Camino de Ronda, Granada

Street in Granada

Camino De Ronda
Camino de Ronda
©

The Camino de Ronda, also known as the Calle de Ronda or Calle del Foso, was the original moat and inner patrol road that circled the Alhambra. When dry, it served as the fortress's true Calle Mayor, the main street used by guards and residents to move quickly around the battlements. This long corridor allowed soldiers to communicate rapidly between towers and gates, making it one of the most important defensive elements of the entire complex. Today, the Camino de Ronda is one of the top sights in Granada for travellers who enjoy exploring the military fabric of the Alhambra.

Although parts of the path were lost or interrupted during medieval and later modifications, significant stretches remain visible. One of the best-preserved examples lies along the northeastern section of the walls, making it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Granada focused on the Alhambra's fortifications.

History and Significance of Camino de Ronda

The Camino de Ronda formed the inner moat of the Alhambra. When water-filled, it became a defensive ditch; when dry, it served as a protected roadway used by the palatine guard. This dual function gave it strategic importance unlike any other street in the complex.

Historically, it linked every major tower, gate, and rampart, providing continuous circulation around the defensive perimeter. It was truly the Calle Mayor of the Alhambra-the most important internal thoroughfare. Guards used it to patrol the entire fortress, delivering messages and overseeing every access point. Over time, medieval renovations and post-Nasrid modifications disrupted sections of the pathway, making its layout difficult to follow today.

This spot is one of the best places to see in the Alhambra for understanding how soldiers kept the fortress operational and connected.

Things to See and Do in Camino de Ronda

The best-preserved section of the Camino de Ronda can be visited along the Paseo de las Torres, between this walkway of towers and the Torre del Cabo de la Carrera. Here, you can see the depth, width, and stonework of the former moat-street as it winds behind the walls.

Walking this section helps you imagine how guards patrolled the Alhambra, slipping behind battlements, turning sharp corners between towers, and passing beneath elevated walkways linking defensive structures. Even in its fragmented state, the path reveals much about the military organisation of the Nasrid fortress.

How to Get to Camino de Ronda

Most visitors arrive in Granada via Granada Airport. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.

Trains arriving in Granada connect travellers with the city centre before they continue to the Alhambra's entrances. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

For those travelling by car, the Alhambra’s parking areas offer straightforward access to the fortress, from which the towers and moat sections can be reached on foot. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

The Camino de Ronda runs behind the defensive walls of the Alhambra, with its finest remaining section in the northeast sector.

Practical Tips on Visiting Camino de Ronda

  • Suggested tips: Explore the northeastern section near the Paseo de las Torres for the clearest impression of the moat-path's original form.
  • Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon when the angled light reveals the contours of the ditch.
  • Entrance fee:
  • Opening hours:
  • Official website: https://www.alhambra-patronato.es/elemento-del-mes/camino-de-ronda-092009
  • How long to spend: 10-15 minutes walking and observing the preserved stretch.
  • Accessibility: Parts of the path involve uneven ground and steep drops, not suitable for all visitors.
  • Facilities: Toilets and cafés are available elsewhere within the Alhambra.
  • Photography tip: Capture the path from above along the walls to show its depth and curvature.
  • Guided tours: Some Alcazaba-focused tours highlight the Camino de Ronda's military importance.
  • Nearby food options: On-site cafés and restaurants downhill in Granada.

Where to Stay close to Camino de Ronda

For the closest access to the Alhambra’s fortifications, the Parador de Granada offers a unique stay inside the monument. Nearby, Hotel América provides charm in a historic setting. For a modern hotel close to the entrances, Eurostars Washington Irving is an excellent choice.

Is Camino de Ronda Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Camino de Ronda is an evocative and historically rich part of the Alhambra. While not as architecturally elaborate as the palaces, it reveals how the fortress functioned, protected itself, and maintained communication across its towers. It is essential for anyone interested in the Alhambra's military design.

FAQs for Visiting Camino de Ronda

It is the Alhambra’s inner moat and main patrol road used by guards to move along the battlements.
Its name derives from the French chemin de ronde, meaning round path or patrol walkway.
The best-preserved section is near the Paseo de las Torres and the Torre del Cabo de la Carrera.
It served as both a dry moat and a roadway depending on defensive needs.
Around 10-15 minutes is enough to appreciate its structure and views.

Nearby Attractions to Camino de Ronda

 

The Camino de Ronda appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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