A day trip to Ronda, Spain
Ronda is a beautiful city perched on a cliff/gorge. We went here on a day trip, and here are the places we went to:
🚄 From Cordoba we took the Renfe ALVIA train to Ronda.
🚶 Then we just walked from the train station to all of these areas:
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🌳 Alameda del Tajo - A park lined with balconies above a cliff with viewing points where you can see the El Tajo de Ronda (gorge) and the surrounding mountains and valleys.
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⛲ Plaza Blas Infante - Went here to get a map from the tourist information center and to see the facade of Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda.
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🕶️ Mirador de Aldehuela - a viewing point where you can admire up close the gorge and the Puente Nuevo / New Bridge.
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🕶️ Mirador de María Auxiliadora - another viewing point and beside it is a hiking path.
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🚶 Great Serranía de Ronda Path - we walked a bit on this hiking path as it has some amazing viewing points where you can see the gorge and the new bridge in a different angle. Note: There is not much shade on this path so wear some sunscreen and a hat and bring a lot of water especially when you are going to hike on very sunny day.
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🚶 Palacio Mondragón / Mondragón Palace - then we went to this 14th century building built by the Moorish rulers of Ronda. It is converted to a municipal museum where visitors can learn about Ronda's history. The garden is very nice and has a balcony overlooking the mountains and valleys.
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⛪ Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor / Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor - built on the the old aljama mosque of the city, a building of the 13th century. This church has a viewing deck where you can see a panoramic view of Ronda’s beautiful white houses. Also in the viewing deck area, you can find a small door on where you go in to see the top view of the Renacentist Nave, the Renaissance area of the Church.
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🏡 Casa del Rey Moro / House of the Moorish King - built during the reign of Ronda’s King Abomelic, there is a water mine built below this place. You need to walk down about 200 plus steps to see this water mine and the view there is so worth that descent and climb.
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📷 Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) - this bridge that spans the El Tajo Gorge was built from 1751 to 1793. It is 120 meters (390 ft) high. One of the famous tourist spots in Ronda. There are a lot of viewing areas around where you can see magnificent views of the bridge and the gorge.
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🍰 Las Campanas Bakery - before leaving Ronda, we stopped by this bakery to buy Yemas del Tajo - Ronda’s traditional pastry. It is a small sweet pastry made of eggs and covered with white sugar.
Took the train back to Cordoba city.
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We only have 4 hours to explore Ronda, and we wished we could have stayed for 1 day there. Ronda is so beautiful, clean and so chill. We love the vibe here and there are a lot of places to see so half a day is not enough. I have a vlog of our day trip exploration in Ronda city, just search for rdb_intothewild on youtube :)
If you're planning to visit Alameda del Tajo, it’s a must-see spot for its remarkable vantage points overlooking the El Tajo Gorge and the scenic mountains of Ronda. I found the serenity here truly unmatched, especially during early morning or late afternoon when the light beautifully highlights the landscape. One of the best moments I had was simply strolling along the balcony-lined paths, enjoying the fresh air and calm environment. The park is well-maintained and offers plenty of spots to sit, relax, and take in the views. For photographers, it’s a goldmine — I recommend bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive vistas. Keep in mind that the balconies are open and perched right above the gorge, so it's safe but not suitable for those with a fear of heights. Comfortable walking shoes are advisable since you'll want to explore the various viewpoints thoroughly. Additionally, Alameda del Tajo isn’t just about views — it’s a great place for a quiet picnic. There are shaded areas where you can rest under trees, making it a welcome break from walking around Ronda’s more urban sites. If you have time, pair your visit to Alameda del Tajo with a walk across the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge nearby. Together they provide a comprehensive experience of Ronda’s dramatic landscapes and rich history. From Alameda del Tajo, you also have easy access to other highlights like the Palacio Mondragón and the Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor. Adding sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to your essentials will keep you comfortable as you explore this sunny southern Spain gem. Truly, this viewpoint offers one of the best ways to capture the essence of Ronda’s natural beauty and unique cliffside charm.
