The town of Ronda is famous for its bridges that span the Tajo canyon, the most well-known and photographed being Puente Nuevo, the “New Bridge.” Getting a view of this bridge is one of the best things to do in Ronda, but you can also explore the Tajo canyon, go shopping, visit a museum or two, and dine with a view.
Ronda is a beautiful town to explore. With its hilltop location, charming cobblestoned streets, and breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside, this was one of our favorite places to visit in Andalusia, Spain.
In this guide, we would like to help you plan the perfect visit, covering the must-see sights in Ronda and how to link them together into a fun, efficient walking tour.
Table of Contents
A Few Quick Facts about Ronda
Ronda is located in Andalusia, an autonomous community in southern Spain.
Ronda is famous for its cliffside location and multiple bridges that span the Tajo gorge. The Guadalevín River runs through town, which carved out the canyon. This is one of several white villages in southern Spain.
Three bridges span the Tajo canyon. Puente Nuevo (the New Bridge) is the largest and most famous, and photographing this bridge tops the list of things to do in Ronda. Puente Viejo (the Old Bridge) and Puente Romano (the Roman Bridge) also span the canyon.
Both Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles spent summers in Ronda. Some scenes of For Whom the Bell Tolls were based on events that occurred in Ronda. The ashes of Orson Welles were buried on a nearby property of one of his friends.
Ronda is a popular day trip destination from Seville and Málaga. It also makes a great place to spend a night or two as this town is a wonderful place to explore in the morning and evening, when the streets are quiet.
Best Things to Do in Ronda
In no particular order, here is a list of the best things to do in Ronda. At the end of this section, you can see all of them on a map.
1. Photograph Puente Nuevo, the New Bridge
Without a doubt, taking at least a photo or two of the New Bridge is one of the best things to do in Ronda. Most likely, it was photos of this bridge that put Ronda on your must-see list for Spain.
At 120 meters (390 feet) tall, this is the largest of the three bridges in Ronda. Construction was completed in 1793, quite some time ago, but even so, it is much younger than the other bridges in Ronda.
On a visit to Ronda, you’ll stroll along the top of the bridge as you explore the town. If you want to capture a cool photo of the New Bridge, we have some great viewpoints to mark on your map (these are also marked on our map below).
Best Viewpoints of the New Bridge
Parador de Ronda
The Parador de Ronda is a hotel that sits next to the New Bridge. Right next to this hotel is a spot where you can get an up-close view of the bridge. It is free to visit and open 24 hours.
From the same viewpoint, you can also look across the Tajo Canyon.
Inside of the hotel is a café. We went in to check out the view and it is not any better than what you get from the viewpoint next to the hotel.
From this same spot, you can also pay a few euros to walk under the bridge, and we get to this in more detail under #3 the Interpretation Center of the New Bridge.
Mirador el Aldehuela
This viewpoint sits on the opposite side of the bridge and gives you a view of the east side of the bridge and Jardines de Cuenca.
The view from Mirador el Aldehuela
The view of Jardines de Cuenca from Mirador el Aldehuela.
From Jardines de Cuenca
This series of walking paths and viewpoints sits to the east of the New Bridge. It is a lovely place to go for a stroll…not only do you get a breathtaking view of the New Bridge but this is also the best spot to photograph the Old Bridge.
The view from Mirador de Cuenca
Mirador La Hoya del Tajo
This viewpoint is located to the west of the bridge. For those who have a car and don’t want to do a lot of walking, you can drive and park at this lot for a stunning view of the New Bridge.
From the Arabic Arch
From a cluster of ruins, you get the classic view of the New Bridge. To get here, walk up from Mirador La Hoya del Tajo or walk down from town. To get back up to town from this spot, it is a 500-meter uphill walk that takes 10 minutes.
The view from Arabic Arch
From the Caminito del Tajo
Get an up-close view of the bridge and waterfall by walking into the Tajo Gorge, mentioned next.
2. Caminito del Desfiladero del Tajo
This is a relatively new experience in Ronda.
There is a walking path that leads to the waterfall at the base of the New Bridge. To walk this path, you’ll pay 5 euros, put on a helmet, and walk the path to the waterfall. The helmet is necessary because you will walk along the cliff and rockfalls are a possibility.
It is a paved path with some steps at the end. There is no exposure on this walk so if you have a fear of heights, you should still be able to walk this path.
You don’t have to walk very far for the best view, which comes about 30 meters into the walk.
The view from the first part of the Caminito del Tajo
The trail leads downhill to the waterfall. Because of the trees, you actually don’t see much of the waterfall (you can definitely hear it!) but you can look up at the bridge.
There are plans to extend the trail under the bridge and to exit into the east side of the canyon.
For now, return back to the office. Drop off your helmet and don’t miss the viewpoint from the terrace located next to the office (this is included with the fee you pay to walk the trail). You get another spectacular view of the New Bridge, plus there are benches to sit and take a break.
The Caminito del Tajo is located between Plaza de María Auxiliadora and the Arabic Arch viewpoint. This experience takes 20 to 30 minutes, longer once the trail is lengthened.
3. Interpretation Center of the New Bridge
For another up-close view of the bridge, visit the museum under the bridge.
The access point for this is next to the Parador de Ronda viewpoint, mentioned earlier (it is also marked on our map below). It costs a few euros, paid at the booth, and then you walk on the terraces that sit just below the bridge, plus a museum exhibit about the history of the bridge.
The views weren’t as nice as we expected them to be and the museum is not all that interesting. We liked the view from next to the Parador de Ronda better but if you are curious, come take a look.
The museum under the bridge
4. Photograph Puento Viejo, the Old Bridge
The Old Bridge was built in 1616. It is much smaller than the New Bridge and is only open to pedestrian traffic. This bridge sits to the east of the New Bridge, next to Jardines de Cuenca.
The Old Bridge
From the Old Bridge, you also get a view of the oldest bridge spanning the gorge, the Roman Bridge.
The Roman Bridge
5. Take a Stroll through Jardines de Cuenca
Jardines de Cuenca is a series of walking paths, terraces, and gardens that sit on the east side of the New Bridge. This is a great place to go for a stroll in the morning, when the sun lights up the New Bridge. Just be prepared to walk some steps and some hills.
For the best view of the New Bridge, snap a photo from Mirador de Cuenca.
Mirador de Cuenca
Jardines de Cuenca
6. La Casa del Rey Moro
This historic complex has three elements to it: a neo-Mudejar house, Moorish gardens, and an ancient water mine.
The view from La Casa del Rey Moro
It costs 10 euros to enter (which is overpriced in our opinion). The gardens are nice and you get a decent view of the bridge, but we liked visiting Jardines de Cuenca more (the views are better, the gardens are prettier, plus it is free!).
A popular thing to do here is to descend 300+ steps down to the water mine. This winding staircase is dark, with steep steps that can be slippery. At the bottom, you get a view of the river and then it is a massive stair climb back up to the house. Some people love it, some people hate it. We weren’t fans and we preferred putting our steps into the outdoor viewpoints and walking paths in Ronda.
7. Baños Arabes, the Moorish Baths
This we thought was worthwhile. Located downhill from La Casa del Rey Moro, near the Old Bridge, is an ancient Arab bath house. On a visit here, you will see the skylights into the bathhouse and the rooms with their stone arches. This is one of the best-preserved Moorish baths in Spain.
A visit here lasts about 15 minutes. Get hours and pricing here. Be prepared for an uphill walk back into town.
8. Walk the Old City Walls
This is an experience that doesn’t get mentioned much and we stumbled upon it by accident. There is a short section of fortified walls that runs along the east side of town. You can climb the steps up onto the walls and towers for views of Ronda and the surrounding countryside. What makes it even better is that it is free!
From the Arab Baths, as you walk up into town, look for a long staircase to the left. Climb these stairs, walk through the archway, and follow along the walls until you get to a staircase.
There are multiple staircases that lead up onto the walls. Here’s the view.
And here is another view:
9. Mondragon Palace
Built in the 14th century by Moorish rulers, this palace became the residence of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. It now is the Municipal Museum, with exhibits about the history of Ronda. The best part of the museum are the gardens, patios, and views of green rolling hills that surround Ronda.
A visit here is only worthwhile for those with an interest in the history of Ronda. There is a small fee to enter and a visit lasts 30 to 60 minutes.
10. Walk the Rooftop of the Church of Santa María la Mayor
Like walking the city walls, this was another unexpected surprise for us.
This beautiful church sits on Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, a shady square surrounded by small cafes.
On a visit to the church, you can see its stunning interior. The best part is climbing the stairs to roof. There is a rooftop terrace that runs along three sides of the church, offering panoramic views of Ronda.
Don’t miss the doorway from the roof that leads inside for an elevated view of the church’s nave:
11. Visit the Lara Ronda Museum
Located inside of Casa Palacio de los Condes de las Conquistas, this museum contains an eclectic collection of artifacts on the Spanish Inquisition, witchcraft, old movie projectors, handguns, 18th and 19th century clocks, scientific instruments, and so much more.
For the entry fee, this is a well-priced museum. Learn more and get hours and pricing on the official website.
Lara Ronda Museum
12. Stroll through the Historic Old Town
Strolling the picturesque streets in the city is one of the best things to do in Ronda. With its plazas, colorful buildings, and Moorish architecture, it is fun photographing these streets.
Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Socorro
13. Alameda del Tajo
On the west side of Ronda is a park (Alameda del Tajo) and a series of viewpoints that offer gorgeous views of the surrounding rural area.
Take a stroll through Alameda del Tajo and enjoy the view from Balcón del Coño.
Nearby is Mirador de Ronda, which offers a similar view. This lovely spot sits in another parklike setting where you can also see the statues of Orson Welles and Ernest Hemingway.
Mirador de Ronda
14. Bullring of the Royal Cavalry of Ronda
The bullring (Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda) is one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. Visitors can learn about the history of the bullring on an audioguide tour of the ring. Or, you can do what we did, and just get a view of it from the rooftop Gastrobar on Hotel Catalonia Ronda.
View from the Gastrobar at Hotel Catalonia
Best Things to Do in Ronda: On a Map
On this map, we marked the top things to do in Ronda plus a walking route through town.
How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers (points of interest and the walking route). You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest.
If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.
One Day in Ronda: Walking Tour
If you want to put together the top sights in Ronda in a fun, efficient way, here is our Ronda walking tour. On this tour, you will see the New Bridge from the east and west sides of the gorge, plus enjoy many of the other things to do in Ronda.
It is important to know that some sites close on Sundays and holidays, such as the Arab Baths and the museum inside the New Bridge. Some sites also close for an hour or two midday on weekends and Mondays. We recommend checking hours for the sites you plan to visit before arriving in Ronda, to avoid any unfortunate surprises.
It is also important to know that this is a very hilly walking route. Ronda is a hilly city and to get to the main sights and viewpoints, you will walk up and down some hills. On this walking tour, you will walk 3.2 km/2 miles. It’s not a lot of distance but again, it is a lot of hills.
The walking route is marked on our map above. Here is the route along with some helpful tips.
Alameda Del Tajo
Start in this small park, which is located next to the bullring. Enjoy the view from the Balcón del Cońo.
The view from Balcón del Cońo
Bullring of the Royal Cavalry of Ronda
You have the option to tour the bullring. This walking tour ends at the rooftop bar of Hotel Catalonia so later today you’ll get a view looking down into the bullring.
Mirador de Ronda
It is a short walk through another park to this great viewpoint from Ronda. In the same park are the Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles statues.
Mirador de Ronda
Parador de Ronda
Walk to the viewpoint next to the Parador de Ronda hotel. You have the option to visit the Interpretation Center of the New Bridge, which takes about 15 minutes.
Mirador de Aldehuela
Cross the New Bridge and turn left to get to this viewpoint. From here, you can look out over the east side of the gorge and Jardines de Cuenca.
Mural de la Ronda a los Romanticos
Retrace your steps back to the main road, turn left, and as you walk up the road, keep an eye out for this mural made of colorful tiles.
La Casa del Rey Moro (Optional)
Turn left onto C. Cta. De Santo Domingo and it is a downhill walk to La Casa del Rey Moro. You have the option to visit this house to see the gardens, the viewpoints, and walk 300+ steps down to the water mine. In my opinion, it is best to skip this and save your steps…you still have quite a few hills and stairs to climb.
Jardines De Cuenca
Continue the downhill walk. Go through Arco de Felipe and cross Puente Viejo. Head up the walking trails on the opposite side of the bridge. These take you through the gardens and numerous viewpoints of the gorge. The best viewpoint is Mirador De Cuenca, which sits at the highest point in the gardens.
Arco de Felipe
Arab Baths
Retrace your steps back through the gardens to the Old Bridge. Take a pause on the Old Bridge for a view down to the even older Roman Bridge. On the opposite side of the bridge, turn left to walk downhill (do not go up to the arch). It is a short walk to the Arab Baths. A visit here lasts about 15 minutes.
This photo was taken from the Old Bridge. To visit the Arab Baths, take the trail leading down to the left (do not go through the archway, Arco de Felipe).
Walk the City Walls
From the Arab Baths, walk uphill about 50 meters. Look for the path and stairs that lead off to the left (don’t go through Arco de Felipe). Those steps may not look fun, but you have a hill climb to get back up into town, regardless of which way you go. By taking these steps, you get to leave a lot of the crowds behind and explore an underrated gem in Ronda.
At the top of the steps, go through the archway and look for the steps that lead onto the walls. Take some time to explore the walls and enjoy the views.
Lunch
This is a great time to take a break for lunch. Mesón Carmen and Mesón El Sacristán are two restaurants that get great reviews and sit near the Church of Santa María la Mayor. Check hours on Google because they are not open 7 days a week.
Church of Santa María la Mayor
Visit this lovely church and climb to the rooftop for wonderful views of Ronda.
Caminito del Tajo
Walk through town to Plaza de María Auxiliadora. The trail down to the west side of the gorge starts next to this square. It is a short but steep downhill walk to the entrance to the Caminito del Tajo. Pay the fee, pick up a helmet, and walk this short trail for an up-close view of the New Bridge. The view from the terrace next to the building is also worth visiting.
More Views of the New Bridge (Optional)
If you want to take more photos of the New Bridge, you can continue on the trails that lead down into the gorge. We also thought the view from the Arabic Arch was worth it. Then retrace your steps back up to Plaza de María Auxiliadora. Forewarning: this will be one of the toughest hill climbs of the day.
Lara Ronda Museum (Optional)
This quirky museum has exhibits on witchcraft, weapons, old clocks, and much more. It is located in the city center, not far from the New Bridge.
Rooftop Bar at Hotel Catalonia
Cross the New Bridge and walk to Hotel Catalonia. Now it is time for a much-deserved break. Take the elevator to the top floor and get a table at the outdoor terrace. Enjoy the views of the bullring, have a cold drink, and a snack if you are hungry.
Shopping (Optional)
If you want to go shopping, walk along Carrera Espinel to Plaza del Socorro. This street, and other streets in this area, are lined with souvenir and boutique shops.
Dinner
For dinner, refer to the next section of this guide, Where to Eat in Ronda.
Where to Eat in Ronda
One of the best things to do in Ronda is to eat and we have several great restaurants we recommend.
Sensur Gastrobar
This is our favorite restaurant in Ronda. It’s so good we had lunch here twice (but they also serve dinner). The ambience is great and the service is fast and attentive. We loved the patatas bravas, guacamole, and octopus but the tuna tacos also hit the spot. I recommend making a reservation for dinner. On our visit, we were able to walk in for lunch.
Sensur Gastrobar
Sensur Gastrobar
Restaurante Panorámico & Gastrobar
These are both located on the rooftop of Hotel Catalonia Ronda. The Gastrobar is a bar with an outdoor terrace that overlooks the bullring. The restaurant is an indoor restaurant that serves lunch and dinner and some tables have a view of the bullring.
Arrabal Restaurante
Dine with a view of the New Bridge from this restaurant. There is a small outdoor terrace with a few tables that have a view of the bridge but most of the seating is inside. We had a fantastic dinner here. I loved the apple, blue cheese, and beet salad and the dry rice with vegetables. Tim had the oxtail ravioli which was superb. Make a reservation in advance.
Arrabal Restaurante
A few doors down is Restaurante Albacara. We did not dine here but this restaurant also gets good reviews and offers a view of the New Bridge.
Restaurante Tropicana
We picked this restaurant because it was #2 on TripAdvisor during our visit. Tim and I dined on codfish and octopus and the food was good, but we liked the other restaurants already mentioned just a little bit more.
Restaurante Tropicana
How Much Time Do You Need in Ronda?
If you simply want to take some photos of the New Bridge, stroll through the historic city center, do a little shopping, and visit one or two landmarks, a half day is all you need in Ronda. This can be done as a day trip from Seville or Málaga.
With one busy day, you can visit the viewpoints on both sides of the New Bridge, visit a few historic monuments, and more thoroughly explore the city center. We explain exactly how to do this in our Ronda Walking Tour (above).
If you can spend a night or two in Ronda, then do it. We spent two nights in Ronda and loved being here in the mornings and evenings, when the city streets are quiet. We also took a day trip to the Caminito del Rey, one of the most famous walks in Spain.
How to Get to Ronda
By Train and By Bus
It is very easy to get to Ronda using public transportation. Buses and trains link Ronda to Málaga, Seville, and Córdoba daily. This article does a great job providing information on how to get to Ronda using the train and bus.
By Rental Car
It is easy to get to Ronda by car. Here are the driving distances and times from nearby destinations:
- Seville: 130 km, 1.75 hours
- Málaga: 100 km, 1.5 hours
- Córdoba: 160 km, 2 hours
- Granada: 180 km, 2 hours
- Marbella: 62 km, 1.25 hours
- Tarifa: 140 km, 2 hours
Parking can be challenging. There is limited parking in the city center and we noticed that the parking garages were generally full from 11 am to 3 pm (our visit was in May). With that being said, it is best to arrive in the early morning or stay at a hotel that offers parking.
There are two convenient parking lots: Poeta Rilke (a paid parking lot) and Parking La Merced (an underground parking garage a little bit closer to the city center). We parked in both of these lots during our stay.
You can also reserve a spot in advance at the APK2 Plaza del Socorro parking lot.
Where to Stay in Ronda
We stayed at the Hotel Catalonia Ronda, which has a central location in town. It is one of the highest rated properties in Ronda and its rooftop bar and restaurant offers a great view over the bullring. It also offers parking in a nearby parking garage, a big advantage, as parking spaces are limited in the city center.
Hotel Catalonia Ronda
If you want a view of the New Bridge, take a look at La Jaula de Oro, an apartment with a terrace that has an unbeatable view of the bridge. Plus, this property gets wonderful reviews. Buenavista Apartment also offers views of the bridge.
Salvatierra Guest House is located in the city center and gets exceptional reviews.
If you are traveling as a family or small group, we recommend Apartamentos Turisticos Espinel (a boutique property with one and two-bedroom apartments).
If you want to stay at a property with a pool, take a look at Buena Vista Ronda Club.
Places to Visit Near Ronda
The Caminito del Rey is one of Spain’s most famous walks. A series of boardwalk pathways cling to the cliffs of the Gaitanes Gorge, creating a scenic yet thrilling walk. This trail is about an hour drive from Ronda and can be done in half a day. Learn more in our Guide to the Caminito del Rey.
Caminito del Rey
Setenil de las Bodegas is a beautiful white village that sits to the north of Ronda. This small town can be visited in just a few hours. Seeing the buildings built under the ledges of rock is the main thing to do here, but this small town is also packed with fantastic restaurants.
Setenil de las Bodegas
Setenil de las Bodegas
Zahara de la Sierra is another white village that sits to the west of Ronda. To get here, it is a 40-minute drive.
Helpful Tips for Visiting Ronda
Wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Ronda is a hilly town and you will walk up and down quite a few hills and stairs.
If you plan to have dinner, make a reservation in advance. We provide links to recommended restaurants in the ‘Where to Eat’ section of this guide.
For those with a rental car, try to arrive early to make sure you get a parking spot near the center of town. Or book a hotel that offers parking.
If possible, try to spend one night in Ronda. This is a beautiful city to explore in the morning and evening. Plus, that extra time allows you to day trip to a nearby destination, such as a white village or the Caminito del Rey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ronda worth visiting?
With its picturesque bridges, gardens, and city streets, Ronda is one of Spain’s prettiest cities to visit. It is fun to explore, with its twisting streets, spectacular viewpoints, boutique shops, and fabulous collection of restaurants.
How do you spend a day in Ronda?
With one day in Ronda, walk the trails on either side of the New Bridge, filling your camera’s memory card with photos. Visit a historic site or two (take your pick from ancient Arab baths, quirky museums, or walk the roof of the church or old city walls for more unique views of Ronda) and end the day with dinner with a view of the bridge.
What are the must-see sights in Ronda?
The New Bridge is Ronda’s most famous landmark. Getting a view of this bridge from multiple viewpoints throughout town tops the list of things to do in Ronda. Other must-see sights include the Arab Baths, the scenic old town, the viewpoints of the surrounding countryside, and the bullring, which is one of the oldest in Spain.
If you have any questions about the best things to do in Ronda, let us know in the comment section below.
More Information for Your Trip to Spain
SEVILLE: Take a look at our article Best Things to do in Seville for 20 great experiences to have in the city and our One Day in Seville Itinerary for the best way to see the highlights in 24 hours.
CAMINITO DEL REY: The Caminito del Rey is one of the most famous walks in Spain. Learn exactly how to do it in our Guide to Caminito del Rey.
MADRID: Visit the must-see sights plus a few hidden gems in our article Best Things to Do in Madrid.
TOLEDO: Toledo is the most popular day trip from Madrid. Learn how to plan your visit with our article Best Things to Do in Toledo and How to Plan a Toledo Day Trip from Madrid.
BARCELONA: Start with our guide to the best things to do in Barcelona. Plan your visit with our 3 Day Barcelona Itinerary, our guide on Where to Stay in Barcelona, and get recommendations on where to eat in Barcelona.
GRANADA: Plan your trip to Granada with our article How to Visit Granada, which covers the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay. Our Guide to the Alhambra covers everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Alhambra.
Read all of our articles about Spain in our Spain Travel Guide.
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