What To Do And See In Ronda, Andalusia

Walk Through the Cuenca Gardens

Clinging to the edges of the Tajo Gorge, the Jardines de Cuenca wind their way over a series of paths and terraces and provide one of the best views of the Puente Nuevo bridge.

Jardines de Cuenca, Calle Escolleras 1, Ronda, Málaga, Spain

Best of Ronda, Spain. The Cuenca Gardens are located on the ledges of the Tajo and distributed across a series of terraces. The views are jaws dropping and give you a unique and differing perspective of the city. Unfortunately, a number of tourists have fallen to their deaths from the heights of the tall bridge when they were making an attempt to lean over that extra inch to take a spectacular photograph of the valley below. Please be sure that you do it safely! Jan 2014

A photo posted by Simply Blue 🌀 (@travc_photography) on Sep 22, 2016 at 6:00am PDT

Not only is Ronda’s Plaza del Toros the largest in Spain (in terms of the diameter of the sand circle), it’s also one of the oldest, built in the 18th century. One of the birthplaces of the Rondeño style of bullfighting, the building is also where the Real Maestranza De Caballería De Ronda is located – Spain’s oldest order of horsemanship.

Marvel at the Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor

The most important church in Ronda, the Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor is built in many varying architectural styles, due to the fact that construction began in 1485 and wasn’t completed until the 17th century. Part of the church was also destroyed during an earthquake in 1580. The most fascinating aspects of the church are its Renaissance Choir and images of the Virgen del Mayor Dolor.

Parroquia Santa María la Mayor, Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, Ronda, Málaga, Spain, +34 952 87 22 46

Explore the Ancient Baños Arabes

During the Moorish rule of Spain, the Arabic leaders built many bathhouses all over the country, but especially in the province of Andalusia. Many of these ancient Arab bathhouses still remain today and, although not functioning, can still be explored. One of the most important and best preserved is located in Ronda. Built at the end of the 13th century, you can still see the large cauldron used for heating the water to create the steam, and the star-shaped air vents.

Baños Arabes, Calle Molino de Alarcón 11, Ronda, Málaga, Spain, +34 952 18 71 19

Visit the Palacio del Rey Moro y La Mina

Not actually the home of a Moorish king at all, the Palacio del Rey Moro wasn’t built until the 18th century, after the Christians had long regained control of Andalusia. Although the actual house is not open to the public, its wonderful gardens are. Designed by French landscape gardener Jean-Claude Forestier in 1912, they cling to the side of the cliff and are filled with fountains, flower gardens and peacocks. Its real treasure, however, can be found down many stone steps in a mine, which emerges at a cool and serene pool at the bottom of the gorge.

Palacio del Rey Moro, Calle Cuesta de Santo Domingo 9, Ronda, Málaga, Spain, +34 952 18 71 19

The remnants of the Arabic residence of the Moorish ruler Abbel Mallek, the Mondragón Palace has undergone many renovations to help restore it to its former glory. Some of the original, intricate tile work and inner courtyards still remain, as do the charming water gardens with their many fountains.

The Bodegas la Sangre Wine Interpretation Centre provides great insight into Ronda’s local wines. As well as tastings straight from the barrel, there’s a museum which explains the history of wine, the grape-growing process, the fermentation process and the various types of local wines and how they’re made.