10 Best Things to Do in Ronda, Spain [100% worth doing]

Where to Stay in Ronda

The first thing of all is to find the right home base to start exploring the town, so let me help you with some good recommendations:

✅ Best Hotel – Catalonia Ronda: Located in the heart of the city, this 4-star hotel will surprise you with its services and meager price for its standing. Infinity pool, jacuzzi, panoramic rooftop, ultra-comfortable rooms… Don’t look further!

💰 Budget Pick – Apartamento Balcones del Tajo: Situated on the iconic Pont Neuf, this apartment offers an incredible view at an unbeatable price. It’s a true gem, so don’t wait to book it!

Best Things to Do in Ronda

Discover the top things to do in Ronda, including attractions, museums, and viewpoints below. Let’s jump right to it! 

Only have a day in Ronda? Check out this day trip so you can skip the planning hassle and make the most of your time there!

1. Walk on Puente Nuevo to the Mirador de Aldehuela

You’ve likely seen photos of Ronda’s iconic bridge, which is probably why you’ve decided to visit this charming town.

Before you admire the bridge from various viewpoints, take a walk across it. Along the way, you can sit on benches carved into the bridge’s stone and take in the vertiginous view of the Guadalevín Gorge. At the end of the bridge, you’ll reach the Mirador de Aldehuela, offering a stunning view of the bridge itself.

Fun fact: this historic bridge took 34 years to build, from 1759 to 1793, making it one of Spain’s most famous landmarks!

2. Plaza Duquesa de Parcent

Once the heart of the town during Muslim times, Plaza Duquesa de Parcent is a historical gem in Ronda. This picturesque square in the old town used to host bullfights and is surrounded by beautiful buildings like the Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor and the town hall.

Like the Plaza del Gigante which is not far away, this square’s rich history and stunning architecture make it one of Ronda’s most charming spots.

3. Visit La Casa del Rey Moro

Casa del Rey Moro, or “House of the Moorish King,” never actually housed a Moorish king. Built in the 18th century, long after the Moors were expelled from Spain, this site is a fascinating blend of history and myth.

Here, you’ll find La Mina de la Ciudad, a secret water mine that descends deep to the river level.

The interiors of Casa del Rey Moro are famous for their intricate decorations, featuring exquisite Moorish motifs, plaster moldings, and wood carvings, reflecting Ronda’s rich Islamic cultural heritage.

4. Climb the Jardines de Cuenca

Nestled on terraces below Plaza Maria Auxiliadora, the Jardines de Cuenca offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, with stunning views of the El Tajo gorge.

Opened in 2006, these gardens showcase traditional Spanish design with geometric layouts and water features that echo Spain’s Moorish heritage. But the highlight of the place is definitely the various panoramic vistas over the gorge, the Puente Nuevo, and other parts of Ronda.

The sunsets here are especially breathtaking, making it a favorite spot for photographers!

5. Check out Arco de Felipe V

The Arco de Felipe V is one of the main entrances to the old town of Ronda. Built between 1742 and 1749 during King Felipe V’s reign, this impressive stone arch showcases classic Spanish Baroque architecture, complete with an embossed coat of arms representing the Bourbon-Anjou dynasty.

Standing at this gateway, you can enjoy beautiful views of Ronda and the Guadalevín River gorge below. 

6. Discover the Palacio de Mondragón

Graeme Churchard / CC BY

Built in 1314, Mondragon Palace dates back to the Moorish period. Over the centuries, it has seen numerous transformations under various rulers.

The architecture is a stunning blend of Islamic Mudejar style and Renaissance influences. The main patio features a peaceful water fountain surrounded by lush vegetation, reminiscent of ancient Arab courtyards, with stunning views of the gorge. The Andalusian and Renaissance gardens are equally impressive.

Inside, the palace hosts the Museo Municipal De Ronda, offering exhibits that trace local history from prehistoric times to the present day.

7. Visit the Arab Baths of Ronda

In Ronda’s former Jewish quarter, you’ll discover Arab baths dating back to the 13th to 15th centuries. These baths were long buried due to frequent flooding of the Guadalevín River but have been uncovered through archaeological excavations.

Remarkably well-preserved, almost the entire original structure is intact. You can see three rooms with different temperatures,  barrel vaults, and ancient heating and water systems.

These baths are considered the best-preserved Arab baths in the Iberian Peninsula.

8. Enter the Plaza de Toros

The Plaza de Toros de Ronda is one of the oldest and most significant bullfighting arenas in the world, built in 1785 by José Martin de Aldehuela, the same architect who designed the Puente Nuevo.

If you’re in Ronda during bullfighting season, you can catch a traditional Spanish bullfight to immerse yourself in the local culture. If not (or you don’t like it), you can still explore this impressive monument on guided or self-guided tours.

With its unique architectural style and size, the arena also houses the Museo Taurino (Bullfighting Museum), where you can dive deeper into this local tradition.

9. Mirador de Ronda

Not far from the Plaza de Toros and the Puente Nuevo, the Mirador de Ronda is one of the best scenic viewpoints in town.

Locating along the Paseo de Blas Infante, it offers spectacular views of the bridge, the gorge, the Serranía de Ronda mountains, and the countryside. An absolute must in Ronda!

10. Walk to the Puente Nuevo Viewpoint

Before sunset, head to my favorite viewpoint in Ronda, the Mirador Puente Nuevo de Ronda.

To get there, start at the charming Plaza de María Auxiliadora (which also has a great viewpoint) and take the Sendero Ronda Jimera de Libar (GR 141). Prefer wearing sneakers because the descent is steep (and the climb back a bit tiring). 

It takes about fifteen minutes to walk down to the town’s most stunning viewpoint, but you’ll find several beautiful spots along the way. At the bottom, you’ll be captivated by the sunlight over the countryside and the Puente Nuevo waterfall. It’s incredibly romantic!

Best Time to Visit Ronda

Ronda is a great city to visit year-round, thanks to its mild climate that rarely drops below 10-12°C (50-55°F).

However, the best times to explore the city are in spring and fall— specifically April, May, early June, September, and October. During these months, you’ll enjoy pleasant weather with temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77 °F).

I wouldn’t recommend visiting in the summer, as it’s extremely hot in Andalusia and it’s peak tourist season, making it less enjoyable.

Winter, from late November to mid-March, doesn’t have much to offer since the city is quieter and less lively, so I’d skip it during that time.

One Day in Ronda?

If you’re wondering if you can spend only one day in Ronda, I’d say yes, definitely. In fact, it’s one of the most popular day trips to do from Malaga as it’s only a 1.5-hour drive away. 

Of course, you won’t be able to do everything listed in this post, but you’d have enough time to discover the city’s main plazas and landmarks. In the case you only spend a day there, I recommend making the viewpoints your priority as the city is breathtakingly beautiful. No other city in the world looks like Ronda, so you’ll love the vistas. 

If you can extend your trip, I’d suggest spending 2 days in Ronda. It’s the ideal amount of time to see everything without feeling rushed or getting bored.

Tip: If you only have one day in Ronda, you should consider booking a tour to have the most complete experience. I highly recommend this Ronda + Setenil de las Bodegas day trip if you’re coming from Malaga or this Pueblo Blancos + Ronda day trip if you’re coming from Seville.

How to Get to Ronda?

There are several ways available to get to Ronda: 

🚗 By car: Ronda is served by several roads so it’s easily accessible. Count about 1 hour 10 drive from Marbella, 1.5 hours from Malaga, and 1 hour 50 from Seville. 

🚄 By train: Ronda has its own train station, so it’s a very good option but a bit longer. Count 2 hours from Malaga train station, 2 hours from Cordoba, and 3 hours from Seville. Check out La Renfe (the Spanish train service) website to see the rates. 

🚌 By bus: Spain has an extensive and efficient bus service, so it’s a good option. It’s also the cheapest one as you can travel by bus for less than 10€. It’s a 2-hour ride from Malaga and 2 hours 15 from Seville. For booking, check Alsa or Omio. 

If you’re planning to visit the area by car, I recommend renting a car through Discover Cars for their exceptional service and good rates. Book here.

Where to Park in Ronda?

We managed to find free parking in Ronda, which is quite a feat in Andalusian cities. There are a few streets with free parking, like Calle Cordoba. We parked there for 2 days without any issues.

Be careful when you park in the streets as some areas are allowed for residents only. 

Just so you know, Ronda city center is pedestrian-only, so you’ll need to walk a bit regardless of where you park. 

🔍 Read more:

• The Most Beautiful White Villages of Andalusia
• One Day in Cordoba
• One Day in Malaga
• Malaga to Seville Day Trip

I hope you enjoy your trip to Ronda; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below!

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