Would you like to visit Ronda in 2 days? You’re right, it’s the ideal time to discover this pearl of Andalucia, nestled in a breathtaking natural setting.
We fell in love with this pretty town, which has so much to offer: exceptional panoramas, amazing museums, peaceful atmosphere.
Our itineraries will guide you through Ronda for a weekend.
Optimize your stay and make up your own mind about this destination with our practical tips and plenty of photos!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Practical tips for visiting Ronda in 2 days
Getting around Ronda
To fully appreciate the beauty of the city of Ronda, nothing beats a stroll on foot. We therefore advise you to leave your car in the parking lot and put on good walking shoes. Indeed, many streets are steep or rocky, and the best viewpoints require a short climb.
Note, however, that it’s difficult to park in the city center, so we advise you to park in a commercial parking lot outside the city center. The Martinez Astein parking lot, the El Castillo parking lot or the station parking lot (Parking Renfe) are some of the best options.
Finally, while the city can be visited in a day, we recommend staying overnight to appreciate the charm of the city without tourists, in the evening and early morning.
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
Map of the main attractions in Ronda
Here’s a map of the main sights in Ronda to help you find your way around:
Where to stay in Ronda for a weekend
If we think sleeping in Ronda is worth the detour, we’ve fallen in love with the off-center Cortijo La Organic hotel, which offers a peaceful haven in the heart of nature, just 10 minutes from the city! Read our review in our dedicated article.
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
Our ideal itinerary: 2 days in Ronda
Day 1 – 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Admire 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 town’s museums. The Casa Museo Don Bosco, in particular, offers a fine panorama of the bridge and the volute rocks, while the Casa del Rey Moro offers a superb low-angle view of the chasm.
Day 1 – 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Visit the Palacio de Mondragon
For our part, we chose to visit the Palacio de Mondragon, an ancient palace combining well-preserved Moorish and Renaissance architectural elements. 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. Find out more in our dedicated article.
Day 1 – 12pm-1pm: 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 Auxiliadora, full of authenticity and charm. You can take a seat on one of the shady benches, admire its pretty fountain and, if you’re lucky, even enjoy a musical lunch, as artists often pass through here on sunny days.
Day 1 – 2pm-3pm: Admire Puente Nuevo from below
Once you’ve finished your meal, we suggest a digestive walk! Take the cobbled staircase winding along the María Auxiliadora church to the Mirador del Viento. This site offers breathtaking views of the famous Ronda bridge and the Guadalevín Gorge. This magnificent low-angle view is worth the short walk!
Allow 15 minutes to descend to the viewpoint, and just as long to climb back up, if you have good shoes. You can also choose to come at the end of the day, to admire the last rays of the setting sun reflected on the ochre stone.
Be careful not to confuse this viewpoint with the “Mirador del Puente Nuevo”, which is located just before it, but for which a fee is charged.
Day 1 – 3:30 – 4:30 pm: Visit the Arab baths
Once you’ve returned to your starting point, at the Plaza de María Auxiliadora, you can then walk through the old town (10min walk), towards the 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).
Day 1 – 4:30-5pm: Taking a snack break
As the day isn’t over yet, we recommend that you recharge your batteries with a sweet break at Confitería El Tajo. Behind the window of this discreet stall, the local specialties immediately made our mouths water. You’ll find yemas de ronda, these delicately caramelized milk eggs, polvorones, these addictive little crumbly almond cakes, and other more classic sweets such as doughnuts and ice creams. One thing’s for sure: you’ll thank us for this address, ideal for a gourmet stopover between two visits!
Day 1 – 5pm-7pm: Wander the narrow streets of the medina
Beautifully preserved, the old medina (walled city) district is called La Ciudad , and its peaceful atmosphere is enchanting. 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 scenery of ancient fountains, hidden patios, whitewashed houses and lively little cafés in the maze of alleyways.
Day 1 – 8-9 p.m.: End on a high note with tapas
After a day of cultural discoveries, there’s nothing quite like ending on a gourmet note. Let yourself be tempted by a tapas evening, where you can munch on delicious morsels while sipping a local nectar. For this typically Spanish lifestyle experience, we recommend the Tabanco Los Arcos Restaurant for its central location and authentic atmosphere.
The menu features Andalucia classics: Iberian ham planks, Russian-style salad, anchovy toast and, of course, mojama, those addictive slices of salted tuna! Accompany your feast with a glass of local wine, and let the smiling, professional managers advise you.
See our other favorite Ronda restaurants in our list article.
PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO andalucia
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 150 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
Day 2 – 10am-1pm: Option 1 – Visit Setenil de la Bodegas
Just 30 minutes from Ronda, the village of Setenil de las Bodegas is an architectural marvel and a must-see. What makes it so special? Houses carved out of the rock, beneath immense rock overhangs that give the impression of being transported to a parallel world. Despite the mystery that envelops it, we loved the peaceful atmosphere of the village, its white facades contrasting with the rock, its flower-filled alleyways and lively cafés. See more photos in our dedicated article (coming soon).
Day 2 – 10am-1pm: Option 2 – Oil tourism
This is a visit that should appeal to terroir enthusiasts and those who like to learn more about local know-how when they travel. The Cortijo LA Organic hotel offers a unique experience: discover how olive oil, Spain’s green gold, is made.
On the program: a tour of the estate and its olive groves before witnessing the harvesting and processing of the precious olives. Followed by a tasting session where you’ll learn to discern the subtle aromas of different olive oil varieties.
Book your visit now: see prices and availability.
And for those who would like to go further, the estate also offers the opportunity to learn how to make their own olive oil. Find out more on the hotel website here.
Day 2 – 1pm-3pm: Enjoy a fresh lunch
There are two options for lunch:
- or lunch in the sun at one of the many charming restaurants in the village of Setenil de las Bodegas.
- or you’ve chosen option 2 of our program, and we recommend staying on site at the Cortijo LA Organic hotel estate, one of our favorite lunch spots in Ronda! Set in the heart of nature, on an estate surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, this farm-to-table restaurant is well worth a visit for its enchanting setting and simple lunch menus featuring high-quality local produce. On the menu: cheese boards, cold cuts (lomo, chorizo, cecina), tasty tapas and delicious wines!
Day 2 – 3:30-5pm: Discover the Plaza de Toros and its bullring
While in Ronda, you can’t miss the imposing Plaza de los 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.
Day 2 – 5-6pm: Admire the town of Ronda one last time
To round off your day of sightseeing, we invite you to take in one of Ronda’s sublime panoramic views. Just behind the bullring, you’ll find the bucolic Parc Blas Infante, which is not only an oasis of coolness, but also one of the most beautiful views in the city. Lovers of romance will be delighted to have their photo taken with the kiosk.
Day 2 – 8-10pm: Dinner in a bistronomic restaurant
Conclude the day with bistronomic flavors in one of the city’s finest restaurants. Helmed by chef Benito Gómez, who earned two Michelin stars for his Restaurant Bardal, also in Ronda, Restaurant Tragata combines authenticity and refinement. We loved the creative menu, which revisits traditional tapas and local produce with inventiveness. All served in a trendy room with a cheerful atmosphere. A great last evening in Ronda before discovering the rest of Andalucia!
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Alternative 1: Excursions for heritage and archaeology enthusiasts
Discover amazing museums
You’ll be amazed by the diversity of museums in Ronda, which is home to no fewer than 10 museums, each offering a different angle on the region’s history and culture.
As lovers of history and beautiful gardens, we chose the following the Palacio de Mondragón – home to magnificent gardens and a collection on the city’s archaeological past – and the Casa del Rey Moro and its famous water mines.
Those who prefer richly decorated interiors can visit the Museo Don Bosco while painting enthusiasts can visit the Museo Joaquín Peinado.
Finally, for a more offbeat visit, opt for the Museo del Vino and its tasting tour or the Museo Lara, which offers a journey through time with its collection of 2,000 objects, its torture chamber or its reconstructed Andalucia tavern.
Explore Moorish heritage
The Muslim occupation of Ronda from the 8th to the 15th century left a fascinating architectural legacy. The Porte de Almocabar, at the very southern end of the medina, is a must-see. A former cemetery enclosure on the outskirts of the city, it was the main entrance to the city’s upper quarter. You can also see the Minaret de San Sebastían, the only remnant of the 14th-century Nasrid mosque. Finally, for a more leisurely visit, we recommend the Casa del Gigante, a sort of miniature palace that perfectly illustrates Nasrid architecture.
Marvel at 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!
Alternative 2: Excursions for nature lovers
Explore the riches of 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! Take a look at the Garganta Verde hiking trail, 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!
Discover 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. For our part, we particularly liked Zahara de la Sierra and its fortress overlooking a turquoise reservoir, or Grazalema, whose beauty you can discover in our dedicated article.
Numerous excursions combining visits to several villages are organized from major cities such as Sevilla or Málaga.
Sunbathing on one of the Costa del Sol’s beaches
What better way to balance out a day of intense cultural sightseeing than an afternoon lounging on the beach? Let yourself be tempted by one of the many beaches of the Costa del Sol:
- Marbella’s beaches, such as Playa de Cabopino with its white sand dunes.
- The beaches around Málaga, such as the tranquil Playa Peñon del Cuervo and its proud rocky outcrop, or the family-friendly Playa de La Carihuela in Torremolinos.
- The beaches around Almería, such as Playa de Aguadulce and Playa de Mónsul, with their wild, volcanic setting.
One watchword: relaxation! Beyond the natural spectacle offered by these sun-drenched beaches on the shores of the Mediterranean, you’ll be seduced by their unique atmosphere. From playgrounds for the little ones to paddleboat and kayak rentals for the more adventurous, or restaurants where grilled fish is the order of the day, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy! Look out for our article dedicated to the most beautiful beaches in Andalucia very soon.
Alternative 3: Family visits to Ronda
Places to visit and excursions with children
All the sites in Ronda can be visited with your children. They’ll love the breathtaking view from the Ronda Bridge! Museums include the Palacio de Mondragon and its prehistoric reconstructions. Alternatively, the Museo Lara should appeal to older children, and the witchcraft room should gently scare them (info here).
Otherwise, we recommend a trip outside Ronda:
- To visit Jùzcar, an entirely blue village 30min from Ronda, more info here.
- For thrills: discover the Caminito del Rey, 1 hour from Ronda (+ 8 years)
What you need to know for your weekend in Ronda
The weather in Ronda
Summers in Ronda can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. This can make outdoor visits uncomfortable. Spring is the ideal time to visit, but it’s also the most touristic. Alternatively, you can plan your trip for winter, when temperatures remain mild.
The tourist influx
Tourism in Ronda is brisk all year round, especially as visits are often made in the form of group excursions from other major cities in Andalucia.
Traffic in the old medina can be heavy, even on foot, between 10am and 12pm. Generally, afternoons are quieter, so we recommend late-day or really early-morning strolls, to enjoy the serene city and its beautiful lights.
VISIT Ronda
- Things to do in Ronda
- Best hotels in Ronda
- Best restaurants
- Best museums (coming soon)
- Most beautiful villages around Ronda
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days
