Lucy’s guidebook
Must see
Stunning wild swimming spot ten minutes' drive from the house. The water never rises above 4 degrees. Fabulous but very popular spot to cool off, go early!
52 locals recommend
Cat Cave
Stunning wild swimming spot ten minutes' drive from the house. The water never rises above 4 degrees. Fabulous but very popular spot to cool off, go early!
Gorgeous views, lovely shady park that was allegedly created using the funds raised from swearing fines. Walk to the end and see the drop and you will understand why...
49 locals recommend
Alameda Del Tajo
1 P.º Blas InfanteGorgeous views, lovely shady park that was allegedly created using the funds raised from swearing fines. Walk to the end and see the drop and you will understand why...
Incredible gorge that splits the city in two. Amazing views, birdlife, sunsets, romance.
Fed by melting snow and mountain streams high in the Sierra de las Nieves, the Rio Guadalevín has eroded the soft limestone plateau to create a magnificent gorge - the vertigo inducing el Tajo. Allegedly used by both sides during the Spanish Civil War to dispatch the enemy and inspiring events of Hemmingway’s For Whom The Bell Tolls, el Tajo is best viewed from the Puente Neuvo, Ronda’s beautiful park - Alameda del Tajo - or the Mirador de Aldehuela (named after the architect who designed the bridge that spans el Tajo). A spectacularly beautiful gorge overlooking fertile valleys in an arid landscape, this is a photographer’s dream.
22 locals recommend
El Tajo Gorge
3 C. ArmiñánIncredible gorge that splits the city in two. Amazing views, birdlife, sunsets, romance.
Fed by melting snow and mountain streams high in the Sierra de las Nieves, the Rio Guadalevín has eroded the soft limestone plateau to create a magnificent gorge - the vertigo inducing el Tajo. Allegedly used by both sides during the Spanish Civil War to dispatch the enemy and inspiring events of Hemmingway’s For Whom The Bell Tolls, el Tajo is best viewed from the Puente Neuvo, Ronda’s beautiful park - Alameda del Tajo - or the Mirador de Aldehuela (named after the architect who designed the bridge that spans el Tajo). A spectacularly beautiful gorge overlooking fertile valleys in an arid landscape, this is a photographer’s dream.
Ronda’s most well known landmark, the New Bridge, offers spectacular views over el Tajo, spanning the 120m deep ravine and connecting la Ciudad, the old town, to the newer Mercadillo. Completed in 1793, taking forty-two years to build, the bridge was designed by architect José Martin de Aldehuela, who also designed the Plaza de Toros. Used by both republicans and nationalists during la Guerra, the bridge houses a prison that is now a museum. Take time to appreciate not only the dizzying views down into the gorge but also the stunning panoramas of the Serranía de Ronda. For a view of the bridge itself, cross into la Ciudad and take Calle Tenorio and follow el Camino de los Molinos down stepped and rocky paths. In summer take plenty of water and sun cream because the path is somewhat exposed. In Spring the whole valley floor is awash with flowers. Wear sensible shoes and hang on to the kids, the drop is dizzying but the view of the bridge is well worth the ascent. Best at sunset, hundreds of birds may be seen nesting on the cliff face, and at dusk crag martins, pallid swifts, black redstarts, blue rock thrushes, choughs, rock doves and blackcaps can be seen taking flight.
Puente Nuevo
Ronda’s most well known landmark, the New Bridge, offers spectacular views over el Tajo, spanning the 120m deep ravine and connecting la Ciudad, the old town, to the newer Mercadillo. Completed in 1793, taking forty-two years to build, the bridge was designed by architect José Martin de Aldehuela, who also designed the Plaza de Toros. Used by both republicans and nationalists during la Guerra, the bridge houses a prison that is now a museum. Take time to appreciate not only the dizzying views down into the gorge but also the stunning panoramas of the Serranía de Ronda. For a view of the bridge itself, cross into la Ciudad and take Calle Tenorio and follow el Camino de los Molinos down stepped and rocky paths. In summer take plenty of water and sun cream because the path is somewhat exposed. In Spring the whole valley floor is awash with flowers. Wear sensible shoes and hang on to the kids, the drop is dizzying but the view of the bridge is well worth the ascent. Best at sunset, hundreds of birds may be seen nesting on the cliff face, and at dusk crag martins, pallid swifts, black redstarts, blue rock thrushes, choughs, rock doves and blackcaps can be seen taking flight.
Sightseeing
Fantastic artworks from Picasso, Peinado and others set in the
9 locals recommend
Unicaja Joaquín Peinado Museum
Plaza del GiganteFantastic artworks from Picasso, Peinado and others set in the
Alhambra
Fantastic architecture and gardens
Fabulous, easier than Alhambra, closer, not as impressive but we love it!
882 locals recommend
Royal Alcázar of Seville
s/n Patio de BanderasFabulous, easier than Alhambra, closer, not as impressive but we love it!
Take water and go early, views are amazing, nice pueblo blanco.
6 locals recommend
Zahara de la Sierra Castle
s-n C. NuevaTake water and go early, views are amazing, nice pueblo blanco.
Another great pueblo blanco, a little further than some but a nice spot and some good places for lunch.
Gaucín
Another great pueblo blanco, a little further than some but a nice spot and some good places for lunch.
Food scene
Incredible restaurant with superb service and a well deserved two Michelin stars
12 locals recommend
Bardal
1 C. José AparicioIncredible restaurant with superb service and a well deserved two Michelin stars
LA Organic
Fantastic homage to the olive, a bit pricey but worth it.
Restaurante Almocabar
5 Pl. Ruedo AlamedaBook for the evening for a romantic meal
Fabulous hotel restaurant a 15 minute walk away. Book in advance and pre order. Fantastic - do not miss out!
Hotel La Fuente de la Higuera
s/n Lugar Partido Rural Los FrontonesFabulous hotel restaurant a 15 minute walk away. Book in advance and pre order. Fantastic - do not miss out!
KÜTRAL
33 C. GuadalimarAbsolutely knock out.
La BarFina Ronda
Amazing salt beef sandwiches, these guys are ones to watch.
Frank’s place is a must, summer it’s on the terrace alongside the railway track, winter inside the old station. Been going almost ten years, huge menu, great plates, fabulous service.
17 locals recommend
El Muelle de Arriate Restaurant
Frank’s place is a must, summer it’s on the terrace alongside the railway track, winter inside the old station. Been going almost ten years, huge menu, great plates, fabulous service.
Tragatá
4 C. NuevaOne of our all time faves, closed Monday and Tuesday.
Neighbourhoods
Ronda
New town and old town are separated by a 100m deep gorge
Zahara de la Sierra Castle
s-n C. NuevaGreat views of the reservoir from the top
Wine tasting
Fabulous former monastery now a gorgeous bodega
Gorgeous old monastery that now houses the bodega in a fecund garden. Magical.
Bodega Descalzos Viejos
Gorgeous old monastery that now houses the bodega in a fecund garden. Magical.
Designed by the architects who brought Bodega Descalzos Viejos back to life, completely different vibe, completely different wine - try both.
La Melonera
86 Lugar Partido Rural los FrontonesDesigned by the architects who brought Bodega Descalzos Viejos back to life, completely different vibe, completely different wine - try both.
Cortijo Los Aguilares
Km. 35 Ctra. CampillosBeautiful winery
Traveler advice
Getting around
Good shoes for walking, there are lots of cobbles!
Taxis from the house to Ronda are about €30.
What to pack
Nights can be cool
Pack a warm coat unless you are visiting between July and Sept.
Ways to save
Car hire
Book your rental car with Helle Hollis and use our code H14230 for 15% off. Select free fast track to get to the front of the queue with all your forms already filled out.