Ronda is one of those perfect Spanish towns where you can spend either a day or a weekend! Enjoy the history, architecture, shopping, vistas and of course since it still does get a higher level of tourist, menus in English. Here we will be discussing how to spend the perfect day trip to Ronda.
One thing I loved about visiting Ronda, is that even with the tourist traffic, this city still maintains it’s charm. You can see an entire day exploring or spend a weekend seeing the city at a more leisurely pace. Travel tips: you’ll wanna bring a fan and wear shoes with good traction the walking roads are steep in some areas and the rocks are slippery.
Things to do:
Visit the Bullring:
It is said that the bullring in Ronda is one of oldest bullring in Spain. There is a museum you can visit and it is always fun to pretend to play a matador, or even the bull. Visit http://www.rmcr.org for up-to-date hours of operation.
Enjoy Touring The Banos Arabes:
The Arab baths are the eldest and best preserved in all of Europe! These baths are similar to the design perfected by the Romans, except that these baths steam was used to sweat out pollutants from the body rather than soaking in hot water as the Romans did.
The Moors of Spain were also Muslim, so religious traditions were important. A Mosque was located next to the baths, and the baths were used for more than a sanitary facility. They were also a place where locals and visitors alike would stop to purify and cleanse their bodies before entering the Mosque to purify their souls.
Arab baths opening times and prices:
Monday to Friday 10am till 6pm (10:00-18:00)
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 10am till 3pm (10:00-15:00)
Price of Entry
3.50 € per individual
2.75 € if part of a group of 10 or more, and children under 14
Free on Tuesdays from 3pm to 5:30pm
Cross the Puente Nuevo:
Puente Nuevo is the newest and largest of the three bridges that span the 120-metre-deep (390 ft) gorge that carries the GuadalevÃn River and divides the city of Ronda, in southern Spain. The architect was José Martin de Aldehuela and chief builder was Juan Antonio DÃaz Machuca.
The construction of the newest bridge (the one that stands today) was started in 1759 and took 34 years. There is a chamber above the central arch that was used for a variety of purposes, including as a prison. During the 1936-1939 civil war both sides allegedly used the prison as a torture chamber for captured opponents. The chamber is entered through a square building that was once the guard-house. It now contains an exhibition describing the bridge’s history and construction.
Visit the Casa del Rey Moro:
The main area of the house was constructed at the beginning of the 17th century. Styled as a classic Andalusian houses of the aristocracy: it consisted of a series of rooms around a patio.
From 1767, Jacinto Salvatierra was the first member of this noble family that owned this house. It was inherited by successive relatives until the beginning of the 20th century. Then it was aquired by American billionaire Lawrence Perin, who placed the monument in the spotlight for academics and those interested in the history and culture of Ronda.
Currently the mine and the historic garden can be visited.
Opening hours: every day from 10 to 20 (from October to April).
From 10 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. (May to September)
Photograph the View from Casa de Don Bosco:
It is a modernist palace built at the beginning of the 20th century. Located at the Tajo’s edge, at the heart of the historical city quarter of Ronda. It belonged to the Granada family, which gave it to the Salesian Priest Order as nursing home of old and ill priests.
The beautiful courtyard is worth visiting. Decorated with Arab style ceramics and a complete collection of regional ceramics. It is also advisable to see its 19th century tapestries and its walnut furniture. My favorite was the gardens. The views from the balcony are worth the entire visit alone!
Price for tickets: €2 Groups (over 6 persons): €1.50 Schedule
Monday to Sunday from 9 am. to 2 pm. and from 2:30 to 5 pm.
Soak Up the View from Alameda del Tajo:
Best View for Your Meal:
The hotel/restaurant Don Migel has one of the best views in Ronda of the bridge and the gorge below. The food is amazing and the atmosphere is second to none. Of course, this isn’t your only option in town. If you wander down the some of the main pedestrian road ways you will find some amazing restaurants and cafes.
Ronda is a little slice of heaven built up on a hill. As you stand looking out over the high view points, you can see why this city was so important. Ronda has it all from beauty to resources. I highly recommend taking a weekend or a day to explore Ronda. If you are looking for more amazing things to do in AndalucÃa also visit “Top 8 Adventures for Kids in AndalucÃa, Spain” or “How to Spend a Weekend in Granada”.
Tune in for more amazing Wanderlust blogs from The Backpacker Mom!
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