Amongst the most famous of Andalucía's 19 ‘Pueblos Blancos’ and visited by the likes of Hemingway and Dumas, Ronda is a hugely popular holiday destination. It’s also one of Spain’s oldest towns, established in the 9th Century B.C. and boasting a fascinating history. Whether you’re tempted in by southern Spain’s rich culture, it’s striking natural wonders or its excellent food, Ronda is a marvellous base for discovering the Cádiz region. Accommodation options are wide-ranging; our pick of the best places to stay in Ronda have been carefully selected for their exceptional location, style and amenities. A couple of the properties are in town, but the others are scattered around the countryside close by.
Originally a Moorish settlement, La Ciudad, Ronda’s old town, was once dotted with beautiful mosques, gardens and palaces. It’s now a superb place for a stroll, with well-preserved 14th-century Arabic baths and narrow lanes lined with whitewashed buildings. The Museo Lara offers a curious insight into the area’s past, whilst the striking Plaza de Toros, Spain’s oldest bullring, is notable as the place in which the official rules of bullfighting were decided.
Set precariously close to El Tajo Gorge, Ronda is divided into two, with the 18th-century Puente Nuevo connecting the old and new parts of town. Admire epic views from atop the bridge and on hikes through the forested gorge: the bridge is undoubtedly Ronda’s most iconic landmark. Nature lovers can also enjoy mountain biking, horse riding and bird watching in the surrounding area. The Cueva de Pileta is home to fascinating 25,000-year-old cave paintings, which are well worth seeing. With so much to discover, the best places to stay in Ronda book up quickly — travel outside the school holidays if you can!