Come and visit Ronda and the surrounding areas, or plan your itinerary around the most popular sites, and some of the lesser known things to do. Ronda is much more than the bullring and new bridge (Puente Nuevo). There are also the Arab Baths, the Water Mine, the Mondragon Palace, and outside the city, the Cueva de la Pileta, or the Dolmen structures at Antequera. Further afield are the beaches of the Costa del Sol, Sevilla’s cathedral and palace, or Cordoba and the Mezquita. And of course for discovering the beautiful Sierra de Grazalema have a look at Wildside Holidays – Grazalema
The initial part of the Tajo de Ronda Gorge walk is currently under construction, with the intention of opening the section that stretches from the ‘Monolith House’ to the base of the Puente Nuevo de Ronda.
Once this section is finished, visitors will have the opportunity to access the base of the Puente Nuevo, and there will be two viewpoints along the cliffs.
Furthermore, it will be mandatory for participants to wear helmets during the walk, similar to another attraction of this kind, the Caminito del Rey. Additionally, there will be controlled access to prevent the unregulated activity that has been happening until now.
It can be assumed that there will be an entrance fee and the walkway will be managed by a private business once it is open to the public.
At the start of the tour, the control point is expected to be situated at the location of the old ruined house. Adjacent to this, construction is also underway for two viewpoints that will offer visitors a different perspective of the Tajo and the Puente Nuevo. Previously, this area was accessible to tourists but lacked safety measures.
The works being carried out here are on the old ruined house where the proposed control point will be situated. Photo by Javier Flores
The suspended walkway leads to the Arab baths
Meanwhile, the second phase of this project, approved by the Ministries of Culture and Environment, will connect the Puente Nuevo to the Arab Baths via a suspended walkway approximately three meters above the Guadalevín River.
We will keep this page updated on the progress of the works and the public opening of the Tajo de Ronda Gorge walk.
Ronda Today
Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/
Visit Cádiz
Planning on visiting Cádiz? Tourist information. Monuments. Hotels. Activities. City guides: https://visitingcadiz.com/
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Construction of the new bus station in Ronda started in early 2021 and was scheduled to be completed and opened to the public in February of 2023.
However, the project has been affected by many delays due to lack of funding, corruption scandals and opposition at various political levels. It is unlikely that the project will be finished by the end of 2023, almost a year overdue.
The new bus station in Ronda is located just a few hundred metres from the old one that is currently in use.
The new footbridge
The new footbridge crosses the train line and joins the industrial area of Ronda from the new bus station to the town of Ronda. From here it is just a 15 minute walk to the centre of Rondas old town and main monuments.
Members of the local council inspecting the new footbridge that will hopefully be completed during the autumn of 2023. This bridge will connect the new bus station with the main town of Ronda.
We’ll update this page as and when there is more news about the new bus station in Ronda.
Ronda Today
Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/
Visit Cádiz
Planning on visiting Cádiz? Tourist information. Monuments. Hotels. Activities. City guides: https://visitingcadiz.com/
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
Iberia Nature Forum
Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum! https://iberianatureforum.com/
One of the few cities in the world to be naturally split into two halves. The city of Ronda has the Puente Nuevo and El Tajo Gorge! The gorge also served as the most formidable defence Ronda’s enemies have ever tried to attack. Known as “El Tajo”, the gorge was created by constant erosion of the river Guadalevín.
Visiting the area around the Puente Nuevo and El Tajo Gorge.
The gorge is quite narrow only 68m at it’s widest, but in places very deep and up to 120 metres. Incredibly photogenic, the Puente Nuevo is one of Spain’s most photographed locations. The rio Guadalevín exits El Tajo into the valley below where it was traditionally used by a number of flour mills to drive their grinding stones. All flour grinding activity ceased in 1917 after a rock slide destroyed the canal supplying the water.
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Most people start their exploration of Ronda on the north side of puente nuevo. This is the side where the Parador Hotel, the tourist office and the bullring are located.
Book your parking on line in advance before visiting the Puente Nuevo in Ronda
If you are looking for a parking space in the center of Ronda, the APK2 Plaza del Socorro parking lot is ideal. Located very close to the main tourist attractions of the city, such as the Plaza de Toros de Real Maestranza, Puente Nuevo and Mirador, from here you can stroll through the old town and find the most popular restaurants and hotels.
Great video clip with an aerial view of the Puente Nuevo in Ronda
Built into the gorge (but not really visible from the bridge) is the water mine. A tunnel carved into the rock and which descends 60m with 231 steps down to the river level. It’s an impressive feat of engineering and can be seen by visiting the Moorish King’s House (Casa del Rey Moro) for a tour of the garden and the mine.
The Puente Nuevo spans the El Tajo gorge at its highest point and is a must see destination on any tour of Ronda. The north side of the Puente Nuevo is Plaza de España, which is where the Parador hotel is located. Crossing the bridge to the the south(parador) side will take you to the old town and towards the main museum of Ronda
Pedestrians are able to walk along both sides of the bridge and there are several seating positions built into the protective barrier.
How to visit the museum inside the Puente Nuevo?
To get into the interpretation museum of the Puente Nuevo simply descend the steps on the north side closest to Ronda’s Parador Hotel. There is a charge of 2.50€ per person but the view of the gorge below and the photo opportunity of the hills in the distance taken through the arch of the bridge is well worth it.
Puente Nuevo Interpretation Centre Opening Times Autumn and Winter Monday to Friday 10am till 6pm (10:00-18:00) Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays 10am till 3pm (10:00-15:00)
Spring and Summer Monday to Friday 10am till 7pm (10:00-19:00) Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays 10am till 3pm (10:00-15:00)
Price of Entry 2.50€ per individual 2€ if part of group larger than 10, a student or retired. Children under 14 free registered disabled free
Many people assume Ronda’s famous icon is a recent construction but, in fact the bridge was first proposed in 1542, though not completed until 1793.
In 1542, a few short years after the reconquest, and at a time when the market districts of Ronda were forming, the citizens of Ronda requested a new bridge that would directly connect the two sides at the highest point across the gorge, an area that was long and flat, and ideal for the expansion of Ronda which, even then, was already becoming crowded.
It wasn’t until Ronda’s golden years of the 1700s that permission was finally granted to span the rio Guadalevin with a new bridge that would be able to carry more traffic and be a more direct route between the two areas known as El Mercadillo and La Ciudad than the older and more circuitous road lower down and In 1734 the first attempt to span the gorge at this height was completed by the architects Jose Garcia and Juan Camacho using a single arch design.
Unfortunately, their bridge was hastily built and insufficiently strong enough to withstand the stresses of carrying traffic, and in 1741 the entire bridge collapsed taking 50 souls to their deaths in the gorge below.
The current bridge stands 98m from base to top and was built from 1759 to 1793, a total of 34 years, and spans 66m from side to side. The original design was drawn by Domingo Lois de Monteagudo, an architect of great renown, and it is believed the bottom third of the bridge was built under his direction although by 1778, for unknown reasons, he was no longer involved with the project.
By 1785 work on the bridge had stalled and the administrator of Ronda, Pascual Ruiz, called on the expertise of one of Andalucia’s top architects, José Martin de Aldehuela to complete the bridge. His remarkable design built on Lois de Monteagudo’s foundation, turned the bridge into a work of art which has since become Spain’s most photographed bridge.
Rumour suggests Martin de Aldehuela committed suicide from this very bridge, although in fact he lived a long and happy life dying many years later in Malaga in 1802. The rumour came about after suggestions from critics that a second, and perhaps more beautiful bridge, would be needed, and that he jumped from the bridge in despair that his work was not good enough. Martin de Aldehuela was an architect of great renown in Malaga and the Puente Nuevo in Ronda, even in those days, was considered his crowning career achievement. Fortunately the rumour was just that, a rumour and to date a second bridge hasn’t been needed, so it is safe to say the architect’s fame legacy is safe.
The job of actually constructing the bridge from the architect’s plans fell to a Rondeño, Antonio Diáz Machuca who invented the systems of pulleys and other heavy lifting equipment that hoisted the large stones from the gorge floor where they had been quarried and shaped, up to where they were needed on the bridge.
Constructed in three stages, the first stage forms the foundation against the bedrock and the first arch, which in turn forms the foundation for the main arch that takes the bridge to a height of 90m. The final stage includes the two top arches and the centre room of about 60 square metres that today contains the interpretation museum of the bridge, although it’s most famous use was as prison for bandits and dangerous criminals during the 19th century, and then for political prisoners during the Spanish civil war.
Sitting talking to the locals a few years ago I was told that a gruesome rumor persists even to this day that civil war prisoners were thrown to their deaths from the bridge, and written about by Ernest Hemingway in the novel For Whom The Bell Tolls, it’s a great story embellished by a great writer, maybe it’s true, maybe not. who knows what Ernest was thinking when he wrote that story.
Best places to take photos of the puente Nuevo in Ronda?
Viewing points for photographing the Puente Nuevo and El Tajo Gorge in Ronda.
You may also hear someone exclaim the word “Tajo” whilst you are out and about in a local bar. The standing joke in Ronda for anyone who has to go to back to work when they’d rather stay at the bar with their mates is the shout ‘Tajo!’, a reminder of Moorish times when Christian slaves and prisoners would spend their lives chained to the steps that lead to the river; their job under pain of a good thrashing was to pass empty buckets down and full buckets up so that Ronda’s water tower was always full.
Photographing the Puente Nuevo can be a challenge although there are several publicly accessible locations that offer good views. Closest to Plaza de España, walk around the gorge side of the Parador hotel, or from the south side of the bridge, onto the viewing platform next to Santo Domingo.
For a wider view of the entire bridge, the Cuenca gardens on the eastern side are a perfect location in the mornings, whilst in the afternoons, the viewing platform in the garden of the House of Don Bosco (1.50€) gives a very pleasing photo.
It is also possible to descend into the gorge from Plaza Maria Auxiliadora and take a photo of the bridge at the old gate of Albacara.
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
Iberia Nature Forum
Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum! https://iberianatureforum.com/
Welcome to the vibrant and captivating city of Cordoba, nestled in the heart of Andalusia! As the sun cast its fiery August glow upon the historic streets, my family and I embarked on a family adventure in historic Cordoba that combined the rich tapestry of Cordoba’s past with the energy of two grown ups and three curious kids, aged 14, 14, and 9.
August’s fierce heat with temps as high as 46C didn’t deter us from uncovering the treasures this enchanting city has to offer. From awe-inspiring architecture to delightful culinary experiences, our exploration was a blend of education, culture, and pure fun. With 5 sets of eagle eyes and the help of Google maps, it was also pretty easy for us to find great places to eat as well.
During the first week of September, the vibrant spirit of Rondeños reaches its peak as the city immerses itself in the festive ambiance of the Pedro Romero Feria & Corrida Goyesca 2023.
Marked on this year’s calendar from August 29th to September 3rd, the Pedro Romero Feria stands as the grandest celebration in Ronda’s social itinerary. This week-long extravaganza is a fusion of lively gatherings, captivating live performances, thrilling fairground amusements, and an eagerly anticipated event—the annual Corrida Goyesca, an exclusive bullfight hosted at Ronda’s iconic Plaza de Toros.
While the festivities kick off on August 29th, the crescendo of the weekend unfolds on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of September, with the bullfights and parades taking the center stage. Notably, the enchanting parade of carriages graces the streets on the 3rd of September.
As the final two days of the feria coincide with the illustrious Corrida Goyesca, it’s a convergence of merriment and one of Spain’s premier bullfighting spectacles.
Head for “la Bola” (Calle espinal)
The heart of Ronda transforms into a pedestrian haven, as bars extend their services onto the streets, catering to the jubilant revelers. In the city’s intricate alleyways, vibrant paper lanterns drape the streets, adorning La Bola, Ronda’s primary shopping district, with a surreal faux ceiling.
Take a taxi to the fairground
Beyond the city’s core, the fairground pulses with energetic beats, resonating with party music. A kaleidoscope of amusement rides—dodgem cars, ferris wheels, and more—beckon children of all ages.
Route of the Cabalgata (parade) – Ronda Fair 2023
Embarking on the evening of the 29th, the inaugural fair parade is a spectacle to behold, heightened by the ceremonial illumination and a dazzling fireworks at the feria ground. The procession commences at 8:00 pm from the Hotel Reina Victoria and arrives at the feria ground around 10pm. (There are often delays!)
Calle Fernando Morell Castelló (Hotel Reina Victoria)
Calle Jerez
Calle Virgen de la Paz
Carrera Espinel (La Bola)
Avenida de Málaga
Feria Ground
At 10:00 pm at the feria ground, the night sky bursts to life with a mesmerizing fireworks display, coinciding with the unveiling of the vibrant array of rides and fair ground attractions.
IMPORTANT: If you want to stay in Ronda to experience the feria and all it has to offer then don’t delay! Hotel rooms will already be limited!
Since the inception of the Corrida Goyesca in Ronda’s September fair in 1954, the Damas Goyesca of Ronda have been the official representatives of the city, and welcoming committee for visiting dignitaries. Read more here about the Damas Goyesca: https://www.rondatoday.com/damas-goyesca-of-ronda/
Feria Program
Friday, August 25th
22:00 h. 49th International Folk Galas of Ronda, at the Blas Infante Auditorium.
Saturday, August 26th
22:00 h. 49th International Folk Galas of Ronda, at the Blas Infante Auditorium.
Sunday, August 27th
11:45 h. Reception for participating groups in the Folk Galas.
12:30 h. Visit by the President and Goyesca Ladies to Ronda’s Patroness, the Virgin of Peace.
13:00 h. International Folk Mass at the Church of Santa María la Mayor.
22:00 h. 49th International Folk Galas of Ronda, at the Blas Infante Auditorium.
Tuesday, August 29th
20:00 h. Fair and Festivities Opening Parade (Cabalgata).
Departure from Calle Jerez (Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria).
Calle Virgen de la Paz.
Carrera Espinel.
Avenida de Málaga.
Fairground.
22:00 h. Fireworks and Inauguration of the Lighting and Fairground Archway at the Ángel Harillo Fairground.
Wednesday, August 30th
12:00 h. Tribute to Pedro Romero. Floral offering by the President and her Ladies.
Inauguration of the Central Fair. Central Fair Archway (corner of Carrera Espinel and Virgen de la Paz).
Central Fair Hours: 13:00 to 20:00h.
Thursday, August 31st
15:00 h. Equestrian Attire Contest at the Ángel Harillo Fairground.
Friday, September 1st
18:00 h. Extraordinary Novillada without picadors at the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda Bullring.
21:00 h. 9th Bullfighting Proclamation at the Convent of Santo Domingo.
Saturday, September 2nd
11:30 h. 41st Rondeña Rejoneo Bullfight at the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda Bullring.
18:00 h. 66th Traditional Goyesca Bullfight at the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda Bullring.
Sunday, September 3rd
12:00 h. 45th Ronda Carriages Exhibition at the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda Bullring.
Ronda Today
Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/
Visit Cádiz
Planning on visiting Cádiz? Tourist information. Monuments. Hotels. Activities. City guides: https://visitingcadiz.com/
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
Iberia Nature Forum
Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum! https://iberianatureforum.com/
Planning on visiting Ronda, Spain? English tourist Information – Hotel booking – Activities – Events . Guided tours in Ronda, Spain
Viewing points for photographing the Puente Nuevo and El Tajo Gorge in Ronda.
