Ronda

The largest of Andalusia's "white towns," Ronda straddles the ridgetop some 400 feet above the rugged El Tajo river gorge that splits the town in two. Whitewashed houses cling dramatically to sheer rock cliffs on either side, joined by a spectacular arched bridge, the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), built in the 18th century. Ronda's strategic location made it a natural stronghold for the Romans, Moors and 19th-century bandits. The Puente Nuevo affords dizzying views down into the gorge. The Mirador (viewpoint) offers more fine vistas of the surrounding mountains and countryside. On the south side of the bridge, wander through the atmospheric ...

The largest of Andalusia's "white towns," Ronda straddles the ridgetop some 400 feet above the rugged El Tajo river gorge that splits the town in two. Whitewashed houses cling dramatically to sheer rock cliffs on either side, joined by a spectacular arched bridge, the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), built in the 18th century. Ronda's strategic location made it a natural stronghold for the Romans, Moors and 19th-century bandits. The Puente Nuevo affords dizzying views down into the gorge. The Mirador (viewpoint) offers more fine vistas of the surrounding mountains and countryside. On the south side of the bridge, wander through the atmospheric lanes of the Ciudad, the Moorish old town, with its Renaissance mansions and the lovely Plaza Duquesa de Parcent in front of the cathedral. The Baños Árabes (Arab Baths), Casa del Rey Moro, and Palacio de Mondragón, which houses a museum, survive from Moorish times. North of the bridge, the Mercadillo is Ronda's commercial quarter. Plaza de Toros, built in 1781, is Spain's second-oldest bullring, and has an interesting small museum.

About the Expert

Donna Dailey is the author of Thomas Cook’s Ireland driving guide, coauthor of DK’s Back Roads Ireland and several other titles, as well as the author of Thomas Cook’s HotSpots Costa Blanca and a contributor to AA Publishing’s Key Guide Spain.