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Ronda

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About Ronda

Amongst the most famous of Andalucía's 19 ‘Pueblos Blancos’ and visited by the likes of Hemingway and Dumas, Ronda is a hugely popular holiday destination. It’s also one of Spain’s oldest towns, established in the 9th Century B.C. and boasting a fascinating history. Whether you’re tempted in by southern Spain’s rich culture, it’s striking natural wonders or its excellent food, Ronda is a marvellous base for discovering the Cádiz region. Accommodation options are wide-ranging; our pick of the best places to stay in Ronda have been carefully selected for their exceptional location, style and amenities. A couple of the properties are in town, but the others are scattered around the countryside close by.

Originally a Moorish settlement, La Ciudad, Ronda’s old town, was once dotted with beautiful mosques, gardens and palaces. It’s now a superb place for a stroll, with well-preserved 14th-century Arabic baths and narrow lanes lined with whitewashed buildings. The Museo Lara offers a curious insight into the area’s past, whilst the striking Plaza de Toros, Spain’s oldest bullring, is notable as the place in which the official rules of bullfighting were decided.

Set precariously close to El Tajo Gorge, Ronda is divided into two, with the 18th-century Puente Nuevo connecting the old and new parts of town. Admire epic views from atop the bridge and on hikes through the forested gorge: the bridge is undoubtedly Ronda’s most iconic landmark. Nature lovers can also enjoy mountain biking, horse riding and bird watching in the surrounding area. The Cueva de Pileta is home to fascinating 25,000-year-old cave paintings, which are well worth seeing. With so much to discover, the best places to stay in Ronda book up quickly — travel outside the school holidays if you can!

The Best Places to Stay in Ronda

For a Central Stay

  • Hotel San Gabriel has rooms bedecked with antiques and artwork. An old townhouse in the heart of medieval Ronda, it's perfect for exploring on foot before returning to big beds with carved headboards and patterned quilts. The mini-cinema is a real treat. Well-located and great value for heritage buffs.
  • Hotel Alavera de los Baños is a charming rustic retreat close to the Arab baths, just beyond Ronda's old town. Pick this place for the tranquil feel and the proximity to the town centre. Lounge by the pool, in the flower-filled gardens or in the library during the hottest part of the day. Vibrant, quirky and characterful.

For Families

  • Cortijo Las Piletas is a white farmhouse surrounded by sunflower fields and a nature park. Guest rooms offer flexible spaces for families, who will also adore the swimming pool, lunchtime picnics and plethora or outdoorsy activities. Gather for table d'hôte dinners in the evenings. Low-key and great fun.

For an Olive Mill Escape

  • Molino del Arco sits between olive trees and vineyards. Having retained much of its original architecture, this converted olive mill offers traditional guest rooms with beamed ceilings, terracotta tiled floors and crisp white linens. A family-run favourite, which continues to produce olive oil.
  • Molino del Santo is another restored olive mill, this time lovingly converted to create a simple oasis for spending time with friends and family. Think pared-back, old-school style in rooms with floral fabrics and embroidered bedspreads. The gardens and shaded terraces are perfect for kicking back with a good book or savouring garden-fresh produce. Lovely.
  • La Fuente de la Higuera began life as an olive mill. Now, graceful manicured gardens surround a tasteful country house hotel with indulgent bedrooms featuring whitewashed walls, four-poster beds and private balconies. The food is fabulous, the gardens and swimming pool are very peaceful, and the team are wonderfully attentive. A special, romantic escape.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport or to Gibraltar International Airport, both between 1.5 and 2 hours by road from Ronda. Alternatively, travel directly to Ronda by train from destinations such as Córdoba and Madrid.
  • Andalucía is wonderful for a road trip, and the mountains are best explored with the flexibility of your own transport. Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Expect hot summers, with temperatures ranging from 24°C - 30°C between June and August. For fewer crowds and cooler climes, travel in April - May or September - October. These are great months for outdoor adventures.

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Best Hotels in Ronda

  • Hotel San Gabriel Ronda 22 rooms from $94

    Value chic  -  A quaint 18th century townhouse, with stylish interiors, warm welcoming atmosphere and buckets of charm- at a reasonable price.
    Local exploring  -  Nestled in the heart of medieval Ronda, the perfect base for exploring the streets and absorbing the culture.
    Sights nearby  -  Walk across Ronda's famous gorge and visit Spain's oldest bullring and the attached museum.
    Full of character
    Air conditioningParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    Characterful 18th-century family home hotel in the heart of old Ronda. Traditionally decorated rooms in classic Spanish style, full of art and antiques. Small private cinema adds sparkle. The breakfasts are excellent. Ideal for an authentic stay. See More

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  • Cortijo Las Piletas Ronda 8 rooms from $103

    Active Holiday  -  From hiking to birdwatching or discovering Roman ruins, there are loads of activities for all ages
    Families  -  Interconnecting rooms or a family suite, plus private terraces and a big pool. Family heaven!
    Local exploring  -  Ideally located for exploring Ronda and the Grazalema Nature Park
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Swimming PoolGardenViews
    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    A lovely white farmhouse surrounded by sunflower fields in a nature park. Charmingly sunny bedrooms and one family suite, swimming pool, an excellent table d'hote and lunch time picnics. A great choice for an active family holiday and lots to explore in the natural park. See More

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  • Alavera de los Banos Ronda 11 rooms from $110

    Hideaway  -  Peaceful and romantic escape with views of the Mediaeval town and mountains from the pool and gardens.
    Sights nearby  -  Just across the road from the former Moorish Baths, a fine example of 13th century Islamic architecture.
    Great walks  -  The hotel is located in Ronda’s former Jewish Quarter, wander the narrow streets and explore.
    Birdwatching  -  Serranía de Ronda is excellent for birdwatching, bring your binoculars.
    Swimming PoolGardenViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    Stunning views, intimate interiors, and a calm ambience just below Ronda old town. Vibrant decor and rustic character in true Spanish style. Small library, lovely garden, and pool with wonderful views. Indulgent breakfasts. Ideal for completely unwinding. See More

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  • Molino Del Santo Benaojan, Andalucía 18 rooms from $143

    Total relaxation  -  Phenomanal walking, solar-heated pool under the dappled shade of fig trees and top notch Organic Spanish cuisine.
    Great walks  -  Set in a National Park there are endless walking routes right from the door, plus the hotel will pack a lunch.
    Birdwatching  -  Be sure to bring your binoculars, Ronda mountains play host to a large variety of birds.
    Sights nearby  -  Filled with Roman and Arabic architecture Ronda is just 15 minutes from the hotel.
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Sawdays, Fodors

    Comfortable family hotel, a restored olive mill in a stunning location. Shaded gardens, flowering terraces, with pool and garden restaurant. Pretty traditional bedrooms with white washed walls and wooden beams. Good organic local food. Ideally located to explore the local area. See More

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  • Molino del Arco Ronda 19 rooms from $150

    Sights nearby  -  Ronda is very close or further afield you can discover the beautiful white villages
    Restaurant  -  Many of the ingredients used are grown on site or else very locally
    Swimming Pool  -  Large outdoor pool
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    RestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews
    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    Nestled between olive trees and vineyards, this 18th century olive mill has maintained much of its original architecture. The rooms are a clever of mix of traditional with a fresh contemporary finish. Sunbathe by the pool, explore Ronda, and taste the delicious local cuisine, with much grown on site See More

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  • La Fuente de la Higuera Ronda, Malaga, Andalucía 11 rooms from $219

    Romantic Break  -  Muslin draped beds, private terraces, copper baths and utterly delicious cuisine served under a canopy of stars.
    Total relaxation  -  Spend your days lounging by the pool, wandering the gardens or being massaged in the privacy of your room!
    Birdwatching  -  Head out hiking and try to spot the eagles, vultures and other birds that inhabit the mountains
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the bridge, the Arab baths and the Mondragón Place in nearby Ronda.
    RestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Sawdays

    Converted olive mill with beautiful gardens. Chic white washed bedrooms boast balconies with stunning views, some have enormous copper baths. Terrace restaurant serves food using local produce. Ideal for completely unwinding. See More

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