Around a 90-minute drive from the gorgeous city of Malaga in Spain, Ronda is an incredible place to visit. Even if you visit for a day trip, or a little longer, you’ll find heaps of the best things to do in Ronda dotted all across the city.
Over the years, we’ve visited Ronda many times when exploring the best places in the south of Spain. In fact, every time we visit the wider Malaga region, we’ve made the trip to Ronda. It’s an incredible and historic city that’s so stunning.
So, to help you get the most out of your time in the city, I’m sharing our top places to see while visiting Ronda. Have an amazing time exploring the south of Spain.
1.) Plaza de Toros (Bullring)
Situated right within the heart of historic Ronda, Plaza de Toros dates back to the 1700s and is incredible to see. Not only that, it’s the largest bullring in all of Spain.
Once here, head around on a self-guided tour of the bullring and explore its history, the museum and the bullring itself. Visits take around 90 minutes and it’s well worth visiting in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is a little more bearable.
Oh, and don’t forget to spot the Real Maestranza armoury that’s in the museum. It’s so interesting, especially, if you’re like me and don’t know too much about the local history.
Afterwards, book this organic olive oil tasting tour in Ronda that’s so much fun. You’ll be taken through the journey of Spanish olive oil and even go inside the oil mill itself. Tours take around 90 minutes and we loved it.
Read more: Best things to do in Malaga
2.) Arabic baths
Dating back around 800 years, visiting the Arab Baths is one of the best things to do in Ronda if you want to explore some of the region’s Moorish history.
Only a short walk from the historic bridge of Puente Viejo, the Arab Baths and the small museum is perfect for a 30-minute visit.
Now, the Arab Baths were built during the reign of King Abomelik and are still in incredible condition. Like, it’s amazing they’ve lasted this many centuries.
There’s a small entry fee to visit, but it’s honestly worth it to see this timestamp of history in Ronda.
Read more: Best things to do in Malaga
3.) Puente Nuevo
Probably Spain’s most famous bridge, Puente Nuevo is incredible to see. Although it’s the newest bridge in Ronda, don’t make the assumption that it’s ‘new’. It was actually built in the 1700s and is a whopping 120 metres high.
Local folklore states that the city of Ronda was once one ‘big’ city, without a canyon through the middle of it. It’s said that Ronda’s residents never used to get along and continually quarrelled within the city streets. To stop this, god decided to tear the city in two with a massive canyon, helping alleviate the constant arguing.
After many years apart (and we’re assuming fewer arguments), the residents decided to build Puente Nuevo, taking over 40 years.
To get the best views from Puente Nuevo, you’ll want to take a little hike down to this lookout point on Google Maps.
It’s incredible to see from this vantage point and you can easily walk back up the side of the canyon to the historic centre of Ronda itself.
Now, what I would say is that you should take your hike nice and slow. Although it’s only short, you can overheat quite easily in the heat of midday. Oh, and be sure to take some water down with you. We made the mistake of going without it.
4.) La Casa del Rey Moro
Nestled on the edges of the Canyon, La Casa del Rey Moro is absolutely worth a visit whilst 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 stroll around as you explore wider Ronda.
Once here, make sure to explore the hanging gardens and take the stairs down to the canyon bottom itself. Though, a heads up, it can be a workout.
5.) Jardines de Cuenca
Jardines de Cuenca is a small (but lovely) garden area, with winding stairs that hug the edge of the canyon itself.
Here you can enjoy the views of all three bridges and it’s well worth visiting after strolling across Puente Viejo.
You can have a lovely stroll and follow the short route to this observation deck. Here, you’ll get some of the iconic views of Puente Viejo, which is perfect if you don’t fancy the hike down to the bottom of the canyon.
6.) Mondragón Palace
Perched on the fringes of historic Ronda, Mondragon Palace is an incredible museum to visit that’s housed in a 700-year-old home.
Once home to Ronda’s Islamic King Abomelik, it’s one of the best things to do in Ronda if you want to learn the history of the city and the changes that have taken place over the centuries.
You see, Mondragon Palace is a museum where you can see exhibits from the Paleolithic, neolithic, Roman, Moorish, and Christian eras of Ronda. It’s pretty cool to learn about how the region has changed and the influences that each of these periods has had on modern-day Ronda.
Visits take around 45 to 60 minutes and it’s well worth visiting.
7.) Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park
Visiting the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park is well worth doing if you’re on a wider road trip around the south of Spain. You see, the mountains surrounding Ronda are just so incredible and you can easily spend a day driving through, or hiking, the local area.
Now, if you’re looking for a pretty tough hike, then head out to reach the summit at Simancón. The views from the top are the second highest in all of Cadiz and are just 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 liquids and food you’ll need along the way.
Alternatively, drive towards Zahara-El Gastor reservoir and stop off at Zahara de la Sierra Castle. The views are incredible and there are even a few little restaurants within the small hilltop hamlet.
Read more: Best things to do in Malaga
8.) Old Town Ronda
Visiting the old town is easily one of the best things to do in Ronda if you’re interested in the city’s long history.
You see, it’s filled with narrow streets, plazas and heaps of little cafes, restaurants and bars that are perfect for an afternoon trip.
Make sure to walk around the area surrounding Casa Museo Don Bosco (Which is worth going inside) and head further towards Plaza Mondragon. Eventually, you will stroll over to Plaza Duquesa de Parcent and it’s lovely. Just take the walk nice and slow in the midsummer heat.
9.) Lara Museum
The Lara Museum in Ronda is home to heaps of artefacts, memorabilia and exhibits that span centuries.
Here, you can learn all about the region’s witchcraft trials, and the type of armoury used in the Spanish War. Not only that, you’ll learn more about the Spanish Inquisition and the torture methods which are equally shocking and gruesome.
Visits take around 60 minutes and are well worth doing if you’re already in the historic centre of Ronda.
10.) Alameda del Tajo
A short stroll from Ronda’s bullring, Alameda del Tajo is a 19th-century public park that’s lovely when you’ve got a little more time in the city.
Once here, make sure to see the views from Balcón del Coño and the other gorgeous viewpoint of Mirador de Ronda.
Read more: Best things to do in Malaga
11.) Plaza Duquesa de Parcent
Visiting Plaza Duquesa de Parcent is easily one of the best things to do in Ronda as you stroll the historic centre.
You see, from here you can visit Iglesia de Santa María de la Encarnación la Mayor (a long name, I know). It dates back centuries and is well worth heading inside to learn more about the city’s Catholic history.
Afterwards, you should stop by Mesón Carmen la de Ronda for an early dinner. Their rabo de toro (Ox tail) is delicious.
Read more: Best things to do in Malaga
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