Old Town Ronda
A dramatic Andalusian town perched on a cliff, famed for the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge spanning a deep gorge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Old Town Ronda
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic Andalusian town perched on a cliff, famed for the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge spanning a deep gorge.
"Ronda is certainly a beautiful place with many photo opportunities of some of the most beautiful views we’ve encountered."
📸 Capture the Best Views
Hike down to viewpoints for epic Puente Nuevo shots. Be ready for a climb back up!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Cobblestone streets and inclines are common. Essential for exploring the old town!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Puente Nuevo
El Tajo Gorge
Iconic 18th-century bridge spanning a dramatic gorge, offering breathtaking city and landscape views.
Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
North of El Tajo Gorge
Wander through charming whitewashed streets, discover historic architecture, and soak in the Andalusian atmosphere.
Plaza de Toros
Ronda
One of Spain's oldest bullrings, offering a glimpse into the country's bullfighting history and impressive architecture.
Puente Viejo
El Tajo Gorge
A charming, historic bridge offering a more intimate perspective of the gorge and Ronda's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Puente Nuevo
Embrace the Climb for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Best Views
Hike down to viewpoints for epic Puente Nuevo shots. Be ready for a climb back up!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Cobblestone streets and inclines are common. Essential for exploring the old town!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially if you plan to hike down for photos. Bring plenty of water.
🕰️ Check Bridge Lighting
Puente Nuevo isn't always lit at night. Verify hours if night views are a priority.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Best Views
Hike down to viewpoints for epic Puente Nuevo shots. Be ready for a climb back up!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Cobblestone streets and inclines are common. Essential for exploring the old town!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially if you plan to hike down for photos. Bring plenty of water.
🕰️ Check Bridge Lighting
Puente Nuevo isn't always lit at night. Verify hours if night views are a priority.
🍊 Try Candied Oranges
Look for bakeries in the main square selling whole candied oranges – a unique local treat!
🎧 Audio Guide at Bullring
Opt for the audio guide at Plaza de Toros for a richer historical experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ronda is consistently praised for its breathtaking scenery, particularly the iconic Puente Nuevo and the dramatic El Tajo gorge. Visitors love exploring the charming old town, historic bullring, and the unique viewpoints. While generally a positive experience, some find the viewpoints for the bridge to be a bit of a climb and note that the bridge isn't always lit at night.
"We visited mid September and it still was busy without the chaotic streets of the peak summer months.
The place was vibrant and welcoming and the narrow streets provided some shade from the warm sunshine. It’s certainly a beautiful place with many photo opportunities of some of the most beautiful views we’ve encountered through this part of Spain. The streets are lined with many shops that sell everything that you could possibly need. There are plenty of options to buy souvenirs.
Both bridges are stunning but we found the newer bridge to be the most breathtaking. You can walk down and pay €5 to take photos but be aware it’s an easy walk down but a bit of a climb back up, especially in the heat. It does close late afternoon for a break but you wouldn’t know this until you’ve made the walk down. We visited the bull ring and it’s well worth opting for the extra few euros to have the audio guide.
The park near the bull ring is certainly worth a walk around and offers breathtaking views. There are also plenty of benches and a paid WC. On the day we visited there were also a few market stalls.
It’s worth crossing the bridge into ‘old town ‘ . The architecture is quaint and you get a real sense of how the town has grown over the years.
The drive up to the town from Marbella took us about 1:20 hours. It’s windy and narrow on the bends."
Angela Parker
"Well worth the visit. Recommended to take the short hike to the other bridge lower down, and back up on the other side."
Roy-Andre Tollefsen
"Marvelous and striking view ! The bridge leads to the city rules house (absolutely amazing ) and a set of houses over seeing the distance .. next to the rules house is more privileged palaces and a walk that takes you back to the main bridge .. must see"
Yassar Al Rikabi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive to Ronda from Malaga or Marbella takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The roads can be windy and narrow, so drive cautiously.
Many visitors also opt for bus tours or public transport, which are convenient options for reaching this picturesque town.Parking can be challenging in Ronda, especially during peak season. Look for designated parking lots on the outskirts of the town or near the main attractions. Arriving early can help secure a spot.
Absolutely! Ronda is a popular day trip destination from Malaga and Marbella. You can see the main sights like Puente Nuevo and the old town in a single day.
Ronda is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on cobblestone streets and navigating some inclines.
While Ronda is walkable, there might be local buses or taxis available for longer distances or if you have mobility issues. However, most key attractions are within walking distance of each other.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Puente Nuevo itself is a public bridge and free to cross. However, there's a fee (around €5) if you want to walk down to specific viewpoints for photos.
The Plaza de Toros typically opens daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information.
The old town of Ronda is a public area and does not have an entrance fee. You can wander freely through its charming streets and squares.
While specific combined tickets might not be widely advertised, purchasing tickets for attractions like the Plaza de Toros and any associated museums can be done on-site or sometimes online in advance.
The viewpoints for Puente Nuevo may close in the late afternoon for a break. It's advisable to check the closing times before making the walk down.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photos of Puente Nuevo are taken from viewpoints below the bridge, accessible via a hike. The Jardines de Cuenca also offer stunning perspectives.
Early mornings and late afternoons, especially during sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for photographing Puente Nuevo and the gorge.
Drone regulations can be strict in historical and protected areas. It's essential to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in Ronda.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of Puente Nuevo and the gorge. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the old town. Don't forget a tripod for low-light shots.
Wander through the narrow streets, look for charming doorways, and capture the whitewashed buildings. Plaza de Toros also offers great photographic opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Many restaurants and bars in Ronda offer delicious tapas. Look for places in the old town or near the main squares for authentic local flavors.
Don't miss trying the whole candied oranges from local bakeries, a unique and delightful treat.
You might also find local specialties featuring Iberian pork or fresh seafood.Travelers have praised Kutral for its steak and bakeries in the main square for their unique pastries. Exploring the old town will reveal many charming eateries.
While traditional Spanish cuisine can be meat-heavy, many restaurants are becoming more accommodating. Look for vegetable-based tapas or ask for modifications.
Dining prices in Ronda can vary. Tapas can be quite affordable, while sit-down meals at restaurants might range from moderate to higher depending on the establishment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Exploring the old town's narrow streets can feel like a treasure hunt. Pack plenty of snacks and water, especially if you plan on walking extensively. Look for bakeries offering unique treats like candied oranges. The park near the bullring provides a nice open space for kids to stretch their legs.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for local bakeries for affordable and delicious snacks like the famous candied oranges. While some attractions like the bullring have entrance fees, prioritize what interests you most. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for potentially lower accommodation prices if staying overnight.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the bridge, the whitewashed streets of the old town provide endless charm for street photography. The Plaza de Toros offers architectural details and historical context. Experiment with different angles and lighting conditions to capture the essence of this Andalusian gem.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Puente Nuevo
Visitors can walk across the bridge for free, enjoying panoramic views of the gorge and the surrounding landscape. For a more immersive experience and unique photo opportunities, there are designated viewpoints accessible via a hike down into the gorge. Be prepared for a steep climb back up, especially in warmer weather. The engineering behind Puente Nuevo is a testament to the ingenuity of its time, and standing on it offers a profound sense of history and awe.
While Puente Nuevo is the star, don't overlook Puente Viejo, the Old Bridge. Though smaller and less imposing, it offers a charming and more intimate glimpse into Ronda's past, connecting the old Moorish quarter and providing beautiful views of the river below. Exploring both bridges gives a comprehensive appreciation of Ronda's strategic and historical significance.
Exploring Ronda's Historic Heart
A must-visit within the old town is the Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest and most significant bullrings in Spain. Its elegant architecture and historical importance make it a compelling stop. Opting for the audio guide is highly recommended to fully appreciate its history and traditions. Nearby, the Alameda Del Tajo park offers a tranquil escape with stunning viewpoints overlooking the gorge and the surrounding countryside.
Beyond the main attractions, simply getting lost in the old town is an experience in itself. Discover the Arab Baths, explore smaller museums like Casa Museo Don Bosco, and soak in the authentic Andalusian atmosphere. The blend of history, culture, and picturesque scenery makes Ronda's old town an unforgettable destination.
The Legend and Reality of Puente Nuevo
One popular legend suggests that the architect, José Martín de Aldehuela, committed suicide by jumping from the bridge shortly after its completion. While this adds a dramatic flair to the bridge's history, historical records indicate he lived for several more years after its inauguration. Regardless of the truth behind the legends, the bridge's imposing presence and the dramatic landscape it spans have captivated visitors for centuries.
The bridge's significance extends beyond its engineering. It symbolizes the connection between the old and new parts of Ronda, representing the town's resilience and evolution. The views from and of Puente Nuevo are consistently described as breathtaking and awe-inspiring, making it a highlight for any visitor to Andalusia.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit