RONDA TRAVEL GUIDE
40 Things to do in Ronda, Spain
In the Spanish province of Malaga lies Ronda. This city sits above a deep gorge, El Tajo and has many cultural and historical locations. It is known as the place of modern style bullfighting. The official currency in Spain is the Euro and people speak Spanish. Ronda lies within Malaga, which has sunshine for the majority of days throughout the year. The summers are hot and the winters are mild. Expect lots of heat when you visit, and plan accordingly!
Places to See in Ronda
EL TAJO
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Through the heart of the city lies a deep gorge, called El Tajo. At some points, it is up to 120 meters deep. The gorge, at the bridge area, is one of the most photographed places in Spain and the most popular attraction in Ronda. You would want to visit the gorge early, particularly the bridge area because the place is very crowded with tourists from late morning until just before the sun sets when the tour buses are returning to the resort towns in Costa del Sol.
PUENTE NUEVO (BRIDGE)
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At the highest point of the gorge lies Puente Nuevo, a bridge cobbled with stone on top. It is a traditional style bridge that has stood the test of time. It is an excellent spot to take in the gorge and the city, and take many photos.
ST. DOMINGO CONVENT
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Built in the 16th-century under the patronage of Saint Peter, St Domingo’s Covenant sits right on the gorge very close to the New Bridge. The convent has a chapel for prayers.
PLAZA DE TOROS & BULL RING
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The bullfighting ring at the square was created in 1785 to house bulls and show off the skill of bullfighters in the 18th century. Today, the location houses a museum dedicated to the history of bullfighting. The bullring is said to be the widest in the world and one of the oldest Spanish bullrings. The fights are premium events and only take place a few times in a year.
CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA LA MAYOR
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This church began to form in 1485 but wasn’t finished until the 1600s. It has many different styles within it due to the different artists working on it. It is a beautiful spot to see traditional Spanish architecture.
VAJEROS ROMANTICOS
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Its full name is Homenaje de Ronda a Los Viajeros Romanticos. It is a trail to walk on and experience the beauty of Ronda. It is a romantic backdrop, with views of the city and of nature. A must do for any active traveler.
CENTRO DE INTERPRETACION DEL VINO
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Go for wine tasting at the Centro de Interpretacion del Vino de Ronda. It is open 10am-8pm every day. It has group tours and individual tastings of local Spanish wine. Reserving a spot at this location for a tour is a must, to see how wine is made in the traditional Spanish style.
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF PEACE
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The church of our lady of peace is a church in Ronda, locally known as Iglesia de Ntra. Sra. de la Paz. It has artistic exteriors and interiors, with a lot of gold designs that will take your breath away. All are welcome to come in and see the beauty the town prides itself on.
PLAZA BEATO DIEGO JOSE DE CADIZ
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Plaza Beato Diego José de Cádiz is a public square in Ronda where the church of Our Lady of Peace sits. You can also find bars, restaurants, shops, and pharmacies along this square. It has everything you could need for your trip and more to see and do.
CASA DEL GIGANTE
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Casa-Palacio del Gigante is a Nasrid Dynasty house that showcases Islamic architecture. As old as 1385, this location shows off art and its own intricate architecture. Admission is just 1 Euro a person.
COLEGIO SAGRADO CORAZON
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Colegio Sagrado Corazón – Fundación Spínola is a private school within Ronda. Once a year, the students will carry out a procession through the town in honor of the Virgin Mary, an important symbol to the people of Ronda.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE IN RONDA
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Visit the Palace of Mondragon which is also locally known as Palace of the Marquis of Villasierra.
Explore the City’s Museum located at the Palace of Mondragon.
Learn about the City gates and the Arab walls protecting the city.
Walk in the Tajo’s tree-lined avenue.
Visit the Arab Public Baths found at the old Arab quarter.
Visit the Palace of the Arabian King situated in Cuesta de Santo Domingo street.
In the month of May participate in the Ronda Romantica Festival.
Know facts about people who lived in this city and those who traveled through Ronda long time ago, at Bandolero Museum.
See the Arch of Philip V.
Near the Tajo you will find Lara Museum which exhibits antique, weapons, archeological artifacts, and other old ornaments.
Visit Moctezumas’ Palace.
See the Church of the Holy Spirit constructed in 1485.
Visit the 16th-century Church of Padre Jesús.
Next to the Padre Jesús quarter, you will find Palace of the Marquis of Salvatierra.
Smell and taste wine at the Interpretation Centre of Wine.
Go to the Church of St. Cecilia.
Visit the historical monument, the minaret of St. Sebastian.
Visit the Giant’s House.
Visit the Merced’s Convent.
See the beauty of the City Hall found at the Duchess of Parcent Square.
Right at the Tajo’s edge, in the historical center, you will find St. John.
Bosco’s House that has beautiful tiles and walls.
Visit the shrine of Virgen de los Dolores.
Drive to Pileta’s Cave just outside Ronda.
Take a drive from Ronda to see archaeological site of Acinipo.
Where to Shop in Ronda
CARRERA ESPINEL
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The main shopping street in Ronda is called Carrera Espinel. About a kilometer long, this street has pedestrian traffic only. It is full of old, unique stores such as an old-fashioned toy store, a leather store, a butcher shop that serves fresh cut meat, and a lot of clothing stores.
Hotels in Ronda
Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria ($135 a night).
Hotel San Gabriel ($75 a night).
Ronda Hotel Polo ($43 a night).
Restaurants & Traditional Food in Ronda, Spain
RESTAURANTS SERVING TRADITIONAL FOOD IN RONDA
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RESTAURANTE ALMOCABAR Almocabar restaurant is open every day except Tuesday. It has excellent Mediterranean foods and good wines to pair with your food. Friendly staff and good atmosphere are everything you could want in Spanish dining.
TRAGATA Tragata is open 1:15 pm – 3:45 pm on Sundays and 1:15 pm – 3:45 pm and 8 pm – 11 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. A reservation is recommended since it is cozy and very popular. It has a variety of fine cuisines, a good deal of them traditional Spanish foods.
ABADES RONDA RESTAURANTE Abades Ronda Restaurante is open noon to midnight every day, this location has tasty food and specialty cocktails. It is very popular for lunch, where people flock to its outdoor seating to enjoy the Spanish sun.
RONDA TRADITIONAL FOOD
Fritura Malaguena: A dish with many types of fried seafood. This can include sardines, squid, mackerel, and cuttlefish.
Revuelto de Esparragos: This is an omelet made with eggs, garlic, asparagus, and sometimes ham or shrimp.
Boquerones: These are anchovies fried in olive oil. This is a popular dish in Ronda and Malaga itself.
Transportation in Ronda
Malaga to Ronda Bus: Autobuses Los Amarillos runs several times a day every day of the week with fares around $12.
Marbella to Ronda Bus: Avanza – ALISA runs this route with 6 buses a day. A typical fare is around $11.
Torremolinos to Ronda Bus: Avanza – ALISA runs this route four times a day. The price is around $18.