El Tajo is a rocky gorge over 100 metres deep, carved out by the River Guadalevín right through the centre of Ronda. It separates the historic district of La Ciudad from the newer part of the town, and the famous Puente Nuevo spans its narrowest point.

The bridge is a symbol of Ronda, but it is the surrounding landscape that gives it its true power.

At the time of my visit, the entire passage through the gorge had not yet been completed. I therefore viewed El Tajo from public paths and viewpoints around the Puente Nuevo; information on the new section of the Camino del Desfiladero is based on official data from the town.

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El Tajo: free or paid admission?

These are two different experiences that are often confused:

• The viewpoints and public paths are free. They offer the best overall views of the Puente Nuevo, the gorge and the surrounding landscape. I describe all the viewpoints separately in the section on the Puente Nuevo.
• The Camino del Desfiladero is a paid route. It leads from the edge of the historic centre to the foot of the Puente Nuevo and then continues through a narrow section of the gorge a few metres above the river.

If you’re mainly after that classic photograph of the whole bridge, you don’t need a ticket. The paid route is worth it mainly for the view from the bottom of the gorge and the chance to walk through areas that weren’t previously accessible to the public.

Where does the Camino del Desfiladero go?

The entire route is just under a kilometre long. It is not a smaller version of the Caminito del Rey suspended high above the chasm. The new footbridge runs approximately three metres above the river, and the sheer vertical walls all around you make the greatest impression.

1. Plaza de María Auxiliadora: In the square, also known as Plaza del Campillo, a cobbled path begins its descent into the valley. The controlled access point is located at Casa Manolillo.
2. Pata Puente Nuevo: The first section descends to the base of the bridge. It is only from here that you can clearly see its true height and the way the structure is integrated into the rock face.
3. Passage through the gorge: Beyond the bridge, a wooden footbridge continues along the Guadalevín. Along the way, it passes the remains of mills, old water management structures, a weir and the Mina de Agua water mine below the Casa del Rey Moro.
4. Ascent at the Ermita de San Miguel: The route ends on the opposite side of the gorge, near the Arab Baths, the Puente Viejo and the lowest of the three local bridges.

This means you won’t be retracing your steps, and the walk through the gorge fits naturally into a tour of Ronda’s historic centre.

When to go and what light to expect?

Direct sunlight reaches the bottom of the narrow gorge only to a limited extent.

You’ll have the best chance of good light by the river around midday, when the sun is at its highest. In the morning and late afternoon, much of the route remains in the shade.

In summer, however, I’d opt for more pleasant temperatures and set off as soon as the site opens or in the evening. For classic photographs of the entire Puente Nuevo, the viewpoints above the valley and the position of the sun – which I describe in detail right by the bridge – are more important.

You can bring a camera, but tripods and drones are prohibited along the route.

Admission, bookings and opening hours

• Admission: 12 eur
• Route length: just under 1 km
• Recommended duration: approximately 45–60 minutes
• Minimum age: 8 years
• Entrance: Plaza de María Auxiliadora / Casa Manolillo
• Exit: Ermita de San Miguel near the Arab Baths

The number of visitors is limited, so I recommend buying a ticket in advance on the official Camino del Desfiladero website. Make your booking before you start the descent – ticket checks take place at the bottom, near Casa Manolillo.

Official opening hours:

• winter: 9.00–17.00
• spring and autumn: 10.00–20.00
• summer: 10.00–14.00 and 18.00–21.00

The route may be temporarily closed due to rain, strong winds or high river levels. Therefore, please check the available times on the booking website before you start your descent.

Difficulty and restrictions

The distance itself is not long, but you should expect a steep cobbled descent, steps and a damp surface in places. Please wear closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles and bring plenty of water.

The route is not wheelchair-accessible. Entry is not permitted with pushchairs, wheelchairs, crutches or walking sticks. Pets and bulky luggage are also prohibited.

Via ferrata at El Tajo

There is also a short via ferrata running along the gorge walls, which is completely separate from the main Camino del Desfiladero.

I haven’t done it myself, but for more active visitors, it’s one of the few paid activities in Ronda that really makes the most of the local landscape.

The ascent takes approximately two hours and covers an elevation gain of around 50 metres.

No previous experience is necessary, but you do need to be in good physical condition and should not suffer from a severe fear of heights. The price of the organised activity includes a guide, technical equipment and insurance. This particular activity is not suitable for children under 14.

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