Ronda★★★
Ronda is one of Spain's most spectacular cities — a city perched on a rocky plateau split in two by a 100-meter-deep gorge (El Tajo). The famous Puente Nuevo (New Bridge, actually from the 18th century) connects the new town (El Mercadillo) with the Moorish old town (La Ciudad) and is one of the most photographed motifs in Andalusia.
Ronda is also the cradle of modern bullfighting — the Plaza de Toros (1785) is Spain's oldest bullring and can be visited, even if one is critical of bullfighting. Hemingway and Orson Welles loved this city; Rilke wrote some of his most beautiful poems here.
Feasible as a day trip from Málaga (1.5 hours) or Seville (2 hours), but an overnight stay is worthwhile — in the evening, when the day tourists are gone, the city is yours alone.
💡 Tipp
The best view of the Puente Nuevo is from the viewpoint on the Camino de los Molinos — a hiking trail that leads down into the gorge (20 min. down, 30 min. back). In the morning, the sun is well-positioned for photos.
Sights
★★★ Puente Nuevo & El Tajo
The bridge that spans the 100 m deep Tajo Gorge was built between 1759 and 1793 and is Ronda's landmark. Inside the bridge, there's a small museum (2€). The most dramatic view is from below — taking the hiking trail down is absolutely worth it.
★★ Plaza de Toros
The oldest bullring in Spain (1785) with a fascinating Museum of Bullfighting. Even those who oppose bullfighting can acknowledge its historical and cultural significance. The arena seats 5,000 spectators and is architecturally one of the most elegant.
8€. Daily 10 am–6 pm (winter) / 10 am–8 pm (summer).
★★ Old Town La Ciudad
On the south side of the bridge: the Moorish old town with the Palacio del Marqués de Salvatierra (Mudéjar palace), the Arab Baths (Baños Árabes, the best-preserved in Spain, 3.50€), the Minaret of San Sebastián, and the Church of Santa María la Mayor (built on a mosque).
★ Alameda del Tajo
The city park at the edge of the cliffs with panoramic views over the surrounding landscape — olive groves, mountains, and on clear days, all the way to Africa. Perfect for an evening stroll.