What to Do in Ronda for a Day (Must-see Attractions + Tips)
There are plenty of fantastic things to do in Ronda in a day.
It’s one of the most beautiful Pueblos Blancos (white towns) in Andalucia, and, yes, it’s worth a visit. It’s a very unique place because of its location, vegetation and history.
You can see its emblematic Puente Nuevo Bridge, explore its picturesque historic town, visit its unique museums, and taste its typical dishes and wine.
Having visited Ronda for a day many times, I can assure you there are plenty of things to do and see, and you’ll want to return.
Many travellers come for a few hours, or as part of an excursion, which is understandable when you have limited time; however, my advice is to stay two days so you don’t miss out on some of the best activities in Ronda.
Let’s dive into this guide to the best things to do in Ronda for a day, including Ronda attractions, what to eat, and other tips to make the most of your trip.
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How to Spend a Day in Ronda
1. Enjoy the views of Puente Nuevo (New Bridge)
One of the most emblematic landmarks in Ronda is Puente Nuevo, also known as Tajo de Ronda, a bridge that connects the newer part of Ronda with the old town.
The views from the bridge are spectacular, no matter which way you look. Its three different arches, buildings clinging to the cliffs, the river Guadalevín and all the green vegetation make it so special.
Although there are different viewpoints at the top, the best views are from below. To access the lower part of the bridge, go to María de la Auxiladora Square, and on the side, you’ll find a small path that goes down.
Ensure you wear a good pair of trainers in Ronda, especially if you plan to visit this path, as it is rocky and hilly. I definitely wasn’t prepared for that and learned it the hard way.
Since my first visit to Ronda, things have changed for the better and opened a new path. Whilst there’s a fee to access the path, it’s worth every penny.
If you don’t want to do the walk, you can still enjoy the views of Tajo de Ronda from different viewpoints at sunset. It’s magical and one of the best free things to do in Ronda.
2. Go to La Casa del Rey Moro
La Casa del Rey Moro was a crucial monument complex during the Reconquest and defence of Ronda, and it has been a historical point of interest since then.
Nowadays, you can visit the three different parts of this historical building – Mina de Agua, Casa (currently under works) and Jardín, which help you understand the history and features of this monument.
On top of its historical value, the location of La Casa del Rey Moro can’t be better. It has spectacular views of El Tajo de Ronda.
I’ve visited it once, and I must warn you about taking the stairs to the water mine. This isn’t an activity for everyone, since it’s quite steep, small, and has over 250 steps! Even if you’re fit, you’ll need a break (I did). I can also assure you that it’s worth taking all of these steps; the gorge views are stunning.
3. Discover Baños Árabes de Ronda
The first Arab Baths were built in Ronda during the Nasrid period, and they’re among the best-preserved in Spain.
It has three different rooms with cold, room-temperature and warm water, and all of them are nearly intact since they were built, so you can feel like you are going back in time. There’s also a short film that explains to you how the Arab Baths were run at the time.
They’re certainly small, but the architecture is very impressive.
4. Visit Plaza de Toros de Ronda
Plaza de Toros de Ronda is the oldest bullring, and therefore, one of the most important bullrings in Spain. This is why Ronda is considered the birthplace of bullfighting.
The bullring was built in 1785 by the same architect who built Puente Nuevo (Ronda’s Bridge). Nowadays, there’s only one fight inside this bullring every year, and it’s part of the Feria de Pedro Romero festival in September.
When you go inside, you also get access to a museum where you can learn more about the best bullfighters in Spain as well as the history of this controversial activity.
This is an optional activity, as not everyone, including myself, likes bullfighting.
. Take photos at Plaza del Socorro
Plaza del Socorro is the main square in Ronda, located in the heart of the town.
This is a beautiful square surrounded by important monuments. Here, you can visit Iglesia del Socorro, an impressive whitewashed church, sit on the benches by a lovely fountain, and see an emblematic monument, the statue of Hercules with two lions, which represents Andalucia.
It’s a picturesque square to take photos, relax and have a few tapas with a refreshing drink in one of the terraced bars. I love the atmosphere here.
6. Iglesia Santa María La Mayor
Santa María la Mayor Church, located in the old town, is one of the most important churches in Ronda and has been recognised as a National Heritage Site.
This unique building, built in a former mosque, features two architectural styles that represent the Gothic and Renaissance periods in Ronda.
It’s impressive to see from the outside, but you can also visit the inside of this church.
7. Walk on Paseo de Ernest Hemingway
Paseo de Ernest Hemingway is one of the best walks in Ronda. This is a path that surrounds Ronda’s main viewpoint and El Tajo.
The name of this path commemorates the famous writer Ernest Hemingway, who loved Ronda and bullfighting and was close friends with Antonio Ordóñez Araujo, one of the most famous bullfighters in history.
As you walk, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of El Tajo de Ronda and its beautiful landscape, and you’ll have the opportunity to take a photo of Ernest Hemingway’s statue.
8. Explore Palacio de Mondragón
One of the best museums in Ronda is Palacio de Mondragón, also known as Palacio del Marqués de Villasierra.
It’s believed that this 14th-century museum was the former residence of King Abbel Malik, the son of the sultan of Morocco, Abul Asan.
Although it isn’t very clear what the purpose of this historical building was and what it looked like during the Muslim period in Ronda, it was probably used as a courtyard due to its proximity to El Tajo.
Inside the Mondragon Palace, you can also find the Archaeological Museum of Ronda (Museo Arqueológico Municipal). This is the perfect place to learn about the first human settlements in this part of Andalucia, as well as to see pottery and other objects.
The tiles and Moorish architectural style are impressive, and one of my favourite parts of this palace is the scented gardens with beautiful fountains and breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding Ronda.
9. Wander around the Old Town
One of the best activities to do in Ronda is wandering around the Old Town. Not only will you find historical monuments, churches and squares but beautiful pebbled streets and private flower courtyards.
Here you’ll also find souvenir shops, bars and restaurants and a few viewpoints.
10. Go on a wine tour
If you love a good glass of wine, Ronda has some of the best wineries in Malaga, so you don’t want to miss the opportunity to go on a wine tour.
This wine tasting tour from Marbella is perfect because you’ll explore Ronda as well as the process of making wine, the history behind two wineries and secrets about obtaining the best wine.
The tour also includes some Spanish tapas to accompany your glasses of wine.
📌 If you want to discover Ronda with a local guide, you want to have a look at this Ronda Sightseeing Walking Tour.
Map of Ronda attractions
Click on the map below to open it in Google Maps. You can access directions to each of the locations mentioned in this article.
Where to eat in Ronda
Ronda is home to many good restaurants and tapa bars that serve local cuisine, but you just need to know where to go to enjoy a good meal at a good price.
Some local-approved bars and taverns include Bar de Tapas Camelot, El Lechuguita, and Los Caracoles. All of these tapa bars offer affordable, delicious dishes.
And in case you want a drink with a view of Puente Nuevo, head to the Don Miguel Hotel restaurant!
For more food recommendations, I’ve written a guide with my favourite places to eat in Ronda.
What to eat in Ronda
Rabo de toro (Oxtail)
Rabo de toro is a traditional dish in Ronda, though you can find it in many other Andalusian cities as well. Not only will you find the typical oxtail stew, but croquetas de rabo de toro (oxtail croquettes)
Yemas del Tajo (Candied egg yolks)
Yemas del Tajo are sweets originating in Ronda, named after the Tajo de Ronda. These delicious sweets consist of candied egg yolk, which you can easily find at any bakery in Ronda, Malaga, and towns in the Costa del Sol.
Pestiños (honey fritters)
Pestiños are synonymous with Easter in Andalucía, and luckily Ronda has some of the best pestiños in the area.
These delicious sticky sweets consist of fritters made with ingredients like flour, aniseed, and lemon and are dusted in white sugar or dipped in honey.
Vino de Ronda (Ronda’s wine)
Due to Ronda’s unique location and geological characteristics, the town is home to some of the province of Malaga’s best wineries.
There’s more than one type of wine produced in the area, but one of the most common wines is the red wine of Ronda.
You can enjoy it at most restaurants in Ronda or buy a bottle to take home.
Where to stay in Ronda
If you’re planning to stay longer than a day in Ronda, my top choice is Catalonia Ronda. I’ve stayed at this hotel and written a detailed review here.
How to get to Ronda
By car
Driving from Malaga to Ronda takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. This is the fastest way to get to Ronda. Although the first part of the drive is easy, the roads become narrower and windier as you approach Ronda.
By taking a guided tour
If you don’t drive or rent a car during your time in Costa del Sol, the second-best option to reach Ronda is to take a guided tour.
Get Your Guide offers a day tour from Malaga and Costa del Sol to Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas, another beautiful whitewashed town you don’t want to miss.
I took this tour, and I must admit I was very happy with it. The local guide gave us a lot of information about both towns. We enjoyed a glass of Ronda wine in a restaurant beside Ronda’s impressive bridge and had plenty of free time.
The downside of the tour was, of course, we could’ve spent more time in Ronda. You’d probably want to spend more than a day if you have time.
📌 Check out this day trip to Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas
By public transport
This is by far the slowest way to get to Ronda from Malaga. You can take several buses to Ronda or the train. If choosing the latter, head to María Zambrano station (Malaga train station). It involves taking two trains. The first one goes to Santa Ana (Antequera), where you change trains to Ronda. The fastest takes 2 hours and 15 minutes.
When to go to Ronda
The best time to visit Ronda is in mid-spring or autumn. During these times of the year, you’ll enjoy sunny days and mild temperatures, perfect for exploring the town of Ronda and its surroundings.
The worst time to visit Ronda is summer. Temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees (104°F), and there is no sea breeze like what happens in Malaga, as it’s located in the mountains.
The high temperatures and constant sunny weather make sightseeing very difficult, so you’d rather go to the beach or enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar.
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Frequently asked questions about visiting Ronda
What is Ronda known for?
Ronda is well-known for Puente Nuevo, Ronda’s impressive bridge, and for being the birthplace of bullfighting. In addition, Ronda is part of the Andalusian White Towns Route (Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos).
Is Ronda worth visiting?
Absolutely! Ronda is an incredible town to visit because it feels like a small city rather than a town. It has impressive architecture and monuments, including Tajo de Ronda and Ronda’s bullring, local dishes and wine, and beautiful nature.
Is one day enough for Ronda?
Yes, one day in Ronda is enough to visit some of the main sights. On a day trip to Ronda, you can’t miss its bridge and old town, home to historic buildings and pretty streets.
Wrap up of what to do in Ronda for a day
Ronda is one of the most beautiful towns in Andalucia – its old town, impressive bridge and green surroundings make it a must-see destination.
Although you can see the main attractions in Ronda in a day, you do really want to spend longer than a day to soak up its atmosphere and visit its surroundings.
If you only have a few hours in Ronda, I wouldn’t miss Puente Nuevo Bridge and Mondragon Palace. These are two unmissable sights.
Whether you spend one day in Ronda or a weekend, you’ll want to return to this charming town.
Enjoy your time in Ronda!
Cristina xx
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Other Andalusian towns and cities to add to your list
- Malaga: Unique Things to Do in Malaga
- Marbella: Best Things to Do In Marbella
- Granada: How to Spend One Day in Granada
- Seville: The Perfect 2 Days in Seville Itinerary
- Cordoba: The Best Things to Do in Cordoba
- Almeria: Incredible Things to Do in Almeria
What a beautiful city! I remember visiting Ronda as a child but unfortunately I couldn’t recall more than the bridge.
I would love to walk down Paseo de Ernest Hemingway. I would also drink an espresso in a little cafe in the Old Town. And I would hunt for street cats to pet. Ronda sounds so beautiful.