What to do in Ronda? 15 tips & the best places to visit

Ronda is one of Andalusia’s most beautiful and interesting cities. What to do in Ronda? And what is there to see? Here are a few tips!

Table of contents hide

1 About Ronda

2 What to do in Ronda? My tips!

3 Cafes & restaurants in Ronda

4 Where to stay in Ronda

5 Book your trip to Andalusia

6 Read more about Andalusia and Spain

About Ronda

Ronda is a beautiful city located in the province of Málaga, Spain. It is known for its spectacular cliffs and the Puente Nuevo, which connects the old and new parts of the city. Therefore, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia.

The city is rich in history and has its roots deeply rooted in both Moorish and Roman rule. With its historic bridges, old city walls, and well-preserved architecture, Ronda is a strong example of charm and heritage.

Ronda has prominent monuments, such as the Puente Nuevo, an iconic bridge that spans the gorge, as well as the Arab Baths and the Mondragon Palace. Moreover, Ronda is a paradise for nature lovers, with beautiful hiking trails and breathtaking views.

Whether you are a lover of history, and architecture or simply want to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, Ronda is a city not to be missed when you’re exploring Andalusia. It’s perfect as a day trip from Málaga, but it’s also recommended to spend the night in Ronda, as the city gets a different atmosphere after sunset.

What to do in Ronda? My tips!

Ronda is a great place where you can have a great time for a day or two. What to do in Ronda? This is an overview of the best things to do and the most beautiful Ronda sights.

Visit the Puente Nuevo

The Puente Nuevo is the main attraction of Ronda and is an iconic bridge in the center of the city. It lies across the gorge of the Tajo River and connects the old and new parts of Ronda.

Built in the eighteenth century, the bridge is impressive to behold with solid stone arches and steep rock walls surrounding it. From the Puente Nuevo, you have breathtaking views of the spectacular gorge and surrounding mountains, making it a popular tourist attraction.

Get here before 9 a.m. and you’ll be ahead of the masses. Many people (for example passengers from cruise ships) do a day trip to Ronda from Málaga, so it can get very busy here after nine or ten in the morning.

Explore the historic center

The historic center of Ronda is a charming and atmospheric place, steeped in history and culture. Here you walk through narrow cobbled streets past historic houses with traditional Spanish balconies and cozy squares.

The center houses numerous historic buildings, such as the City Hall (Ayuntamiento de Ronda) and the old city walls, each telling its own story. One of the most striking sights is the Palacio Mondragon, a magnificent palace with Andalusian architecture and a beautiful courtyard.

There are also many souvenir shops, cozy restaurants, and traditional tapas bars where you can enjoy the tasty local dishes.

Tip: Discover the most beautiful places in the historic center on a guided tour led by a local guide (in English).

Relax in the Jardines De Cuenca

My favorite place in Ronda? These are the Jardines de Cuenca. These are beautiful gardens located on the edge of the Tajo Gorge. Not only is it a nice place to relax, but you also have breathtaking views of the spectacular gorge and the Puente Nuevo from here.

The gardens are laid out on terraces and are decorated with flower beds, fountains, and trees, making it an oasis of peace and beauty. There are many benches where you can relax and enjoy the view. In addition, several boardwalks and paths are winding through the gardens, perfect for a short exploration.

Explore Plaza Duquesa de Parcent

Plaza Duquesa de Parcent is one of the most beautiful squares in the historic city center of Ronda. Surrounded by traditional buildings with characteristic balconies, the square has a cozy and authentic atmosphere.

The center of the square is green and shaded by many trees. There are also benches for relaxing and a refreshing fountain. The buildings around it are all impressive, including the City Hall, Convento de Clarisas de Santa Isabel de los Ángeles, and Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor.

There are also several cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy tapas or a cup of coffee on the terrace.

Admire the Santa María la Mayor

One of the most beautiful buildings on Plaza Duquesa de Parcent is Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor. It is one of the city’s most striking religious monuments, with an impressive mix of architectural styles. The church was originally built in the 14th century on the site of a former mosque and underwent subsequent modifications and expansions.

The exterior of the church is imposing, with its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements coming together harmoniously. Inside are beautiful works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and frescoes, reflecting Ronda’s rich religious history. The church also has an elegant bell tower and you have a vantage point with great views of the city.

A ticket costs €4.50 (including audioguide).

Discover the Plaza de Toros

You can hardly avoid it, because Plaza de Toros de Ronda is right in the center, not far from Puente Nuevo. Built in 1785, it is one of the oldest arenas in the country and is known for its architectural beauty and cultural significance.

The arena is built in the typical Andalusian style, with whitewashed walls and an elegant entrance. The interior consists of a circular arena surrounded by stone seating. In addition to the bullring, there is also a museum dedicated to the tradition of bullfighting, with an interesting collection of historical costumes, artwork, and memorabilia.

A ticket costs €9.00.

Visit Casa Don Bosco

Casa Don Bosco is a very nice mansion in the old center of Ronda. Not only is the architecture of the building a very impressive sight, but the gardens are also spectacular to see. When you step inside, you get the feeling of going back in time 100 years.

The highlight is the view from the terrace behind the house, from here, you have a beautiful view of the green hills behind the city.

Want to check it out? A ticket costs €2.50.

Go in search of the most beautiful viewpoints

I love beautiful views, but during my visit to Ronda in November 2023, many of the viewpoints were closed because of restorations. Very unfortunate, because that is one of the main reasons to visit Ronda. Fortunately, there were still a few to check out.

One of the most iconic vantage points is the Mirador de Aldehuela, located on the north side of the Puente Nuevo. From here you have an unparalleled view of the deep gorge of the Tajo River and the imposing bridge that divides the city. The nearby Balcón del Coño is also very beautiful, this is a kind of long expansive viewpoint overlooking the mountainous landscape.

Another great place to enjoy the view is the Mirador de Ronda, opposite the Jardines de Cuenca, where you can get a panoramic view of the old town and the surrounding landscape.

For some viewpoints, you have to go for a short hike to get there (unfortunately, these were all closed when I was there), these include Mirador Puente Nuevo de Ronda and Mirador del Viento. From both, you have spectacular views of the Puente Nuevo.

Explore the Arabian baths

The famous Arab Baths (Baños Árabes) are located just outside the center. Built during the Moorish rule in the city, these thermal baths are a magnificent example of Islamic architecture and a tangible reminder of Ronda’s Arab heritage.

The bathhouse dates from the thirteenth century and has a special atmosphere. You can visit different rooms such as hot and cold baths, steam rooms, and relaxation rooms. In addition, you can see some special finds in the garden.

An admission ticket costs €4.50.

Go shopping at the Carrera Espinel

Feel like doing a little shopping? Then you will be well served in Carrera Espinel, the main shopping street in Ronda. The street is pedestrianized and has a lively atmosphere, with historic buildings, cozy cafes, restaurants, and a variety of stores. Whether you are looking for clothing, souvenirs, or delicious delicacies, there is plenty to choose from!

Visit Plaza del Socorro

Walking through Carrera Espinel, at some point, you will pass Plaza del Socorro, one of the most beautiful squares in the city. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, cozy terraces, and nice stores.

A prominent feature of Plaza del Socorro is the statue of Hercules and the lions. It is also worth looking inside Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Socorro, a beautiful church.

The square is especially a popular place for both locals and tourists to enjoy a cup of coffee, an ice cream, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Take a walk along the old city walls

On the south side of the city you will find the old city walls, these were built during the Moorish rule. It is worth going for a walk along these walls, as they offer panoramic views of the beautiful surroundings.

One of the highlights of the walk is the Arco de Felipe V, a historic gateway. Along the way, you will pass charming stone steps, narrow streets, and hidden nooks and crannies, making you feel like you are an explorer.

Enter the gorge through La Casa del Rey Moro

La Casa del Rey Moro, also known as the House of the Moorish King, is a historic building located in the old town. The property is known for its spectacular gardens and the famous “Stairway of the Devil.”

This staircase, carved into the cliffs of the Tajo Gorge, leads to a secret water source called the “Mine of the Moors.” The gardens themselves are very beautiful to behold, with exotic plants, fountains, and stunning views of the gorge and the Puente Nuevo.

Visit Palacio de Mondragón

Palacio de Mondragón is a masterpiece of Moorish and Andalusian architecture from the 14th century. It is now a museum with information about Ronda’s history, with exhibits ranging from Roman artifacts to Moorish ceramics.

In addition, the mansion itself is also incredibly beautiful to see with colorful gardens, fountains, and a special well.

Go to the Museo Lara

Another special museum to visit is Museo Lara. The person who founded the museum was an avid collector of anything and everything. Housed in a beautiful historic building, the museum houses an extensive collection of more than 20,000 objects from different eras and cultures.

The collection includes antique weapons, clocks, cameras, medical instruments, archaeological finds, and vintage toys. Each object tells a story and offers insight into the evolution of human civilization.

Admission costs €4. Check the official website for more information.

Visit Finca Descalzos Viejos

Finca Descalzos Viejos is located just outside Ronda but is easily accessible both on foot and by car. It is a vineyard and former monastery located in Ronda, Spain. This idyllic place offers a unique combination of history, nature, and delicious wines.

It is surrounded by extensive vineyards and olive trees with breathtaking mountain views. You can enjoy a tour and tasting here by appointment to learn more about the winemaking process and taste local wines.

Check the official website for more information (only in Spanish).

Cafes & restaurants in Ronda

Ronda is an amazing place for food lovers. These are some fine cafes and restaurants in Ronda to check out when you’re hungry.

Las Maravillas – Delicious tapas and paella. It is surprisingly affordable and the place is always crowded. Fortunately, the turnaround is quite fast, so you never have to wait long.
Puerta Grande – Very tasty Spanish dishes, served beautifully.
Cafeteria Churreria Dana – Small, typical Spanish, café where you can enjoy huge churros and a good cup of coffee among the locals.

Where to stay in Ronda

Although Ronda is not very big, you can have a great time there for a few days. You discover new streets and squares all the time, and some are more beautiful than others. It is therefore highly recommended to stay in the city for one or more nights. An added benefit is that in the evenings and mornings, you will find a lot fewer tourists at the main Ronda attractions. These are a few great places to stay in Ronda:

Yanes Bed & Breakfast – Cozy, small-scale B&B in a narrow car-free street. I slept here myself and found it a nice base for Ronda. From our room, we had a beautiful view of the city. The hosts are very friendly and provide a delicious breakfast with fresh local produce in the morning.
Hotel Palacio De Hemingway (4⭐) – This elegant hotel is in a beautiful location in the old town. Housed in the former home of the poet Pedro Pérez Clotet, it still has many beautiful old features. The rooms are beautifully and luxuriously decorated.
Parador de Ronda (4⭐) – Paradors are hotels that are always housed in special historic buildings. The Parador de Ronda is housed in Ronda’s former town hall, and from here you have spectacular views of the gorge and the Puente Nuevo. There is an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant where you can eat delicious food.

Check out Booking.com for more options, availability, and prices.

Book your trip to Andalusia

These were all my Ronda tips! Would you like to visit beautiful Ronda and explore Andalusia? The websites below are useful for booking your trip.

✈️ Plane tickets

The nearest international airport to Ronda is Malaga Airport. Check Skyscanner to find the best deals on plane tickets. From Málaga, it is about 1 hour and 30 minutes drive to Ronda.

🚆 Travel to Spain by train

Spain is very well accessible by train from other European countries. Check Rail Europe for train times and tickets.

🚘 Rental Car

Although public transport is quite well organized in Spain (I traveled through Spain by train and bus many times), it is still useful to have a rental car. This makes it even easier to get to really special places. Check Discover Cars to find the best deals.

💊 Travel insurance

Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.

🎡 Tours and activities

There are a lot of fun tours and activities in the south of Spain. Check Civitatis and Get Your Guide to find the best-guided tours and activities.

What to do in Ronda? 15 tips & the best places to visit

About Ronda