Ronda: Travel Notes
Ronda is dominated by the number three. The city itself is surrounded by three splendid natural parks: Sierra de las Nieves, Sierra de Grazalema and Parque de los Alcornocales. Three bridges cross the Tajo, an enormous gorge that slices the city in two, and connect the old town with the new as well as the Roman with the Islamic. Built 120 metres above the Guadalevín River the Puente Nuevo is the newest of the three (built in 1751) and is understandably the main attraction in the city. As you look out and take in the breathtaking view, remember that prisoners were thrown off this bridge during the Spanish Civil War. If you suffer from vertigo, it’s probably best not to look over the edge. If you feel like a brief escape from the well trodden tourist trail, you can get an alternative perspective of the Puente Nuevo by walking down from the Plaza de San Francisco into the Valle de los Molinos (Valley of windmills). The Bullring (C/ Virgen de la Paz, 15) dates back to 1785 and is the oldest in Spain. The birthplace of famed bullfighter Pedro Romero, these days it is only open as a tourist attraction. It is however resurrected twice a year during the Corrida Goyesca in September and the annual exhibition of carriages. Don’t forget to take a walk along the Alameda del Tajo, designed in the 19th century, under the shadow of its hundred year old acacias, pine trees and cedars.
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Skyline
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Escapes
Once the tourist trail becomes too much, I'm normally left with the sensation of “now what?” A visit within the legendary Serranía de Ronda mountain range will be a great respite. A nice walk is from Ronda to Montejaque village via the Roman track or from Est. Benaojan to Est. Jimera via the Guadiaro River (then take the train back to Benaojan after the trek). There are also fantastic walks within the Natural Park of Sierra de las Nieves, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, whose main attraction is the “pinsapo” (Spanish fir), as this is the only place in Europe where it can be found.
Known for its prehistoric wall paintings and engravings the Cueva de la Pileta near Benaojan, 13 kms from Ronda, offers guided visits (only by appointment 952167343) and is one of the most well preserved caves in Andalusia. The Roman and prehistoric remains of the town of Acinipo (Ronda la Vieja) are also worth a visit.
Surrounded by cork trees and holm oaks the Algaba de Ronda (on the Ronda-Algeciras road Kilometre 4.5) is a must for nature lovers. Founded by a small group of ecologists and prehistoric experts, this pioneering project includes a Neolithic village. It is the perfect location for conferences and groups wanting an experience of total immersion in nature (they have accommodation and catering). The mountains around Ronda offer all types of adventure sports, from canoeing on the lake at Zahara de la Sierra, caving and climbing (Pangea Central). If your passion is driving, the controversial Askari resort offers guests a wide range of cars (sports cars, single seaters, Benetton-F1's and GTs) and a great track experience.
Besides the local cuisine, something you've got to try on any trip to Ronda is the excellent wine. Ronda has been working at their vineyards for decades to produce wines that benefit from the altitude, temperature and rich soil. Most vineyards in the area offer wine tours in and around Ronda to teach visitors about the winemaking process and give them the chance to taste it too!.
Useful contacts
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Town Hall Malaga University La Serrania General Hospital |
Emergency Medical Attention Fire Post office |
Local police Ecologists in Action 24-hour pharmacy |
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Getting there?
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By air By bus By train |
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Bibliography
These books related to Ronda: Travel Notes may interest you.
- • VV.AA. Serranía de Ronda: Guía de Senderos. Ediciones la Serranía. Málaga, 2006.
- • FLORES DOMINGUEZ, RAFAEL.
Visita novedades de España
GUIA VERDE DE LA SERRANIA DE RONDA. EDITORIAL LA SERRANIA. Málaga, 2008.
- • Boyd, Alastair (1969). The Road from Ronda. Santana Books: Spain, 2004
- • Boyd, Alastair. The Sierras of the South: Travels in the Mountains of Andalusia. HarperCollins, 1992
- • Hemingway, Ernest. For Whom the Bell Tolls. Scribner, 1995
- • RILKE, RAINER MARIA.
CARTAS DEL VIVIR. EDICIONES OBELISCO. barcelona, 1998.
Filmography
These films related to Ronda: Travel Notes may interest you.
Links
- • Wine tours in and around Ronda in Tertulia Andaluza
- • Check out more Andalusian city travel guides at Tertulia Andaluza
- • Producing a Ronda travel special in the Tertulia Andaluza Blog
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1 comment
Un artículo 10. Súper completo y acertado. Conozco mucho de los sitios que mencionáis y estoy totalmente de acuerdo. Los que no conozco aún iré a visitarlos. Gracias por toda la información. Un saludo y que siga Tertulia Andaluza para arriba.