Attractions to see in Ronda

Puente Nuevo

Spanning a dramatic 328-foot gorge, this iconic 18th-century bridge took 40 years to build and once housed a torture chamber during the Civil War—now it’s Ronda’s most photographed marvel from countless viewpoints.

Alameda del Tajo

Shaded gardens along the gorge where locals gather on benches under century-old trees lead to Paseo de Los Ingleses, offering spectacular sunset views over the surrounding plains and distant mountains from peaceful viewing platforms.

Plaza de Toros

Spain’s oldest all-stone bullring designed by the same architect as Puente Nuevo features elegant sandstone columns, a comprehensive bullfighting museum, and Ernest Hemingway’s statue overlooking the plaza where he found inspiration.

Church of Our Lady of Mercy

Late 16th-century church with three naves, an octagonal brick bell tower, and housing Spain’s most revered relic—the incorruptible hand of Saint Teresa—visitors can also purchase traditional pastries made by cloistered Carmelite nuns.

Casa del Rey Moro

This isn’t a polished, sanitized tourist palace. You’re walking the same steps that medieval slaves walked, descending into a genuine piece of 14th-century military engineering that helped determine the outcome of sieges and battles.

Jardines de Cuenca

These free, beautifully illuminated gardens provide an intimate escape from the tourist crowds, where you can experience Ronda’s dramatic landscape from angles that will completely change how you see this city.

Puerta de Almocábar

This gate has witnessed eight centuries of history. The name itself tells a story—»Almocábar» comes from the Arabic «Al-Maqabir,» meaning «the cemetery», because a Muslim burial ground once lay just outside these walls.

Arab Baths

Best-preserved 13th-century baths in Spain feature horseshoe arches, star-shaped skylights, and an original waterwheel system—visitors praise the informative audiovisual presentation despite the steep climb back to town.

church santa maria la mayor in ronda spain

Santa María la Mayor

Former mosque converted to church blends Arabic inscriptions with Gothic architecture, featuring an unusual choir dividing nobility from commoners—climb the bell tower for outstanding panoramic views across Ronda.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Ronda?

While Ronda can be visited as a day trip, staying 2-3 days allows you to fully experience the city without crowds, explore all the viewpoints at different times of day, and take day trips to nearby white villages like Setenil de las Bodegas.

Ronda is easily accessible by car, train, or bus. If you’re driving, the city is well-connected via scenic mountain roads from Málaga, Seville, and other major Andalusian cities. The train journey from Málaga or Seville offers spectacular views of the countryside. Regular bus services also connect Ronda with nearby cities and towns, making it convenient for travelers without a car.

Despite being located in Andalusia, Ronda’s weather can be quite different from coastal areas. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching high levels. However, winters can be surprisingly cold due to the city’s elevation and inland location at over 750 meters above sea level. We recommend packing layers if you’re visiting during the cooler months, as temperatures can drop significantly, especially in the evenings.

The must-see attractions include Puente Nuevo bridge spanning the dramatic El Tajo gorge, Plaza de Toros (Spain’s oldest bullring), the well-preserved Arab Baths, and the stunning viewpoints throughout the Old Town. Don’t miss climbing the bell tower at Santa María la Mayor church for panoramic views. You can see our guide to things to do in Ronda for more information.

Ronda is located in the Málaga province of Andalusia, southern Spain. It sits in the Serranía de Ronda mountains, approximately 100km (1.5 hours) from Málaga, 135km from Seville, and 180km from Granada, making it easily accessible from major Andalusian cities.

Ronda offers excellent accommodation options ranging from luxury paradors to boutique hotels. For detailed recommendations on the best hotels in Ronda, including locations near the bridge and in the Old Town, check our best hotels in Ronda list.

The best times are spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures range between 20-25°C. Summer can be warm but less crowded than coastal areas. Winter is mild but rainier, though you’ll have the city mostly to yourself.