Ronda

Perched on a dramatic cliff and bisected by the deep El Tajo gorge, Ronda is one of Andalusia's most stunning and historic towns. This picturesque town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, attracting visitors from around the world. 

Ronda’s origins date back to prehistoric times, and its strategic location has made it a significant site throughout history. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, with remnants from the Roman, Moorish, and Christian eras visible throughout the town. 

The old town, known as La Ciudad, is a maze of narrow streets and whitewashed buildings, while the newer part, El Mercadillo, offers a lively atmosphere with shops, cafes, and restaurants. 

From its iconic Puente Nuevo bridge, spanning the breathtaking gorge, to its ancient bullring, Ronda provides a unique and memorable experience for anyone exploring southern Spain.

1. Puente Nuevo: This iconic bridge spans the El Tajo gorge, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. It's a marvel of 18th-century engineering and a symbol of Ronda.

2. Plaza de Toros: One of the oldest bullrings in Spain, Ronda's bullring is steeped in history and tradition. Visitors can explore the museum and learn about the evolution of bullfighting.

3. Alameda del Tajo: A beautiful park located near the bullring, perfect for a leisurely stroll with panoramic views of the countryside.

4. Palacio de Mondragón: This historic palace now houses Ronda's municipal museum, featuring fascinating exhibits on the town's history and prehistory. 

5. Baños Árabes: Well-preserved Arab baths from the Moorish period, offering a glimpse into the past and the intricate engineering of the time.

Ronda is a cyclist's paradise, offering a diverse range of routes that cater to all levels of experience. The town’s location at the edge of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park provides an ideal starting point for various cycling adventures. White Village Tours, based in Ronda, specialises in providing tailored cycling experiences highlighting the region's beauty and charm.

Easy Routes: For those looking for a leisurely ride, the Via Verde de la Sierra is a perfect choice. This scenic greenway follows a disused railway line, providing a relatively flat and well-maintained path through lush valleys and dramatic gorges. It’s ideal for cyclists of all levels and offers plenty of picturesque stops along the way. With White Village Tours your transportation from and back to Ronda is included.

Moderate Routes: More experienced cyclists might enjoy the ride from Ronda to Setenil de las Bodegas. This circular route takes you through the rolling hills between Ronda and Setenil, providing you with great views of Ronda’s famous Puente Nuevo bridge before cycling through olive groves and vineyards. Stopping in Setenil de las Bodegas also gives you the perfect chance to see this unique town with its shops and restaurants built into the rock.

Challenging Routes: For those seeking a true test of endurance, the climb to Puerto de las Palomas is a must. This challenging route by White Village Tours includes transport to Grazalema from Ronda where the route starts and offers steep ascents and exhilarating descents, rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This route includes stops in some of Spain's officially recognised most beautiful towns.

White Village Tours provides high-quality bikes, detailed GPS-guided routes, and comprehensive support. Their local guides offer valuable insights into the area’s history, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable and enriching cycling experience.

The countryside surrounding Ronda is perfect for hiking enthusiasts. The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park offers numerous trails that wind through lush forests, past dramatic cliffs, and along crystal-clear streams. 

Popular hikes include the path to the Cueva del Gato, a stunning cave with a beautiful natural pool, and the trail to Torrecilla, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys with a peak at 1919m above sea level, the highest point in the Sierra de las Nieves mountain range. 

Hiking in this area allows you to explore the diverse flora and fauna, from cork oak forests to rare bird species, making it a haven for nature lovers.

By Road: Ronda is well-connected by road, with scenic drives from major cities like Seville, Malaga, and Granada. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore the surrounding countryside at your own pace.

By Plane: The nearest major airports are in Malaga and Seville. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus or train to Ronda.

By Train: Ronda is accessible by train, with regular services from major cities like Madrid, Malaga, and Seville. The train journey offers stunning views of the Andalusian countryside and is a comfortable and scenic way to reach the town. Click here for more in-depth train travel to Ronda.

Ronda has a large selection of accommodations from basic hostels to 5-star hotels, here are two we recommend for active tourists.

Salvatierra Bed and Breakfast: This charming B&B offers a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, with comfortable rooms and delightful views across the Andalusian countryside. Located in the heart of Ronda’s old town, it's the perfect base for exploring the town and its surroundings or just relaxing in the pool.

Hotel Reina Victoria: Overlooking the El Tajo gorge, this historic hotel offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views. Guests can enjoy the beautiful gardens, outdoor pool, and fine dining, all within walking distance of Ronda's top attractions.

Both the Salvatierra and Reina Victoria welcome cyclists and have safe storage for bicycles.

Ronda enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit, with pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes. Summer can be quite hot, but it's a great time to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and numerous festivals. Winter is mild, making it perfect for exploring the town's historical sites and enjoying outdoor activities without the crowds.