Lauded the most beautiful city of Andalusia, Ronda lives up to its reputation. Set high in the mountains, on the edge of a 400-foot cliff, the views of the valley below are stunning. Most travellers come to see the views. I hiked downhill among the vineyards to walk close to the surrounding views, after the old town and the square strolls that long attracted artists and intellectuals. Opting the road trip to south of Spain many miss Ronda which is getting overshadowed by its famous cities like Seville, Granada and Cordoba, but trust you me, Ronda is one of towns packed in history and culture and nature you don't want to miss in 2023.
Must-see-Attractions
Plaza de Toros
This oldest bullring of Spain for over 200 years has seen many events and fights. The museum has many memorabilia on display such like the costumes of the matadors and also includes artwork by Picasso and photos of famous fans of Ronda such as Orson Welles and Ernest Hemingway. This first bull ring was used to train the knights for the battlefield.
Puente Nuevo
This new bridge divides the old town from the new. Mounted on the dramatic gorge of the Río Guadalevín, Puento Nurvo is Ronda's most recognisable sight. Come any time of the day, one would see tourists getting busy taking photos from the bridge as it makes for a ideal photo stop.
Plaza de España
They peppered the square with shops, boutiques and cafes. According to Lonely planet, it was Ernest Hemingway who made this town's main square famous in his book "For Whom the Bell Tolls". When in southern Spain it's always a delight to gaze at the towns vibe, houses designed in Andalusian architecture and make your mind boggle about the life of their people
Iglesia de los Descalzos
Europe has its trillion churches of varying architectural style which unknowingly we travellers fall in love with and sleep over what if we get to marry here. Iglesia is such a beautiful 7th-century baroque church that was used as a Republican barracks during the civil war and today tourists favorite haunt.
Baños Árabes
This 13th-century Arab baths are among the best-preserved in all of Andalucía, designed in horseshoe arches, columns and clearly designated divisions between the hot and cold thermal areas. Though present day, it's a walk through to understand the history and life of its heydays.
Museo de Ronda
If you're a museum person, sign up for this visit that takes you to the artefacts and information spanning several millennia of Andalusian history.
Museo del Bandolero
This is an interesting museum visit even it attracts non-history lovers for the small museum is dedicated to the brave bandits who came to loot people and made history in the town of Ronda.
Parador De Ronda
If heritage and luxury intrigues you then Parador De Ronda-kind-of-stays we recommend. Perched on a cliff with 24 hrs views of the surrounding vineyards and meadows, everything in Parador is picture perfect. From decor, gastronomy to hospitality, Patador is where heritage meets luxury in Ronda. Even if you're not staying, a hearty lunch or a sundowner clubbed with an early dinner in their terrace is doable where you can drink in the views.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of stay options in Ronda starting from luxury hotels to budget Airbnbs but I would suggest stay in a secluded holiday rentals offering a concierge style service to guests, making all kinds of recommendations and arrangements as part of their service. For those that enjoy life outdoors, Ronda and the spectacular surrounding area boasts the best climate in southern Europe, allowing for activities at all times of the year. Hiking and cycling are incredibly popular here, with famous ancient footpaths and cycle routes for every travellers. There is mountain climbing, canoeing, birding, horse riding, paragliding, tennis and, on the coast, golf that the hotels can arrange.
A Vineyard Visit
Ronda is one of the oldest place and today the century-old wineries invite vino lovers for a wine tasting and stay. It gets the best clime for the cultivation of vines, with small microclimates that give rise to a generous variety of wines. Doña Felisa Winery , bounded by 3 natural parks, Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park and Alameda del Tajo is your place to be while in Ronda. It is located in the shadows of the Roman ruins of Acinipo, known as the “Land of Wines”, where Roman coins minted with grape clusters and the remains of wine presses were unearthed and thus testimony to the great wine-producing tradition of the area. A Mediterranean climate with a strong Atlantic influence, with temperature fluctuations between day and night that can reach up to 20ºC difference makes for some amazing varientals in wine. Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Fran, Graciano, Garnacha, Petit Verdot, Tintilla de Rota grow and are savoured in this region.
Gastronomy Lovers
You must be thinking what is a trip to south of Spain without tapas, paella and sangria. Know that there are many delicacies to try in their authentic recipes. Tapas here may includes small peices of bread topped with morsals of duck breast and chorizo. There are elegant dinning options and vegan plates found in modern bistros. Food lovers would get into the authentic patridge, rabbit and lamb stews cooked on the hot stones. There are many bodegas or wine tasting rooms and set menus to lap it up.
Some of the important events you should know before visiting Ronda
EASTER (SEMANA SANTA):
For the intensity and emotion of the religious processions.
END OF MAY:
‘Ronda Romantica’ - a colourful and festive fair honouring
the artists, writers, mule drivers and bandits of the
Napoleonic War era.
MAY/JUNE:
The perfect weather to enjoy outdoor activities before the
heat of the summer.
SEPTEMBER:
The end of the summer and the first weekend in
September brings the drama of the annual ‘Feria de Pedro
Romero’ in honour of the famous bullfighter, and the whole
town joins in the fiesta.
Click on Tripoto for more recoomendations on the best places to explore in Spain this Summer.