What to Do in Ronda for a Day (Must-see Attractions + Tips)

If you’re wondering what to do in Ronda for a day, the short answer is that there are plenty of fantastic things to do.

Ronda is one of the most beautiful Pueblos Blancos (white towns) in Andalucia, and 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, I can assure you that there are enough things to do and see, and you’ll want to return.

Let’s dive into this guide on the best things to do in Ronda for a day, where I include Ronda attractions, what to eat, and other tips to make the most of your trip.

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11 Best things to do in Ronda in a day

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 of Ronda.

The views of the bridge are spectacular regardless of where you look at it. 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.

You can also visit an exhibition centre where you can learn about the architectural details of this masterpiece, the stories behind the bridge and its surroundings.

Enjoying the views of Tajo de Ronda at sunset is magical and one of the best free things to do in Ronda.

📍 Location: Tajo de Ronda, 29400 Ronda, Málaga, Spain

2. 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 that 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 likes bullfighting. Personally, I’m against bullfighting, so I didn’t visit it.

3. Discover Baños Árabes de Ronda

The first Arab Baths were built in Ronda during the Nasrid period, and they’re some of the best-preserved Arab baths 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 small show that explains to you how the Arab Baths were run at the time.

4. 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 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.

5. Take photos at Plaza del Socorro

Plaza del Socorro is the main square in the town, and it’s located in the heart of Ronda.

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.

📍 Location: Pl. del Socorro, s/n, 29400 Ronda, Málaga

6. Iglesia Santa María La Mayor

Santa Maria La Mayor Church, located in the old town, is one of the most important churches in Ronda, and it’s been recognised as a National Heritage Site.

This unique building was built in a former mosque and has two different types of architecture that represent the Gothic and Renaissance periods in Ronda.

📍 Location: C. Sor Angela de la Cruz, 5, 29400 Ronda, Málaga

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 as he loved Ronda and bullfighting and had a good friendship 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. Visit Casa Palacio Museo Lara

Casa Palacio Museo Lara is an interesting museum located in the heart of Ronda’s old historic centre.

The museum is inside Casa Palacio de Los Condes de las Conquistas, a beautiful 18th-century palace-like building where you can walk through 12 different rooms.

These rooms have important antiques – from old tapes and cameras to horse carriages, pottery and scientific instruments.

9. 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 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 see pieces of 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

Before going to Ronda, I asked one of my uncle’s friends, as he’s from Ronda, and he suggested going to Bar de Tapas Camelot, El Lechuguita and Los Caracoles. All of these tapa bars do offer affordable and delicious dishes.

And in case you want a drink with a view of Puente Nuevo, head to the Don Miguel Hotel restaurant!

What to eat in Ronda

Rabo de toro (Oxtail)

Rabo de toro is one of the traditional dishes in Ronda, although you can find this dish in many other Andalusian cities. 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 that originated in Ronda, and its name makes reference to Tajo de Ronda. These delicious sweets consist of candied egg yolk, which you can easily find in any bakery in Ronda, Malaga and towns in Costa del Sol.

Pestiños (honey fritters)

Pestiños are a synonym of Easter in Andalucia, 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 the uniqueness of Ronda’s location and its geological characteristics, the town is home to some of the best wineries in the province of Malaga.

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 in most places to eat 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, here are my hotel recommendations:

Catalonia Ronda

Catalonia Ronda is a beautiful 4-star hotel located in the heart of Ronda and a minute walk from Plaza de Toros de Ronda.

This is the type of hotel for you if you’re staying more than a day in Ronda and want a hotel experience on top of exploring the town.

The hotel offers modern rooms, and each of them is well-equipped with a comfortable and spacious bed, air conditioning and heating for the winter months, a safe, a mini bar, a flat-screen TV and coffee and tea amenities.

Another great reason to choose Catalonia Ronda as your hotel is that it has an on-site restaurant serving traditional Andalusian dishes and a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and beautiful views of Ronda’s bullring.

📌 Check out Catalonia Ronda availability and rates

Parador de Ronda

Parador de Ronda is the best hotel in Ronda as its location, beside Ronda’s impressive bridge (Puente Nuevo), can’t be better than that.

This Parador offers spacious rooms with private terraces where you can enjoy stunning views of Puente Nuevo and its surroundings. Each room is also equipped with a TV, air conditioning during the summer months and free WiFi.

On top of these features, the hotel also has an on-site restaurant that offers local dishes and a swimming pool.

📌 Check out Parador de Ronda availability and rates

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. However, although the first part of the drive is easy, as you drive on the motorway, the roads are narrower and windier when you get closer to 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 get to Ronda is by taking 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 told us lots 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. In case you opt for this option, you’ll need to take the Avanza L-613 bus from Malaga bus station, stop at Marbella bus station and take the Avanza L-525 bus towards Seville.

The total journey can take you about 2 hours and 30 minutes or longer if there are any delays.

📌 Check out bus tickets with Omio here

When to go to Ronda

The best time to visit Ronda is in late 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.

The best day trips from Ronda

Ronda is more than a day trip and you’ll realise that the moment you step into the town. There are many things to do in Ronda!

If you’re staying a weekend or longer, then it’s worth going on a day trip.

Here are the four best day trips from Ronda (although you might want to visit some of these on the same day as your Ronda day trip as I did):

Setenil de las Bodegas

Duration: approximately 25 minutes drive.

If you’d love to discover another Pueblo Blanco (white town), then you must go to Setenil de las Bodegas.

This little town is located on the border between Malaga and Cadiz, but it does belong to the province of Cadiz. What makes this town unique is the way it’s been built.

Many buildings like houses, restaurants and bars have been built into rock overhangs above the river Guadalporcún that goes through Setenil.

In addition to this peculiar characteristic, the town offers plenty of photo opportunities. There are many lovely cobbled streets and viewpoints with incredible views of the town and its natural surroundings.

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Acinipo Ruins

Duration: 30 minutes drive

Are you looking for hidden gems near Ronda? Then you want to check out Acinipo Ruins, a historical complex that used to be a Roman city.

It’s surprising that there aren’t any entry fees, so you can turn up and park your car. You’ll be greeted by the keeper, who will give you some directions and tell you a bit of history about these incredible ruins.

Spend some time exploring the Roman Amphitheatre, the Roman Baths, and the Domus and enjoying the beautiful countryside views.

It’ll take you approximately an hour to explore the ruins, so I’d recommend combining this day trip with Setenil de las Bodegas as it’s only 14 minutes drive.

Sierra de las Nieves

Duration: 1 hour drive

An excellent day trip from Ronda for nature lovers is Sierra de las Nieves National Park – beautiful white towns, stunning flora and protected animals like the golden eagle, the wild cat and the otter.

Hiking in Sierra de las Nieves is a great experience, and you can find routes for all levels. I highly recommend checking the AllTrails app and then going to the visitor centre for some advice from a ranger.

Malaga

Duration: approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from Malaga

When you’re staying in Ronda or anywhere in Costa del Sol, you must do a day trip to Malaga.

There are many activities to do in Malaga in a day – from visiting historical buildings like Malaga Cathedral and Alcazaba de Malaga to exploring its interesting museums and relaxing on La Malagueta Beach.

If you’re spending 24 hours in Malaga, La Alcazaba de Malaga is an unmissable historical attraction. In this Moorish fortress-palace, you can learn about the Muslim period in the city, walk beautiful patios decorated with jasmine flowers and small fountains, and get some breathtaking views of the port.

After visiting La Alcazaba, go to the Roman Theatre, which is next to it, and if you love art, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Picasso Museum Malaga. Here you’ll find masterpieces of one of Spain’s most important cubist artists.

Have lunch at El Pimpi to enjoy traditional dishes from the region of Malaga, such as pescaito frito (fried fish) and bull egg tomato, and taste Malaga sweet wine.

Spend the rest of your day relaxing at La Malagueta Beach, visiting the Cathedral or Carmen Thyssen Museum.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Ronda

Wrap up of what to do in Ronda for a day

Ronda is one of the most beautiful towns in Andalucia – its beautiful 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, Puente Nuevo Bridge and Mondragon Palace are two unmissable things to see.

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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Things to do before visiting Ronda, Malaga

• Check out cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport with Skyscanner.
• Book the best accommodation with Booking.com
• Rent a car to move around Ronda with ease.
• Don’t forget to buy travel insurance for your trip.

Other Andalusian towns and cities to add to your list

• Malaga: 20 Unique Things to Do in Malaga
• Marbella: 30+ Best Things to Do In Marbella, Spain – A Local’s Guide
• 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: 18 Incredible Things to Do in Almeria

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