Excursions in Malaga: Ronda

Excursions in Malaga: Ronda

The town of Ronda is situated in the province of Malaga, not far from the Costa del Sol and is thus a great option for a one day excursion. Ronda is one of the oldest cities in Spain, surrounded by the beautiful mountain landscape of the Serrania de Ronda, in which there are located three natural parks: Sierra Grazalema, Sierra de las Nieves and Los Alcornocales.

Due to the unique location at the edge of a plateau and its Moorish old town with many historic buildings is Ronda one of the most popular destinations in southern Spain. The river Guadalevin divides the city into two parts and his bed created the famous landmark of Ronda: El Tajo, a canyon of 120 meters depth. Both city districts are connected by the Puente Nuevo from 1751, Puente Romano and Puente Viejo from 17th century.

The climate here is mediterranean-continental: hot and dry summers and cold winters with temperatures below 0° C; Spring and autumn are mild with temperatures around 16º C.

By being the Natural Park Sierra de las Nieves part of Ronda, this community has a diverse and wide range of flora and fauna. Although in Ronda have been found archaeological remains from the Neolithic period, such as cave paintings in the Pileta cave, the origins are Celtic. Ronda reached its peak with the Kingdom of Granada during the Nazari era. After the conquest by the Catholic Monarchs in 1485, there were many changes in the economy and culture. From the 18th century Ronda brought forth many monuments and buildings, such as the Puente Nuevo and the Bullring.

Each year in early September is held a celebration in honour of the bullfighter Pedro Romero, during which the streets of Ronda fill with people. The famous bull fight "La Goyesca" taking place here is one of the most important events in the world of bullfighting.

When visiting Malaga and the Costa del Sol, Ronda should be definitely on your agenda.

Visiting Ronda

• The bridge "El Puente Nuevo", next to the bullring, is the landmark of Ronda.
• Church "Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor": Arranged by the Catholic Monarchs, the building began in 1485 and lasted until the 17th Century. This also explains the different styles that can be found in this church.
• Bullring Plaza de Toros: The bullring dating from 1785 is the oldest and one of the most beautiful in Spain.
• Casa San Juan Bosco: Beautiful mansion in the heart of the historic old town with courtyard, gardens and pottery collection.
• Palace Palacio de Mondragon: A breath-taking monument of Moorish origin, and also an important civil monument of Ronda.
• Palace Palacio del Rey Moro: The palace of the Moorish King hosts a mine from the Arab era, which supplies the house with water from the river Guadalevin.

With a Malaga car hire you reach Ronda in about one and a half hour, depending on your location on the Costa del Sol. From Malaga city and Malagaairport there are several options:

We can drive on the national roads A-357 and A-367 north through the impressive Jorge of the Gaitanes and Guadalhorce reservoirs, reaching Ronda from the north.

Another possibility is to drive along picturesque small roads through the villages of Pizarra, Casarabonela and Burgos, on the roads A-357 and A-366; this route is the longest by time, but also the most beautiful.

The fastest route to Ronda from Malaga is, like for the rest of the towns on the Costa del Sol, the highway A-7 to San Pedro / Marbella and the national road, A-397 to Ronda.