Panoramic Treks and Trails of Ronda

Ronda is a mystical town in Malaga that is set in the surroundings of dark and angular mountains. The whole drama unfolds with the majestic natural landscapes around Ronda which lies on the isolated sierra ridge that is divided into two by El Tajo, a majestic gaping river gorge that drops steeply down 130m at its other sides. The gorge gives sight to a spectacular 18th century Puente Nuevo which is an ancient arched bridge with tall whitewashed houses seemingly sitting on its edges precariously.

Town attractions

Within the town, Ronda offers a tranquil environment for a leisure stroll by Río Guadalévin for some extraordinary views down donkey tracks leading through the vast rich valleys. Along the way, bird watchers would enjoy sighting lesser kestrels in their nests while flying to and fro from the high cliffs right below Alameda Park. Further down the same spot, one can view other feathered species like crag martins. Ronda is well visited by day trippers from all around Costa del Sol.

Ronda can be enjoyed in three sections; its northwest is the modernized Mercadillo quarter; Ciudad lies across the ancient bridge; at the south is the San Francisco suburb. Ciudad is an ancient Moorish town that has retained the Moorish characteristics through its houses with several fine Renaissance mansions. There are many intricate paths for a visitor to discover through random wandering.

Further discoveries

One can cross the bridge to Calle Santo Domingo which is also called Calle Marqués de Parada that would lead to No.
17 Casa del Rey Moro; this 18th century mansion has Moorish foundations and a lovely garden which is open to the public on a daily basis. An interesting underground stairway called the Mina leads the way down to the river in 365 steps.

The river is the main source of water supply in times of old especially when the city was under siege; this ancient site also has a viewing balcony to admire the towering rock walls of Tajo and its species of birds that make their habitat there.

Going on one would locate Marqués de Salvatierra Palace which is an excellent Renaissance mansion that displays an odd form of Adam and Eve sculpture on its portal. No visits to the house interior are allowed since 2000. At the foothills, one would find two ancient town bridges called Puente Viejo and Puente de San Miguel; the former was built in 1616 while the former is a Moorish single span structure with amazing sturdiness.