Ronda from Málaga: a day-trip guide

If you can only make one trip from Málaga, make it Ronda. A town split in two by a near-hundred-metre gorge, El Tajo, stitched together by the Puente Nuevo: one of the most photographed sights in Andalusia. It's just over an hour and a half away and makes for a perfect day.

What to see in Ronda

The star is the Puente Nuevo, finished in 1793, and the viewpoints around it (don't miss the walk down to the Cuenca Gardens to see it from below). Add the bullring —one of the oldest in Spain, from 1785—, the Alameda del Tajo park, the Moorish old town and the Arab baths. It's a town for unhurried wandering.

How to get there from Málaga

• By car (≈1 h 45): about 100 km via the A-357 and A-367. The final stretches are gorgeous, through mountains and vineyards.
• By train: there is a regional train from María Zambrano; the mountain route is one of the prettiest in Spain.
• By bus: daily connections from Málaga bus station, around two hours.
• Organised tour: handy if you would rather not drive; often combined with a white village.

Parking and the best time

Ronda fills with tour buses by mid-morning, so the trick is to go early: arrive before 11 and you'll have the Puente Nuevo almost to yourself, with better light for photos. There are public car parks near the centre (around El Fuerte and the station); in high season, park on the edge and walk in. Spring and autumn are the best seasons; in summer, go early and dodge the midday heat.

Your base for the trip

For a trip like this, staying in central Málaga makes life easy: you're close to María Zambrano station (trains and buses) and, if you drive, you come and go without crossing the whole city. Our central apartments are the ideal starting point.

Apartment 300 m from the old town

The centre, without the downsides

4.82(95)View apartment

Cosy apartment

Calm and light, 7 minutes from the old town

4.96(156)View apartment

• More trips: the Caminito del Rey and our Málaga guide.