The best things to do in Ronda

Ronda is probably the most famous of Andalucia’s ‘pueblos blancos’ (white towns) and is perched above El Tajo gorge in the Serrania de Ronda with spectacular views across the mountains and valleys.

Ronda is only around 40 miles (65 kms) from Malaga as the crow flies (or 63 miles (101 kms) by car along the winding roads of the Andalucian hills) which means that it’s very popular with day trippers holidaying on the Costa del Sol. However, for a small town (it has a population of around 35,000) there’s a surprising number of things to do in Ronda and, while you can probably squeeze many of these into a day trip, I’d highly recommend staying longer to be able to fully appreciate the beauty of the town and its surrounds.

Even though I only live about 50 miles (80 kms) away, I always treat myself to an overnight stay whenever I visit Ronda, and it’s somewhere we like to bring visitors as it’s the perfect showcase for all that Andalucia has to offer.

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A brief history of Ronda

Ronda is one of Spain’s oldest towns and, if you visit the Museum of Ronda you’ll learn about its history through the years. It was settled by Celts in the sixth century BC, and later inhabited by the Romans and Moors, although the latter were driven out in 1570.

During the 19^th century it was a popular stop on the Grand Tour of Europe beloved of the romantic travellers (viajeros romanticos) and has also inspired artists and writers such as Orson Welles and Ernest Hemingway.

Latterly it was the scene of a lot of fighting during the Spanish Civil War of 1936 to 1939.

These days Ronda is very much on the tourist trail. The term hidden gem gets bandied about a lot when writing about Ronda but, with visitor numbers increasing year on year, it’s anything but and is actually one of Spain’s most visited towns. However, despite its popularity it hasn’t succumbed to mass tourism yet – you won’t find any big name hotels or the high-rises popular in some parts of the nearby Costa del Sol.

There are so many things to do in Ronda for a relatively small town but these are my favourites. I’ve put this guide together after multiple visits to Ronda but, if you only have time for a day trip, just pick and mix to suit your interests, whether you’re into history, food, the great outdoors, or you’re just a fan of an aimless wander through delightful cobbled streets and picturesque squares.

All prices are correct as of June 2025.

Ronda’s sights can be split into those in the new town (el mercadillo), and those in the old town (la ciudad), and there is plenty to see and do in both. I’ve listed these in a roughly anti-clockwise route that you can easily start and finish at any point of interest.

If you plan to visit a few different attractions during your stay it might be worthwhile buying a ‘bono turistico’ a tourist pass which gives you access to a number of sights for €12. The attractions included in the pass are: Puente Nuevo museum, Arab Baths, Casa del Gigante, Museo Joaquín Peinado and Mondragón Palace. You can buy a pass in the Tourist Information Centre near the bullring.

Admire the Puente Nuevo

The obvious starting point for any visit to Ronda is the Puente Nuevo (new bridge) – easily the most recognisable landmark in Ronda. The cobbled bridge spans El Tajo gorge between the old and new towns and, despite being called the new bridge, the Puente Nuevo is actually over 200 years old, having been completed in 1793 after over 40 years in the making.

To learn more about the history of the bridge there’s a small museum inside the chamber above the central arch. This was apparently used as a torture chamber during the Civil War with some unfortunate prisoners being thrown to their deaths at the bottom of the gorge. Entry to the museum is €2.50.

Thankfully, despite its bloodthirsty history, Puente Nuevo is now more of a tourist selfie spot.

Puente Nuevo, Plaza de España, Ronda

While the Puente Nuevo may be the main draw, there are two other bridges spanning El Tajo gorge but more of them later.

Enjoy the views from Casa Museo don Bosco

Casa Museo Don Bosco sits on the edge of El Tajo gorge on the old town side of Ronda. At one point in its history, it was a nursing home for elderly and sick priests but is now a museum with a peaceful courtyard garden with views of the Puente Nuevo and across the Serrania de Ronda. General admission tickets are €2.50.

During the spring and autumn months you can enjoy flamenco guitar concerts in the grand salon. The official website has all the information you need.

Casa Museo Don Bosco, Calle Tenorio 21, Ronda

Don your hard hat for the Desfiladero del Tajo gorge walk

This is the latest addition to Ronda’s tourist scene and is a walk down into the gorge towards the base of the Puente Nuevo on a walkway above the Guadalevin river.

It was officially opened in April 2024 and is the first part of a plan to enable visitors to walk around the whole gorge. The second stage will involve the construction of a suspended platform on the gorge wall similar to the Caminito del Rey.

From Plaza de Maria Auxiliadora on the old town side of the bridge follow the path down to the ticket office where you can check in (or buy your tickets if you haven’t bought them in advance) a few minutes ahead of your scheduled entry time. Once you’ve checked in you’ll be given a hard hat and you can start the walk to the bottom of the gorge.

The path is paved all the way and finishes near the base of the bridge at which point you have to turn around and head back up.

Tickets for this experience are €5 per person and, to avoid overcrowding, are limited to 30 people per hour. You can buy them in advance on the official website or get them on the day if there’s availability.

If you’re in Ronda on a day trip and want to get the view of the bridge that’s on all the postcards and souvenir items then it’s worth doing as it doesn’t take long so you’ll still have plenty of time to see more of the sights. If you’re visiting for longer then you might want to skip it and move on to the next suggestion on the list.

Take a hike down to El Tajo Gorge

While the views from the Desfiladero del Tajo walk are spectacular, to really appreciate the sheer size of the gorge (and get the obligatory photo of Puente Nuevo in all its glory) I’d recommend a hike further down into the gorge.

From the entrance to the Desfiladero del Tajo follow the path down where you’ll eventually reach Mirador del Viento. You can then continue on the path until you reach Mirador La Hoya del Tajo at the bottom of the gorge. It’s then a steep climb back up although there’s a restaurant at the bottom, Albergue Los Molinos, which would be an ideal spot for a cold beer with a view. Unfortunately, it’s been closed each time we’ve walked down into the gorge – typical!

For serious hikers, this route makes up part of the GR7, the longest walking route in Europe, which starts in Tarifa and ends in Greece some 5,500 miles (9,000 kms) later, and is also part of the Gran Senda de Malaga.

There are plenty of guidebooks to the best hikes in Andalucia. I particularly like the Cicerone guides.

If you’re visiting in late spring or summer be aware that it gets very hot in Ronda and there’s not much in the way of shade so do make sure that you carry lots of water with you if you’re walking down into the gorge, and don’t forget a hat. We’ve hiked down in both May and June and, while the walk down into the gorge wasn’t too bad, getting back up was energy sapping but totally worth it, so don’t be put off and be prepared.

Step back in time at Palacio Mondragón

Just a short walk from Plaza de Maria Auxiliadora you’ll find Palacio Mondragón (Mondragón Palace), a 14^th century building renowned for its Moorish courtyards and gardens, as well as its views over the Sierra de Grazalema.

The palace is also home to Ronda’s Municipal Museum where you can find out everything you need to know about Ronda’s history from the stone age onwards. There are some interesting exhibits including the reconstruction of the prehistoric Pileta Cave at nearby Benaojan. Entry to Palacio Mondragón is €3.00

Palacio Mondragón, Plaza Mondragón, Ronda

Wander around Ronda’s old town

There’s nothing I like more when in a new town than a mooch with no agenda in mind and Ronda is no different.

Exploring the cobbled streets you’ll come across small squares with fountains or statues of local historical figures, orange trees (the smell in spring is something you won’t forget), churches, and pavement cafés perfect for people watching.

One square that ticks all these boxes is Plaza Duquesa de Parcent where you’ll find Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor, a church with a viewing deck, and Mesón el Sacristán, where you can enjoy an al fresco drink or bite to eat.

If you’re in Ronda in spring you’ll be in for a treat with balconies and window boxes in bloom creating a splash of colour against the whitewashed walls of the houses in the old town.

Keep an eye out too for the traditional blue and yellow Camino de Santiago signs. Ronda is the halfway point of the Via Serrana and there are small tiles on various walls around the town.

Walk on the old city walls

As if Ronda’s defensive position on El Tajo gorge wasn’t enough it was also a walled city to further keep invaders at bay. What remains of the city walls, and the impressive Puerta de Almocabar, are on the opposite side of town to the main tourist sites so are often overlooked by day trippers. You’ll also find the ruins of the Alcazaba here next to the walls.

You can walk on the walls for yet more excellent views of the countryside surrounding Ronda with access from a tower next to Puerta de Almocabar. As well as the countryside views you can also look back to Ronda’s old town.

Puerta de Almocabar, Plazuela Arquitecto Francisco Pons Sorolla, Ronda

If you’re walking to Ronda on the Via Serrana it’s through the Puerta de Almocabar that you’ll enter the town.

Soak up the history at the Baños Arabes (Arab Baths)

Dating from the 13^th century, the Arab Baths are exceptionally well preserved. From the entrance, you’ll find yourself overlooking the roof of the baths and, once inside, you’ll be able to see how the star shaped vents in the roof create patterns of light on the floor and walls.

The baths typically had three separate areas – the cold, warm, and hot rooms. Unlike in Roman baths like the ones at Baelo Claudia near Tarifa where visitors would immerse themselves in water, here, they were used as steam baths. Entry to the baths and gardens is €4.50.

Baños Arabes, Calle Molino de Alarcón, Ronda

Check out Puente Viejo and Puente de San Miguel

These are the other two bridges that connect the old and new parts of Ronda.

The Puente San Miguel, also known as the Puente Arabe (Arab bridge), is Ronda’s smallest bridge. The Puente Viejo (old bridge) dates to the early 1600s and was the original bridge that connected the two parts of Ronda.

Unlike the Puente Nuevo and Puente San Miguel, the old bridge is pedestrian only and has more great views of the countryside and the gorge below.

You can continue to explore the old town by staying on this side of the bridge and passing through the Arco de Felipe V, a stone archway that forms part of the old city walls.

Visit the Palacio del Rey Moro y la Mina

For an alternative view of the gorge it’s worth a visit to the Palace of the Moorish King which, despite the name, has never actually been the home of a king, Moorish or otherwise.  Although the palace itself was being restored when we visited in 2018 (still the case in June 2025), we were able to visit the beautiful terraced gardens and, from there, we climbed down the 200+ steps to the ‘secret mine’ coming out to the river at the bottom of the gorge. It was so peaceful – just the sound of the birds flitting around the cliffs and the lapping of the water. Definitely a nice spot to rest before tackling the steps again!

Entry to the palace gardens and the mine is €10.00.

Palacio del Rey Moro y la Mina, Calle Cuesta de Santo Domingo, Ronda

Marvel at the wonders of the Museo Lara

This museum, just a few minutes’ walk from Puente Nuevo, is home to a huge collection of curios from around the world.

Collected over his lifetime by Juan Antonio Lara Jurado there’s everything from clocks, weapons, and vintage guitars, to telephones, typewriters, and scientific instruments.

The highlight though is the witchcraft exhibition in the basement (where else?) with a motley collection of exhibits including a preserved mermaid, a bat-headed tarantula and my personal favourite, Sergio the toad. That’s before we even get to the torture devices relating to the Spanish Inquisition.

Entry to the museum is €4.00 and is honestly money well spent.

Museo Lara, Calle Armiñan, Ronda

Admire the tiled mural of the Romantic Travellers

As you head from Museo Lara back to the Puente Nuevo you’ll spot the mural, Ronda a los Viajeros Romanticos. The ceramic tiles show Ronda and the Tajo gorge surrounded by quotes from celebrated travellers to Ronda over the years including Washington Irving, Lady Tennyson, and Ernest Hemingway.

Ronda is, indeed, one of those places which stands alone. I know of nothing to which it can be compared. – Lady Tennyson, 1850

Mural de los Viajeros Romanticos, Calle Armiñan, Ronda

Enjoy some tapas with a view at Tabanco los Arcos

For food with a view I highly recommend Tabanco Los Arcos. There are covered seats outside under the arches where, if you’re lucky, you might see an artist at work sketching the Puente Nuevo.

If you eat inside and you’re lucky enough to get the window seat, you’ll be rewarded with an outstanding view of the Puente Nuevo.

Unlike some tourist hotspots where the views are great but the food isn’t, it’s not the case here. The food is excellent with a great selection of reasonably priced tapas on the menu.

Tabanco Los Arcos, Calle Armiñan 6, Ronda

You’re now back at the Puente Nuevo so it’s time to see what Ronda’s new town has to offer.

Admire the view from Jardines de Cuenca

The Jardines de Cuenca (Cuenca Gardens) are dedicated to Cuenca, Ronda’s twin city since 1975, and offer yet another perspective of the Puente Nuevo.

These terraced gardens on the new town side of Ronda cling to the side of the cliffs. We pretty much had the gardens to ourselves and it was lovely to wander through them and take in the alternative views of the bridges spanning the gorge and the Casa del Rey Moro on the opposite side. You can also reach them by crossing the Puente Viejo.

Jardines de Cuenca, Calle Escolleras, Ronda

Discover the history of bullfighting at Plaza de Toros

While I don’t condone bullfighting, it’s definitely worth visiting the bullring in Ronda for an insight into this controversial aspect of Spanish culture.

Entry includes access to the stables and stockyards, a small museum housing a collection of art plus bullfighting memorabilia and artefacts, as well as the bullring itself.

As we had stayed overnight in Ronda we were able to get to the bullring not long after it opened so, until the tourist buses arrived, we were pretty much the only ones in there. Seeing it almost empty was quite an experience and it’s hard to imagine that it seats 5,000 spectators, although only one fight per year takes place there now. Entry to the bullring and museum is €9.00.

If you’re a Madonna fan you might recognise it from her 1994 video, Take a Bow.

Plaza de Toros, Calle Virgen de la Paz, Ronda

Stroll through Parque Alameda del Tajo

This is a beautiful public park with yet more great views across the valley and is a lovely place to take a break from the sun. Chances are there’ll be a guitarist playing flamenco music somewhere.

At one of the entrances to the park you’ll find statues of Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles, both of whom had links to Ronda.

Hemingway arrived in Spain in 1936 just as the Spanish Civil War was starting and several of his books are about his love of bullfighting. If you haven’t read any of Hemingway’s books, ‘Death in the Afternoon’ and ‘The Dangerous Summer’ are both about Ronda while ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ is set during the Spanish Civil War.

Orson Welles had a long love affair with Ronda and, after his death, his ashes were placed at the bottom of a well in the country estate belonging to his friend, the great bullfighter Antonio Ordoñez (whose statue stands in front of the bullring and who, interestingly, is also the subject of Hemingway’s book ‘The Dangerous Summer’).

From the park you can turn right and walk along Paseo de los Ingleses. This path was originally connected to the Hotel Victoria for the exclusive use of guests who arrived in Ronda by train from Gibraltar. I walked there early on a Sunday morning and, apart from the swallows and a few kestrels, there was very little activity. At the end you’ll find the Mirador Virgen del Rocío which, again, has stunning views.

Parque Alameda del Tajo, Paseo Blas Infante, Ronda

Test your nerve on the Balcon del Coño

There are plenty of viewing points around Ronda but, to really test your nerve, step out onto the Balcon del Coño – the overhanging balcony near the bandstand in Parque Alameda del Tajo.  

Suspended over the gorge it gets its name from the ubiquitous Spanish swearword – presumably you step on the balcony, look down, say ‘coño’ and jump back to safer ground!

I’m not a fan of heights but it does offer a good viewpoint and, yes, I probably did swear!

Balcon de Coño, Paseo Blas Infante, Ronda

Watch the sunset (or sunrise if you’re an early bird) from one of the miradors

To watch the sun go down in Ronda you can’t go wrong, in my opinion, anywhere along the Paseo Blas Infante although Mirador de Ronda (la Sevillana) where you’ll find the Balcon de Coño is always a popular spot.

Mirador de Ronda, Paseo Blas Infante, Ronda

If you want to catch the sunrise cross to the other side of the Puente Nuevo and watch from Mirador de Aldehuela next to the Palacio de Congresos de Ronda.

Mirador de Aldehuela, Calle Armiñan, Ronda

See the hand of Saint Teresa de Ávila

Saint Teresa of Ávila was a 16th-century nun and played a significant part in the reform of the Carmelite Order and the establishment of the Discalced Carmelites.

After her death in 1582 her hand was removed and, during the Spanish Civil War, was stolen by General Franco’s opposition. After the Battle of Malaga it was taken by Franco’s own soldiers and kept by the General who used it for spiritual guidance. It was finally returned to Ronda after his death in 1975.

The hand, in a silver glove, is considered a holy relic and is currently on display to the left of the altar in the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced.

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced, Calle Carlos Cobo Gómez, Ronda

Treat yourself to some traditional nun’s biscuits

Many convents in Spain make money by selling handmade sweets and biscuits. I first heard about these dulces de conventos or convent sweets when walking the Camino Portugués and discovered them in Tui at the Convento de las Clarisas.

In Ronda you can buy them from the Convento de Carmelitas Descalzas just behind the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced. There’s a sign on the wall at the front of the church to direct you.

On entering the foyer you’ll see a display of the various sweet treats that are made by the nuns. Once you’ve decided which ones you’d like to buy you need to ring the bell on the wall and soon after a nun will ask what you’d like. While you’ll hear the nun you won’t see her as these are cloistered nuns so all business is conducted using a turntable which allows the nuns to maintain their seclusion.

After giving your order your goodies will be placed on the turntable and the nun will tell you the price. You then place your money on the turntable and the nun will turn it again to take your money (it’s cash only).

I opted for a bag of the traditional Andalucian tortas de aceite which are a large crisp biscuit made with olive oil and flavoured with anise, a box of lenguas de gato, and a box of garrapiñada de sesame, a sesame brittle. It was €10 for all three and well worth the money as they were delicious. 

Opening hours are Monday to Saturday 10.15am to 1.15pm and then 5pm to 6.45pm. They’re closed on Sundays.

Convento de Carmelitas Descalzas, Pasaje San Juan de la Cruz, Ronda

Tuck into a plate of churros con chocolate at Churreria Alba

For breakfast, head to Churreria Alba for churros con chocolate with a café con leche. It’s highly likely there’ll be a queue but, trust me, the churros here are worth the wait – the fattest churros paired with the silkiest hot chocolate (you’ll only really need one hot chocolate between two) is guaranteed to get your day off to a good start.

If it’s too early for chocolate (although really is it ever too early?) the pan frito con miel (fried bread with honey) is a delicious breakfast alternative. If you’re after something healthier to kickstart your day they also do a good pan con tomate, a traditional Spanish breakfast dish.

Churreria Alba, Carrera Espinel 44, Ronda

Enjoy sundowners with a view

Even if you’re not staying at the Parador de Ronda you can still enjoy a drink there as the sun goes down and casts its golden glow over the Puente Nuevo.

As of June 2025 there’s some restoration work going on at the Parador so not all facilities may be available. 

Parador de Ronda, Plaza España, Ronda

Check out the street art

I love street art and, I’ll be honest, Ronda wasn’t somewhere that I expected to find any but I was pleasantly surprised. It’s in the new town, not surprisingly, and, if you’re arriving by bus you won’t be able to miss the first two murals which are on the wall of the bus station.

For more you’ll need to walk about ten minutes from the bus station to Avenida de Malaga where you’ll find a selection of murals by Kato painted on the ends of apartment buildings. There was a lot of building work going on when I was there so my photos aren’t great unfortunately.  

In 2024 Ronda gained more street art when a section of walls at the end of Calle Sevilla were painted thanks to an initiative by La Liga Nacional de Graffiti.

While slightly out of the way of the main tourist area it’s a nice stroll along Paseo de los Ingleses if you want to see them. At the end of the Paseo just beyond the Mirador Virgen del Rocio you’ll find the Mural de Ronda which is painted on the far end of a building and which depicts many of Ronda’s iconic buildings. You can see a photo of that at the top of this post.

Just behind this is the stretch of walls with the newly painted murals.

New works are being added all the time so I’d suggest downloading the Street Art Cities app which has maps of where to find street art in cities worldwide.

Hit the shops for some Andalucian souvenirs

Carrera Espinel is the main shopping street in Ronda and runs from Plaza de Toros up to Avenida Martinez Astein. As well as some of the bigger named shops there are plenty of local boutiques and souvenir shops to browse and, while there are plenty of mass produced mementoes of Ronda to choose from, it is possible to find some that don’t tick the tacky souvenir box.

When in doubt, go for some of the local delicacies such as jamon, honey and the delicious yemas del Tajo from Confiteria las Campanas on Plaza del Socorro.

More things to do in Ronda

I’ve been to Ronda many times since I moved to Spain in 2017 but am always discovering new things to see and do. As I only write about, and recommend, things that I’ve done personally I’m including these extra suggestions in a separate section.

Check out the art in Museo Joaquín Peinado

This museum celebrates the life and works of Ronda born Joaquín Peinado, an artist in the Cubist style and contemporary of Malaga born Pablo Picasso.

Housed in the Palacio de los Marqueses de Moctezuma, the galleries display Peinado’s work from the 1920s through to the 1970s.

It also has a permanent  exhibition displaying 49 works by Picasso.

Museo de Joaquín Peinado, Plaza del Gigante, Ronda

Visit the Casa del Gigante

Just across the road from Museo Joaquín Peinado is Casa del Gigante, a Moorish palace and one of the most complete examples of Nasrid architecture outside Granada.

Casa del Gigante, Plaza del Gigante, Ronda

Discover all you need to know about olive oil at LA Almazara

Just outside Ronda, surrounded by olive groves, is LA Almazara, an olive oil museum quite like nothing you’ve seen before.

Designed by French artist Philippe Starck, LA Almazara offers you the chance to see the mill in action and enjoy an olive oil tasting. As you’d expect from Starck, the whole experience is out of the ordinary and I can’t wait to finally pay a visit.

You can also stay at the nearby Cortijo LA Almazara – I’ll need a lottery win before I get the opportunity though!

LA Almazara, Carretera Ardales, Ronda

Day trips to Ronda

If you only have time for a day trip to Ronda these are easily booked from various cities within Andalucia and usually include hotel pick-up and drop-off. Get Your Guide and Viator both have a good selection with both group and private tours available. These often also include a visit to other white towns on the way.

From Malaga – Full day bus trip to Ronda and Setenil

From Seville – Pueblos Blancos and Ronda full day trip

From Granada – Ronda guided tour

Of course, if you can, I’d highly recommend spending at least one night here. As one of the most visited places in Andalucia, Ronda gets busy with day trippers particularly during the summer months but, once the tour buses leave for the day, you’ll be able to experience a totally different side to it.

Where to stay in Ronda

Hotel Andalucia

I’ve stayed a few times in Hotel Andalucia which I like for its proximity to the railway station (it’s quite literally just across the road). The rooms have comfortable beds, a good shower, and the usual facilities you’d expect from a budget hotel while being just a fifteen minute walk to the main sights. The hotel currently offers a left luggage service for non-guests at a cost of €3.00 per day.

Hotel Andalucia, Avenida Martinez Astein 19, Ronda

Soho Boutique Palacio San Gabriel

If you want to be more central then I enjoyed a stay at Soho Boutique Palacio San Gabriel, a restored 18^th century building which is just a few minutes’ walk from the Puente Nuevo in a quiet side street. The hotel is stuffed full of antiques but has all the usual mod cons including free wifi and aircon, not to mention a huge bathroom.  

Hotel Soho Boutique Palacio San Gabriel, Marques de Moctezuma 19, Ronda

Hotel Royal

A more budget friendly, but still central, alternative is Hotel Royal which is right across the road from Alameda del Tajo so handy for sunset strolls while still being close to the bars and restaurants of the new town.

Hotel Royal, Calle Virgen de la Paz 42, Ronda

If you want a room with a view the Hotel Don Miguel is a budget option and has reasonably priced gorge and bridge view rooms. However, if money’s no object, why not splash out with a stay at the Parador de Ronda or the modern Hotel Catalonia?

The Parador is housed in Ronda’s former town hall with outstanding views over El Tajo gorge and Puente Nuevo, while Hotel Catalonia, opposite the bullring, has stunning views from its rooftop infinity pool.

Where to eat in Ronda

There’s no shortage of places to eat in Ronda from the smallest tapas bars to Michelin starred restaurants so you’re bound to find something to tickle your tastebuds whatever your budget.

Personal favourites include El Lechugita (Calle Los Virgen de los Remedios) and Toro Tapas (Carrera Espinel) for tapas, and Il Forno a Legna (Calle Nueva) for delicious pasta and pizzas.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth don’t miss a gelato from Black Coffee Ice Cream on Plaza España.

If you’re planning a trip to Ronda here’s all the essential information you’ll need.

Getting to Ronda

By air

The closest airport to Ronda is in Malaga which has daily flights to and from destinations worldwide.

You can check out flight prices on Trip.com.

By car

If you’re driving from Malaga the quickest route (around 90 minutes) is via the A-357 and A-367. Alternatively, if you’re staying further south along the Costa del Sol towards Gibraltar take the A7 (or AP7 toll road) which runs alongside the Mediterranean Sea and turn inland at exit 172 onto the A-397 but, be warned, it can be a challenging (and hair-raising) drive.

The A-397 road between San Pedro Alcántara and Ronda is currently closed following a landslide in early 2025. It’s likely to remain closed until potentially August or September 2025.

If you’re thinking of hiring a car for your holiday I always use Discover Cars and find them reasonably priced and easy to deal with.

Once you arrive in Ronda your best bet is to park on the outskirts of the town rather than try to negotiate the narrow streets in the older part of town. There’s a 24-hour secure parking lot near the railway station (Parking Martinez Astein) or you may be able to find some ‘on street’ parking around this area, which is an easy fifteen minute walk to the old town. Once you’re in Ronda you won’t need your car to get around anyway.

Parking spaces with white painted lines are generally free, while you’ll have to pay for those with blue painted lines and there will probably be a time limit on how long can you stay.  

By train

Ronda sits on the Algeciras – Granada line and there are usually four direct trains a day on this route. The journey from Algeciras takes just over 90 minutes with the first departure at 6.20am so, if you only have time for a day trip, this early start means you can be in Ronda in time for breakfast before you begin your sight-seeing.

You can check current train times and prices on Trainline or Rail Europe.

The railway station is a fifteen minute walk from the city centre.

Estacion de Ronda, Avenida de Andalucia, Ronda

Every time we visit Ronda we travel by train so we can kick back and really enjoy the journey rather than have to navigate the winding mountain roads. We get on at either Estacion de San Roque La Linea, a small station about fifteen minutes up the track from Algeciras, or La Almoraima, a request stop at the edge of our village.

The benefit of taking the train means that you can really enjoy the scenery – storks nesting on telegraph poles, fields of sunflowers dancing in the breeze, and oleander trees growing in the valleys of the mountain peaks that the train passes through.

If you can, get a seat on the right-hand side of the train as you head towards Ronda for the best views particularly when the train passes through the Cañon de las Butreiras, or Vulture’s Canyon, just after Estacion de Gaucin.

There are also several trains per day between Malaga and Ronda, although these aren’t direct services. Again, you can check current train times and prices on Trainline or Rail Europe.

By Bus

There are buses to Ronda from various towns and cities within Andalucia. You can check prices and timetables, as well as buy tickets, on Omio.com.

Estacion de Autobus, Calle de José Maria Castello Madrid, Ronda

Getting around Ronda

Its size means that it’s best to get around Ronda on foot as all the main sights are within easy walking distance of each other. Just be sure to wear some comfy shoes as you’ll be on your feet a lot, especially if you’re heading down into the gorge.

There are horse drawn carriages which will take you on a loop of the old town that you’ll see outside the bullring but, personally, I don’t recommend taking one.

Weather in Ronda

While there’s never really a bad time to visit Ronda, I’d recommend visiting in spring or autumn if at all possible. In summer, Ronda gets hot. Really hot. Average temperatures in July and August are around 30°c and, because it’s inland, there are no cooling sea breezes to make it bearable.

During the winter months, the average temperatures hover around 10°c and it can be very wet.

I hope this post has given you lots of ideas of things to do in Ronda and shown that there’s more to this beautiful Andalucian town than just the Puente Nuevo. Let me know if you have any questions, or if there’s anything I’ve missed that I need to add for my next visit.

Happy travels!

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