Fans of Ronda will attest to the fact that it is one of the most beautiful and recognisable towns in Andalucía, if not the whole of Spain. This accolade is well deserved and is in part thanks to the iconic Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), which is said to be amongst the top ten most photographed sites in the world. Taking 42 years to complete and dating from 1751, this architecturally stunning landmark connects the Old Town (known as La Ciudad) with the newer parts of Ronda, while affording breathtaking views over the Tajo Canyon, which it transverses below. Located 100 kilometres west of the city of Málaga, for many people it encapsulates a romantic, rugged image of Spain that has been somewhat lost along the Costa del Sol.
As a result,
Ronda is extremely popular with overseas visitors, something Michelle Obama can no doubt confirm, having visited the town with her entourage in the summer of 2010. However, behind its raw beauty and stunning scenery there lies a town brimming with history and culture that is ripe for exploring. It’s popularity with international travellers can be attributed in part to American writers Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles, who spent countless summers as residents of La Ciudad. Inspired by the town, both penned books about its beauty and bull fighting traditions, which have added glamour to its appeal over the decades. It’s even said that part of Hemmingway’s novel For Whom the Bell Tolls is based on real life events that occurred in Ronda during the Spanish civil war.
Nowadays the town is a maze of charming streets filled with trendy cafes, award-winning restaurants, bustling bars and modern shops, set amongst grandiose buildings from the town’s illustrious past. Bull fighting aficionados will be fascinated to know that Ronda is also home to the country’s oldest bullring (built in 1784), making it a Mecca for fans of the controversial sport. Though the town is originally of Roman origin, following its Moorish occupation it gained a collection of Arab Baths in the 13th and 14th centuries, which are still mostly intact today and well worth a visit. Another must visit is the former town hall, now the site of a Parador (a chain of exclusive Spanish hotels), positioned alongside the Puente Nuevo and boasting stunning views over the canyon.
So if you are looking for a weekend getaway full of culture, good food and great sights Ronda won’t disappoint – and it’s only a short drive from the Costa del Sol.