Historic Bridge, Lookout, Valley

It’s easy to expect too much from a famous landmark. At the Puente Nuevo, I had the opposite problem: the photos I’d seen before my trip didn’t show just how big the bridge is. It was only when I was there that I realised just how incredibly imposing it looks and how naturally it blends in with the rocks of the El Tajo gorge. Puente Nuevo is certainly not an overhyped tourist stop. In my opinion, it’s really worth making the trip to Ronda just…

Square, Church

Plaza del Socorro is one of the main squares in the centre of Ronda. Don’t expect a dramatic view like the one from the Puente Nuevo. It is, above all, a lively town square with restaurants, cafés and several interesting buildings. I’d set aside about 10 minutes for the tour itself. You’ll spend much longer there if you sit down at one of the outdoor cafés. The square has the best atmosphere in the evening, whilst the morning is better for…

Historic Bridge

Puente Viejo is a single-arch stone bridge spanning the River Guadalevín at the base of the El Tajo Gorge. It rises to a height of 31 metres above the river’s surface. It isn’t as imposing as the Puente Nuevo, but I particularly liked its surroundings. The bridge lies amongst the rocks, ancient city walls and white houses. The whole place feels much more peaceful than the most visited part of Ronda. In my view, the Puente Viejo is best…

Church

The Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor is the most important church in the historic centre of Ronda. It stands in the Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, on the site of the former main mosque, and its current appearance combines Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. I popped inside whilst strolling through the old town. In my view, that’s how a visit works best – not as the main destination of the day, but as a short stop between the Puente Nuevo, the…