Ronda

One of the most famous of Andalucia's pueblo blancos (white towns), Ronda is the oldest town in Spain, having been established in the 9th Century BC. At that time the region was Islamic and the old town, La Ciudad, was a garden of beautiful mosques and palaces. This hilltop, by a deep gorge, has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic age. The ancient inhabitants have left their marks too, in well preserved 25,000 year old cave paintings. Our pick of the best places to stay in Ronda offer a good choice for both those who want to stay in the centre of town and those who prefer to be a bit more rural.

Ronda is positioned precariously close to the edge of the gorge. The ancient town on one side, the modern on the other, and spreading downwards.

And its romantic history has been, at times, equally precarious. Loved by Hemingway, Orson Wells, Alexandre Dumas, David Wilkie and Rainer Maria Rilke, this town has passion and spirt as well as beauty.

One of Ronda's most impressive sites was actually constructed at the very end of the 18th Century, so relatively new in local terms. It's the Puente Nuevo, an incredible bridge spanning the Tajo de Ronda, the deep local gorge. The height from top to bottom is about 100meters, inside the bridge is a small museum. It's also worth taking a stroll along the bottom of the gorge.

One of Ronda's best seen sights is Plaza de Toros, Spain's oldest bullring and the place where the rules of bullfighting were decided. It also has a small museum inside. Ronda also has a well respected wine museum, the Interpretation Centre of Ronda Wine.

La Ciudad is where many of the town's other treasures can be appreciated. If you're interested in Ronda's Moorish history make sure you visit the restored 14th Century Arab baths, for an immersive historical experience. Going even further back in time visit the Cueva de Pileta, where the cave paintings are 25,000 years old.

If you're interested in Spanish folk history there's a bandit museum, covering the lives of the bandits and profiteers who targeted this wealthy trading town.

What not to miss:

• Admire the epic views over the El Tajo gorge from the impressive Puente Nuevo.
• Visit the museum at one of Spain's oldest bullrings, Real Maestranza.
• Wander through the well preserved Arabic baths.
• Take a wine tour and sample the produce of the season.

As the town is such a historic place many of the best places to stay in Ronda are booked quickly so plan ahead.

For a mini-break

• For a traditional gentleman's townhouse feel, book Hotel San Gabriel. The furniture is big and Spanish and there's a lot of brocade, walnut and art. The Hotel San Gabriel is seconds away from the bridge over the gorge, so a great spot for admiring the view.
• If you're looking for a relaxing spot, La Fuente de la Higuera will hit the spot. This charming building was once an olive mill. The graceful gardens which make this such a peaceful place to stay were added later. The decor is simple and elegant, the food is excellent and the staff are attentive but invisible.

For history

• Just below the old town, right by the Arab baths is Alavera de los Banos. The decor is vibrant and rustic and there's a pool, library and lovely garden. Perfect for whiling away the busiest, hottest part of the day.

For a rural escape

• Nestled between olive trees and vineyards, the 18th century olive mill, Molino del Arco, has maintained much of its original architecture. The rooms are a clever of mix of traditional with a fresh contemporary finish.
• Cortijo Las Piletas is a lovely white farmhouse surrounded by sunflower fields in a nature park. Find charmingly sunny bedrooms, a swimming pool, an excellent table d'hote and lunch time picnics.

For an apartment or villa

• If you've decided that a self catering property would be more suitable for your holiday, then we recommend you visit our online booking partner Booking.com where they have a wide selection for all tastes and budgets.

Travel information

• Fly to either is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport or Gibraltar International Airport both 109km from the town. Ronda also has direct train connections to Algeciras, Antequera, Córdoba and even Madrid although services are limited.
• Best time to visit - Ronda is a year round destination although be prepared for some very cold days in the mountains during the winter months. Spring tends to be mild and dry whilst summer temperatures are usually very pleasant.
• If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars for the best prices.

Still not sure?

• Browse though our list of all the best places to stay in Ronda.
• Alternatively widen the net and check out all our recommendations in Andalucia.
• Or call, or email, one of our gurus for advice.

Weather

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