How to Get from Cádiz to Ronda

Ronda, a city set in the mountainous region of Málaga, is 90 miles (144 km) from Cádiz, the Andalusian hub—and one of the world's oldest cities. The quickest way to make this trip is by car, as the drive is just over 1.5 hours without stops. But since this route takes you by some of the region's famed Pueblos Blancos (White Villages), we suggest making a road trip out of the journey. 

Though by car is the recommended way to get between these two cities, bus and train options are also available. The bus typically takes about 3.5 hours and the train up to 8 hours. There's no direct route for the train, so you'll need to change twice, which isn't very convenient unless you plan to stop and stay a night or two in Córdoba (one of the transfer points). 

If you'd like to see more of Andalusia, consider this 7-day itinerary that includes a stop in the coastal city of Málaga and a visit to a winery. Or try this 8-day itinerary that focuses on Andalusia's interior with stops in the architecturally stunning cities of Seville, Ronda, and Granada. 

By Rental Car or Private Transfer

Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes (standard highway route), 3.5+ hours (recommended road trip route)

If you're traveling between Cádiz and Ronda, you'll find numerous White Villages along the way. Though you have plenty of options, we recommend visiting at least a few of the following towns. The total driving time between all the villages is 3.5 hours, so you can plan how many you'd like to see and how long to spend in each, depending on your preference. Even if you spend 30 minutes at each stop, the entire road trip will take just 6 to 6.5 hours, which is long but a day well spent exploring the region's famed White Villages! 

TIP: Our article about picking the best White Villages for you can help you decide which ones to see. 

Arcos de la Frontera

The first stretch of your road trip takes about 40 minutes. You'll start by following E-5 east and north toward Jerez de la Frontera, a large city famous for its Sherry production (and worth a visit if you have the time). Then you'll switch to A-382 north to Arcos de la Frontera, one of Andalusia's largest and most popular white villages.

The town has two main attractions atop cliffside hills: a large medieval Castillo de Arcos de la Frontera and the Iglesia de San Pedro, constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries. But the views are just as fascinating, and we recommend passing through the charming Bésame en este Arco to reach the Mirador de Abades, offering a 360-degree panorama. 

El Bosque and/or Grazalema

Next, make your way into the scenic Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, home to several White Villages, including El Bosque and Grazalema. El Bosque is about 25 minutes from Arcos de la Frontera and is mostly known for its hiking. However, you could also visit the El Castillejo Botanical Gardens and the Museo Molino De Abajo, which hosts one of Spain's last remaining hydraulic mills. The mill still works as it has since the 18th century, crushing grain into flour and selling bread.  

Drive a little longer (about 30 minutes) to reach Grazalema, where you can hike up to the Mirador Del Santo viewpoint and visit the ruins of Ermita del Calvario, an 18th-century Calvario hermitage. The trail is uphill, though not long, and only steep in a few spots. Both sites have places to sit and relax or enjoy a snack. If you have enough time, other spots worth visiting in Grazalema include the colorful Iglesia de San José and the town's main square, Plaza de España.

Zahara de la Sierra

Head north through the park to Zahara de la Sierra, a picturesque white village overlooking the Zahara Reservoir, just 30 minutes from Grazalema. You can't miss the views from the Castle of Zahara de la Sierra and Torre del Homenaje, which stretch across a valley and lake to the mountains. You can enjoy about six other viewpoints, but we recommend finishing your visit at the Church of Santa María de la Mesa and walking down Calle San Juan, lined with restaurants, cafés, and bars to enjoy a meal or snack. 

Olvera

Another 30 minutes northeast takes you to Olvera, one of the most striking yet least visited of the white villages. The town's unique structure is atop a hill, complete with a towering cliffside castle and church. Enjoy exploring twisting cobbled streets, the Castle of Olvera, and plenty of towers, plazas, and viewpoints. Save some time for the local shops to pick up regional products, like wine, cheese, and tropical fruits.

Setenil de las Bodegas

Head south toward Ronda for about 25 minutes and stop in Setenil de las Bodegas. You may recognize photos of this white village, as it's known for its white-washed dwellings built straight into the rock that overhangs above the streets. Enjoy strolling and eating tapas underneath the hanging rocks, check out some of the town's incredible viewpoints, admire the cave houses, and walk up to the remains of its medieval fortress, Castillo de Setenil de las Bodegas.

Now, continue your drive south to Ronda for another 30 minutes. If it's lunch or dinner time, consider a delicious locally sourced meal at LA Organic, a stunning property surrounded by views and olive groves. Just keep in mind that you need to make a reservation in advance.  

For an itinerary that includes this road trip, check out this 7-day self-drive in Andalusia. 

By Bus

Duration: 3.5 hours

The best public transportation option is the bus route provided by Transportes Generales Comes. It runs from the Estación de Autobuses de Cádiz to Ronda's Plaza Concepción García Redondo in a little less than 3.5 hours. There's one departure per day, leaving at 2:00 pm and arriving at 5:25 pm. It's best to buy tickets directly from the company's website, but keep in mind that tickets aren't released until less than two weeks from the departure date.

By Train

Duration: 4.5+ hours

We don't recommend taking the train, as you'll need to make two transfers, first in Córdoba and again in Antequera. Both of these towns are interesting to see, so if your trip relies on the train, we suggest enjoying a night or two in Córdoba if your itinerary allows. Though the fastest train has transfers under 15 minutes and takes 4.5 hours, other departure options have longer waiting times, so your travel time can be up to 8 hours.