A Day In Ronda… Best Things To Do –

Ronda is a cliffside city located in the Province of Malaga, and one of the oldest cities in Spain. This charming white washed town is considered the birthplace of modern bullfighting and home to Spain’s oldest bullring, The Plaza de Toros. Ronda is perched high in The Serraniade Ronda Mountains, straddling the dramatic El Tajo gorge (120 meters deep) and Guadalevin River. The beautiful Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) connects the Moorish Old Town, La Ciudad to the New Town “El Mercadillo “. Orson Wells and Ernest Hemingway were inspired by Ronda’s beauty and spent many summer months as part time residents of the Old Town quarter called La Ciudad. The yellow house in the photo was the residence of Ernest Hemingway.

Some recommendations of top places to see in Ronda.

• Explore Puente Nuevo Bridge- The famous 18th century Bridge is an absolute must see landmark. When looking down from the New Bridge, you will see incredible views of the surrounding cliffs, landscapes, and dramatic views of the “El Tajo ” gorge and Guadalevin River flowing through the gorge.

• Visit The Plaza de Toros – Spain’s oldest bullring is a national heritage site where you will see historic stables and housed inside is a museum, Museo Taurino where you can learn all about the history of the site. There is also an extensive collection of memorabilia – costumes worn by famous matadors, weapons used, old posters, photos, and other artifact on display.

• Alameda del Tajo – Beautiful tree-lined park and Botanical garden with an interesting variety of plants, trees, and five walking paths that lead to balconies that offer some of the most incredible views of the El Tajo gorge and surrounding countryside. Definitely a great photo op from the balconies- stunning landscape views and cliffside vistas. As you walk through the park, you will see lush gardens, fountains, vibrant flower beds and historic monuments and statues:

A.) Monumento a la Dama Goyesca- (Monument of the Goyaesque Lady), a full-scale statue of a woman dressed in traditional Ronda costume.

B.) Statue of Pedro Romero- famous bullfighting matador.

C.) Paseo/Walkways- named in tribute to Ernest Hemingway and Orson Wells. In Hemingway’s novel, “Whom the Bell Tolls “, he gives a graphic description of violence and historical context of the Spanish Civil War where people were thrown from cliffs.

• Stroll through The Old Town – “La Ciudad ” and immerse yourself in it’s historic charm. Wander through the charming narrow cobbled streets where you’ll encounter museums, historic buildings with Moorish, Roman, and Renaissance architectural styles, local shops, patios, restaurants and tapas bars with views of Puente Nuevo. You will also see Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de La Paz, a beautiful church located in a small square next to a school. The church is known as Church of Our Lady of Peace.

• Check out the culinary scene… take a Lunch Break at Restaurante Pedro Romero for traditional Andalusian cuisine and regional wines. The restaurant is Tavern style decorated with bullfighting memorabilia throughout. Great service, food, ambiance!

• Reserve your adventure at Reservatauro Ronda, a breeding farm of fighting bulls and pure Andalusian horses in the countryside. Bullfighting is an important part of Spanish culture and tradition. If you want to learn about Bullfighting, the process of selecting, breeding, and training the bulls and horses, this will be a great opportunity. I interacted with the horses in the stables and walked around the farm to admire the horses and watch equestrians train the Andalusian horses. Reservatauro is a beautiful farm with a mountain view terrace and rooms with tapas and wine tasting- Amazing experience!