Private History, Tapas & Artisan Experience, Ronda

See a more authentic side of Ronda with this private experience that combines the best of the famous Pueblo Blanco's (White Village's) history, gastronomy, and culture. As you set off on a guided stroll with a passionate local, you'll learn about the city's "old" and "new" sections, crossing the dramatic El Tajo gorge to seek out landmarks and cultural treasures like Plaza de España and the ancient riverside Arab Baths. Take breaks along the way for sips of sherry and bites of tapas as you chat with local vendors, then spend some time learning about the town's rich artisan culture firsthand with a leathermaking workshop.

Your immersive exploration of Ronda begins when you meet your private guide and set off on a stroll, passing landmarks like Plaza de España while hearing details about the town's history. The clifftop Pueblo Blanco (White Village) is cut into two parts by the El Tajo de Ronda (Ronda Gorge), and its past is rich with Roman, Berber, and Catholic influences. Once a refuge for Muslims fleeing larger towns after the Spanish Inquisition, it became known for its bandits in the 19th century, and later, its romantic reputation drew artists and creatives like Orson Welles and Ernest Hemingway, who declared Ronda a "dream city."

Venture into Barrio San Francisco, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, and pass through narrow, winding streets connecting traditional monuments and interesting points. Learn about the history of the Arabic medina and visit the well-preserved riverside Baños Árabes (Arab Baths), then continue your walk along the gorge, passing sites like La Casa del Rey Moro and the historic walls. Before crossing Puente Viejo (Old Bridge), ascend the steps to admire the Puente Romano, said to have been built on the foundations of an ancient Roman bridge. 

From here, you'll explore El Mercadillo (part of the New Town), which grew after the construction of Puente Nuevo in the 18th century. Stroll the scenic cliffside pathway for incredible views from Mirador de Ronda and Alameda del Tajo park, home to a local cat colony and a sculpture of Ernest Hemingway. You'll also pass the Plaza de Toros bullfighting ring and make several stops to experience the area's gastronomy and local culture. Get to know shopkeepers and local businesses, learn about regional products like jamón Ibérico (Iberian ham) and artisan cheeses, and try a few bites and sips of these delicacies, including sherry.

After stopping to meet with Franciscan monks and taste some of their homemade sweets, you'll end your stroll in an artisanal leather workshop, learning why leather is such a significant product in Andalusia. Discover the cutting, burnishing, stitching, and engraving techniques, then try them out yourself. You'll take home your handcrafted item as a fun reminder of your slow travel experience in Ronda.