Matt
Ronda, a city that seems to have sprung from the pages of a fairytale, is a sight to behold. Perched on mountaintops, it appears to float above the Málaga province, creating a magical vista. It’s no wonder you’re seeking advice on embarking on a Málaga to Ronda day trip.
Staying on the fairytale theme, the city has some amazing buildings and castles. While you might have seen the castles in Málaga, Ronda’s castles are something memorable. The city also has some fantastic gems often overlooked by travelers who are just waiting to be explored by you.
What are you waiting for? Start planning your Ronda trip with these helpful tips below.
How Far Is Ronda From Málaga?
The two cities are very close to each other as they’re in the same province. If you take a day trip from Málaga to Ronda, you will only travel for about an hour and a half to two hours. Depending on your route, you’ll need to travel between 62.8 miles (101.2 km ) and 87 miles (140 km).
How To Get From Málaga to Ronda
Not sure what mode of transport to use for traveling to and from Ronda? Look at each mode’s pros and cons to make the best choice.
Bus
Many people prefer to travel by bus from Ronda to Málaga. It is affordable at only between €7($7.60) to €11($12) and takes a minimum of one hour and twenty minutes. There is also a bus every four hours, perfect for an impromptu getaway.
Car
Reaching Ronda from Malaga by taxi or car is fairly straightforward, although the often rugged and windy roads may be complicated for first-timers. The drive takes between one and a half hours to two and passes by Alcazaba and the small town of Benalmádena.
As a foreigner, you can easily rent a car if you are over 21, but be aware of your country’s rules for getting an international driver’s permit. Taxis offer comfort but are expensive at €100+ ($108+) per trip.
Train
A train from Málaga to Ronda will take approximately two hours. About four trains are heading this way daily, so it should be a safe bet for a one-day trip. Train tickets can cost between €16.85 ($18.30) and €54 ($58.50).
Plane
You can’t fly into Ronda from Málaga as Málaga Airport is the closest terminal to the city. This means you can only get from Málaga to Ronda by train, bus, or car.
When Is It Best To Visit Ronda?
Spring and fall are the best time to take a day trip to Ronda. This puts you just in time for the Ronda Festival and optimal weather for hiking or exploring the city by bike or foot without uncomfortable heat waves.
From June to August (summer), you’ll see the most visitors and traffic, meaning hotels and Airbnbs will be slightly more expensive.
What To Do in Ronda
Now that you know how to reach the city, here are our top picks of things to do in Ronda if you only have a few hours to spare. Many of these attractions are affordable or free of charge to help you get the most out of your short trip.
Learn About Bullfighting at Plaza de Toros
Did you know the city’s claim to fame is the Ronda bullring? It’s true. Ronda is considered the birthplace of modern bullfighting and is the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain.
Plaza de Toros was built in the 16th century and still hosts fights today. You can tour it to see where it all began for as little as €9 ($9.70) per entrance. This allows you access to the ring, Bullfighting Museum, the Royal Harness Collection, and the Antique Firearms Collection.
If you plan on seeing a show, visit Plaza de Toros in September while the Ronda Fair is happening, as this is the only time you’ll see it. If you visit any other time of the year, you can find live concerts happening here regularly.
Soak in the Arab Baths
Ronda’s Arab baths offer a unique and immersive look into the Moorish traditions and daily life during their rule in the 13th to 17th centuries. It has a similar design to the Roman baths with the exception of their use of steam instead of warm water.
Entrance costs €3.50 ($3.80) per person and allows access to zones (hot, warm, and cold). Each room is fantastic for relaxing, but don’t forget to look around to marvel at the well-preserved architecture from the 13th century.
Pssst! The baths are free to enter on Tuesdays from 3 pm to 5:30 pm.
Walk Across Puente Nuevo
Puente Nuevo, which translates to ‘New Bridge,’ has been looming over the area since the 17th century and took 39 years to complete. Today, it is most people’s main motivation to visit Ronda.
If the city center is the heart, this bridge is the veins that link it all. It connects the city from the El Mercadillo market to the new La Ciudad and the old Moorish quarter.
The 98-meter (321 feet) high bridge offers fantastic vistas for your camera lens to focus on and has an Interpretation Museum built inside the bridge. Entrance costs about €2 ($2) per person.
Visit the Moorish King’s Palace at La Casa del Rey Moro
La Casa del Rey Moro sits on the outskirts of town just before the Puente Nuevo. It has been standing since the 18th century but holds structures below it dating to the 14th century. This structure is known as ‘La Mina’ — a water mine that also served as a defensive structure.
Besides the well, there are two more places you can’t miss here: the Gardens Of Cuenca and Museum Lara. Both give a beautiful yet educational look at traditional Andalusian architecture, life, and art.
Hot tip: Tickets cost 10 € per person, but if you download the Casa del Rey Moro app, you can listen to an audio guide for free.
Souvenir Shop in Carrera Espinel (Calle La Bola)
Carrera Espinel pedestrian street is the place to pick up souvenirs. It is approximately half a mile long (1 km) and boasts shops selling modern and traditional trinkets, clothes, and food.
Las Maravillas is a crowd-favorite restaurant because it serves dishes from all over the world, from burgers and chips to Appelstrudel. For drinks and tapas, there is no better place than La Taberna, just around the corner.
Fun fact: It’s also nicknamed ‘Calle La Bola’ by the locals because it is a popular gathering spot for young and old to enjoy a ball game.
Additional Tips for a Málaga Day Trip to Ronda
- All over the city, you’ll find something dubbed by locals as ‘Balcons Coños.’These balconies are not for the faint of heart (hence the name) but offer stunning panoramic views.
- If you’re traveling by car, park in the underground parking near the city square. This allows you close access to the city’s must-see attractions.
- Take the stress out of planning your own day trip by joining this tour to Ronda
Final Thoughts on a Ronda Day Trip From Málaga
As you can see, embarking on a day trip to Ronda from Málaga ensures a treasure trove of enchanting activities. From walking across an enormous bridge towering over the landscape to seeing a live bull show, you’re sure to stay entertained.
Taking the bus over a Málaga to Ronda train is the best value for money. Luckily, the city is easily walkable, so you won’t need any other means of transportation. You can easily walk from the bullring at Plaza de Toros to the arches of the Puente Nuevo bridge in under 15 minutes.
Are you prepared for this memorable experience? Ronda is ready to welcome you with open arms.
Looking for more short trips to take in Spain? Read our list of the top tours in Spain.
