Ronda from Álora
Ronda is the second most booked day trip among our guests, after the Caminito. An hour's drive through beautiful mountain landscapes and you are in one of the most spectacular hill towns in Europe. Here is how I would plan it.
How to get there
Ronda lies about 75 km from Álora. Allow 1 hour by car. You follow the A-357 heading north, then near Campillos take the A-367 south-west towards Ronda. The last 30 km is a mountain road with hairpin bends. A lovely route, but not one to drive in a hurry.
Parking is easiest at Parking Martínez Astein (1.50 € per hour). From there it is a 5 minute walk to the Plaza de España and the Puente Nuevo. Do not try to drive into the old quarter of La Ciudad: narrow lanes, one-way streets and very little parking.
What to see
The Puente Nuevo
The bridge that made Ronda famous. A masterpiece from 1793 that connects the two halves of the town across a deep gorge (the tajo) of 98 metres. Walk across it (free), but also head down into the gorge for the best view. You will find the path down via the Jardines de Cuenca, a small detour that few tourists take.
Plaza de Toros
The oldest bullring in Spain, built in 1785. Worth a visit, even if bullfighting is not your thing. The museum tells the history well. Entry is around 8 €.
La Ciudad (the old town)
South of the bridge lies the old Moorish quarter. Narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, small squares with orange trees. Walk towards the Casa del Rey Moro with its underground water mine, or the Mondragón palace with its lovely gardens.
Baños Árabes
The best preserved Arab baths in Spain. Not large, but the architecture is fascinating. A quarter of an hour wandering around gives you a good sense of what it was like here under the Moors.
My day plan
- 9:00 Leave the finca. A nice, gentle drive through the mountains.
- 10:00 Arrive in Ronda. Park at Martínez Astein, coffee on the Plaza del Socorro.
- 10:30 Puente Nuevo from above, then the descent to the mirador for the iconic photo.
- 12:00 Visit the Plaza de Toros (museum and arena).
- 13:30 Lunch on a terrace with a view. My tip: Restaurante Pedro Romero (classic, opposite the bullring) or Bardal (Michelin star, book ahead).
- 15:30 Walk through La Ciudad, the Arab baths, the Casa del Rey Moro.
- 17:00 A drink on a quiet little square before the journey back.
- 18:30 Back at the finca for a dip in the pool.
Practical tips
- Leave early: between 12:00 and 15:00 all the coach tours from Marbella and Málaga arrive. If you want quiet at the bridge, be there before 11:00.
- Shoes: the streets in La Ciudad are sloping and partly cobbled. No sandals or heels.
- Restaurants: the lunch rush peaks between 14:00 and 16:00. Before or after is calmer.
- Mondays: some museums are closed on Mondays. Check the opening hours in advance.
A lovely stop along the way
Halfway between Álora and Ronda you pass Setenil de las Bodegas (a small detour, 15 minutes). A white village where the houses are built literally beneath overhanging rocks. Worth it for a coffee and a few photos. Or stop at the Mirador del Guadalhorce for a panorama over the reservoir.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Ronda?
About 1 hour by car along the A-357 and then the A-367. A beautiful mountain road.
What should you see?
The Puente Nuevo, the Plaza de Toros, La Ciudad and the Arab baths. For the best photos: the Jardines de Cuenca.
How much time do you need?
Half a day to a full day. Four hours for the highlights, a whole day for a relaxed wander and lunch.
Where do you park?
Parking Martínez Astein. Not in the old town itself.
When should you go?
Early in the morning (arriving before 11:00) or late in the afternoon. Avoid 12:00 to 15:00 because of the coach tours.
Are you our guest? I am happy to give you a personal route map with restaurant reservations if you like. See the finca.