Ronda, a historic town in the south of Spain, is referred to as the Ciudad Soñada, or the “City of Dreams.”
A large part of Ronda’s identity can be credited to its topography and architecture.
Both Ronda’s appearance and history — there’s evidence it dates back to the Neolithic period, and both Roman and Moorish ruins are still present — are impressive, yet the destination itself is far from overwhelming.
Ronda is the “birthplace of bullfighting” at the Plaza de Toros.
Best Hotels and Resorts
Parador de Ronda
Catalonia Reina Victoria
Hotel La Fuente de la Higuera
Best Things to Do
Plaza de Toros
The Plaza de Toros de Ronda is the oldest and most beautiful bullring in Spain.
Puente Nuevo
As a starting point, you can see both the bridge and its waterfall from the Arco del Cristo viewpoint. Another option is the Jardines de Cuenca, where the Mirador de Cuenca provides an amazing bridge scene.
Arab Baths
The baths are located near the old bridge (Puente Viejo) in the historic part of Ronda. They’re situated on the banks of the river, which is where they would have sourced the water,” says Klawitter. They’re designed with three zones (cold, warm, and hot rooms); each is a fascinating look into the architecture of the period.
Via Ferrata
For more active travelers, the via ferrata is an adrenaline-pumping, strength-testing way to get a different view of Ronda’s attractions. Difficulty levels vary among via ferrata routes, but Ronda’s course tends to be good for beginners, who will spend a couple of hours climbing along the path’s steel fixtures.
Mondragón Palace
For a dose of Ronda history, head to Mondragón Palace, a Moorish building from the 14th century. Home to the Ronda Municipal Museum, it’s the perfect place to learn more about the town’s past inhabitants and understand how Ronda has changed over the last several hundred years. Make sure to save time for the palace’s photogenic courtyards and water gardens overlooking the gorge.
How to Get There
Ronda is located between Seville and Málaga, allowing for multiple transportation options for travelers making their way to the town. The nearest airports are Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) and Seville Airport (SVQ), both of which are under a two-hour drive away. If travelers don’t care to rent a car to navigate Ronda, they can opt to take the train or bus; the latter is usually the more affordable option.
How to Get Around
Bring your walking shoes, as you’ll need comfortable footwear to get the most out of your trip.