The beautiful Spanish town with breath-taking vistas that's just three hours from the UK
Nestled in the mountains just west of Málaga is the hilltop town of Ronda with stunning views and striking architecture.
A beautiful Spanish town known for its stunning natural beauty and rich historical heritage is a perfect place for UK tourists looking for a nice European hideout without spending too much time travelling.
Nestled in the mountains just west of Málaga is the hilltop town of Ronda with stunning views and striking architecture.
Ronda is one of the oldest towns in Spain, with origins dating back to the Neolithic age. It is split in two, with a steep gorge – El Tajo Gorge - carving through the town and the river Guadalevín running between the sides below.
One of the most dramatic features of Ronda is the El Tajo Gorge, a deep ravine that splits the town into two.
The gorge is about 120 metres (390 feet) deep and is spanned by several bridges, the most famous of which is the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), completed in the late 18th century.
The unique town is surrounded by the Serranía de Ronda mountain range, offering breathtaking views and numerous opportunities for hiking and exploring nature.
Ronda boasts a variety of historical sites, including the Mondragon Palace, the Arab Baths, and the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, reflecting its diverse cultural influences over the centuries, from the Romans and Moors to the Christians.
The streets of Ronda are adorned with whitewashed buildings, featuring eateries and shops that sell local crafts.
Tourists can enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine or dine at the city's two Michelin-starred restaurants.
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It offers a taste of traditional Andalusian cuisine, with tapas bars and restaurants serving local specialities such as rabo de toro (oxtail stew), gazpacho, and various cured meats and cheeses.
The town hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Feria de Pedro Romero, which celebrates Ronda’s bullfighting heritage, and the Holy Week processions, known for their solemn beauty.
It is also a part of the Málaga wine region, and visitors can tour local vineyards and taste wines that reflect the area's unique terroir.
Ronda offers the perfect base to explore southern Spain, with Seville, Cádiz and Málaga all less than a two-hour drive away. Or for those wanting a taste of home, Gibraltar can also be reached in two hours.
Flights to Málaga, Spain are available with easyJet, Jet2, British Airways, TUI Airways and Ryanair from 18 airports in the UK. Gatwick to Málaga flights with easyJet can be bagged from £37.99 each way.
The town has been dubbed as a "must-visit" by the tourists who have been there. Many travellers shared their experiences on TripAdvisor.
One user said: "This city is very compressed with things to see. Don't miss the bridges and the marvellous views of the mountains and landscape. And be picky when you choose restaurants because there are some "tourist traps" with bad food and higher prices."
A second user said: "This is a delightful town. There are stunning views from the historic bridge and it’s worth the walk down into the gorge to get a different perspective of the bridge. Wandering around the town is a delight with many old buildings to admire. It’s also worth paying a couple of Euros to go in the bullring."
A third user said: "We visited on a day coach trip from the Costa Del Sol. Ronda is beautiful and very walkable. We had a great four hours here which was enough time to see what we wanted to do and have some lunch in a restaurant. The various viewpoints are great, the bridge is amazing and the gorge itself is wonderful. Highly recommended for a day trip. There were lots of restaurants, bars and shops so you could fill a couple of days easily if you were to stay over."
