Ronda lies in a mountainous area at an altitude of two thousand five hundred feet. It is very popular with tourists drawn by its spectacular scenery and its historic charm. The River Guadalevin and the El Tajo Canyon divide the town and the bridges that straddle the canyon, almost four hundred feet above the river, are impressive sights. Its old town has some fascinating buildings and the main square is a joy to see. Ronda is ideal for walking holidays as it is surrounded by three national parks crisscrossed with trails. A Ronda holiday offers warm summer sunshine amid wonderful scenery, a charming old town with interesting architecture and shady squares and accommodation and restaurants that cater for most budgets.
Ronda is one of Andalucía’s favourite tourist attractions. A combination of its historic past and its wonderful natural setting brings it into competition with the likes of Granada and Seville. Ronda provides an ideal holiday for ramblers, climbers and mountain bikers.
A Ronda holiday appeals to couples of all ages and is particularly popular with hill walkers and mountain bikers. It is also the perfect venue for a city break.
The most popular time to take a Ronda holiday is during the summer when the altitude tempers the heat of the Costa del Sol. Spring is the prettiest time when there are carpets of wild flowers creating wonderful photographic opportunities. Although the winters are not particularly cold they can often be grey and wet.
Ronda, sitting high in the hills on a rocky outcrop was one of the last towns to be taken from the Moors by the Catholic Monarchy in the fifteenth century. Its strong defensive situation, almost four hundred feet above the river, makes it a town with stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Many visitors make day trips to Ronda as it is only sixty miles from the coast and the journey can be completed in less than an hour. Those who make their base in Ronda are generally interested in the great outdoors. The three National Parks, Sierra de las Nieves, Granzalema and Alcornocales provide mile after mile of wonderful scenic walks, rewarding the efforts of hikers with truly spectacular views.
Ronda itself is famous for its dramatic views. The town is built on both sides of the El Tajo gorge through which flows the River Guadalevin. There are three bridges crossing the gorge, the eighteenth century Puente Nuevo spans the gorge at a height of almost four hundred feet. It is a popular spot with photographers as the view towards the mountains is breathtaking.
The old town retains its historic charm with many fine dwellings, museums and churches. The Plaza Duquesa de Parcent is a wonderful old square with churches, a convent and the old town hall. The Palacio Mondragon is well worth a visit with its tiny water gardens dating from the time of the Moors. The bull ring in Ronda is now a museum except in September when fighters and audience dress as Goya depicted them in his sketches. The main shopping area in the town, Espinel, is pedestrianised for the safety and comfort of both residents and holidaymakers.
Ronda nightlife is fairly lively without the raucous element that is often found at the coast. Evenings are spent wandering the pretty winding streets, enjoying refreshments in the many pavement bars and cafes. Most visitors spend their evenings in one of the many wonderful restaurants lingering over gastronomic delights in the company of friends.
Ronda has shops that cater for all holiday essentials as well as gifts and souvenirs that are so loved by tourists. Popular purchases include wood carvings from walnut and chestnut trees, esparto grass work, leather goods, pottery and cork work.
Ronda has a range of wonderful restaurants serving a variety of food from traditional fare to haute cuisine. Food produced locally includes pork, cheeses from goats and wonderful honey. A good way to try Spanish food is to order a plate of tapas which consists of a medley of bite-sized dishes. Tapas are also ideal for filling the sometimes long gap between lunch and dinner, which is served later in Spain than at home.
Children are always made very welcome in Spanish restaurants and their tastes and portion sizes are usually accommodated.
Spanish wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
