Ronda, which was recently voted in the top 25 most scenic towns in Spain, remains a top destination for travellers who are exploring Andalucia. Steeped in history and bullfighting folklore, whilst boasting one of the most extraordinary locations in Spain, it is no wonder that Ronda has become Andalusia’s third most visited town. With its world-famous gorge and bullring, as well as the historic ‘old town’ Ronda will not disappoint.
Here are my Top 5 things to do
- Visit the local attractions. It would be almost impossible to visit Ronda and not take time out to visit the Bull Ring, the New Bridge across the Gorge, the House of the Moorish Kings, Palacio de Mondragon and the Arabic Baths. Just a few hundred metres from the original Arabic Baths in Ronda you can visit the Hammam Aguas de Ronda for a traditional Hammam Arabic Bath and Massage
- Flamenco Show. Andalucia is the spiritual home and birth place of Flamenco music. However, the word Flamenco, which applies to the song, the dance and the guitar, did not come into use until the 18th century. There are numerous shows in Ronda, two of my personal favourites are El Quinque and Celia Morales Flamenco Guitar show
- Eating Out. Tapa means ‘a cover’ or ‘lid’ since many of the original tapas bars were standing room only, patrons would place their tapa on top of their glass. Originally, tapas would be served to customers without charge when they ordered a drink. The idea behind this is that by serving salty snacks, customers would be more likely to drink more to quench the thirst provoked by the food. My favourite tapas bars in Ronda, in no particular order, are La Taberna, Toro Tapas, Las Maravillas and La Lechuguita
- Pueblos Blancos. The Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) are synonymous with Andalucia. The Serrania de Ronda has, in my opinion, many Pueblos Blancos that are just simply stunningly beautiful and well worth a visit. My favourites, again in particular order, are Setenil de la Bodegas (famous for its cave houses), Zahara de la Sierra (perched on top of a hill and over looked by a Moorish castle), Grazalema (surrounded on 3 sides by mountains Grazalema and is home to a wide range of flora and fauna) and last but no means least my home village Montecorto (one of the most traditional and sleepy villages, time seems to have stood still in this charming village). Another village which has become extremely popular over the past few years is Juzcar aka Pueblo Pitufo or Smurftown. This village was painted Smurf blue several years ago as part of the publicity for the launch of the Smurf movie. There are still many Smurfs to be seen in this village.
- Places of Interest. Whilst exploring Ronda and the surrounding area you will also discover many other places of interest such as the Cueva de Gatos, Cueva Piletas, the Acinipo Roman Ampitheatre at Ronda la Vieja (Old Ronda) and the Via Verde de la Sierra. The Via Verde is an old railway line which has been restored for recreational purposes has 36 tunnels and 6 viaducts and is also home to a colony of Griffon Vultures at the Penon Zaframagon
On of the best ways to explore the Pueblos Blancos and other places of interest is by bike. Please contact us here at the Andalucian Cycling Experience to organise a truly memorable guided day ride or just for bike hire. We have a wide selection of bikes and can tailor make a route to suit your requirements and schedule.
We hope you enjoy your time in Ronda, the Serrania de Ronda and our suggestions of things to see and do.
