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Ronda

• 35.000 inhabitants, from Nerja 180 km (2,5 hours)

Together with Granada, Cordoba and Seville, Ronda definitely is one of the places in Andalusia you shouldn’t miss. It’s a gorgeous historic city which has a very special setting on a 90 degree steep hill in a lovely green valley. The city is divided in two by the Tajo crevice (130 metres deep!) which has an impressive old bridge – the Puente Viejo from 1616 – that separates the older from the newer part of town.

Also the rest of the old town is picturesque and Ronda really managed to keep its former rich atmosphere, even though it has grown through the years. Ronda has beautiful old buildings and lovely viewis over the valley. You should definitely also drive through the valley to see the town from different angles.

- It might sound obvious, but in summer it’s steamy hot and in the winter it’s surprisingly cold.

- Ronda is great for shopping! Just find the main shopping street for all kinds of unique and interesting shops.

- A nice hotel / restaurant is El Polo just next to the main street where the cuisine is on a slightly higher level. The hotel is also worth it’s price (70 euros pppn breakfast included) and in the same way that Ronda is attractive way to spend your days, this hotel is perfect for the night (www.hotelpolo.net).

- The route that leads directly to the east towards Malaga (through El Burgo) is very winding and runs through a protected nature area. Just like the way that runs North from Ronda, this road is pretty and adverturous, but you have to count on 2,5 to 3 hours driving if you want to get back to the Malaga coast. You can also drive South towards Marbella and then take the highway. And if you want to get out of Ronda, don’t forget your map, because it’s a real challenge finding your way out!

- A gorgeous (but also expensive) hotel built in an old olive oil factory is www.hotellafuente.com . Very stylish with spectacular views including pools, a restaurant and 11 bedrooms.

- Ronda is the home of bull fighting. In the centre you will find a big arena and a bull fight museum.

- Allegedly there’s a lovely old train route through the mountains between Algeciras and Ronda - also called the route of the highway robbers - which stops at 13 little train stations and has some really steep tracks.

- Between Antequera and Ronda lie the mountains of El Chorro with the famous gorge of El Chorro and El Caminito del Rey (The Kings path) or El Camino del Rey. This hikers path runs from Alora to Campillos through this ravine. This wildlife area is not only loved for hiking or climbing, but also for mountain biking anc kayaking.

The market in Ronda is on Sunday morning.
Feria Ronda: mid May