An Insider’s Guide to The Best Things To Do in Ronda 

Last Updated on 9th March 2025 by Sophie Nadeau

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Ronda is a mountaintop treasure in Andalusia. As one of Spain’s oldest cities, Ronda is renowned for its plethora of historical landmarks and hidden curiosities. Blessed with breathtaking views, the cliffside town is divided by the Guadalevín River which streams through the rugged landscape in the deep gorge below. Here’s your insider’s guide to the best things to do in Ronda!

Where is Ronda?

Ronda is a municipality of Spain that belongs to the province of Málaga. The town sits within the autonomous community of Andalusia.

What is Ronda known for?

Ronda is one of Spain’s oldest and most scenic settlements. This mountaintop city is renowned for its historical landmarks and hidden treasures. And, thanks to its cliffside location, the town boasts breathtaking views!

Ronda is also known as being part of the “Los pueblos blancos” (“White Villages”) route of Andalusia. This distinctive group of whitewashed towns and villages are part of a popular travel route throughout the northern part of the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga in southern Spain.

A brief history of Ronda

Ronda’s long and storied history dates back to prehistoric times. The town was first settled by the Celts in the 6th century BC, and the settlement’s original name was Arunda.

By the 2nd century BC, the Romans fortified an area on the outskirts of town, around 20 kilometres or so, and named the city Acinipo. The crumbling remnants of Roman ruins can still be visited at the site today. During this time, the construction of Laurel Castle was also ordered.

As the centuries unfolded and Acinipo was left abandoned, Ronda was seized as a strategic stronghold for Moorish occupation. The rugged landscape and cliff faces provided an ideal natural defence to build upon.

The Moorish influence continues to be seen throughout the town today through its narrow winding alleyways, intricate architecture, and, of course, the stunning La Casa del Rey Moro (The House of the Moorish King).

The Islamic domination of Ronda ended in 1485 when it was conquered by the Spanish. Indeed, the Spanish Inquisition greatly affected the Muslims living in Spain, as laws were put in place to force the Moors to convert to Christianity or face exile. Many chose to convert, while secretly practicing their religion. The Muslims who converted were known as Moriscos.

This transition from Moorish to Christian rule marked a cultural shift in Ronda, much of which can still be felt today upon visiting.

In the early 18th and 19th centuries, Ronda became a centre for bullfighting and a muse for creatives. One particularly notable face is that of Ernest Hemingway who held a special connection to the town.

Today, an estimated 1.7 million people flock to Ronda each year to soak up its sweeping vistas, wander through the ancient cobbled streets and draw inspiration from the town’s cultural heritage. Although there’s no official nickname for Ronda, it’s sometimes referred to as a “city of dreams.” 

Best things to do in Ronda

Walk Over Puente Nuevo (New Bridge)

The wonders of Ronda start with its impressive stone bridges that extend between the eras and span the 120-metre-deep gorge that the Guadalevín River streams through, dividing the town.

The most famous bridge is New Bridge, which is one of the most photographed landmarks in Spain and is often referred to as “the pearl of Ronda.”

The bridge was first constructed in 1735, but years later, it collapsed and tragically killed around 50 people. In 1759, a second attempt at construction was made, and it took 34 years to complete.

Today, wandering across the Puente Nuevo, you are greeted with some of the most spectacular views imaginable. Not only this, but the stone walkway stands as a testament to the incredible feat of engineering and the human triumphs over tragedy.

Wander through the Old Town

One of the best ways to soak up the melting pot of civilisations and cultures that have left their mark on Ronda is to wander through its Old Town. Somewhat akin to an open-air museum, the narrow winding lanes, white-washed architecture, quaint squares and ecclesial sights give a glimpse into Ronda’s fascinating past.

Soak up views

While one of the best views is from Puente Nuevo itself, thanks to the settlement’s clifftop location, there are several views in Ronda to be enjoyed. Mirador is the Spanish word for viewpoint.

Visit the Arab Baths

Known in Spanish as “Baños Arabes”, the Arab Baths are one of the town’s most famous attractions. The baths date back to the 13th and 14th centuries, and the thermal building is considered one of the best preserved of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula.

For a small fee, visitors can wander around the archaeological site and walk through the very rooms which were once used regularly to sweat out any pollutants from the body.

The House of the Moorish King

Nestled amongst the rugged terrain of Ronda’s landscape, looming high above the Tajo de Ronda Gorge is La Casa del Rey Moro (The House of the Moorish King). This stunning palace is home to a beautiful garden, hidden staircase and an intricate system of underground water mines.

Carved into the limestone cliffs below the palace lies the impressive 14th-century water mine, which provided both water to Ronda during sieges and a hidden escape route from the palace.

Uncover history at Laurel Castle

This historical sight, known as Castillo de la Laurel, was first constructed in the 3rd century BC when the Roman commander Scipio was fortifying the town. While the remnants of this crumbling ruin offer an interesting look into the past, there’s little to see other than the old walls themselves.

Look at the Ernest Hemingway sculpture

Captivated by Ronda’s majestic landscape, Ernest Hemingway fell in love with the Spanish town. Drawing from the inspiration, he used Ronda as the setting for two of his non-fiction works: Death in the Afternoon (1932) and The Dangerous Summer (1985).

It’s for this reason that a small bust dedicated to the famous writer can be found in the heart of the town.

Plaza de Toros (bull ring)

Bullfighting is a Spanish tradition which has been ongoing for centuries and Ronda has been considered one of the cradles of modern bullfighting as of the 18th century. This highly controversial practice is unfortunately still held once a year during the Pedro Romero Fair in early September.

However, the Plaza de Toros itself is a magnificent architectural structure. Completed in 1788, it can hold up to 5,000 spectators. While watching a fight may not be on the agenda, a visit to the stadium can be interesting.

Head to Ronda’s market Mercado de Abastos

For a taste of local life and to sample the flavours of Andalusia, head to Mercado de Abastos, Ronda’s main indoor marketplace. A true feast for the senses, the market is brimming with fresh produce of all colours, meats, fish, baked goods and all kinds of local delicacies you could imagine.

Mercado de Abastos can be found in the heart of Ronda. The market is open daily, except for Sundays, from 7 am to 3:30 pm.

Go shopping down Calle Espinel 

Take a piece of Ronda home with you and go shopping along the main commercial street Calle Espinel. This one-kilometre pedestrianised road is filled with shops, aside from the typical high street stores, you’ll also find charming workshops and boutiques selling handmade crafts from jewellery, ceramics and woodworks to leather goods.

The local artisans infuse their creations with the essence of Ronda, and while purchasing these valuable treasures is a gift in itself, it also supports the local community when bought from small businesses.

Church of Santa María la Mayor

Located in the heart of Ronda’s historic centre on what is considered to be one of the town’s most beautiful squares (Plaza Duquesa de Parcent), the Church of Santa María la Mayor is a Renaissance and Baroque beauty.

Sitting atop the former site of a Moorish mosque, this is one of the most important ecclesial monuments of Ronda. There’s also a small rooftop terrace which offers visitors a view overlooking the old town.

Enjoy a cerveza on Plaza del Socorro

Plaza del Socorro is one of the main vibrant squares of Ronda. Lined with bars, restaurants and terraces, this is the spot to enjoy a convivial atmosphere and a cold and refreshing cerveza!

Ruins of Acinipo (Old Ronda)

As mentioned briefly in the history of Ronda, while in the area, you can visit the ancient crumbling ruins of the abandoned Roman city, Acinipo. Sometimes referred to as Ronda la Vieja, the remnants are over 2,000 years old and the sweeping panoramic views alone make it worth a visit.

Where to stay

Ronda makes for an excellent destination to stay, thanks to its historical intrigue and breathtaking beauty. If you get a chance, one of the best times to see the town is at night, when the archways of Puente Nuevo are aglow and the settlement looks as if plucked straight out of a fairytale. Here are a few suggestions of where to stay (base on web reviews):

(Central) Hotel Montelirio – Found in the historic centre just a 2-minute walk from the Puente Nuevo, this refined hotel offers some rooms with balconies that boast views overlooking the gorge and beyond. Amenities include a cosy bar-restaurant, a seasonal outdoor pool (with stunning views) and parking and breakfast are available. Check prices and availability here.

(Central) Hotel Soho Boutique Palacio San Gabriel – Set within an 18th-century building on a narrow cobbled street, this quaint hotel is just 4 minutes from The Moorish Palaxe and an 8-minute walk from the Arab Baths. Hangouts in the hotel include a central courtyard and library. Check prices and availability here.

(Outskirts of town) Hotel Ronda Moments – Set within a renovated oil mill, this hotel is situated a little off the beaten path and further into the natural landscape of Ronda. Amenities include an outdoor pool, free parking and a restaurant on site. Check prices and availability here.

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