What to See in Ronda, Spain in One Day

“……where you should go if you ever go to Spain on a honeymoon or if you ever bolt with anyone. The entire town and as far as you can see in any direction is romantic background…”

Ernest Heminway from the novel death in the afternoon

Ronda “The City of Dreams”

Ronda, Spain, was not on our radar until we came across a random post on a travel site on Facebook. This unique and picturesque mountain town is in the Andalucia region of southern Spain in the Province of Malaga. Our concern was what to see in Ronda in one day and whether Ronda was worth visiting. The answer is a resounding YES. Seeing these perfectly whitewashed buildings sitting precariously on the edge of a deep river gorge, overlooking seemingly endless sandstone peaks, looked almost surreal. This massive gorge divides the town into two. The spectacular Puente Nuevo bridge, built in the 1700s, is 360 feet above the Guadalevin River and spans the El Tajo gorge. It connects the old and new towns, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.

While the astonishing sight of these massive sandstone cliffs with a city perched on top drew our first attention, we soon discovered their rich and ancient history.

Ronda, Spain, became one of the most famous white towns in the Andalusia region. We already had a few white towns on our itinerary; why not add one more?

With our plane tickets purchased and hotels reserved, we had limited options, but luck was on our side. Ronda was not far off the path we had already laid out. It made for a long day, but it was worth every second. The scenery is stunning and beyond compare. There was an energy and excitement in Ronda that was invigorating. The locals were exceptionally kind, warm, and welcoming. It was also a blast to photograph. Ronda is the complete package!

A Town Full of Life and History

The town of Ronda, Spain, also known as the “City of Dreams,” is a small yet vibrant city with a fascinating history that dates back to the Neolithic Age. Established in the 9th century BC, it is said that those who arrived here never wanted to leave. The first inhabitants of Ronda were primitive people, followed by the Romans, and then the Moors. After conquering the town, the Crusaders drove out the Moors in the 15th century. Ronda, Spain, bears markings from all these various inhabitants over the years. It is truly a step back in time. Its beguiling white houses and buildings, Roman and Moorish Antiquities, and impressive architectural wonders such as the Puente Nuevo bridge will undoubtedly capture your heart.

Ronda has attracted many famous historical figures. It is often referred to as one of the most romantic cities in Spain. We may find it hard to disagree with that statement. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway wrote extensively about Ronda in his 1932 book, Death in the Afternoon. He adored this town. While wandering the city, it is easy to imagine him wandering the streets, stopping at some old tavern for a drink and dialogue with the other patrons.

An Illustrious Bullfighting History

Ernest Hemingway said of bullfighting in Ronda. “There is one town that would be better… to see your first bullfight in if you were only going to see one, and that is Ronda.”

Ronda, Spain, has some surprising modern history. It is the birthplace of modern bullfighting. Consequently, it remains one of the few places in Spain where bullfighting still occurs. The Bullring is a draw for foreign tourists and Spanish citizens alike. Plaza de Toros is open for tours and has an excellent museum.

The greatest matador of all time, Pedro Romero, was a native of  Ronda. Pedro was a master in the ring while never being gored even once. Young bullfighters continue to come here to learn the sport.

Bullfighting is synonymous with violence and animal cruelty. We would not partake ourselves. It is part of the intricate fabric of Spain’s and Ronda’s story. It has been outlawed in most of Spain, and where it remains, it is very restricted. However, here in Ronda, the tradition persists, but perhaps not for much longer. Bullfighting nights will make for a crowded city and expensive hotels. Review the schedule to plan accordingly.

Where is Ronda

Ronda is located in the mountains and is entirely off the beaten path. As one of the Andalusia region’s white villages, it is a 2-hour drive from Seville, a 2-hour 15-minute drive from Granada, and 1 hour and 22 minutes from Malaga. On the day we visited, we started in Granada and ended the day in Sevilla, with many White towns to see along the way. It was a comfortable and lovely scenic drive—a mix of highways and country roads.

Some buses or tours easily take you from Sevilla, Granada, and Malaga for those without cars. There are trains available, but the route is slow, and you will get there faster by bus.

Ronda is a smaller city; with so much to experience, you should give yourself at least half the day if you don’t plan to stay the night. We highly recommend a one-night stay if you can.

Ronda, Spain Map

Suggested Itinerary for Ronda, Spain

Parking can be a challenge. Even in the offseason, finding a parking spot took us 20 minutes. Try to avoid parking far away or at the bottom of the town. We recommend parking in the first place you can find in town, as you will want to get right to your visit to this fantastic city. There are underground lots in the heart of town and open-air lots toward the more residential New Town area, away from the Puente Nuevo bridge.

We arrived late in the morning, and the town was bustling with people wandering about. The traffic was congested, and we moved slowly through these old, narrow streets. Add to that all the pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages sharing the limited space. We observed many large tour buses parked around town, which explained the large number of people present.

Bring some good trail shoes to hike the town and the valley to get incredible views of the town above. Having comfortable shoes benefits you if you get stuck parking way down the hill and have to walk back up. Like most mountain towns, we discovered there is no shortage of hills.

Start with the Bridge

Puente Nueve Bridge is a visually captivating architectural masterpiece. It sits amidst these sandstone rock cliffs that plummet into the massive gorge. The bridge is a tall, narrow arch with high piers. It was just as surreal in person as it was when we saw the images online.

Construction began in 1759 to replace the original bridge, which had collapsed in 1740. It took 42 years to build, with several architects involved. Fifty workers died during the process of building it.

Puente Nueve Bridge, during the Civil War, functioned as a prison and was used for torture.

The bridge chamber can be reached through a square building that previously served as the guardhouse. Today, it features an exhibit that depicts the bridge’s history and construction. The interpretive center offers a sensational view of the El Tajo gorge.

At this point, you are right near the hiking path down to the valley below the gorge. It is just past the bridge on the old town side on the right. Follow this path as it clings to the river valley, taking you into the narrow part of the gorge. This deep gorge splits the town in two. The views along the whole hike will blow your mind. Take that camera and some water, as if it’s a hot day; you’ll need it on the walk back up. The river flowing through the El Tajo gorge is the Río Guadalevín. The hike is about 45 minutes round-trip and can be steep at times.

Old Town Ronda

Now, let’s continue looking at some of the other great things in this fantastic village. It was hard to pull ourselves away from admiring and photographing the gorge and the bridge.

To the south of the bridge, you find yourself in Old Town. An incredible 13th-century medieval fortified gate was part of the old town walls. Several spots remain where you can see these walls, each offering a unique perspective of the Old Town, which is predominantly located on the east side.

Just past the gate is Castillo del Laurel, since no walled town would be complete without a castle. Mondragon Palace is another excellent site. Don’t forget to stop at some of the many churches along the way.

Continuing north, you will find two smaller stone bridges, one of which is the original bridge to the town. It is located at the northeast corner of the Old Town, just past a 13th-century Arab bathhouse.

The Arab Bathhouse

The Arab bathhouse is a popular site for visitors and is truly spectacular. The best-preserved baths in Spain offer a peek into the Moors’ fascinating world during the 13th to 16th centuries. There is a short animated presentation that is a good introduction. Make sure to plan it into your schedule. There may be a wait, as they are popular, but it’s well worth the visit.

After the bathhouse, you come across another small gate, the original town gate, which graces the road as you enter the town. Follow the stone roads that lead to terraces that provide spectacular views. Now, head northeast of the wall to find La Casa del Rey Moro. There is a water mine and lovely gardens that visitors can wander through.

Next, head back toward the Puente Nueve Bridge and New Town. Take a different path than the one you took. You will find many shops to visit in any direction you choose.

New Town Ronda

Finally, you cross the Puente Nuevo bridge into the northern New Town area. There, you will find picturesque views of the river valley below and the town surrounding the edges of the cliffs. Once across, you will discover Mirador de Ronda, a great lookout point of the gorge. A short distance away is the beautiful Plaza de España. The Plaza is near the Bullring of Ronda.

The Bullring dates back to the 18th century and was once used to train the royal cavalry. Visit the museum to learn about Spain’s infamous bullfighting history.

Adjacent to the Bullring, you will find the stunning 19th-century Alameda del Tajo city park. The park’s tree-lined paths are perfect for taking relaxing walks. Many locals are here, especially for the paseo (evening stroll). The park offers magnificent panoramic views of the Ronda landscapes. A duck pond adds to the charming setting.

On our way out, we stopped at Calle Nueva, a small pedestrian street lined with cobblestone near the Bullring. Here, you’ll find almost everything you want to eat, as well as some fun shops.

Then There is the Food…

There are many great places in Ronda to stop for local treats and possibly a meal; the city is home to numerous bakeries and shops offering local delights. We grabbed a delicious pastry to give us a bit of sustenance for our final climb. Are you in the mood for an authentic Spanish treat? Find a cafe serving churros and hot chocolate.

Along the many lovely streets throughout Ronda, you find all sorts of eateries and restaurants. There are many simple little taverns where you can enjoy traditional Spanish sherry or sangria. We were impressed with both the intimate family eateries and the larger, fancy restaurants. Tapas is a popular menu item in Ronda. Calle Nueva, the lively, cobbled-stone pedestrian street near the Bullring, was full of restaurants.

You can enjoy tapas and take in the spectacular views from the many restaurants perched on the cliffside. We always welcome special and unique dining settings to accompany our meals. Drawn into this idyllic setting, we chose to eat at El Morabito in Old Town. We ate on the terrace overlooking the valley. It was the perfect setting, and we marveled at the fantastic views while we enjoyed delicious tapas. It is located next to a trail that leads to excellent views of the town bridge inside the gorge.

Ronda, Spain, a feast for the eyes!

This white town is magical, with scenery that is beyond comprehension. Even looking at pictures after the fact, it still seems unreal. It is a lovely stop full of history, culture, food, wine, hiking, and unique sites. Give it at least half a day. We did not give it the time it deserved. If we make it back, we will make sure to stay the night, as we do not doubt that once the day tourists are gone, the city’s authentic charm will reveal itself.

Our suggestion is to include Ronda in a grand tour of the White Towns of Andalucia, Spain. Each one is unique and spectacular.

Ronda is an absolute must-do when in the Andalucia region of southern Spain. Travel is all about this kind of gem found off the beaten path.

Where to Stay When Visiting Ronda, Spain

There are many places to stay while in Ronda. One advantage of spending the night is that, once the day crowds have left, you can truly enjoy the magic this beautiful town has to offer. Though we did not spend the night, we did walk by the Parador de Ronda. This is part of an exclusive collection of hotels in Spain. We stayed at one in Caceres, Spain, and loved it. We highly suggest checking out the Parador; its location was ideal, and the views were stunning.

It is essential to compare prices for accommodations across various websites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is a European-based company. Not all properties appear on both, so it is ideal to check both out. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.

Final Thoughts

Perched dramatically on the cliffs of Andalusia, Ronda is a town that leaves a lasting impression the moment you arrive. Divided by the deep El Tajo gorge and linked by its iconic stone bridges, Ronda has been a place of inspiration for writers like Hemingway and a strategic stronghold for centuries. Walking through its narrow cobbled streets, we immediately felt the layers of history, from Moorish walls and palaces to grand 18th-century plazas. It’s the kind of destination where every turn offers a postcard view, whether it’s a glimpse of the Puente Nuevo soaring above the gorge or the rolling countryside stretching into the distance.

With just one day, we focused on the highlights that make Ronda unforgettable. Standing on the Puente Nuevo, the town’s most famous bridge, we gazed down nearly 400 feet into the Guadalevín River, cutting through the gorge, a sight that truly defines the town. From there, we wandered into the old Moorish quarter, where remnants of Arab baths and medieval gates told stories of Ronda’s past. By late afternoon, we were sipping sangria on a terrace overlooking the gorge, watching the sun light up the cliffs in golden tones. Even in a short visit, Ronda managed to feel both intimate and grand, a town where history and beauty meet in perfect balance.

Check out Ronda’s Official Tourism Website

While in the Area, May we Suggest….

While in this area of Andalucia, we suggest visiting two other white towns on the same day trip to Ronda.

Setenil de la Bodegas (click here for the article) and Zahara de la Sierra are entirely different from Ronda, yet astounding in their unique ways. They are all relatively close, and the drive is delightful. It would take an hour to drive a loop to all three towns.

When we return to this magnificent region one day, we hope to spend at least three days there to see many more of the White Towns of Andalucia. Further south is the Rock of Gibraltar; for the extra adventurous, you can take the ferry to Morocco.

Happy travels!

© 2025 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved

Want to learn more about Spain? Click here to go to our Spain Travel Guide

Our Ronda Photo Gallery

Our Top Recommended Travel Products

Travel Insurance

Squaremouth.com
Our favorite travel insurance site!

We strongly advocate for comprehensive travel insurance, not only for minor inconveniences but also for major, unexpected events like medical emergencies. We never leave home without it. Our go-to resource is Squaremouth.com. which offers a user-friendly platform that connects you with top-rated, reputable insurance carriers. Plus, they’ll mediate on your behalf if you run into any issues.

To empower you as a consumer, we recommend you read our blog post on why travel insurance is essential and how to secure the best coverage from leading companies at an affordable price.

buy now

MedjetAssist
Medical transport back home from anywhere in the world

Medjet is a leading provider of global air medical transport. Unlike traditional travel insurance, which typically covers medical evacuation to the nearest facility, Medjet goes further by ensuring you’re transported back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice once you’re stable enough to fly. Medjet offers membership plans that focus on medical transport, while Medjet Horizon provides expanded coverage for broader protection. Individual trip policies start at just $99, and annual policies are available for around $300. Most policies have an age limit of 74.

To learn more about how Medical Evacuation membership with Medjet Assist works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.  

Buy now

Accommodations and Airfare

Booking.com
Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours 

Booking.com connects millions of travelers to unforgettable experiences, a wide range of transportation options, and incredible places to stay—from homes to hotels and beyond. As one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces, it supports well-known brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes. For its convenience, variety, and reliability, it’s our preferred booking platform.

Book now

Expedia and VRBO
Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours 

Expedia is a U.S.-based company with a mission to make global travel accessible to everyone, everywhere. At Wanderers Compass, we embrace independent travel, and platforms like Expedia are essential to making that a reality. Expedia allows you to book every aspect of your trip—from flights and accommodations to rental cars, cruises, and activities—making it a one-stop shop for all your travel needs.

Book now

Transportation

Daytrip
Personalized city-to-city private car transfer service

Daytrip provides an affordable private car service for city-to-city transfers worldwide, and we absolutely love their service. It’s a cost-effective alternative to renting a car, providing comfortable, stress-free travel with the bonus of scenic stops along the way. For example, we used Daytrip for travel between Budapest and Vienna, enjoying some fantastic detours to local attractions. With professional drivers and customizable routes, Daytrip ensures a smooth ride while allowing you to explore hidden gems and unique sights along your journey.

To learn more about how Daytrip, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.  

Book now

Travel Experiences

Viator
The leading marketplace for travel experiences

Viator believes that travel is all about creating unforgettable memories. With over 300,000 experiences to choose from—ranging from simple tours to extreme adventures, plus a wide array of unique, niche activities—it’s never been easier to make lasting memories. We frequently use Viator during our travels and especially appreciate their flexible cancellation policy, which adds peace of mind to every booking.

Explore now

Communication products for seamless connectivity overseas

GigSky International eSIM Data Plans
Local Prices. No Roaming. Fastest Networks.

GigSky eSIM effortlessly connects travelers around the globe, eliminating the need to swap physical SIM cards or deal with surprise roaming charges. With affordable data plans and instant activation, you can enjoy reliable internet access in over 190 countries, making your travel experience more convenient than ever. Plus, they offer a fantastic deal: a free 100 MB data plan with no credit card required. They are so confident that you will love their service!

Enjoy 10% off all GigSky Plans (except cruise and inflight) with our discount code WCOMPASS10.

To learn more about how GigSky works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.

SHOP NOW

Shopping

Wanderers Compass Amazon Storefront
An excellent source for all travel essentials and guides that we have vetted ourselves

Amazon is one of the world’s most comprehensive online shopping platforms, offering lower prices, a wide selection, and fast delivery through teams worldwide.

Shop now

This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your ongoing support!