Ronda, the Medieval Cliff City Where Dragons Would Feel at Home 🐉

The name of this city translates to something extraordinary, and indeed, the town is uniquely remarkable. Built on a high cliff, the old and new towns are separated by a canyon, connected by two bridges. The towering one is the New Bridge, with a waterfall flowing beneath it. In China, it feels like a place suitable for cultivating immortality; in the West, it feels like a dragon that spits fire could fly out of the canyon. It’s a two-hour drive from Málaga, and the scenery of Andalusia along the way is stunning, with endless olive trees and the occasional white town perched on a hill. Ronda itself is perfect for a visit of about five or six hours, allowing you to dine leisurely and explore without rushing. Keep in mind that many of the town’s sights require climbing up and down, so save your energy and wear suitable shoes. Here’s a random walking route that involves a bit of hiking, perfect for those with good stamina and a spirit of exploration: After getting off the train/bus, navigate to Mirador de Ronda to overlook the plains below. You can enjoy a beautiful view without having to climb high. 🌄 Walk across the New Bridge (Puento Nuevo) and take in the views on both sides. The Mirador de Aldehuela offers a great perspective, where you can see the Old Bridge from a distance. 🌉 From the viewpoint in step 2, you can see some paths leading to the Old Bridge on the opposite side. So, navigate to the Jardines de Cuenca on the other side, walk through the well-organized gardens, enjoy the canyon, and stroll down to the Old Bridge. 🚶‍♂️ Cross the Old Bridge and continue downwards to reach the Arab Baths Archaeological Site. It’s definitely worth a visit to see the starry sky ceiling in the steam bath and watch a 10-minute documentary in the cool bathhouse, while taking a break. 🛀 Walk up to La Casa del Rey Moro and take the outer path uphill for a view of the distant fields, with yellow leaves in November among them. 🍂 La Casa del Rey Moro is a cliff with an entire interior carved out for steps and a water wheel, which was the water-fetching facility back in the day. You can climb down to the water’s edge and then climb back up. It’s a must-see if you have the stamina. ⛰️ After that, head to the famous Arabic Arch to take photos of the New Bridge. Once you’re done, make your way back up to the town, completing the three downs and three ups. Your energy should be just about spent by then. 📸 There are several restaurants by the cliff edge with stunning views, but outdoor seating is limited, so it’s best to go for an early meal. It’s hard to imagine how beautiful it must be to eat with such a view. Plus, there are people playing guitars and violins throughout the town, making the scenery even more wonderful with music. 🎶 #TravelLog #SpainTravel #Andalusia #Ronda