Backpacking in Spain: Top 6 Sights in Ronda
Posted: June 25 2024 | Tagged: Spain
Ronda in the province of Málaga is a fantastic place to explore for a few days or perhaps a place to base yourself for a longer period of time.
It's as cute AF. But of course, it's packed with tourists all here for the same reasons, looking for something more than big city life like in Barcelona, Madrid and Seville or the beaches packed with holidaymakers and locals roasting themselves like a pig on a spit roast, and to enjoy Ronda for what it is: stunning.
It's as cute AF. But of course, it's packed with tourists all here for the same reasons, looking for something more than big city life like in Barcelona, Madrid and Seville or the beaches packed with holidaymakers and locals roasting themselves like a pig on a spit roast, and to enjoy Ronda for what it is: stunning.
And I will go out on a limb and say it's my favourite town in Spain, though I am sure there are many other places as equally as beautiful or even more so than Ronda, still undiscovered by Nomadic Backpacker.
Without further ado, let's get straight into my top 6 sights in Ronda (it is, by no means a comprehensive list of Things to See in Ronda).
1. Puente Nuevo:
This is the best of them, The Puente Nuevo/The New Bridge. The symbol and the soul of the city.
This particular version dates from 1751 to 1793, which replaces the 1st attempt which was built in 1735 but collapsed after 8 months.
It links the modern town with the old town.
There are numerous 'miradores' where you can admire the beauty.
The Desfiladero del Tajo is probably, I'd say the best one but it's a viewing platform that costs 5 Euros (card only). I went there on my first evening:
This particular version dates from 1751 to 1793, which replaces the 1st attempt which was built in 1735 but collapsed after 8 months.
It links the modern town with the old town.
There are numerous 'miradores' where you can admire the beauty.
The Desfiladero del Tajo is probably, I'd say the best one but it's a viewing platform that costs 5 Euros (card only). I went there on my first evening:
There are plenty of other places from where you can view the Puente Nuevo.
Here are some of my photos, from both the west and east side:
Here are some of my photos, from both the west and east side:
2. Baños Árabes:
This was a great place to visit. It costs just 4.50€ and it's money well spent.
The baths date from the 13th and 14th centuries, and are considered to be the best preserved in Spain.
Just to give you some background info, Andalusia was the Muslim-ruled area of the Iberian Peninsula between 711 and 1492 with Ronda being the capital of medieval Berber Kingdom "The Taifa of Ronda" from 1039 to 1065.
The atmosphere is great and there is a 5 minute video which explains everything. Well worth the effort to go there!!
The baths date from the 13th and 14th centuries, and are considered to be the best preserved in Spain.
Just to give you some background info, Andalusia was the Muslim-ruled area of the Iberian Peninsula between 711 and 1492 with Ronda being the capital of medieval Berber Kingdom "The Taifa of Ronda" from 1039 to 1065.
The atmosphere is great and there is a 5 minute video which explains everything. Well worth the effort to go there!!
3. Arco de Felipe V:
Built in 1742 during the reign of Philip V, the Arco de Felipe V replaced the old Arab Gate:
4. La Mina y la Casa del Rey Moro:
There are 3 parts to the Casa del Rey Moro:
I was here for the Water Mine, which is considered the best-preserved example in Spain.
The Moorish King, Abomelic, was the self-proclaimed ruler of Ronda between 1331 and 1339 and he used Christians as slaves to power the water wheel to bring the water up to the city from the river 196 feet below. An incredible feat of engineering.
Some possible useless trivial, Madonna shot the video for her song, 'Take a Bow', inside the Casa del Rey Moro and Michelle Obama was a visitor in 2010.
- The Nasarid era Water Mine
- The Neo-Mudejar style House (sadly closed for renovation)
- The Garden
I was here for the Water Mine, which is considered the best-preserved example in Spain.
The Moorish King, Abomelic, was the self-proclaimed ruler of Ronda between 1331 and 1339 and he used Christians as slaves to power the water wheel to bring the water up to the city from the river 196 feet below. An incredible feat of engineering.
Some possible useless trivial, Madonna shot the video for her song, 'Take a Bow', inside the Casa del Rey Moro and Michelle Obama was a visitor in 2010.
5. Puerta de Almocábar:
Located near the Muslim cemetery, in the southern part of the historical 'old' town, in the reign of Charles V during the 13th century.
6. Alameda del Tajo:
This is a neat garden in the new part of town and is a nice 'cool' place to come to, to get some relief from the hot sun:
X. Bullring of the Royal Cavalry of Ronda - Do NOT pay to go in:
This is a controversial inclusion, in that I do not support this barbaric national pastime. I admired the building which from an architectural point of view is impressive. Sadly, many tourists didn't see it that way. Sorry, not sorry. No Photos.
You can read on the Humane Society International website to see which countries have taken the steps to ban bullfighting and my inclusion of this, on Nomadic Backpacker is to make you aware and give you something to think about before paying the entrance fee.
Scenic view of Ronda in Spain:
