Guided City Walk, Ronda

Explore Ronda with a local, the place that Ernest Hemingway once called the most romantic town in Spain. In addition to being home to several palaces, museums, and historic buildings, Ronda is also set on a spectacular gorge and surrounded by the towering summits of the Serranía de Ronda. Your guide will take you through the historic neighborhoods and across all three of the town's famed bridges, including Puente Nuevo, for its incredible views of El Tajo de Ronda (Ronda Gorge).

Embark on a walk through Ronda, one of the most popular Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) of Andalusia, set atop a long cliffside 383 feet (120 m) high, where the Río Guadalevín snakes its way through El Tajo de Ronda, cutting the town into two parts. The city also has an exciting history with Roman, Berber, and Catholic influences. However, Ronda was initially a refuge for Muslims fleeing the more significant towns after the Spanish Inquisition in 1492.

You'll meet your guide in Plaza de España, in front of the beautiful hotel, Parador de Ronda. Enjoy an introduction to the town's history. During the 19th century, the city became known for its bandits, prompting artists like Washington Irving and Richard Ford to create to reflect the region's fascinating landscape with its risky travel. This appealed to Romantics, and the rest is history, as Ronda became a place of allure despite its danger. Soon women were making the journey with the help of guards, plus famous creatives like Orson Welles and Hemingway, who declared Ronda a dream city.

Next, cross the city's most famous bridge, Puente Nuevo. After enjoying the views from the top, you'll be in Barrio San Francisco, one of the city's oldest and most traditional neighborhoods. Here, you'll pass through narrow, winding streets connecting traditional monuments and interesting points. For example, learn about the history of the Arabic medina and visit the famously well-preserved Baños Árabes (Arab Baths), built in the 13th and 14th centuries next to the Río Guadalevín. Continue your walk by strolling along the gorge, passing sites like La Casa del Rey Moro, Palacio de Salvatierra, and the historic walls. Before crossing Puente Viejo, walk down the steps to admire the city's oldest bridge, Puente Romano.

From here, you'll explore El Mercadillo (Ronda's New Town), which grew significantly after the construction of Puente Nuevo in the 18th century. Enjoy walking along the scenic cliffside pathway to enjoy truly incredible views at the iconic 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 and visit sites like Plaza de la Merced, where you'll find the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced. You can also view Plaza del Socorro and its Catholic church, Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Socorro, or walk down the trail to the bottom of the gorge.