A Ronda, Spain Day Trip: Architectural Wonders and Spanish Charm

Typically when I take day trips, I like to book the earliest train there, and the last train out. This way I can maximize my time.

For Ronda in particular, I had about 6 hours to cover the main points of interest. Which was sufficient.

However, to experience its full charm you could easily spend 1-2 full days here. I imagine it’s one of those places that gets even better when the tour groups leave in the evening.

So many things work together to make Ronda, Spain an exceptional place.

While the bridge is the most notable site, Ronda is also the birthplace of bullfighting and the culture that accompanies it. Additionally, It shows a heavy Moorish influence, which you can see in the Arabic baths.

On top of the cultural and architectural significance, the town is also full of white-washed buildings, and colorful flowers, which makes it stunning no matter where you look!

Built in the 18th Century, in the golden age of Spanish bullfighting. Which although controversial is undeniably a part of Spanish history and culture. This ring is also home to the Real Maestranza de Caballería, A noble society of horsemanship that dates back to 1485.

Ronda’s Plaza del Toros was the first in Spain to host a “corrida “or bullfight in 1784.

Located just passed the Plaza del Toros you can find the Mirador de Ronda.

From this viewpoint, you can see sweeping views of the surrounding valleys, the gorge, the Puente Nuevo, and the city of Ronda itself.

The Centro de Interpretación is a small museum that details the construction process and history of the Puente Nuevo. This is located at the start of the bridge in a small guard tower.

Construction of this bridge was particularly challenging due to its location and grand scale.

The first attempt of the Puente Nuevo collapsed in 1741, and the new edition that stands today was completed in 1759.

After popping into the museum you can then cross Ronda’s most famous landmark, the Puente Nuevo.

While crossing the famous Puente Nuevo, don’t forget to look down at the plunging El Tajo Canyon.

Admiring this canyon also helps give you an appreciation for the architectural feat that is the Puente Nuevo.

After crossing the Puente Nuevo and admiring the Tajo Canyon, It is time to descend into that canyon a bit.

You will pass the Casa del Rey Moro Heritage Museum (or take a stop there if that is your thing).

Continue down into the canyon along the old city walls until you reach the beautiful Arco de Felipe V.

The Arco de Felipe V is an old city gate that was refurbished to its current state in 1742, after the collapse of the first new bridge. This entrance, the only entrance to the city, was beautified.

At the bottom of the City walls, you can find the Baños Árabes.

While built in the 13th century, the hydraulic system is almost entirely intact. Making this one of the most well-preserved Arabic baths in all of Spain.

Near the Baños Árabes, is the Puente San Miguel. The Puente San Miguel is the smallest and oldest of the 3 famous bridges in Ronda.

Puente San Miguel was once the only entrance into the city. It also gives you a great view of the Puente Viejo (pictured).

Puente Viejo was built in 1616 this bridge currently only holds pedestrian traffic. in comparison to the other bridges in Ronda, It is the middle bridge.

It is the second oldest and second largest bridge in the city.

The Jardines de Cuenca are also known as the hanging gardens in Ronda. They are located on the edges of cliffs on 23 terraces over the Tajo.

They were created in 1975 in honor of Ronda’s sister city, Cuenca, which is also built on a cliff’s edge.

Las Jardines de Cuenca offers stunning views of Rhonsa and stunning green space in the city.

The Mirador de los Viajeros Románticos is marked by this beautiful tiled mural which honors the “romantic travelers” of Spain, who have made marks on the culture and history of Spain with their art and writing.

From the mirador, you will also have sweeping views of the distant mountains and green lands.

Next, I recommend taking a walk outside the city walls to the Mirador del Viento.

This will provide you with the best view of the Puente Nuevo and the hanging buildings of the city.

You will also pass some sweet horses along the way.

Once you re-enter the city walls, take some time to enjoy the Plaza surrounding Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor.

If you need a reprieve from the sun you can enter the church and appreciate the decorative interior and elaborate artwork.

You can also visit their viewing deck on the roof for a unique viewpoint of Ronda.

Cross the Puente Nuevo and head to the Plaza del Socorro in the New town area of Ronda.

The Church of Socorro is the focal point, but it is also home to bars and places to sit and enjoy shade.

This is the city center of Ronda and can be easily identified by the white buildings with vibrant yellow trim.

Near the Plaza del Soccoro, there are many shops, restaurants and bars.

I stopped into Heladería La Ibense De Ronda for a cone and it was a wonderful treat.

Take whatever time you have left to walk the city of Ronda and enjoy the quaint, picturesque streets.

Every turn can bring you to a stunning walkway, building, statue, or shop.

A day trip to Ronda Spain is very easy from Malaga.

There is a bus that runs from Malaga to Ronda every day. I suggest taking the 8 am bus as it takes about 2.5 hours to reach Ronda.

You can then catch the 3:30 pm bus back to Malaga. This gives you the perfect amount of time to enjoy the city.

There are multiple ways to get to Ronda from Seville including buses, trains, and tours.

There is a great Private tour that not only takes you to Ronda but also to several of the other famous white-washed villages of Andalucia.

Ronda is accessible from Granada mostly by train. The average train trip is about 4 hours. which makes Ronda not the most ideal day trip. However, there are some high-speed options.

An alternative way to see Ronda from Granada is a tour I highly recommend. They provide transportation and a guided tour. This is such an easy and informative way to visit Ronda.

Córdoba is just 163 km away from Ronda. It is a quick 2 hour high-speed train which makes Ronda a perfect day trip from Córdoba, or Córdoba a perfect day trip from Ronda.

If you are looking to incorporate Córdoba into your trip to the south of Spain. Please read my article dedicated to Córdoba.

March

Semana Santa (Holy Week)– Ronda celebrates Semana Santa in typical Andalucían fashion. This is with grand processions that cross the puente nuevo and wind through the old city streets. Other events, such as concerts, religious ceremonies, and exhibitions also occur.

May

Ronda Rómantica– The May Fair of Ronda is known as Ronda Rómantica, which pays tribute to the 19th century when Ronda hosted the largest Spring Fair in all of Spain. This week has concerts, dancing, craft fairs, markets, and traditional costumes.

Málaga is a stunning coastal city with everything to offer. Ronda makes a great day trip from this bustling port city.

Read more about what Málaga has to offer in my blog post, 2 Days in Málaga: Center of Spain’s Costa Del Sol