13 ultimate bucket list things to do in Ronda, Spain (+map!)

Ronda is one of the most iconic towns and one of the most famous places in Andalusia and in Spain. With the spectacular Puente Nuevo bridge over the deep El Tajo gorge it is a landmark place for any visitor to Spain. Here are the ultimate bucket list things to do in Ronda!

In this blog post, you will find all the places with descriptions, photos, and locations where they can be found on Google Maps. We really loved Ronda and all it had to offer – walking the cobblestone streets definitely felt like stepping back in time! Happy exploring!

Read more » 15 most famous Instagram photo spots in Ronda, Spain

1. Walk across the famous Puente Nuevo bridge (or take a look inside it!)

Puente Nuevo bridge is the essence of Ronda and, I should say, the main reason people are visiting this mountaintop town. The bridge stretches over a deep gorge – El Tajo – connecting two parts of Ronda town. Crossing the bridge is a must for every visitor to this iconic place.

There are two viewpoints on each side of the bridge where you can get a great view of the bridge and El Tajo gorge. One of the viewpoints is Mirador de Aldehuela which will be a better choice in the morning hours as the sun shines over this side of the bridge.

While you are on that side of the bridge, check out this unique photo spot – Mirador de los Viajeros Románticos or the Romantic travelers’ viewpoint (photo above).

It is a cool photo spot made out of colorful tiles on the wall depicting a side view of Ronda city and telling a story about people who traveled to Ronda throughout the centuries.

The other viewpoint to check out the bridge from the other side is located on Paseo de Kazunori Yamauchi – a cliffside promenade. By the way, there is a small hut where you can buy entrance tickets to visit Ronda bridge from the inside.

Once you buy the tickets, there are stairs leading down from the promenade to the ‘legs’ of the bridge and small doors to enter the ‘leg’. Once you enter there will be a narrow staircase leading you upstairs.

The stairs will take you to the middle part of the bridge. If you look at the bridge from the side, you will notice doors in the upper-middle part of the bridge.

This is where you will be on the inside! There is a big hall with windows on both sides and a small exposition. It was pretty unique, but don’t expect much!

Location: Mirador de Aldehuela – Mirador de los Viajeros Románticos – Paseo de Kazunori Yamahuchi

2. Check out the hanging Jardines de Cuenca gardens!

After just a few minutes of walking from Puente Nuevo bridge, you will reach one of my favorite spots in Ronda and a great place where you can see the bridge properly from the side. Welcome to Jardines de Cuenca!

Jardines de Cuenca are terraced gardens hanging above the El Tajo gorge. Plus there is a fantastic viewpoint – Mirador de Cuenca – overlooking the bridge. Most tourists walk to the viewpoints on the other side of the gorge and this place is definitely more quiet.

We visited this place in spring and there wasn’t much to see from the gardens. Plants were not in bloom yet, but I guess there would be something more to see during summertime.

If you look from the gardens to the other side of the gorge, you will see another amazing view – the river flowing deep into the gorge and another cool bridge – Puente Viejo – crossing over the gorge. I loved spending some time in the garden just looking at the amazing views!

The garden has working hours so definitely check that before coming here. The entrance is free. Although you have to manage some stairs, this place is very easily accessible. It definitely requires less climbing than the famous viewpoints on the other side of the bridge.

Location: Jardines De Cuenca – Mirador de Cuenca

3. Walk over Puente Viejo to see Arco de Felipe V

Right from the gardens you can walk along the side of the gorge to another historic bridge in Ronda – Puente Viejo or the Old Bridge. Although all the attention goes to Puente Nuevo Bridge, this hidden gem in Ronda deserves some recognition too.

Puente Viejo is a 16th-century stone bridge with amazing views over the gorge. As you know, Ronda is located on the top of a hill. If the famous Puente Nuevo bridge connects both parts of the city at the highest point of Ronda, then this one – Puente Viejo – is located on a much lower level.

You can get the best photos of Puente Viejo bridge from another stone bridge located even more downhill – Puente de las Curtidurías or Puente Romano (this is the one I am sitting on and Puente Viejo is in the background of the photo).

After visiting Puente Viejo take a look at Arco de Felipe V stone arch! The arch is located on a cobblestone pathway just a few meters away from the Puente Viejo bridge. It was built in the 18th century and served as an entrance gate to the city.

The name of the arch – Felipe V – comes from the name of the king who ruled over Spain during the period this arch was built – King Felipe V. The arch is very beautiful and distinct from both sides.

This beautiful monument consists of a double arch, three pointed pillars on top of it, and the royal coat of arms on one side of the gates. Definitely walk by this spot while visiting Ronda!

Location: Puente Viejo – Puente de las Curtidurías – Arco de Felipe V

4. Descend deep into the gorge to Casa del Rey Moro water mines!

Just a few meters uphill from Puene Viejo and Arco de Felipe V, you will find one of my favorite places in Ronda. And it is time for an adventure! Are you ready to climb hundreds of steps to find yourself deep inside El Tajo Gorge?

Casa del Rey Moro is a historical site that consists of three parts – the house, the garden, and a secret water mine. The house is an 18th-century villa located on the edge of El Tajo Gorge and was not available for a visit when we were there (it is under reconstruction).

The garden is hanging right above the El Tajo gorge and was designed by the French landscape painter Jean Claude Nicolas Forestier during the first half of the 20th century. The garden is not too big, however, the views over the gorge are amazing. We even saw two peacocks wandering around.

The biggest secret and definitely one of my favorite hidden gems in Ronda is the water mill. It is located inside the wall of the gorge and is accessible from Casa del Rey Moro Gardens through a tunnel of steps cut inside the wall.

When you walk those hundreds of steps downhill you will exit the tunnel and walk on a small metal platform right inside the El Tajo gorge and stand just a few feet above the river.

The water mill was built in the 14th century, during the Islamic period in Spain, to provide the city with water. It was an amazing experience to stand there between the narrow walls of the gorge and see how high up the city actually is.

Inside the water mill, there was a big ferris wheel that was operated by Christian slaves. Today it is not functioning anymore, however, it is one of the most unique places to visit while in Ronda.

Location: La Casa del Rey Moro

5. Learn about the past at Baños Árabes or Arab baths

Baños Árabes or Arab baths in Ronda, located just a few meters away from Puente Viejo and Arco de Felipe V, is a unique archeological site showcasing a 13th-century bathhouse that was built during the Islamic period in Ronda.

At first, I was very skeptical about visiting this place just because there are Arab Baths in many places around Andalusia and I didn’t think there was anything special about them. However, these ones were really worth a visit.

Once you enter the site, you will be instructed to go inside one of the rooms in the Arab Baths to watch a 5 to 10-minute video. The video explains everything about the Arab Baths with illustrations and photos.

I have seen many Arab Baths around Andalusia, but these ones were the best in terms of explaining how everything worked, how it looked, and what happened in each part of the site.

Good hygiene is of high importance in Muslim culture and it was interesting to see the efforts that were taken to provide that to all the people many centuries ago. There is an entrance fee to see the Arab Baths.

Location: Baños Árabes of Ronda

6. Walk on cobblestone along the medieval defensive city walls

When you leave the Arab Baths, climb up a few meters uphill and find a small narrow path with steps (next to La Ermita de San Miguel), it will take you along the medieval defensive city walls of Ronda and right through some of the old city gates.

The first gates you will see are Puerta de la Cijara or the Cijara gate. It is an arch-shaped gateway built inside the old defensive city walls. The gates served as one of the entrance places to the city during the Islamic period in Spain.

As you continue uphill the cobblestone path you will walk along Murallas del Carmen walls and Murallas de la Cíjara old city walls. If you have time I recommend walking up to Puerta de Almocábar – another entrance gate to the city.

Puerta de Almocábar is a massive stone gateway with two gigantic towers on both sides. The stone gateway dates back to the 13th century when it served as another entrance place to the city. These gates are the most impressive ones and definitely the biggest in Ronda.

Location: Puerta de la Cijara – Puerta de Almocábar

7. See Ronda from above from the roof of Santa María la Mayor church

One of my favorite discoveries in Ronda was Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor church. It is very common that you can enter churches and cathedrals in Spain and visit them. However, the best thing about this church in Ronda is that you can climb on the roof of it and see Ronda from above!

This beautiful Renaissance and Baroque-style church was once a mosque built during the Islamic period in Spain but was redesigned as a Catholic church. There is a small entrance fee to visit the church. And definitely check the working hours before coming!

Once you enter the church look for small doors near the altar – there is a narrow staircase that will lead you upwards to the roof. The roof is one of the few places in Ronda where you can see this mountaintop city from above.

Besides, there is another secret to this place. At the top of the staircase on the roof, you will notice another door. Although it looks like it was made for children, don’t hesitate to bend over and enter them. You will be surprised by an unusual view!

After entering the small door on the rooftop you will find yourself on a tiny balcony in the inside of the church. The balcony is located right at the ceiling of the church and you will be able to see the church hallway from above.

I don’t think I have ever seen a church from this perspective! Visiting this church, climbing on the roof to see the city from above, and getting on the balcony near the ceiling of the church definitely make this one of the most unique places in Ronda!

Location: Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor

8. Explore Mondragon Palace and/or Casa Museo Don Bosco

If you have some spare time I recommend checking out Mondragon Palace which is a museum of Ronda history (dating back to prehistoric times) or Casa Museo Don Bosco – a unique 19th-century mansion with beautiful gardens and stunning views over the surroundings of Ronda and the famous El Tajo gorge.

Mondragon Palace

Mondragon Palace is the museum of Ronda housing exhibitions about local settlements and the history of Ronda since prehistoric times.

Although such museums aren’t usually on my itinerary, as I’m looking for some more exciting places to visit, there are some things that make this museum extra special.

Instead of looking at old bones or remains of instruments people used thousands of years ago, I was much more mesmerized by the building itself, the patio, and the garden outside. The museum is housed inside a 14th-century palace-like house and displays some stunning architectural elements.

For an entrance fee of a couple of euros, I spent most of the time admiring the building, taking photos in the patios lined with arches, and the decorative garden with fountains, plants, and amazing views over the surroundings of Ronda.

I don’t think it is worth going there just for the photos, but if you have time to spare in Ronda, then you can try this place out!

Even if you are not into prehistoric times and the history of Ronda, it was nice to admire the interior and exterior of this place. Don’t forget to check their working hours before coming!

Casa Museo Don Bosco

Casa Museo Don Bosco is a unique 19th-century mansion with beautiful gardens and stunning views over the surroundings of Ronda and the famous El Tajo gorge.

This aristocratic mansion was built around 1850 and today hosts different cultural events and is open for visitors of Ronda.

For a small entrance fee, you can explore the house and see how aristocrats lived about 100 years ago. The most beautiful part of this place is definitely the garden where you can enjoy sculptures, balconies, benches, a fountain, and blooming flowers.

My favorite place here was outside in the garden – there is a huge balcony and a beautiful fountain in a circular shape surrounded by benches made out of small tiles and ceramic decors. But the icing on the cake is the view.

From the balcony, you can see the surroundings of Ronda and nearby mountains as far as the eye can see. If you look to the right you will see El Tajo Gorge. This is not the best place to see the Puente Nuevo bridge, but the rest of the view is totally worth it!

If you are hungry, there is a restaurant inside the premises of the mansion where you can enjoy some food and spend some more time on the balcony to enjoy the quietness and stillness of this place. It is peaceful and breathtaking!

Location: Mondragon Palace – Casa Museo Don Bosco

9. Visit Plaza de Toros de Ronda

One of the coolest and most unusual places in Ronda is the bullring – Plaza de Toros de Ronda. For an entrance fee, you can visit this 18th-century bullring and a museum.

If you still haven’t been in any bullrings in Spain then this is definitely one to go to. With only 5 thousand seats it is definitely not the biggest in Spain in this regard, however, the ring itself at 66 meters in diameter is the largest ring in Spain!

I loved exploring the bullring and taking colorful photos while there! We also explored a museum dedicated to the art of bullfighting and saw the backside of the arena. Although I am not a fan of bullfighting I appreciated finding out more about the rich history behind it all.

Location: Plaza de Toros de Ronda

10. Buy an ice cream and walk along Paseo de los Ingleses

Once you exit the bullring, turn to the cliffside of Ronda. One of my favorite things to do in Ronda was walking along the cliffside promenade called Paseo de los Ingleses. It takes you along one side of Ronda city while overlooking the vastness you can see from the top of the hill where Ronda is built upon.

There is a beautiful 19th-century park – Alameda del Tajo – lined with blooming trees, cliffside balconies, and incredible views from the top of the cliff. Grab an ice cream and take a walk around!

Along the promenade you will stumble upon a beautiful spot – Mirador de Ronda. There is a viewpoint with a circular canopy (pictured above!).

This is an incredible place to relax, take photos, and admire the view. And this has to be one of the best places to be during sunset. The views are fantastic!

Location: Mirador de Ronda – Alameda del Tajo – Paseo de los Ingleses

11. Hike down the gorge to Puente Nuevo Bridge viewpoints

A fitting cherry on top and the perfect way to end your trip to Ronda would be to finish it with a hike down along the El Tajo gorge to the famous Puente Nuevo bridge viewpoints.

If you want to hike there, then there is a paved pathway with steps leading downhill from the city (it starts here!) to the viewpoints of Ronda Bridge and it is quite easy to get there. Just be careful around the edges of the cliff!

If you drive a car, I don’t recommend driving to the very bottom of the gorge as you will have to climb a considerable distance uphill to get the best view (the bridge looks small and far away from the bottom!)! It is better to park your car midway (somewhere here) and then walk to the viewpoints from there.

Mirador Puente Nuevo viewpoint

Mirador Puente Nuevo de Ronda is the first viewpoint that you will stumble upon if you hike down the path from the city. And because it is the closest to the city, it is the most popular viewpoint.

There is a wide outcrop on the wall of the gorge where you can easily choose a spot to take a photo. Be careful around the edges of the cliff as there are no fences and the cliff is pretty high there!

Arco del Cristo viewpoint

If you walk further down the path you will reach Arco del Cristo viewpoint. This was my personal favorite photo spot of the Puente Nuevo bridge. Here you can get the best photo because the bridge and the waterfall are both very well visible.

You can easily take a photo of yourself standing in the photo without covering the beautiful view! There is a stone arch at this viewpoint – Arco del Cristo – and if you go through it and climb a few steps down a path you will get this view!

This stone where I am standing creates a beautiful platform that fits perfectly in the photo. The best time to go there will be during the day or in the evening because the sun shines over this side of the bridge in the afternoon and in the evening.

You can choose whichever viewpoint you like, but don’t forget to take into account that you will have to climb up back from where you came from!

I do not recommend going any lower than these two viewpoints because the bridge and the waterfall both become less and less visible as you go further down.

Location: Mirador Puente Nuevo de Ronda – Arco del Cristo viewpoint