A Guide to Ronda's Best Art Galleries

Geoff Scott-Simpson is a gemmologist-turned-photographer with a passion for the nature and wildlife of Southern Spain. His eye for beauty is on display in the elegant, light-filled Ronda showroom that bears his name, located a two-minute stroll from the Puente Nuevo. Here, examples of Scott-Simpson’s award-winning photography are mounted onto pristine white walls. They focus on the Andalusian countryside and famous Ronda attractions, such as the stately bullring and the mighty New Bridge. Scott-Simpson’s works are also on sale via his online store.

Geoff Scott-Simpson Gallery, 1 Calle Rosario, Ronda, Spain, +34 602 52 06 97

Grabados Somera is both a gallery and a souvenir shop, displaying locally made etchings and prints depicting scenes from Andalusian culture. The walls of the Calle Rosario outlet are plastered with these delightful works, many of which present scenes from Ronda’s history or depict its most beautiful buildings. A ten-minute stroll away, on Calle Molino, is the studio where the prints have been made since 1985, using centuries-old techniques. Both spaces make for a fascinating visit, and offer classy gifts and mementos to take back home.

Grabados Somera, 4 Calle Rosario, Ronda, Spain, +34 670 68 44 48

If you want to support one of the town’s most promising young artists, head to the Mateo Benítez gallery and souvenir shop. Benítez was born in Ronda in 1987 and started this business in 2014 as a way to fund his artistic pursuits. Available from the store are prints and souvenirs bearing reproductions of his paintings, which display a bold and original talent. After flirting with the idea of a teaching career, Benítez decided to dedicate himself to art in late 2013. He spent six months on his first major work, Cornisa del Tajo de Ronda y Puente Nuevo, a moody and dramatic depiction of Ronda’s most famous attraction. A talent to watch.

Mateo Benítez Gallery, Ronda, Spain, +34 648 73 85 51

This gallery takes its name from one of Ronda’s most famous artists, Joaquin Peinado (1898-1975). Upon completion of his studies in 1923, Peinado moved to Paris, where he became one of the most prominent members of the French capital’s Spanish School, along with his friend Pablo Picasso. The museum is housed in an exquisitely restored 19th-century palace and showcases more than 190 works throughout ten rooms, including important paintings such as Still Life With Pears and Figure With a Dove. Also displayed are sketches and drafts never seen before the gallery’s opening.

Museo Peinado, Plaza del Gigante, S/N, Ronda, Spain, +34 952 87 15 85