Have you decided to spend a day visiting Ronda? You’re right, that’s enough time to discover the must-sees of this town, nestled in a breathtaking natural setting.
We fell in love with this pearl of Andalucia’s white villages, which has so much to offer: exceptional panoramas, amazing museums and a peaceful atmosphere.
In this article, we offer you a detailed itinerary to make the most of your day in Ronda! Our practical advice and numerous photos will help you make up your own mind about this destination.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Practical tips for visiting Ronda in 1 day
Choosing the right time to visit
Ronda is a very popular tourist destination all year round! If possible, we advise against visiting between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., the time when most tour groups from other cities arrive.
For this, you can opt to sleep over the night before and visit the city early in the morning, or conversely, choose to visit in the late afternoon. Many museums offer late opening hours (sometimes as late as 8pm).
Getting around on foot
Forget your car for the duration of your visit to Ronda! The best way to discover the city is on foot, especially in the pleasant old medina. It’s a great opportunity to discover the charming little details in the narrow streets, like this lovely mosaic (photo).
So leave your car at the hotel or in one of the parking lots outside town, and bring good walking shoes. Indeed, many streets are steep or rocky, and the best views of Puente Nuevo require a short climb.
Map of Ronda’s main tourist attractions
See our map of Ronda’s main tourist attractions:
Where to sleep in Ronda?
If you’re only planning a day trip and want to spend the night in Ronda, we recommend a room in the city center. However, if after your intensive 1-day tour of the city, you’re in the mood for some peace and quiet, we highly recommend the Cortijo La Organic hotel, which has the advantage of being secluded in the mountains of the Sierra de Ronda but close to the city!
WHERE TO STAY IN Ronda
Option 1: In the historic or modern city center
We recommend exploring the attractions on foot:
- Hotel Casa Palacio Villa Zambra – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Palacio de Hemingway – See prices, photos and availability
Option 2: In the surrounding countryside
If you prefer nature and peace and quiet, we recommend it:
- Hotel Cortijo La Organic – See photos and availability.
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Ronda
Option 1 – Ronda’s must-sees in 1 day
Ready for a 1-day tour of Ronda? Here’s an itinerary of must-do activities in the white pearl of Andalucia. The good news is that most of the places listed are in the same area, and you can reach them all on foot!
For more details, read our full article on the nuggets to discover in Ronda.
10h-10h30: Discover the Puente Nuevo
Of course, you’ll start your journey with the star of the town: the Puente Nuevo. Built in the 18th century, this majestic bridge of several arches has become the emblem of the city. Overlooking the breathtaking Guadalevín gorge, the bridge links the old medina with the new town.
As we walked along it, we were captivated by the view of the town of Ronda below and the surrounding countryside. You can then admire its silhouette from afar by visiting one of the city’s museums.
10:30-11:30: Visit to the Palacio de Mondragon
Once you’ve admired the bridge from every angle, you can continue with a bit of culture! The Palacio de Mondragon is a former palace that’s a must-see for its well-preserved Moorish and Renaissance architectural features. We loved the contemplative atmosphere, not to mention the charm of the Andalusian garden and its breathtaking view of the picturesque surroundings of Ronda.
You can also visit the municipal museum, with its rich collection of archaeological artefacts, recounting the history of Andalucia from prehistoric times to the modern era.
Discover more anecdotes and photos in our related article.
11:30am-1pm: Stroll through the medina
After this enriching visit, and to whet your appetite before lunch, let yourself be intoxicated by the peaceful atmosphere of Ronda’s ancient medina (walled city).
We were charmed by the scenery of ancient fountains, hidden patios, whitewashed houses and lively little cafés in the maze of alleyways. The beautifully preserved medina district is called La Ciudad, while on the other side of the chasm lies El Mercadillo, the liveliest part of town with its stores and restaurants, which we recommend you visit in the early evening.
1-3pm: Lunch with panoramic view
Any excuse to revisit Ronda’s Puente Nuevo! If you’re only staying for a day, why not take the sightseeing experience to the extreme and dine in one of the city’s many panoramic restaurants?
Gourmets should note, however, that the natural setting takes precedence over culinary prowess to offer a breathtaking visual experience.
Last but not least, lunch can be late in Spain, with restaurants generally staying open until 4pm. So you’ll have no trouble finding a table!
Our selection of the best restaurants to eat in Ronda
3:30-4pm: Discover the Plaza de Toros and the bullring
After enjoying your meal and the view, head north to see the imposing Plaza de Toros and its impressive Monumento al Toro. Behind them lie the majestic bullring built in 1785, one of the most beautiful in Spain, and perhaps also the largest with its 66m diameter. To visit the bullring and its 136 Tuscan columns, you’ll need to pay the entry fee for the Museo Taurino.
We chose to visit it firstly because it provides access to the bullring, and also to learn more about the culture of bullfighting in Spain. Even if we don’t adhere to this practice, we felt it was important to understand this ancestral Spanish tradition consisting of a fight between a man, called a torero or toreador, and a bull.
4pm-5pm: Admire the panorama from the Parc Alameda del Tajo
After a busy afternoon, a refreshing stroll through the charming Parc Alameda del Tajo is a must. Located just behind the Ronda bullring, this verdant setting is the perfect place to relax before aperitif time. From here, you can admire the panorama of the gorge carved out by the Guadalevín River.
We also spotted the kiosk, a favorite spot for visitors in search of pretty pictures, but preferred to continue our stroll along the Paseo de Los Ingleses, which runs alongside this exceptional panorama.
5pm-6pm: Enjoy the atmosphere of Plaza del Socorro at the end of the day
Finally, head for the Plaza del Socorro, to round off a day rich in discoveries. This emblematic square, located in the center of the new town, offers a lively, friendly atmosphere, ideal for wrapping up the day in local style. Take a seat on the terrace of one of the many cafés for a well-deserved aperitif. From here, you can admire the elegant fountain and the beautiful colors of the Nuestra Señora del Socorro church, which gives its name to the square. And, if you still have some strength left, you can take a stroll along Carrera Espinel and discover the many stores, most of which close around 9pm.
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Option 2 – Immerse yourself in Ronda’s Moorish heritage
Please note that this suggested itinerary does not include Ronda’s iconic Pont Neuf! Why is this? Because it was built between 1759 and 1793, well after the Moorish period which ended in 1485 in this region.
Of course, there’s nothing to stop you going to see it at the end of the day…
10am-12pm: Walk the walls of the ancient fortified town
Heading south! To start your day, we suggest you go to the very bottom of the town of Ronda, to a corner that’s rather untouched by tourists, to understand the structure of the ancient walled city. The Muslim occupation of Ronda from the 8th to the 15th century left a fascinating architectural legacy. You can admire:
- The Porte de Almocabar, a former cemetery enclosure on the outskirts of the city, was mainly used to enter the city’s upper quarter.
- The Cijara Walls, remnants of the city’s ancient walls from the Muslim era, were built to protect the city from enemy attacks.
- The Minaret de San Sebastían, the only vestige of the 14th-century Nasrid mosque, converted into a Catholic church after the Reconquest, retains its original Islamic architectural style, with ornamentation and motifs typical of Nasrid art.
12pm-1pm: Exploring the Arab baths
From the Minaret, a 10-minute walk will take you to Ronda’s Arab baths.
Dating from the 13th century, they are among the best preserved in Spain, with their vaulted rooms, intimate alcoves and brick columns. Body cleansing at the baths was a prerequisite for entry into the adjacent mosque, and we particularly enjoyed the video on how the baths worked in the past.
See more photos in our dedicated article (coming soon).
1pm-3pm: Tapas tasting
After this instructive morning, you’re well advised to take a long lunch break! You’ll need to walk another ten minutes to reach the old town. On the way, you can make a detour to Puente Viejo, Ronda’s old bridge.
For lunch, we recommend a tapas tasting! The Tabanco Los Arcos Restaurant is top for its central location and authentic atmosphere. The menu featured Andalucia classics: Iberian ham, Russian-style salad, anchovy toast and, of course, mojama, those addictive slices of salted tuna!
See our other favorite Ronda restaurants in our list article.
3pm-4pm: Discover the secrets of Casa del Rey Moro
What could be better than a digestive stroll after a good lunch?
The magnificent hanging gardens of Casa del Rey Moro provide the ideal setting for this. However, the reason we recommend this place on our Moorish heritage tour is because of its 14th-century mine, which was used to supply the city with water during periods of siege.
To get there, we had to climb down hundreds of steps carved out of the rock, but our effort was rewarded by the low-angle view of the Ronda Gorge (see photo). Don’t miss out on the audioguide, which will help you understand the secrets of this place and enrich your visit!
Find out more about our visit in photos in our dedicated article.
4-6pm: Visit Casa Gigante and stroll through the medina
After this unusual visit, we recommend a stroll through the old medina (walled city). A legacy of Moorish domination (18th – 15th centuries), the medina was built to protect the territories of Al-Andalus, Ronda being particularly strategic due to its position on a rocky plateau that facilitated defense.
We were charmed by the decor of ancient fountains, hidden patios, whitewashed houses and lively little cafés in this beautifully preserved medina.
After this short stroll, we suggest a final museum. The advantage of going at the end of the day is that it’s less crowded! You can visit the collections at the Palacio de Mondragon or opt for the Casa del Gigante.
This small, well-preserved palace from the Nasrid period (1232-1492) plunges us into the Islamic architecture of yesteryear. Take time to admire every detail: the horseshoe arches, the elaborate stucco work, the carved wooden ceilings and the layout around a central patio. In addition to the architecture, the interpretation center gave us an insight into the way of life of the inhabitants of the time. As you leave, don’t forget to take a look at the anthropomorphic statue on the roof that gives the house its name!
6-7pm: Drinks and panoramic views from the heights of Ronda
That’s it, your Moorish heritage day is over! You can now enjoy a moment of peace and quiet, and for this we recommend heading for the El Mercadillo district, the liveliest part of town. Like us, you’ll be drawn to the warm ambience of a typical bar, where the clink of glasses mingles with the lively conversations of the locals. Here, it’s hard to resist a glass of local wine, accompanied by some tasty tapas!
We also recommend that you return to the Bridge at dusk.
We loved seeing the majestic curves of the gorge, sublimated by the lighting, cut into the darkness.
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Option 3 – A day between culture and nature
09h-10h: Start the day on the right foot in the Plaza del Sorroco
Start your day with breakfast in the emblematic Plaza del Socorro, where the Andalusian flag was first raised. Located in the center of the new town, it offers a lively, friendly atmosphere, ideal for getting your energy levels up in the morning. We enjoyed a coffee and churros, bought in one of the local bakeries, while admiring the first rays of sunshine caressing the façades of the square.
Then take the time to stroll around and observe the elegant fountain, or even enter the Nuestra Señora del Socorro church which gives the square its name.
10h-11h30: Stroll through Cuenca’s gardens
Your day of sightseeing begins in the Cuenca Gardens (just 5 minutes’ walk from the square). Designed in the 20th century, this botanical garden is a true haven of peace!
We loved strolling along its winding alleys and discovering its lush, varied vegetation, a mix of Mediterranean plants and exotic species.
Special mention for the rose beds in season.
But the main reason for coming here is to get one of the best views of Ronda. From our vantage points, we captured never-before-seen shots of the famous Puente Nuevo, the breathtaking gorges and the surrounding mountains.
12pm-1pm: Visit Casa Museo Don Bosco
After this immersion in nature, we suggest a visit to one of the medina’s museums. You’ll be spoilt for choice between the Palacio de Mondragon, the Casa del Rey Moro and the Muséo Lara, but for this itinerary, we recommend the pretty Casa Don Bosco. Filled with charming details (stained glass, carved woodwork, azulejos and tapestries), it’s especially worth a visit for its magnificent terraced garden and panoramic view over Ronda.
More information and photos in our dedicated article.
If you wish, you can also choose to have lunch on site with an extraordinary view, with the museum offering cheese and charcuterie boards and a wide selection of local wines.
1-3pm: Lunch on the go
For lunch, we suggest an alternative to the often crowded tourist restaurants. We recommend buying a tasty bocadillo (sandwich) to take away and eating it in one of the pretty squares of the old medina (walled city).
For our part, we fell in love with the magnificent Plaza de María Auxiliadorafull of authenticity and charm. We took a seat on one of the shady benches, admired its pretty fountain and even enjoyed a musical lunch, as artists often pass through here on sunny days.
If you prefer to sit down and eat, here are our ideas for good places to eat:
Our selection of the best restaurants to eat in Ronda
3pm-4pm: Discover the Joaquin Peinado Museum collection
Here’s an original recommendation for your stay in Ronda! Little-known on the tourist circuit, this intimate museum is dedicated to Joaquín Peinado, a Ronda-born artist of international stature. We loved immersing ourselves in the work of this artist and discovering the variety of his subjects (portraits, still lifes, landscapes, nudes). The meticulous scenography, enhanced by the refined architecture of the Palacio de Moctezuma, provides an ideal setting for appreciating the artistic evolution of Peinado, considered the successor to Cézanne (1839-1906), leader of Cubism.
16h-17h30: Visit the Santa Maria del Mayor church and take a break in Parcent’s Plaza Duquesa
After this cultural break, it’s just 2 minutes to the beautiful Santa Maria del Mayor church. Built on the remains of a 13th-century mosque, its sober façade conceals a surprisingly opulent interior. There are many details to be seen: the majestic, brightly-colored main altar, the various woodworks, the large mural by José Ramos and the remains of an Islamic arch. If you can, we recommend a tour of the rooftops, from which you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
After descending the 76 steps, it’s time to take a break in the pretty Plaza Duquesa de Parcent. You can enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the picturesque setting and peaceful atmosphere of the square. Don’t miss the former 18th-century military building that now houses the town hall.
6pm-7pm: Admire the sunset from the Mirador del Viento
To extend your day of discovery in Ronda, we recommend a final nature outing before dinner. A 10-minute walk takes you to the Plaza María Auxiliadora, then up the winding cobblestone staircase alongside the church to the Mirador del Viento. This site offers a breathtaking view of the famous Puente Nuevo and the Guadalevín Gorge, creating a low-angle perspective well worth the short walk.
Allow 15 minutes to descend to the viewpoint and just as long to climb back up, and bring good shoes. Choosing to come at the end of the day means you can admire the last rays of the setting sun reflected on the ochre stone, adding a touch of magic to the experience. Note that this viewpoint should not be confused with the Mirador del Puente Nuevo, which is located just ahead and is subject to a charge.
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Discover Ronda differently: excursions
Are you in another city in Spain and want to visit Ronda in a day? For simplicity, you can opt for an excursion. Here are our suggestions:
- Ronda from Malaga: discover all the secrets of Ronda and its emblematic bridge on a fully guided day out – see prices, availability and book
- Ronda from Sevilla: take a bus tour of the Andalucia countryside and combine a visit to Ronda with a visit to Setenil de las Bodegas, a nearby white village – see prices, availability and book
- Ronda from the Costa del Sol: you’ve had your fill of idleness and now you’re in the mood for some thrills? Discover Ronda from a new angle and take to the Vía Ferrata du Tajo. see prices, availability and book
Things to do around Ronda
Would you like to combine your visit to Ronda with another excursion in the region? It’s a great idea, as the area is full of varied activities! Please note, however, that you will need to adjust your program in Ronda to allow sufficient time for your additional excursion.
If you choose to skip the museums and concentrate on the most emblematic sites, such as Puente Nuevo and the medina, you’ll have plenty of time to combine Ronda with another activity. We recommend that you finish your visit to Ronda at the end of the day to enjoy the spectacular sunset and avoid the tourist groups that usually arrive in the morning.
Explore the white villages
Nestled in the mountains of the Sierra de Grazalema and Serranía de Ronda, the pueblos blancos (white villages) offer a wide variety of landscapes, architecture and traditions. While their common feature is the cluster of whitewashed houses, each village has its own unique charm. There’s something for everyone between Setenil de las Bodegas and its troglodyte houses, Grazalema or Zahara de la Sierra with its fortress overlooking a turquoise reservoir.
Find more inspiration in our article on the most beautiful villages around Ronda!
Survey the ruins of Acinipo
If you’re a relic-lover, you won’t be disappointed by the remains of Acinipo.
We loved the off-the-beaten-track tour of this imposing Roman theater (1st century BC), whose still-visible tiers plunge us into the atmosphere of the shows and performances of the era. Situated at an altitude of almost 1,000 metres, the archaeological site offers a breathtaking natural setting, with limestone cliffs and lush green valleys as far as the eye can see!
Discover the riches of the Serrania de Ronda
Ronda is also close to several nature parks, such as the Sierra de Grazalema Nature Park and the Sierra de las Nieves Nature Park, for memorable walks. If you prefer to go deeper, you can explore caves such as the Cueva de la Pileta , with its rock paintings, or the Cueva del Gato, home to an emerald lake! Also take a look at the Garganta Verde hiking trail (45min from Ronda), which promises an exceptional change of scenery (more info here).
- Fancy a mountain bike outing in an exceptional setting? See prices and availability.
- Looking for a thrill? Find out more about canyoning in the Sierra de las Nieves – see prices, availability and book now!
Frequently asked questions
What are the hiking options in Ronda?
If you love nature and captivating landscapes, you’ve made the right choice to come to Ronda! Numerous walks are directly accessible from the town:
- The 30-minute round-trip walk from the Mirador del Viento as described above.
- The GR141 leading to the La Hoya del Tajo viewpoint.
- The Wall Trail: find out more on the city’s official website here
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to test the trails, but we recommend that you look at specialized hiking sites such as All Trails (site here) or Komoot (site here) to get an idea of your itinerary.
What are the best panoramic restaurants in Ronda?
While Ronda is home to a number of excellent restaurants, some stand out above all for their privileged location. Here, natural scenery takes precedence over culinary prowess to deliver a breathtaking visual experience. Here’s a list of restaurants where you can enjoy an exceptional panorama:
- Restaurant Arrabal offers a varied menu (fish and meat) to be enjoyed in front of the breathtaking view of the Ponte Nuevo.
- Restaurant Morabito, where you can enjoy a drink in an idyllic setting!
- The Casa Don Bosco Museum Restaurant offers a selection of cheeses and cold meats to enjoy after your visit to the museum.
When is the best time to visit Ronda?
Winter and autumn seem to us to be the best seasons to visit Ronda, both in terms of numbers and weather.
Tourism in Ronda is busy all year round! As mentioned above, to avoid groups of tourists on day trips, we recommend visiting the city in the early hours of the morning or at the end of the day.
Weatherwise, we advise against summer, when temperatures often exceed 35°C. As Ronda is mostly visited in the open air, this can be uncomfortable. The ideal time to visit is spring (April-June), but it’s also the most touristic time of the year. Visiting Ronda in winter is an excellent alternative, as the town enjoys plenty of sunshine for visiting the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Late autumn is also an excellent time to explore the wine route and make a few stops at colorful vineyards (more info here).
For more details, see our article on why you should choose Ronda as your vacation destination!
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