Ronda : The Complete Guide

Ronda is a charming town located 105 km west of the city of Málaga. It forms one of the towns and villages that is included in the Sierra de las Nieves National Park.
Its famous 18th century Puente Nuevo, bullring and its panoramic views attracts visitors from all over the world, and it is Andalusia’s third most visited town. Visitors have included famous writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Rainer Maria Rilke.
Ronda is located on a plateau, high above sea level, with a deep gorge in the middle of it. The gorge called Tajo is 100-mt deep, 500-mt wide gorge, which flows the Guadalevín river.
The city’s two parts are connected by three bridges that cross the El Tajo Gorge and the Guadalevín River. These are the Puente Nuevo or New Bridge which is the most spectacular of the three, the Puente Viejo or Old Bridge despite not being the oldest bridge of Ronda, and the Bridge of San Miguel or known as Roman or Arab Bridge.
- Barrio de San Francisco, in the southern area.
- Ciudad, which is the first Roman and Middle-Age settlement.
- Barrio del Mercadillo, in the northern area of the city
History of Ronda
Early History of Ronda
Ronda, located in the province of Málaga, Andalusia, has a history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area around Ronda contains some of the oldest evidence of human habitation in Spain, with ancient cave paintings found in the nearby Cueva de la Pileta.
Ronda in Roman Times
Ronda was known as Acinipo during the Roman period. The town grew significantly under Roman rule, becoming an important settlement due to its strategic location. Remnants of this era include the ruins of a Roman theater, which still stand today.
Ronda in the Moorish Period
During the 8th century, Ronda was conquered by the Moors. The town, then known as Izna-Rand Onda, flourished under Muslim rule. The Moors built many of the town’s notable architectural features, including the city walls, gates, and the impressive Arab baths (Baños Árabes). Ronda served as an important cultural and commercial center in the region.
The Reconquista and Christian Rule in Ronda
Ronda was reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella in 1485. The town’s strategic location made it a key military stronghold during the Reconquista. After the Christian conquest, many of the Islamic structures were repurposed or replaced with Christian buildings, such as churches and convents.
Ronda During the 18th Century
The 18th century was a significant period for Ronda, marked by the construction of the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), completed in 1793. This iconic bridge spans the deep El Tajo gorge and connects the old Moorish town with the newer part of Ronda. The bridge is a symbol of the town and one of Spain’s most famous landmarks.
Ronda in the 19th Century
In the 19th century, Ronda became known for its bandits, or “bandoleros,” who roamed the surrounding mountains. This era contributed to the romantic and somewhat notorious reputation of the town. During this time, Ronda also attracted writers and artists, including Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles, who found inspiration in its dramatic landscapes and rich history.
Modern Development in Ronda
In the 20th and 21st centuries, Ronda continued to develop as a cultural and tourist destination. The town preserved its historical architecture while accommodating modern amenities. Key attractions include the Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, and the Casa del Rey Moro, a historical mansion with gardens and an ancient water mine.
Contemporary Ronda
Today, Ronda is a vibrant town that seamlessly blends its historical heritage with modern culture. It hosts numerous festivals and events, such as the Feria de Pedro Romero, which includes traditional bullfighting and cultural activities. Ronda’s unique charm, stunning views, and rich history make it a popular destination for visitors from around the world.
Visiting Ronda for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Ronda on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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40 Best places to See in Ronda
This complete guide to Ronda not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Ronda and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Plaza del Socorro

Location: Plaza del Socorro, 7, 29400 Ronda, Málaga, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Plaza del Socorro
Alameda del Tajo

Location: Alameda del Tajo, Paseo Blas Infante, 1, 29400 Ronda, Málaga, Spain | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Alameda del Tajo
Monumento al Toro

Location: Monumento al Toro Paseo Blas Infante, 2 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Hours: 24 hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Monumento al Toro
Jardines de Cuenca

Location: Jardines De Cuenca, Calle Escolleras, 1 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Hours: 8am-7pm | Price: N/A | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Jardines de Cuenca
Paseo de Kazunori Yamauchi

Location: Paseo de Kazunori Yamahuchi Calle Armiñán, 3 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Paseo de Kazunori Yamauchi
Paseo de Orson Welles

Visiting Paseo de Orson Welles
Puente Viejo

Location: Puente Viejo Calle Real, 2 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Puente Viejo
Mirador de Aldehuela

Location: Mirador de Aldehuela Calle Armiñán, 1 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Mirador de Aldehuela
Plaza de Toros de Ronda

Location: Plaza de Toros de Ronda, 15 Calle Virgen de la Paz, Ronda, Spain, | Hours: Mo-Sun: 10 am – 8 pm Free entrance (for EU citizens): Monday (8 am – 10 am), Tuesday and Wednesday (9 am – 10 am) | Price: €8 (€9.50 with audioguide | Website | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Plaza de Toros de Ronda
Arco de Felipe V

Location: Calle Marqués de Salvatierra, 30, 29400 Ronda, Málaga, Spain | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Arco de Felipe V
Puente Romano

Location: Puente Romanom, Calle Molino de Alarcón, 29400 Ronda, Málaga, Spain | Hours: 24 hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Puente Romano
Palacio del Marqués de Salvatierra

Location: Palacio de Salvatierra Calle Real, 2 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Hours: N/A | Price: N/A | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Palacio del Marqués de Salvatierra
Paseo de Ernest Hemingway

Visiting Paseo de Ernest Hemingway
Paseo De Los Ingleses

Visiting Paseo De Los Ingleses
Museo Lara

Location: Museo Lara Calle Armiñán, 29 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Hours: 11:00 20 00 hours (June to October) 11:00 to 19:00 (from November to May) | Price: 4 € | Website | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Museo Lara
Baños Árabes

Location: Baños Arabes, Yacimiento Arqueológico, Calle Molino de Alarcón, s/n 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Hours: Monday to Friday: 10 am – 7 pm Saturday, Sunday and Festive: 10 am – 3 pm | Price: €3.50, Free Tue | Website | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Baños Árabes
Mirador de Ronda

Location: Mirador de Ronda Ctra. de los Molinos, 1955 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Mirador de Ronda
Casa del Rey Moro

Location: La Casa del Rey Moro, Calle Cuesta de Santo Domingo, 9 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Hours: 10am-9.30pm May-Sep, to 8pm Oct-Apr | Price: €6 | Website | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Casa del Rey Moro
Puente Nuevo

Location: Puente Nuevo Calle Armiñán, s/n 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Hours: Monday to Friday: 10 am – 7 pm Saturday, Sunday and Festive: 10 am – 3 pm | Price: €2 | Website | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Puente Nuevo
Paseo de Blas Infante

Location: Paseo Blas Infante, 1, 29400 Ronda, Málaga, Spain | Hours: June - September 8.00am - 00.00 September - May: 9.00am - 22.00 | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Paseo de Blas Infante
Puerte de la Cijara

| Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Puerte de la Cijara
Casa de San Juan Bosco

Location: Casa don Bosco Calle Tenorio, Nº21 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Hours: Monday to Sunday from 9 am. to 2 pm. and from 2:30 to 5 pm. | Price: €2 | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Casa de San Juan Bosco
Plaza de María Auxiliadora

Location: Plaza de María Auxiliadora, Calle Sor Angela de la Cruz, 2, 29400 Ronda, Málaga, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Plaza de María Auxiliadora
Murallas de Levante, Carmen & Cijara

Location: Calle Armiñán, 14 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: N/A | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Murallas de Levante, Carmen & Cijara
Casa del Gigante

Location: Casa del Gigante Plaza del Gigante, 1 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain View on | Hours: Autumn and Winter Monday to Friday 10am till 6pm (10:00-18:00) Saturdays 10am till 1.45pm (10:00-13:45) then 3pm till 6pm (15:00-18:00) Sundays and Public holidays 10am – 3pm (10:00 – 15:00)Spring and Summer Monday to Friday 10am till 7pm (10:00-19:00) Saturdays 10am till 1.45pm (10:00-13:45) then 3pm till 6pm (15:00-18:00) Sundays and Public holidays 10am – 3pm (10:00 – 15:00) | Price: 2€ | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Casa del Gigante
Museo del Bandolero

Location: Museo del Bandolero Calle Armiñán, 65 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Hours: From Monday to Friday and Sunday from 11 am. to 7.30 pm. Saturday and bank holidays from 11 am. to 8 pm. | Price: €3.75 | Website | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Museo del Bandolero
San Sebastian Minaret

Location: Minaret of San Sebastian Plaza Abul Beka, s/n 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Hours: N/A | Price: N/A | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting San Sebastian Minaret
Puerta de los Molinos

Location: Arco del Cristo. Murallas de Albacara y Molinos del Tajo, Ronda (Rincón Singular) 6 Plaza de María Auxiliadora 29400 Ronda Málaga, Spain | Hours: 24 Hour | Price: Free | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Puerta de los Molinos
Albacara Walls

Location: 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Albacara Walls
Puerta Del Viento

Location: 29400 Ronda, Málaga, Spain | Hours: 24 Hour | Price: N/A | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Puerta Del Viento
Town Hall of Ronda

Location: Ronda Town Hall, Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, 3 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Town Hall of Ronda
Plaza Duquesa de Parcent

Location: Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, 11, 29400 Ronda, Málaga, Spain | Hours: N/A | Price: N/A | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Plaza Duquesa de Parcent
Palacio de Mondragon

Location: Plaza Mondragón, s/n, 29400 Ronda, Málaga, Spain | Hours: 10am-7pm Mon-Fri, to 3pm Sat & Sun Apr-Sep, shorter hours Oct-Mar | Price: €3.50 | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Palacio de Mondragon
Church of Santa María la Mayor

Location: Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor Calle Sor Angela de la Cruz, 5 29400 Ronda Málaga | Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 am – 8 pm Sunday: 10 am – 12.30 pm and 2 pm – 8 pm | Price: €4.50 | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Church of Santa María la Mayor
Laurel Castle

Location: Castillo del Laurel Calle Cuesta de las Imágenes 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Hours: N/A | Price: N/A | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Laurel Castle
Iglesia del Espíritu Santo

Location: Calle Espíritu Santo, 15, 29400 Ronda, Málaga, Spain | Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am till 2pm then 4pm till 7pm | Price: 1€ | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Iglesia del Espíritu Santo
Puerta de Almocabar

Location: Puerta de Almocábar Plazuela Arquitecto Francisco Pons Sorolla, s/n 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Website | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Puerta de Almocabar
Cueva del Gato

Location: Cueva del Gato, MA-7401 Km 3 Carretera de Benaoján a 29370 Ronda Málaga Spain | Hours: 24 Hour | Price: Free | Distance: 7.2km
Visiting Cueva del Gato
Cueva de la Pileta

Location: Cueva de la Pileta 29370 Benaoján Málaga Spain | Hours: tours 10am-1pm & 4-6pm May-Sep, to 5pm Oct-Apr | Price: €10 | Website | Distance: 11.5km
Visiting Cueva de la Pileta
Ruins of Acinipo

Location: Ruins of Acinipo MA-449, s/n 29400 Ronda Málaga Spain | Hours: Monday: Closed Tuesday to Saturday: 10.00 to 17.00 Sunday: 09.00 to 14.00 Entrance: Free | Distance: 11.8km
Visiting Ruins of Acinipo
Best Time to Visit Ronda
Visiting Ronda in Spring
Spring, from March to May, is an ideal time to visit Ronda. The weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This season is perfect for exploring Ronda’s historical sites and enjoying the lush landscapes. The blooming flowers and vibrant greenery add to the town’s picturesque charm.
Visiting Ronda in Summer
Summer, from June to August, is the peak tourist season in Ronda. The weather is warm, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Despite the heat, summer is a great time to experience Ronda’s lively atmosphere and cultural events, such as the Feria de Pedro Romero in September, which includes traditional bullfighting and other festivities.
Visiting Ronda in Autumn
Autumn, from September to November, is another excellent time to visit Ronda. The temperatures are cooler, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The autumn colors enhance the natural beauty of the area, and the tourist crowds from summer have diminished, providing a more relaxed experience.
Visiting Ronda in Winter
Winter, from December to February, is mild in Ronda, with temperatures averaging between 10°C and 15°C (50°F to 59°F). This is the off-peak tourist season, offering a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. Winter is a good time to explore Ronda’s indoor attractions, such as museums and historic buildings, without the crowds. The town’s festive decorations and events during the holiday season add a charming touch to the visit.
Average Temperatures in Ronda
- January 18°C 64°F 6
- February 19°C 67°F 6
- March 22°C 72°F 9
- April 24°C 75°F 6
- May 25°C 78°F 3
- June 30°C 86°F 1
- July 33°C 92°F 0
- August 32°C 90°F 1
- September 29°C 84°F 4
- October 25°C 78°F 5
- November 22°C 72°F 9
- December 19°C 66°F 7
How to get to Ronda
By Air to Ronda
The nearest major airports to Ronda are Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), located about 100 kilometers away, and Gibraltar International Airport (GIB), approximately 120 kilometers away. From these airports, you can reach Ronda by rental car, taxi, or public transportation.
By Train to Ronda
Ronda has a well-connected train station with regular services from major cities such as Málaga and Seville. The train journey from Málaga to Ronda takes around 2 hours, while from Seville, it takes about 2.5 hours. The train station is conveniently located near the town center, providing easy access to local attractions.
By Bus to Ronda
Several bus companies operate routes to Ronda from various cities in Andalusia. Buses from Málaga take about 2 hours, and from Seville, the journey is around 2.5 to 3 hours. The main bus station in Ronda is centrally located, making it easy to reach your accommodation and explore the town.
By Car to Ronda
Driving to Ronda is a convenient option, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding region. From Málaga, the drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via the A-357 and A-367 highways. From Seville, it takes around 2 to 2.5 hours via the A-375 and A-374 highways. The scenic drive through the Andalusian countryside adds to the experience.
By Local Transportation in Ronda
Once in Ronda, you can explore the town by walking or using the local bus network. Taxis are also readily available for getting around. Walking is particularly enjoyable in Ronda due to its compact size and the close proximity of major attractions.