Ronda: A Journey to the Edge of the Tajo Gorge

The first look over the Puente Nuevo bridge is a moment that literally takes your breath away. The sheer scale of the 120-meter drop into the Tajo Gorge is staggering, yet if you can drag yourself away from that iconic view, you’ll find that Ronda is a city of endless surprises. It is a place where the geography dictates the pace, forcing you to slow down and admire the meeting point of nature and ancient architecture.

Get lost in the streets

The city walls

Even if you aren't a fan of bullfighting, you cannot help but feel the immense impact this ancient tradition has had on Ronda’s soul. Walking past one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, you begin to understand why literary giants like Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles fell so deeply in love with this place. There is a palpable sense of "Old Spain" romanticism here, preserved in the stone walls of the old Moorish quarter.

Puerta de Almocábar (Almocábar Gate)

Beyond the views, Ronda is a destination for the senses, particularly for those who appreciate the vine. The local red wines are a true "local secret" that never disappoints, benefiting from the unique high-altitude climate of the Serranía de Ronda. Pairing a glass of local Serranía wine with the town’s traditional sweets or world-class olive oils makes for an unforgettable culinary journey.

Local wine

Ronda is definitely not a "one and done" destination; it is a place that reveals more of itself every time you return. It’s perfect for the traveler who wants a mix of high-adrenaline views, deep history, and a sophisticated food and wine scene. As I stood on the bridge for the second time, I knew one thing for certain: It definitely would not be my last visit.

Barrio de San Francisco

Things to do

• Puente Nuevo (The New Bridge): Completed in 1793, this bridge is the heart of the city. Fun fact: The small chamber above the central arch once served as a prison.

• Real Maestranza de Caballería: One of the oldest and most beautiful bullrings in Spain, built entirely of stone in 1785.

• Olive oil tasting: Immerse yourself in the region's "liquid gold" by visiting a local mill for a guided tasting of the Serranía’s finest oils.

• The "Secret Mine": Visit the Casa del Rey Moro and descend the 231 steps of the Water Mine carved directly into the cliffside.

Places to eat & drink

• Restaurante Tropicana: A must-visit where the food is amazing; the baby goat leg is exceptional when paired with a bottle of Altocielo from Bodegus Lunares.

• Bar El Lechuguita: A legendary, tiny local spot perfect for a quick, authentic tapa experience.

• Entrevinos: The place to go for a deep dive into those local red wines that are Ronda’s hidden gems.

• Local sweets: Don't leave without trying Yemas del Tajo, a traditional sweet made of egg yolks and sugar.

Other tips

• Footwear is essential: Like Toledo, Ronda involves a lot of walking on uneven stones and steep paths; good walking shoes are non-negotiable.

• Book ahead: For popular spots like Restaurante Tropicana, reservations are essential as they fill up quickly with locals and savvy travelers.

• Look below the surface: Take the time to hike down into the gorge for a view of the bridge from below—it provides a completely different perspective of the city's scale.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Spain page.