mountains just west of Málaga is the hilltop town of Ronda, which has stunning views, striking architecture and is packed full of history and character
A Spanish town that towers dizzyingly over sheer cliffs is not for the faint of heart.
Nestled in the mountains just west of Málaga is the hilltop town of Ronda. The city has stunning views, striking architecture and is full of history and character.
The city is split in two, with a steep gorge – El Tajo Gorge – carving through the town and the river Guadalevín running between the sides below.
Like much of Andalusia, the architecture of Ronda reflects the Christian and Muslim influences of the past, making it a fascinating place to explore.
Its history can be traced through the streets, from the Almocabar Gate which served as the main entrance to the city during Moorish times, to the Puente Nuevo which was used as a prison during the Spanish Civil War.
It’s a very walkable city, with the main street of Calle La Bola pedestrianised so you won’t have to compete with cars. There are hiking trails down from the town into the countryside below.
The most recognisable feature of Ronda – the striking Puente Nuevo – is best seen from El Tajo gorge trail where the sheer scale of the architecture can be appreciated.
The 98m high bridge took 34 years to complete and is the most recent of the three bridges that connects the divided city. Settlements in the area date back to prehistoric times, and visitors can travel to the nearby Cueva de la Pileta to see cave paintings from 20,000 years ago.
For fans of ancient history, the free-to-enter Roman ruins of Acinipo are just 20km away.
The streets of Ronda are lined with whitewashed buildings, filled with eateries and shops selling local crafts. Tourists can sample traditional Spanish food, or can visit the two-Michelin starred restaurants in the city.
The Plaza de Toros de Ronda is one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. Once visited by the famous writer Ernest Hemingway, the ring is now open as a museum, except for the yearly bullfight that takes places during the Pedro Romero festival.
The Sierra Nevada mountains are an impressive background to the rolling countryside that surrounds the city. There are viewpoints across Ronda, such as the Alameda del Tajo, which offers vantage points of the beautiful landscape.
The Arabic baths, located at the base of the city, offer a glimpse into the past. They date back to the 13th century and are some of the best-preserved baths in the country.
Casa del Rey Moro is a more recent addition to the city. Built in the 1700s, the house contains beautiful gardens and is home to an important relic from Ronda’s Muslim rule – the Water Mine. Visitors can traverse the 300 steps that are carved into the gorge walls down to an impenetrable fortress.
Ronda offers the perfect base to explore southern Spain, with Seville, Cádiz and Málaga all less than a two-hour drive away. Or for those wanting a taste of home, Gibraltar can also be reached in two hours.
Flights to Málaga, Spain are available with easyJet, Jet2, British Airways, TUI Airways and Ryanair from 18 airports in the UK. Gatwick to Málaga flights with easyJet can be bagged from £37.99 each way.
If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay, rooms at the Hotel Soho Boutique Palacio San Gabriel cost from £70 a night, while a bed at the Cherry Deluxe apartment will set you back just £39 a night.
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