5 Unmissable Things to Do in Ronda: May 2026 Travel Guide

No visit to Andalusia is complete without standing atop the Puente Nuevo. Completed in 1793 after 42 years of construction, this 98-meter-high bridge is a feat of 18th-century engineering that spans the dramatic Tajo Gorge, connecting the Moorish old town with the "newer" El Mercadillo quarter.

• The Secret History: Beneath the central arch lies a hidden chamber that has served as a prison, a tavern, and now a small museum. Looking down from the stone balconies, you can see the sheer scale of the cliffs that have protected Ronda for centuries.

• The 2026 Perspective: While the bridge is stunning from above, the Camino del Desfiladero (Stage 1) now allows you to walk down to the riverbed. Standing at the base and looking up at the massive stone buttresses gives you a true sense of the bridge’s power, a view that was previously reserved for the birds.

• Local Tip: For the "Million Dollar Photo," don't just stay on the bridge. Head to the Jardines de Cuenca on the eastern side of the gorge. From there, you can see the bridge and the hanging houses all in one frame.

Ronda is the spiritual home of modern Spanish bullfighting, and the Plaza de Toros is its cathedral. Built in 1785, this neoclassical masterpiece is unique for its two-tiered stone arches and its massive 66-meter diameter ring. Even if you have no interest in the sport itself, the sheer beauty of the architecture and the history of the Real Maestranza de Caballería (the Royal Cavalry) are essential to understanding Ronda’s aristocratic past.

• The Cavalry Museum: Inside the bullring complex, the museum showcases a stunning collection of antique harnesses, carriages, and weaponry. It tells the story of the knights who once trained here, long before the bullring was used for public spectacles.

• The Alameda del Tajo: Just a few steps from the bullring, this 19th-century botanical garden offers a peaceful escape. Walk through its rose-lined paths to reach the "balconies," which jut out over a 100-meter drop, providing a panoramic view of the Serranía de Ronda mountains.

• Local Tips: Don’t just stand at the main balcony. Walk further to the right toward the Paseo de los Ingleses (The English Walk) for a quieter view of the mountains and the valley, and then grab a coffee or a cocktail in the rooftop bar at the Hotel Catalonia for views of the bullring from above.

Ronda is surrounded by a rugged, beautiful landscape that most tourists only see through a bus window. The ultimate way to experience it is an active morning E-bike ride to Setenil de las Bodegas. This isn't a gruelling mountain climb; it’s a 30km journey through the Ruta de los Pescadores, an ancient route used for centuries by locals travelling between the coast and the mountains.

• The Schedule: We start with a convenient 9:15 AM pickup in Ronda, getting you on the bikes by 9:45 AM. The ride takes between 2 and 3 hours, allowing you to glide through oak forests and olive groves at a leisurely pace. Thanks to the electric assist, you can enjoy the "big sky" views of the Serranía without the physical struggle of a traditional cycle.

• The Destination: You’ll arrive in Setenil de las Bodegas around 12:00 PM, just as the village is waking up for lunch. Officially one of the "Most Beautiful Towns in Spain," Setenil is famous for its unique architecture, where houses are built directly into (and under) massive limestone rock overhangs.  

• Stress-Free Exploration: Setenil’s narrow, winding streets are famous for being a "parking nightmare." By arriving on an E-bike, you skip the traffic and head straight to the iconic Calle Cuevas del Sol. You’ll have 1 to 2 hours of free time to explore the "streets under the rocks," visit the Nazari Castle, or enjoy a tapas lunch at a cave-bar.  

• The Return: At the end of your visit, we meet you just outside the town centre for a comfortable minibus return to Ronda. You get all the adventure of a 30km ride with none of the fatigue of cycling back uphill!

• Book Your Spot: Experience the best of the White Villages on our Ronda to Setenil Easy E-bike Route.

Cross the Puente Nuevo, and you leave the modern world behind. La Ciudad, Ronda’s medieval quarter, is a labyrinth of winding streets, hidden palaces, and fortress walls that tell the story of the Reconquista. This is the oldest part of the city, where the Moorish architecture and Christian history blend into something truly unique.

• The Almocábar Gate (Puerta de Almocábar): At the far southern end of the town, you’ll find this massive 13th-century gateway. It was once the main entrance to the city’s defensive walls. Walking through its horseshoe arches feels like stepping back into the era of the knights.  

• Fortified Churches: Visit the Iglesia del Espíritu Santo, which looks more like a castle than a church. It was built by the Catholic Kings on the site of a former defensive tower. Just up the hill is the Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor, a fascinating building where a Christian cathedral was built directly on top of the town’s main Moorish Mosque; you can still see the Mihrab (prayer niche) inside.  

• The Palaces: Don't miss the Mondragón Palace, the former residence of Moorish kings. Its Mudejar courtyards and water gardens are a mini-Alhambra. Nearby, look for the Salvatierra Palace with its curious "Inca" figures carved into the facade, a reminder of the families who returned from the New World.  

• Local Tip: Walk the top of the Murallas de Ronda (the old walls) near the Almocábar Gate. It’s a quiet, free activity that gives you a stunning view over the San Francisco neighbourhood and the almond groves. 

If you have more than one day in Ronda, your next adventure lies in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. This area is home to some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Spain and the iconic "Pueblos Blancos" (White Villages).  

Zahara de la Sierra: Perched on a craggy peak overlooking a shimmering turquoise reservoir, Zahara is topped by a 13th-century Moorish castle. The climb to the Torre del Homenaje (Tribute Tower) offers 360-degree views of the surrounding olive groves and mountains.  

The Puerto de las Palomas: At 1,357 meters, this mountain pass is one of the highest in Andalusia. The drive is a series of breathtaking switchbacks that look out over the entire province. It’s also a prime spot for birdwatching, so keep an eye out for the massive Griffon Vultures soaring on the thermals.

Grazalema: Tucked into a rugged limestone valley, Grazalema is famous for its traditional wool blankets and its delicious Payoyo goat cheese. It is the perfect place for a slow lunch in the Plaza de España and a walk through the flower-filled streets.  

The Pinsapo Forest: This region is one of the only places on Earth where the Pinsapo (Spanish Fir) survives, a prehistoric tree from the Ice Age. Seeing these rare, dark green "fairy forests" against the white limestone peaks is a highlight for any nature lover.  

Local Tip: While many people try to drive this themselves, the mountain roads are narrow and intense. Taking a private tour allows you to actually look at the scenery instead of the hairpin turns!

See the Villages: Join us for a private, stress-free White Village Walking & Minivan Tour.