Discover Ronda, Spain

Located in the province of Malaga in Andalusia, an autonomous region in southern Spain, Ronda is positioned northwest of the city of Malaga, southeast of Seville, and southwest of Madrid. The Guadalevin River, which flows through the EL Tajo canyon, divides the new town (El Mercadillo) from the old town (La Ciudad).

Ronda is accessible by car, bus or rail. We visited Ronda on a day trip during our stay near the coast in the Costa del Sol. From our rural accommodations near Mijas, we took the A7 heading west and then headed north on the A376, a scenic winding, mountainous road. The incredible scenery to and from Ronda is part of the experience of visiting this Andalusian town and worth the trip.

{Map of Spain - public domain map courtesy of the CIA World Factbook.}

Although Ronda is renown for its spectacular views, it is also known for its three bridges that traverse the El Tajo Canyon; namely, El Puente Nuevo (the New Bridge), El Puente Romano (Roman Bridge), and El Puente Viejo (Old Bridge). "El Puente Nuevo" is the city's most famous bridge. Other popular attractions are the pavillion along the walkway near El Puente Nuevo, as well as Ronda's historic center, which includes Ronda's cathedral, Santa Maria la Mayor, several churches, Arab baths, and a number of shops.

Prior to visiting the old town, you might want to stop by the bullring arena (Plaza de Toros), located right across from the information center, where they will provide you with a free tourist map. It's possible to visit the historic center on foot - just make you way over to El Puente Nuevo. After taking in the views and taking advantage of the photo opportunities along the walkway by the El Tajo ravine, cross the bridge over to the historic center. After visiting the churches and shops, and walking along parts of the historic wall, you can make your way back towards the new town via El Puente Viejo.

{Photo of Ronda's New Bridge - El Puente Nuevo, taken during an extended holiday in Spain. Photo copyright Heidi Brault.}

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to see two live performances by high-calibre street musicians in Ronda. The first was a classical guitarist who captured the attention of passers by near El Puente Nuevo; the second was a duo comprised of musicians playing a Celtic harp and a pan flute in the pavillion along the walkway. We listened to and conversed with the classical guitarist for quite a while and purchased one of his CDs. We also listened to the duo in the pavillion for a while - they were absolutely excellent.

We also had the opportunty to chat with a classical guitarist who, although he wasn't performing, was promoting his band's CDs. We purchased one of his CDS, which featured traditional Spanish music, and listened to it in the car during our ride back to our accommodations near the coast - we really enjoyed it and have listened to it a few times since.

In passing, talented street musicians are fairly common in Spain and we also had opportunities to meet and listen to classical guitarists in Madrid and in Seville. Needless to say, we returned from our trip with several new CDs.

{Photo of the front of a classical guitar; the owner was a street musician in Ronda, Spain.}

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