Ronda's Puente Nuevo at sunset

Walk Through Ronda, Ronda

Discover the historic and picturesque town of Ronda, dramatically sitting atop El Tajo Gorge with its three famous bridges.

Overview

Explore Ronda with a local, the village that Ernest Hemingway once called the most romantic town in Spain. In addition to being home to several palaces, museums, and historic buildings, Ronda is also set on a spectacular gorge and surrounded by the Serranía de Ronda Mountains. Your guide will take you through the historic neighborhoods and across all three of the town's famed bridges, including Puente Nuevo, for its incredible views of El Tajo Gorge.

Highlights

  • Discover Ronda's history with romantics and bandits
  • Learn how the town was a refuge for Muslims during the Spanish Inquisition
  • Walk across the three famous bridges: Puente Nuevo, Puente Viejo, and Puente Romano
  • Enjoy the views from the top and bottom of the gorge
  • Stroll through the most historic neighborhood in Ronda

Know before you go

Duration
2.5 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Private group

What you'll do

Embark on a walk through Ronda, one of the most popular "white villages" of Andalusia, set atop a long cliffside 383 feet (120 m) high, where the Guadalevín River snakes its way through El Tajo Gorge, cutting the town into two parts. The city also has an exciting history with Roman, Berber, and Catholic influences. However, Ronda was initially a refuge for Muslims fleeing the more significant towns after the Spanish Inquisition in 1492.

You'll meet your guide in Plaza de España, in front of the beautiful hotel, Parador de Ronda. Enjoy an introduction to the town's history. During the 19th century, the city became known for its bandits, prompting artists like Washington Irving and Richard Ford to create to reflect the region's fascinating landscape with its risky travel. This appealed to Romantics, and the rest is history, as Ronda became a place of allure despite its danger. Soon women were making the journey with the help of guards, plus famous creatives like Orson Welles and Hemmingway, who declared Ronda a dream city.

Next, cross the city's most famous bridge, Puente Nuevo. After enjoying the views from the top, you'll be in the San Francisco barrio, one of the city's oldest and most traditional neighborhoods. Here, you'll pass through narrow, winding streets connecting traditional monuments and interesting points. For example, learn about the history of the Arabic Medina and visit the famously well-preserved Arab Baths, built in the 13th and 14th centuries next to the Guadalevín River. Continue your walk by strolling along the gorge, passing sites like La Casa del Rey Moro, Palacio de Salvatierra, and the historic walls. Before crossing Puente Viejo, walk down the steps to admire the city's oldest bridge, Puente Romano.

From here, you'll explore the New Town, which grew significantly after the construction of Puente Nuevo in the 18th century. Enjoy walking along the scenic cliffside pathway to enjoy truly incredible views at the iconic Mirador de Ronda and Alameda del Tajo park, home to a local cat colony and a sculpture of Ernest Hemingway. You'll also pass the Bullring of the Royal Cavalry of Ronda and visit sites like Plaza de la Merced, where you'll find the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced Ronda. You can also view Plaza del Socorro and its Catholic church, Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Socorro, or walk down the trail to the bottom of the gorge.

Itineraries with Walk Through Ronda

Ultimate Andalusian Road Trip - 8 Days

This eight-day self-drive itinerary takes you from Málaga to Cádiz through a gorgeous section of Spain's southern coast. Along the route, you'll explore Andalusia's White Villages (including Ronda, set on a spectacular gorge) as you head toward the Atlantic coast while discovering a range of landscapes, centuries of history and tradition, local producers, and exquisite cuisine—often with the help of a local guide.

Andalusia Self-Drive Tour: From Málaga to Cádiz - 8 days

Discover the highlights of Andalusia, from the Mediterranean coast in Málaga to the Atlantic coast in Cádiz. On this eight-day self-drive tour, you'll enjoy whitewashed villages built into cliffsides, sample some of the country's best wine and sherry, explore ancient Moor and Roman ruins, and eat delicious local cuisine. Marvel at southern Spain's stunning landscapes, passionate people, and colorful culture.

Best of Andalusia: Culture, Nature, & Food - 13 Days

This 13-day itinerary takes you from Seville to Jerez de la Frontera for the ultimate tour through Spain's Andalusia region. Along the route, you'll visit scenic villages like Ronda, set on a spectacular gorge, discover gorgeous Moorish architecture, and enjoy fabulous tapas in true Spanish style.

Highlights of Madrid and Andalusia - 8 Days

Explore some of Spain's best cities on this 8-day trip to Madrid and the region of Andalusia, starting with private tours of Madrid's historic neighborhoods and its royal past. Board the train to the city of Seville for tapas and flamenco, as well as a day trip to the town of Ronda and a winery. You'll end the trip with Granada for a tour of the famous Alhambra and Generalife Gardens before returning to Madrid.