Getting Oriented
Southern Spain is known for its gleaming white villages, and Ronda is one of the most popular. Although small, the town offers several attractions, including a wine-making history that dates back to the Roman Empire, gorgeous countryside complete with Via Ferrata climbs, and a historic Old Town that clings atop a 328-foot (100-m) gorge. In addition, many visitors enjoy viewing the 17th-century "Old Bridge" and 18th-century "New Bridge" that connect the city's two sides over the El Tajo Gorge, making the town even more scenic.
While in Ronda, you can learn about the unique history of the town and region, adding in a few cultural experiences like listening to Spanish guitar or visiting a local winery. But many visitors also like to use Ronda as a mini-hub, as you can go to neighboring "white villages" and enjoy outdoor recreation in the nearby hills and mountains.
Culinary Discoveries
Ronda's culinary claim to fame is its ancient wine-making history. Since the Roman Empire, this region of Andalucía, called the Serranía de Ronda, has been making delicious wines, particularly reds, though you can also find whites and rosés.
Cooking Class & Tour at a Vineyard
After a walking tour through Ronda, you'll head to a vineyard for a cooking class. Start with a jaunt around the estate, where you'll learn about the area's grape varietals, plus growing and bottling processes. Sip a glass or two while your host takes you through the vines, savoring city views. Then settle into your cooking class, which features local and seasonal ingredients to complete traditional Andalusian recipes. Read More
Visit a Local Winery
Dive deep into the vinification of Ronda by visiting a local winery. Although the area is known for delicious varietals (including Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and more), plus an ancient wine-making history, it hosts a relatively recent surge in popularity. Still, you'll find about 25 boutique wineries with enthusiastic and passionate growers. Enjoy a few tastings of the area's beloved reds and whites as you learn more about the processes and take in the scenery. Read More
Culture in Ronda
Exploring Ronda's culture makes a trip worth it. The town itself is indescribable in its beauty, architecture, and countryside views. Plus, don't forget you're in Southern Spain, so you can add some tapas or a Spanish guitar experience into the mix.
Walking Tour of Ronda
Enjoy a walking tour of Ronda, once described by Ernest Hemingway as the most romantic city in Spain. As you walk through the twisting streets and make your way over bridges across the scenic El Tajo Gorge, you'll understand the city's appeal! Highlights include the city's oldest neighborhood, the San Francisco barrio, plus the historical Arabic Medina and the famously well-preserved 13th-century Arab Baths. Read More
Spanish Guitar Experience
Visit the Spanish Guitar House in Ronda to enjoy a Spanish guitar concert. The venue opened in 2015 and offered daily shows by resident guitarist Pace Seco. In a beautiful Baroque concert hall with stunning countryside views, you'll enjoy several musical styles, including classical, romantic, flamenco, jazz, and contemporary. All feature traditional Andalusian music from Spanish composers. Read More
Explore the Scenery
One of Ronda's biggest appeals is its scenery and countryside. Head out of the town and explore some other Andalusian villages or get active with a hike or Via Ferrata climb in the surrounding mountains.
Day Trip to a Rural Andalusian Village
Get out of the city and walk through Ronda's rural countryside to a traditional Andalusian village. Your guide and host is a local villager himself, and he'll take you to his mountain town via walking trails. Along the way, learn about life in the countryside and what makes these hamlets special. Then, sit down with your host and his family for a traditional lunch. Read More
Via Ferrata Climbing Adventure in Ronda
Get a unique perspective of Ronda's countryside with a Via Ferrata climb. Via Ferrata is found all over Europe, once used by workers to fortify cliff walls. Today, these abandoned ladder systems built into cliffsides serve as a fun, exciting, and safe experience for all ages. Enjoy this unique outdoor climbing course and savor the incredible views. Read More
How to Craft the Perfect Ronda Itinerary
You can easily add Ronda to your itinerary if you'd like to explore Southern Spain and its famed Andalucía region. Although set in a more rural part of the country, the town is still well-connected by roadways. As a result, travelers who visit cities like Seville, Marabella, and Málaga typically add Ronda to their list.
How many days you should spend in Spain depends on which regions you'd like to explore. Andalucía has a nearly endless list of things to do, so you could simply enjoy a week or two in Southern Spain. But luckily, Spain has an extensive highway system, high-speed trains, and numerous regional airports. It's easy to combine Ronda and other southern highlights with central or northern cities, like Madrid, Valencia, or Barcelona.
If you'd like to see the country north to south, two weeks in Spain (or more if you can!) is ideal.
Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following itineraries that include experiences in Ronda: