Andalusian white villages - Ronda tourist guide

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Ronda

Ronda is a picturesque old town that straddles a breathtaking gorge. Perched high on a rock precipice 150 metres (just under 500 ft) above the gorge, the town sits on both sides of the chasm with the old Moorish town La Ciudad (literally 'The City') to the South and the newer El Mercadillo ('Little Market') district to the North. Three bridges span the ravine, the most impressive being the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) which was built in the 18th Century. This is where most tourist activity can be found and where the most dramatic photos can be taken. There are several little cafés and restaurants around the area enabling visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery. Some of the narrow side streets afford the opportunity to take photos looking back up at the bridge and capture the staggering gorge and the bridge. The 13th Century Baños Arabes (Moorish baths) are worth a visit. Lying close to the river they are fairly well preserved, including a large vaulted roof.

Transfer Malaga airport to Ronda

When going from Malaga airport to Ronda, an easy, fast and comfortable transportation method is the airport transfer:

They are waiting for you even when your flight is delayed.
You know what you have to pay with no hidden charges.
The price is excelent, sometimes even cheaper than a taxi!
Friendly and bilingual chauffer always willing to help with your luggage.
Top recommended Malaga airport transfer to Ronda companies.

Beware of unlicensed drivers!

Ronda City

The older part of the town still bears much of the Moorish influence of its past. The isolated location and the fortifications make it easy to understand why this town of Malaga was one of the last Muslim strongholds during the Christian Re-conquest. It remained in Moorish hands until 1485 when it finally fell to the larger Christian forces. Of particular interest are the Palacio de Mondragón which was built in 1314 by the ruler of Ronda, and later became a summer retreat for the Spanish monarchy. The palace contains a small museum with information on prehistory, Moorish culture, architecture and art. The palace is also a good example of the courtyards and gardens of the period with scented flowers and the ever-present sound of running water. Along with the terrace, this provides a magnificent view over the cliff. The Church of Santa Maria Mayor (see right) was built on the previous site of the Mosque and uses many of its features in its construction. The minaret was converted into the bell tower and two arches, several domes and the mihrab still survive from the original building. Inside the church lies a high altar and a beautifully-carved Baroque choir stall.

El Mercadillo de Ronda

Ronda is also famous for its claim to be the home of the oldest bullring in Spain (Plaza de Toros). Dating from 1785 the arena is a two story arcade in the neoclassical style. There is a small museum to bullfighting, much of it dedicated to Pedro and Francisco Romero (father and son). Francisco Romero is credited with introducing the cape and the muleta into bullfighting, his son Pedro is celebrated as being the first to expound on the rules of bullfighting. Facing the gorge and the Puente Nuevo is a new Parador (state-run hotels mainly in historical sites or areas), providing a magnificent place to stay in Ronda. Or, for those making a day trip, its restaurant is as good as any place to dine. The stone work and facade of the Parador have been carefully built to match those of its older neighbours.

HOW TO GET TO RONDA

Ronda is a notable tourist centre in the province of Malaga, a place worth visiting from anywhere in Spain; thus we decided to include a small guide so you can visit Ronda on the road from anywhere mentioned below.

If your destination is Malaga, check our prices for car rental at Malaga airport, the cheapest you can find.

From Malaga to Ronda:

From the Costa del Sol, after passing Marbella, take the junction to the right, which leaves from San Pedro de Alcantara. From the crossing we find a wide road, two-way, with multiple curves; in his ascent from sea level we are discovering the mountain landscape until it reaches Ronda, with a distance of 50 km. Some natural sources allow us a break on the trip. Well-placed lookouts encourage us to admire and photograph a spectacular panorama. It is the longest route, but the most attractive for tourists.
From El Burgo, is the shortest road from Malaga (90 km), but it is narrow with many curves. The route from the capital is towards Coin (either by Campanillas, Cártama or Alhaurín de la Torre, Alhaurín el Grande), Alozaina, Yunquera..
From Ardales, is the best choice for its mileage (100 km), for its tranquility and asphalt, although it is a dual circulation road; it is used by people from Ronda to go to Malaga. The route is as follows: Malaga, towards Campanillas, which in its first stretch is motorway and in its second stretch has going on refurbishment works, until the junction of Ardales; we drive along the bypass of this town to the junction that leads to Ronda passing by Cuevas del Becerro.

From Seville to Ronda:

From Utrera, is the most suitable route and the shortest. After passing through Utrera, we find El Coronil, Montellano, Puerto Serrano, Algodonales, Montecorto and Ronda.
From las Cabezas de San Juan, we leave Seville on the Cadiz motorway. We exit in Las Cabezas de San Juan in the direction of Villamartin, Algodonales, Ronda.

From Madrid to Ronda:

From Jaen and Granada (advisable), we start the trip in N-IV, or Motorway of Andalusia. Arriving at Bailen, we take the junction towards Jaen and Granada (motorway). In Granada we take the direction to Seville (motorway). Here we should pay attention not to take wrong roads that lead to Malaga and other places. We always head towards Seville, until the indication Campillos - Ronda. Near the town of Campillos, we turn at an intersection to the left that leads to Ronda Ardales and Malaga; after a few miles on this road we must take the detour Teba – Ronda; always in direction towards Ronda, we pass Cuevas del Becerro.
From Cordoba, we start the trip in N-IV, or Andalusia highway, passing through Cordoba in direction to Seville. At the intersection of Montilla, we turn in that direction, to Montilla, Aguilar, Puente Genil, Estepa, Málaga motorway direction to the intersection of La Roda de Andalucia; then towards Sierra de Yeguas, Campillos, Ronda.
From Córdoba (another alternative), we start the trip in N-IV, or Andalusia highway passing through Cordoba in direction to Seville and reach Ecija. Here we take the detour to Osuna. In Osuna, we take a narrow road to El Saucejo and Almargen. After Cañete la Real, Cuevas del Becerro, Ronda.

From Valencia to Ronda:

-From Murcia – Granada, most of the way by motorway, with a distance of 600 kilometers: Valencia, Xativa, Villena, Elda, Elche, Orihuela, Murcia, Totana and Lorca. From Lorca to Puerto Lumbreras, from there direction to Granada. Arriving in Granada, follow the motorway towards Seville. Here, we have to pay attention to not take wrong roads that lead to Malaga and other places. We will always go in direction towards Seville until the indication Campillos - Ronda. Near the town of Campillos, we turn at an intersection to the left that leads to Ronda Ardales and Malaga; after a few miles on this road we take the detour Teba – Ronda; always in direction towards Ronda, we pass Cuevas del Becerro.

From Barcelona to Ronda:

We can take directions to Madrid or Valencia, as appropriate for our trip and take from each of these capitals the described route.

From Gibraltar to Ronda:

-From Gaucín, is the shortest route and is about 120 kilometers long. We drive in the direction of Algeciras, to find at the right a crossroads that indicates Ronda. It is a narrow road, which is in restructuring work. To go without haste; this is the most suitable route for those who wish to enjoy mountain tourism, for we find beautiful views and the mountainous villages worth visiting: Gaucín, Benarrába, Algatocín, Benalauría, Benadalid, Atajate y Ronda.
-From San Pedro de Alcántara, is the most convenient way as the highway runs until to San Pedro de Alcántara, where we take the intersection of Ronda. From the intersection leaves a wide road, two-way, with multiple curves; in his ascent from sea level, we discover the mountain landscape until it reaches Ronda, with a distance of 50 kilometers. Some natural sources allow us a break on the trip. Well-placed lookouts encourage us to admire and photograph a spectacular panorama. It is the longest route, but the most attractive for tourists.
-From Estepona, the road is prettier, but the longest, with beautiful mountain views and pine forests. In Estepona, we take the road to Jubrique. We will be driving through the Genal Valley and its mountain villages, to Algatocín, where we find the intersection that leads to Ronda.

Keep visiting us to find the best recommendations and how to get the most out of your rental car in Malaga; we will try to propose the best tourist routes by road for the enjoyment of your holiday.

Ronda Pictures

Looking for some images and pictures from Ronda in Malaga?, check below our photos from Ronda or check our Ronda photo gallery.

Ronda Pictures

Ronda useful information

Goverment	Antonio María Marín Lara
Area	481 km²
Population	36.233 hab
Time Zone	(UCT+1)
Web Site	http://www.ronda.es

Ayuntamiento de Ronda

Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, 1, Ronda
Tel: 952 873 240
http://www.turismoderonda.es/indexeng.htm
Wikipedia Ronda

White villages

Tourist Tips

To get to Ronda the easiest and fastest route is via San Pedro de Alcántara, which lies on the coast road just past Marbella and before Estepona. The road is twisty in some parts as it winds inland, providing many vantage points to see the surrounding countryside and the Serranía de Ronda Mountains. The road can also be accessed via the new Autovia del Sol but you must come off of the toll road first before you can turn onto the Ronda road. Another road from Gibraltar and Algeciras was once a favourite haunt of bandits. It offers some spectacular views but can be treacherous in places.