Ronda

Day 1: Clifftop icons and the first golden hour

Ease into Ronda’s drama with the classic views from above the gorge. Keep the pace unhurried and join the local habit of the evening paseo as the light softens.

• Morning: Stroll the Alameda del Tajo and along the Paseo de Blas Infante to the Balcón del Coño; the western promenade catches lovely morning light on the bridge and is flat, shaded and wheelchair‑friendly. Pop into the bullring esplanade for broad valley panoramas and a first sense of scale.
• Midday: Seek shade and context at the Centro de Interpretación del Puente Nuevo inside the bridge’s central chamber (small fee). For lunch, skip cliff‑edge restaurants; two or three streets inland you’ll eat better for less.
• Afternoon: Drift across the bridge into the old town and pause in the gardens of Palacio de Mondragón or Casa de Don Bosco (small fees) for quieter, framed views away from crowds. If it’s hot, this is the time for a siesta—midday light is harsh for photography.
• Evening: Return to Mirador de Aldehuela or the Parador terrace for the signature sunset glow on the bridge; arrive 30 minutes early in peak season. After dusk, cross the bridge again for blue‑hour shots when the arches are lit, then join the gentle paseo back along the promenade.

Day 2: Down to the river and the older crossings

Today is about changing altitude for the most rewarding angles of the gorge. Start early for cool temperatures and empty paths; wear proper shoes, especially after rain.

• Morning: Descend the Camino de los Molinos from Plaza del Campillo to the riverbed for the soaring, ground‑up view of the Puente Nuevo; continue to Mirador del Viento for wider perspectives of the hanging houses. If open, consider the ticketed Caminito/Pasarela del Tajo section for cliff‑side views under the bridge (helmets typically required).
• Midday: Climb up via the Puente Viejo and Arco de Felipe V; the approach gives a time‑tunnel sense of Ronda’s bridges. Cool off around the Arab Baths area and have lunch in La Ciudad—quiet streets, better value.
• Afternoon: Explore the gardens and water mine at Casa del Rey Moro to descend inside the rock to the river platform (steep steps; not advised for bad knees). If you prefer a gentler option, return to the terraced Jardines de Cuenca for close, upward angles on the bridge and gorge walls.
• Evening: Watch sunset from the lower terraces of Jardines de Cuenca for a less‑crowded alternative to the main mirador. Celebrate with a drink back in the old town; the lanes just off Plaza Duquesa de Parcent stay atmospheric after dark.

Day 3: Wide horizons and quieter panoramas

Step beyond the postcard to see how Ronda sits in its wider landscape. This day suits photographers and anyone craving calmer viewpoints and local rhythm.

• Morning: Walk the Murallas de la Cijara (eastern Moorish walls) for sweeping countryside views over the Serranía de Ronda—peaceful, with soft light in spring and autumn. Early risers can first catch sunrise from the western end of the promenade, which lights the bridge from the front.
• Midday: Head to valley‑floor or eastern perches for different angles: the Carretera Los Molinos pull‑offs or the viewpoints along Avenida de Juan Pablo II look back to the entire town on its cliffs. Pack water and a simple picnic; in winter, moody skies and post‑rain waterfalls create bonus drama.
• Afternoon: Amble back through La Ciudad, ducking into courtyards and small chapels, then make a final, unhurried circuit of your favourite miradores to catch shifting shadows. If mobility is limited, stick to the paved, flat upper viewpoints and café terraces—Ronda rewards lingering.
• Evening: For a farewell sunset, choose a quieter edge along the Paseo de Blas Infante rather than the main balcony, then dine at a locals’ spot away from the rim. In summer, linger for the long blue hour; in winter, bring a layer—temperatures drop quickly after dusk on the plateau.

By Air

• Málaga–Costa del Sol (AGP): ~105 km; 1 hr 30–45 min by car. By public transport, go into Málaga city (airport train or bus), then train (via Antequera-Santa Ana) or bus to Ronda (total typically 2–3 hrs).
• Seville (SVQ): ~130 km; 2–2 hr 15 min by car. Public transport: airport bus to Santa Justa, then Renfe Media Distancia to Ronda (journey typically 2–2 hr 45 min; total 3–3 hr 30 min).
• Gibraltar (GIB): ~110 km; about 2 hrs by car (allow time for the border). Public transport is indirect (bus to La Línea/Algeciras, then bus or train to Ronda); allow 3–4+ hrs.
• Jerez (XRY): ~155 km; 2 hr 15–30 min by car. Public transport usually via Seville; 3.5–5 hrs total.
• Granada (GRX): ~180–190 km; 2.5–3 hrs by car. Public transport usually via Antequera or Málaga; 3.5–5 hrs.

By Train

• Station: Ronda (central; Renfe Media Distancia services).
• Seville (Santa Justa): typically direct Media Distancia; about 2 hr 20–2 hr 45 min; a few departures daily.
• Málaga (María Zambrano): usually 1 change at Antequera–Santa Ana; about 2–2 hr 45 min.
• Algeciras: direct Media Distancia; about 1 hr 45–2 hr 15 min.
• Madrid: AVE to Antequera–Santa Ana + Media Distancia to Ronda; typically 3.5–4.5 hrs.
• Córdoba: AVE to Antequera–Santa Ana + Media Distancia; around 2.5–3 hrs.
• Buy tickets at renfe.com or station; timetables vary by season/works.

By Bus

• Station: Estación de Autobuses de Ronda (central).
• Málaga: frequent services (some direct, some via Marbella); about 1 hr 45–2 hr 30 min. Málaga bus station is next to María Zambrano.
• Marbella/San Pedro de Alcántara: regular buses via A‑397; about 1 hr 15–1 hr 45 min.
• Seville: several daily; typically 2.5–3 hrs (services use Seville’s main bus stations).
• Algeciras/La Línea (Gibraltar frontier): around 2–2.5 hrs.
• Granada: usually 1 change (often in Málaga); about 2.5–3.5 hrs.
• Tickets available at stations or online via operators’ websites.

By Car

• From Málaga: A‑357/A‑367 via Campillos (1 hr 45 min, gentler drive) or AP‑7/A‑397 via Marbella/San Pedro (1 hr 30–45 min; scenic but winding mountain road).
• From Seville: A‑375/A‑384/A‑374 via Utrera–Algodonales; about 2 hrs.
• From Costa del Sol (Marbella/San Pedro): A‑397; 1 hr 15–1 hr 30 min; expect hairpins and occasional slow traffic.
• From Cádiz/Jerez: A‑381/A‑384 to A‑374; about 2–2 hr 30 min.
• From Gibraltar/Algeciras: A‑7 to San Roque, then A‑405/A‑369 via Gaucín; about 1 hr 45–2 hrs.
• Parking: several paid car parks near the centre; old-town streets are narrow—park on the edge and walk.