Discover Ronda by car from Malaga: An unforgettable adventure

Ronda is a historic and picturesque town in the heart of Andalusia. With its stunning views and rich history, it is a popular tourist destination for those who want to experience the true essence of what Spain is all about. And what better way to explore this beautiful city than by car from Malaga. In this article we will tell you everything you need to know to plan your trip to Ronda from Malaga. From how to hire a car to other transport options and the best places to visit in Ronda, don’t miss this comprehensive guide!

What to see and do in Ronda

A stroll through the old quarter of Ronda is a unique experience. Its narrow cobbled streets take you back in time and invite you to discover the history and charm of this city. You can enjoy its monuments, squares and viewpoints with breathtaking views of the Tajo de Ronda. A stroll through the historic quarter is a must to get to know the essence of Ronda.

There are many interesting places to visit in Ronda while strolling around. Some of the most popular places we recommend you visit are

Puente Nuevo

The New Bridge or “Puente Nuevo” is the most emblematic monument of the city of Ronda (province of Málaga, Spain). It was built between 1751 and 1793, and until 1839 was the highest bridge in the world at 98 metres. It links the historic and modern parts of the city by crossing the Ronda Gorge, a canyon carved out by the River Guadalevín.

An interesting curiosity is that above the main arch of the Puente Nuevo there is a small window that opens onto a hidden room. It was first a prison and then an inn. Today it is a Centre for the Interpretation of the Environment, History and City, where you can see photos and videos about the history of the Puente Nuevo.

The opening hours of the interpretation centre are: Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 6:00 pm and weekends from 10:00 to 3:00 pm.

Almocabar Gate

The Almocabar Gate is an impressive monument that has witnessed the history of Ronda. Imagine how many people have passed through its three successive gates over the centuries. From its construction in the 13th century, during the Muslim occupation, to the present day, this gate has witnessed countless events and changes in the city.

The two semi-circular side towers, which were used to house the guards, also have many stories to tell. Who were these guards? What did they see and hear as they watched over the entrance to the city?

The Almocábar gate is a place full of history and mystery that invites you to imagine what life was like in Ronda centuries ago.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/eLRm4puHnHqsqFf59

Bullring

The Ronda Bullring is a historic and monumental building that has played an important role in the history and development of bullfighting in Spain. Built in 1785 to a design by the architect Martín de Aldehuela, it is considered one of the oldest bullfighting arenas in Spain.

One can imagine how many bullfights have taken place in this bullring over the centuries. From its beginnings as a training ground for knights to the present day, this bullring has seen countless events and changes in bullfighting.

Ronda is considered one of the birthplaces of bullfighting as we know it today. The bullring belongs to the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda, historically linked to bullfighting and equestrianism. They promoted discipline among the city’s riders and the breeding of horses. Today it is still used as a classical dressage school.

The bullring of Ronda is a place full of history that invites you to discover what the world of bullfighting was like centuries ago.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/gZFGLq2to7r7T895A

Arab Baths

The Arab Baths of Ronda are a Nasrid work from the 13th century. They are located in the old part of the city of Ronda in Málaga, next to the river Guadalevín and the stream Culebras.

These baths are a Muslim adaptation of the ancient Roman baths and are made up of the same parts: cold, warm and hot rooms, hypocaust and boiler, and a reception room. However, unlike the Romans, who bathed by immersion in large basins, the Muslim baths were mainly steam baths.

The Arab baths of Ronda are considered to be the best preserved in the Iberian Peninsula. The pipes and part of the boilers have been preserved, as have the cold, warm and hot baths.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JBQpywE7FbyZWtkKA

Mondragón Palace

The Mondragón Palace is a Mudejar-Renaissance building located in the old quarter of Ronda. According to history, it was the residence of King Abbel Malik or Abomelic, son of Sultan Abul Asan.

A few years after Abomelic’s death, the kingdom of Ronda became dependent on the Kingdom of Granada and the palace became the residence of the Nasrid governor. The last Muslim governor to reside in this palace was Hamet el-Zegrí.

In 1485, Ronda was conquered by the Catholic Monarchs, who took up residence in the palace during their stay in the city. After this, the palace passed into the hands of Captain Melchor de Mondragón, whose coat of arms appears on the façade and who gave his name to the palace.

Today it houses the Municipal Museum of Ronda and preserves within its walls the history and culture of the city.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/FgfxJsannfuyzmso6

Eating in Ronda

Ronda’s cuisine is characterised by its great variety and richness of flavours. High quality local produce is the basis of many of the region’s typical dishes. One of the most popular dishes in Ronda is rabbit, prepared in different ways, such as with garlic, roast or with mushrooms. Other outstanding dishes include oxtail and poultry such as chicken and partridge.

In addition, starters are an important part of the typical food of Ronda. Gazpacho is one of the most popular and consists of a cold soup made with tomato, garlic and olive oil. You can also try the ensalada rondeña which includes tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives and olive oil.

As for desserts, don’t miss the opportunity to try the chestnuts from the Genal Valley. You will find delicious recipes.

Recommended restaurants

There are several restaurants in Ronda that have good reviews and serve typical local food, although we will also recommend some international dishes. Some of the most recommended are

• Tropicana: Very popular with travellers and locals, this restaurant offers an incredible menu of quality products and avant-garde cuisine. (Map)
• Taberna Quinto Tramo: This is the perfect place for lunch or dinner, based on tapas, with quality products and an avant-garde touch. (Map)
• Las Tablas Restaurant: This restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes with fresh and local products. (Map)
• Pizzeria Da Vinci: If you are in the mood for something different, this pizzeria offers delicious Italian pizzas. (Map)

Practical tips for your trip to Ronda

If you are planning to visit Ronda for the first time, here are some tips that may be useful:

• Ronda is a popular destination during the summer months, long weekends and public holidays. To make the most of your visit, we recommend getting up early and bearing in mind that there may be more tourists in the area. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the low or mid season.
• One recommendation is to take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the city. However, you should also explore Ronda at your own pace, both by day and by night.
• There are many beautiful places to see in Ronda. Some of the most popular are the Ronda Viewpoint, which offers beautiful views over the valley, and the Bullring, known as the birthplace of bullfighting, where you can visit both the bullring and the museum on the same site.

How to get to Ronda from Malaga

Would you like to visit Ronda but don’t know how to get there? We will give you some suggestions so that you can choose the best means of transport according to your needs.

Car hire at Malaga airport to visit Ronda

Car hire at Malaga airport to visit Ronda is an excellent option for those who want the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at their own pace. To book a car, simply visit our website and follow the steps to select the vehicle you require, pick up and drop off dates and any other relevant details.

You can choose from child seats or boosters to electric scooters of varying power. Once you have selected the extras you require, continue by filling in the basic details to save time when you collect the vehicle. Enter your flight number as the last thing you need to do. We will monitor it to ensure you arrive on time regardless of any delays, the number of passengers and any other details you feel are necessary to complete your booking.

That’s it, you don’t need to pay in advance and if your travel plans change, you can cancel your booking free of charge and book the same or another vehicle when you need it.

Visiting Ronda by car is easy as you can see, with us it is even easier. Book today and check availability and prices.

Other means of transport from Malaga to Ronda

You can get to Ronda by bus or train, the latter being perhaps the most comfortable.

• By train: If you choose to travel by train, the average journey time between Malaga and Ronda is 1 hour and 51 minutes. About 4 trains a day cover the 66km between the two cities. A single ticket costs over €15.
• By bus: Buses run from Malaga to Ronda every 4 hours, with an average journey time of 2h 10m. A return ticket costs over €20.