Is Ronda worth visiting? Yes! I’ve been asked this question by people so much when traveling around Spain, and my answer is always the same – I couldn’t imagine traveling to Andalusia without spending some time in town.
In photography terms, they say it is a place where whichever way you turn there is a great picture. But views aren’t the only reason to visit Ronda – There’s excellent food, locals are super friendly, and it’s as authentic as it gets.
Also, whatever the case, here’s an engaging guide to all that bears convincing of why Ronda is the one I’ve religiously been returning to.
Is Ronda Worth Visiting? Absolutely!
Absolutely, Ronda is a treasure waiting to be discovered! Imagine a place where every view is a masterpiece, history whispers through ancient streets, and each meal is a celebration of local flavors.
Before going through all the reasons to visit, let’s discuss a few essentials you should know before coming.
Where is Ronda?
Ronda is one of the prettiest of the white villages of Andalucia which grace the sides of the hills and mountains of the province of Málaga and of the Costa del Sol, situated some 90km east of the coast.
About 120km inland of Seville, the breathtaking landscape and views have become part of this town’s attraction, which visitors love, just like you will!
How to Get to Ronda?
Getting to Ronda is a pretty easy task. From the bigger cities such as Malaga and Seville, you are able to drive yourself, take a train or enjoy a day tour to Ronda.
Of the three options, the majority of people here opt for going by car or train (either from Granada or Malaga train stations). The train from Malaga to Ronda is a stunning way to see wide expanses of the Spanish countryside on your journey.
Want to know more?
Check out this guide for a
Seville to Ronda day tour.
Best Time to Visit
Visiting Ronda during shoulder season, between April and June or September and November, is highly recommended. The temperature is perfect for exploring Ronda during these months and is not nearly as hot as July and August.
7 Reasons to Visit Ronda
Now that you have a bit more information on the town let’s take you through a bunch of reasons why it is worth visiting Ronda for. Is Ronda Spain worth visiting? Yes! And I’m about to show you why.
The Puente Nuevo is Unique
Puente Nuevo is not just simply a bridge, it’s a breathtaking beauty. A large stone bridge spanning the El Tajo Gorge of great depth and cliffs connects two areas of a town.
The panoramic view you get of this giant ravine is nothing short of breathtaking, and you will not stop taking photos!
If you have time to see more in Ronda… There is the Puente Viejo or Old Bridge as well, which is less visited and even more stunning in my opinion than the new one because it’s the previous bridge.
If you have enough time on your itinerary, I recommend you stay overnight and see the Puente Nuevo in the morning before the crowds. And of course, don’t forget to pass by the iconic, historic bullring and its Plaza de Toros, only a few minutes away.
The Delicious and Cheap Food
Surprisingly, with all the amazing food, Ronda offers it all on a budget. Pop your head into a local cafe or tapas bar, and you’ll experience quality food that makes you feel happy and full without breaking the bank.
Dishes of jamón, cheese, and the tastiest olives you have ever had. And the usual have-a-good-home-cooked-meal-on-your-table-in-an-instant Spanish dishes.
So, not only are your taste buds in for a treat, but your bank balance is too as munching on what locals enjoy, is one the most delicious ways to sample the culture.
Make sure to read until the end for the best restaurants in Ronda!
Ronda’s Moorish Period
Although not exactly prominent today, Ronda’s Arab past is still everywhere in town. This lovely Andalusian town was under Moorish rule from the 8th to the 15th centuries and acted as a capital.
Like always, the Moors knew what they were doing when it came to placing their towns, and on this occasion, it was right on a massive stone gorge (El Tajo Gorge) with some spectacular views.
But wow, the remnants of their stay on this giant ledge in Ronda are massive! Some of Ronda’s top Moorish Architecture that you can’t miss while on your trip here is the Arab Baths, which are the bathhouses from back in the day that remarkably exist to this day and are still in perfect condition to this day.
You may not help but have a certain kind of nostalgia, and that makes Ronda just as interesting (if not more) of a destination for me.
Ronda Old Town is Gorgeous
With small streets and sidewalks, pedestrian bricks, and a uniform cityscape, countless flower pots all around town – Literally every corner in Ronda’s Old Town turns into a postcard snapshot.
To be honest, this is the case for most white villages in Spain, as most of them are drop-dead gorgeous.
My recommendation would be to roam around and get lost because that’s the best way to discover those little cafes and unique shops that seem to hide out in the old town. Don’t miss a visit to the Mondragon Palace and its beautiful gardens, and see the panoramic views over the New Bridge.
Plus, this is your chance to be sipping the local wine as you travel around. Talking about wine, read the next section for more!
The Wine in Ronda is Excellent
If you’re a grape lover, you’ll find no place better than Ronda. The region immediately surrounding Ronda is spotted with wineries high in the mountains that benefit from the crisp, cold mountain air and so are able to produce great grapes.
There is wine for every person; try it all because it is too good. The fact that the town is as seedy and mysterious as its history is what makes everything so great!
Most of the vineyards are located in El Tajo, offering stunning views of mountains and valleys.
The Countless Viewpoints
Ronda is a city of views, each more breathtaking than the last. There’s something special about finding a viewpoint and just taking a moment to soak it all in—the rolling hills, the deep gorge, and the historic city itself.
These spots are perfect for those quiet moments of reflection or for capturing stunning photos.
And the best part is there are so many of them, each offering a different perspective of this beautiful place. It’s like the city is showing off, and you can’t help but be impressed.
It Makes a Great Day Out from Malaga or Seville
Looking for the perfect excursion from Malaga or Seville, Andalucia? Ronda is your answer. It’s close enough to easily get to but offers a whole new world to explore.
You can dive into history, enjoy great food and wine, and take in those amazing views—all in one day. But here’s a little secret: once you’re here, you might just wish you had more than a day to spend.
Ronda has a way of capturing your heart, making you want to linger a little longer in its charming streets and breathtaking landscapes.
Best-Rated Tour
Full Day Trip from Seville to Ronda & Pueblos Blancos
- Comfortable transfers from Seville
- See Ronda and the white villages in a day
- Best way to see Ronda with excellent reviews
Includes
- Round trip from Seville
- Expert guide with countless stories
- Day tour combining the white villages!
FAQ About Ronda
Now that you know all the reasons to come to Ronda, let’s get down to the essentials, such as the parking situation, what to bring, and where to sleep.
Where to Park in Ronda?
Finding a parking in Ronda is pretty easy. I choose a car park next to the station, right next to the Mirador Virgen Del Rocío and a walk away from the Paseo de los Ingleses. And it was a little bit cheaper than some of the other car parks.
If you’re leaning towards experiencing the old town, don’t worry – there are plenty of public parking lots nearby.
What to Pack for Ronda?
Make sure to wear good walking shoes or sneakers because you will walk a lot. The weather (especially If it’s winter) can be chilly, so layers are essential – bring sweaters for chillier evenings.
Sunscreen is essential to protect you from the strong sun rays, especially in the sunnier months, and don’t forget to wear sunglasses. Bring a bottle of water of the water, and take a drink or two whenever you can.
Make sure to have your camera nearby – the views from Ronda are absolutely striking!
Where to Eat in Ronda?
The dining scene in Ronda is pretty impressive. Indulge in delicious tapas at El Lechuguita. La Pilastra del Torero is best for meals with a view, offering beautiful views of the gorge.
Mesón Carmen la de Ronda is where you can enjoy a nice meal in a pleasant local atmosphere on the terrace. Bardal, on the other hand, is where you can splurge for a fantastic meal that combines local ingredients with a nod toward innovation.
Where to Stay in Ronda?
You can probably cover all the key tourist attractions in a day in Ronda, the old town is a nice place to stay that has all you need within walking distance from most of the major attractions.
You can also choose to stay for one night or more near the train station, which is a bit cheaper but not far. Here are the top hotels in Ronda.
Luxury: Parador de Ronda
Mid-Range: Ronda Hotel Polo
Budget: Hotel Andalucia
Conclusion: Is Ronda Spain Worth Visiting
With its unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich Moorish history, and beautiful city walls and old town, Ronda is a jewel in southern Spain.
Whether you’re standing on the iconic Puente Nuevo, sipping local wine with a view, or wandering through the picturesque streets of the old town, Ronda promises an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left.
It’s more than just a destination; it’s a journey through time, a feast for the senses, and a celebration of all things beautiful.
Thanks for sticking until the end and I hope this guide convinced you to visit!
