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If you’re planning a trip to Spain, you already know it is very difficult to narrow down which cities to visit. There’s just so much to see!
You’ll probably begin in Madrid or Barcelona and choose your itinerary from there. If your plans include Andalucía, a picture of Ronda’s striking bridge will likely come across your radar at some point. You might wonder – is there more to Ronda than the bridge? Let’s dig in.
Ronda’s size
Ronda is home to around 34,000 people, which means there are plenty of restaurants and shops, but it’s definitely not a bustling big city.
Big cities have plenty to offer and it’s easy to build your itinerary around them. It can be fun to slow down a bit though and build some smaller towns into your itinerary. Not only does it change the pace of your travel, but it gives you a different perspective on the way that local people live.
What to do
So what should you do to keep yourself busy and interested in Ronda?
See the star of the Ronda show
It’s impossible to visit Ronda and not see the striking Puente Nuevo, or New Bridge. The city is perched on either side of El Tajo Gorge and the bridge connects the two halves of the city.
Despite its name, the bridge is actually not new at all. It was completed in 1793 after over forty years of construction. Sadly, the previous bridge collapsed in 1741, killing 50 people.
I’ll be honest, no matter how many times I looked at the bridge it really didn’t get old. We stayed in Ronda two days and every time I saw it I was in awe.
That being said, there’s more to do in Ronda!
Visit the water mine
When I first heard that there was a water mine in Ronda, I wondered how that would be different from a well. It turns out that it’s a fortification to protect a water source – this one protects access to the river below.
Ronda’s strategic location on a cliff protected it from most attacks, but the residents still needed access to water in the case of a siege. During the time period it was built (early 14th century) there were conflicts between the Nazari Royals of Granada and the Catholic Kings from the north. This water mine provided fortified access to the water below.
Entrance to the water mine is through the Casa del Rey Moro located right next to the gorge. It costs 8 euros per person to access the mine.
There are several hundred steps to the bottom, with a midway stop in the Hall of Secrets. In this room, the acoustics work in such a way that you can stand in a corner and whisper a secret. The person standing on the other side of the room will hear you, but someone in the middle of the room will not. Sadly, when I tried this, I stuck my face right in a spider’s web!
When you emerge at the bottom, you’ll have a great view up to the surrounding cliffs.
Then, it’s time to start the climb back to the top. I’ll be honest, 300 some steps takes a bit out of you!
Wander the Old City
The Old City in Ronda is a maze of winding streets and little cafes. We had so much fun trying new foods at outdoor restaurants and stopping into shops to check out the wares. My kids even discovered their adventurous sides, trying foods like black pudding and caracoles (snails).
One of my favorite things about traveling internationally is watching my kids try new foods! Ronda has great prices and the opportunity to try a little of everything.
Take a horse and buggy ride around town
A leisurely way to take in the city is to experience it from a horse and buggy ride. We waited for the driver near the bullring and took a short ride through town.
Hike the Tajo Gorge
There’s a path near the bridge that leads down into the gorge. The views were beautiful looking up at the bridge. We walked part of the way down the path, but I got nervous when I saw a sign that said something like, “Danger, real risk of death if you pass” and we eventually turned back. So watch your step as you enjoy the views!
Walk in Hemingway’s Footsteps
Ernest Hemingway famously spent time in Ronda and had this to say about it, “Ronda is the place where to go, if you are planning to travel to Spain for a honeymoon or for being with a girlfriend. The whole city and its surroundings are a romantic set.”
Tour Ronda’s Arab Baths
Built in the 13th and 14th centuries, the Arab Baths of Ronda offer a peek into the lifestyle of Ronda’s inhabitants of the time. For only 4 euros, you can take a look at the different bathing rooms, built in a style similar to the Romans.
Visit the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda
This historic bullring has been turned into a museum you can tour to learn more about the controversial tradition.
This museum focuses on the history of bullfighting, highlighting the prominent figures of the sport and showcasing their distinctive attire.
An audio guide is available for the tour, which provides context for what you see.
Where to stay
We stayed in an incredible Airbnb with a balcony overlooking the Puente Nuevo and Tajo Gorge. We loved relaxing on the balcony and enjoying the beautiful views at the end of a day of sightseeing.
If you can choose a hotel with a view of the bridge and gorge, I highly recommend it. Take a look at this interactive map. Just enter your travel dates to see both hotels and vacation rentals.
How to get to Ronda from other places in Spain
Many people take a day tour from Sevilla. This is a great way to see the city if you don’t have much time. I recommend staying at least one night though, both to get a feel for the city and to see the bridge at night.
When we visited, we rented a car in Málaga, then drove to Granada, then on to Ronda. We found driving in Spain to be very easy. The roads are nice, people drive on the right side of the road, and everything is pretty clearly marked.
If you don’t want to rent a car, you can also get to Ronda by bus or by train.
How to get to Spain from the United States
There are so many ways to get to Spain using points and miles. If you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred and are earning Ultimate Rewards points, you can purchase your flights through the Chase Travel Portal, or by transferring points to Iberia Air.
You can make Ronda part of a ten day Spain itinerary for under $2,000 from the United States, including all flights, hotels, trains, and food.
American Airlines is another great program to use to fly to Spain. You can check out this article for more info on acquiring Aadvantage miles.
Packing Tips
Don’t forget to pack a travel plug adapter, a power bank, and a carbon monoxide detector. I recommend traveling with only a carry-on, no matter how long the trip is.
Final thoughts
However you get there, Ronda is well worth some time in your Spanish itinerary. Not only is the bridge a beautiful site, you’ll enjoy the slower pace of the city, the delicious food, and the incredible historic sites.
