About a 90-minute drive from Spain’s magnificent city of Malaga, Ronda is an incredible place to visit. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or a little longer, you’ll find heaps of great things to do in Ronda throughout the city.
Over the years, we have visited Ronda many times while exploring the best places in the south of Spain. In fact, every time we visit the greater Málaga region, we make a trip to Ronda. It is a wonderful and historical city that is very stunning.
So, to help you make the most of your time in the city, I’m sharing our top places to see when visiting Ronda. Have a wonderful time exploring the south of Spain.
1.) Plaza de Toros (Bullring)
Located within the heart of historic Ronda, the Plaza de Toros dates back to the 1700s and is a sight to behold. Not only that, it is the largest bullring in all of Spain.
Once here, take a self-guided tour of the bullring and explore its history, museum and bullring. The visit takes about 90 minutes and is best visited in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is a little more bearable.
Oh, and don’t forget to check out the Real Mastranza Armory in the museum. It’s very interesting, especially, if you’re like me and don’t know much about local history.
later, Book this organic olive oil tasting tour Lots of fun in Ronda. You will be taken on a journey through Spanish olive oil and even go inside an oil mill. The tour takes about 90 minutes and we loved it.
Read more: Best things to do in Malaga
2.) Arabic bath
Dating back around 800 years, one of the best things to do if you want to explore some of the region’s Moorish history is to visit the Arab Baths in Ronda.
Just a short walk from Puente Viejo’s historic bridge, Arab baths and small museum is worth a 30-minute visit.
Now, the Arab Baths were built during the reign of King Abomelik and are still in incredible condition. As such, it is surprising that they have survived for so many centuries.
There is a small entry fee to visit, but seeing this timestamp of history in Ronda is honestly worth it.
Read more: Best things to do in Malaga
3.) Puente Nuevo
Perhaps Spain’s most famous bridge, the Puente Nuevo is incredible to behold. Although it is the newest bridge in Ronda, don’t assume it is ‘new’. It was actually built in 1700 and is 120 meters high.
Local folklore states that the city of Ronda was once a ‘big’ city, without a valley in the middle. It is said that the inhabitants of Ronda never got along and constantly quarreled in the streets of the city. To prevent this, God decided to tear the city in two with a wide valley, helping to eliminate the constant arguments.
After a gap of several years (and we’re assuming less arguments), the residents decided to build Puente Nuevo, taking more than 40 years.
To get the best views from Puente Nuevo, you have to hike down a bit The lookout point On Google Maps.
The view from this vantage point is incredible and you can easily walk down the valley side to the historic center of Ronda.
Now, what I will say is that you should take your journey nice and slow. Although it’s only short, you can easily overheat in the midday heat. Oh, and be sure to take some water with you. We made the mistake of going without it.
4.) La Casa del Rey Moro
Located on the edge of a canyon, La Casa del Rey Moro is worth a visit while in Ronda. Dating back to the 18th century and also known as the Water Mine, La Casa del Rey Moro is the perfect place to stop as you explore the wider Ronda.
Once here, make sure to explore the hanging gardens and take the stairs right down to the valley floor. However, heads up, it can be a workout.
5.) Jardines de Cuenca
Jardines de Cuenca is a small (but lovely) garden area, with steps that hug the edge of the canyon itself.
Here you can enjoy the view of all three bridges and is worth a visit after a stroll in Puente Viejo.
You can take a beautiful stroll and follow a short path The observation deck. Here, you’ll find some iconic views of Puente Viejo, which is worth it if you don’t fancy going to the bottom of the valley.
6.) Mondragon Palace
Located on the edge of historic Ronda, Mondragon Palace is a wonderful museum to visit in this 700-year-old house.
Once the home of Abomelic, the Islamic King of Ronda, it is one of the best things to do in Ronda if you want to know the history of the city and the changes it has undergone over the centuries.
You see, the Mondragon Palace is a museum where you can see exhibits from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Roman, Moorish and Christian eras of Ronda. It’s great to learn about how the region has changed and how each of these periods has affected modern Ronda.
The visits take about 45 to 60 minutes and are well worth a visit.
7.) Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park
Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park is worth a visit if you’re on a long road trip to the south of Spain. You see, the mountains around Ronda are pretty amazing and you could easily spend a day driving or hiking through the local area.
Now, if you are looking for a very tough hike, head out to reach the summit at Simancon. The views from the top are the second highest in all of Cádiz and are simply incredible. That being said, this hike is only for very experienced hikers. The route can be long and you need to be aware of the necessary fluids and food along the way.
Alternatively, drive to Zahara-Al Gaster Reservoir and stop here Zahara de la Sierra Castle. The views are amazing and there are also a few small restaurants within the small hill village.
Read more: Best things to do in Malaga
8.) Old Town Ronda
Visiting the old town is one of the best things to do in Ronda if you are interested in the city’s long history.
You see, it’s full of narrow streets, plazas, and heaps of little cafes, restaurants, and bars that are perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Be sure to walk around the surrounding area Casa Museo Don Bosco (which is worth going in) and proceed to Plaza Mondragon. Eventually, you’ll stroll onto the Plaza Duquesa de Percent and it’s beautiful. Just take a nice, slow walk in the midsummer heat.
9.) Lara Museum
This Lara Museum Ronda is home to heaps of artefacts, memorabilia and exhibitions spanning the centuries.
Here, you can learn all about the region’s witchcraft trials and the type of weaponry used in the Spanish War. Not only that, you will learn more about the Spanish Inquisition and torture methods that are equally shocking and gruesome.
Visits take around 60 minutes and are well worth doing if you are already in the historic center of Ronda.
10.) Alameda del Tajo
A short stroll from Ronda’s bullring, the Alameda del Tajo is a 19th-century public park that looks great when you have a little more time in the city.
Once here, make sure to check out the sights here Balkan del Cono And other gorgeous views Mirador de Ronda.
Read more: Best things to do in Malaga
11.) Plaza Duquesa de Parcent
Visiting Plaza Duquesa de Percent in Ronda is easily one of the best things to do while you’re strolling through the historic center.
You see, from here you can visit the Iglesia de Santa María de la Encarnación la Mayor (a long name, I know). It dates back centuries and is worth going inside to learn more about the city’s Catholic history.
Afterwards, you should stop Mason Carmen La de Ronda For an early dinner. Their Rabo de Toro (bull’s tail) is delicious.
Read more: Best things to do in Malaga
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