Ronda is a small town in Andalusia, Spain. It is known for its bullfighting ring, gorges, and bridges. If you stay in Sevilla or Málaga, Ronda is the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend trip. Read below for the best things to do in Ronda, where to eat, and how to get to the city in this best travel guide to Ronda, Spain.
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Things to do in Ronda
Plaza de Toros de Ronda
Ronda’s Bullring is the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain, and the bullring itself is the largest in Spain. It was built in the late eighteenth century and was the first to be made out of stone (not brick).
The bullring offers tours that include a small museum with bullfighting items and clothing, dating back over two centuries. There is also a look inside the bull’s pen where they stay before a match. The coolest part of the tour is standing on the ring itself.
El Tajo de Ronda and The Three Bridges
A block away from the bullring is a vast gorge that makes Ronda as beautiful as it is. The gorge runs through the center of the town and is 120 meters, or 390 feet deep. It is made of mostly stone, with a small river flowing through the bottom. Also, three bridges go over the gorge.
- The New Bridge or Puente Nuevo is the newest and largest bridge that was built in 1759. It took over thirty years to build and includes a chamber in its arch. The chamber was used as a prison and torture room during past wars. Now there is an educational display inside with information on the bridge’s history.
- The Old Bridge or Puente Viejo is the oldest and smallest bridge that was built in 1616. Only pedestrians are allowed on this bridge since it is so tiny and less sturdy than the others.
- The Roman Bridge or Puente Romano is the third bridge that pays homage to Roman history.
All three bridges are walkable and close together with amazing views of the gorge. Keep in mind that the town is not flat, so walking around the gorge and bridges may be difficult for some people.
Plaza del Socorro
One block east of the bullring is Plaza del Socorro, the current political center of Ronda. There are many shops in the area with clothing, souvenirs, and more. The architecture in the plaza is stunning.
Where to Eat in Ronda
The Best View
Restaurante Don Miguel has the best views overlooking the gorge, hands down. The food is not cheap and is not great, but the views make it worth having a drink here.
Convenient or Variety
Furthermore, there is a wide variety of restaurants two blocks north of Don Miguel. From tapas bars to pizzerias and seafood, this is the main area to eat in Ronda. There is excellent and affordable food at many of these restaurants, and the convenience is unbeatable if you are only staying for one day.
The Most Unique Food
If you are a brave eater, Ronda is a great place to try bull testicles.
Yes, bull testicles.
Fitting with the bullfighting ring, criadillas are a Spanish dish containing bull testicles. It is said that anyone who eats this part of a bull is brave and masculine. (Not sure that is what I want, but I will try any food once)
How to get to Ronda
If you visit Ronda from Madrid, Seville, or Málaga, your best option is to take a train. There are usually multiple trains per day between Ronda and each city, but some routes are long, so they may not work for a day trip.
Otherwise, your best option is to drive or take a bus. Some tour companies will provide day trips with transportation to Ronda.
Enjoy Ronda!
This best travel guide to Ronda, Spain will make sure you have an amazing trip to Ronda. For more Spain travel, read about Barcelona, Seville, or Málaga!
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All information is current as of publication. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect travel, and all destinations have different rules and restrictions in place. The pandemic may also affect the opening times of the attractions and establishments listed. Please do independent research before traveling anywhere, and consider the risks involved.
Amazing post! Thanks for sharing so much detail and such pretty pictures. Can’t wait to visit Spain one day!!
Thank you! I am so glad you like it and I hope you can visit Spain soon 🙂
Lovely post! I really like little towns like these. I am actually looking to travel a bit more in Spain…after all I am not too far. Ronda looks absolutely stunning…just wow!
Thank you! I hope you can visit more of Spain soon! Ronda is easily one of the most beautiful towns I have visited 🙂
This is so cool! I hate it when the restaurant with the best views has crappy food, but it’s almost always the case.
Thanks for the tips! I can’t wait to start going back overseas!!
I am glad you enjoyed it! I can’t wait to start traveling more too 🙂