Ronda: the bridge over the gorge and the mountain road through Gaucín

The Puente Nuevo bridge spanning the El Tajo gorge in Ronda

From the apartment: about 70 km, 1 h 15 by car on the A-377 through Casares and Gaucín, then the A-369.

Ronda sits on a table of rock split in two by the 100-metre-deep El Tajo gorge, and the 18th-century Puente Nuevo that stitches the halves together is one of the great sights of Spain. It is also the perfect excuse for a drive: the A-377 climbs from the coast past Casares village and Gaucín with views over the Genal valley and a string of white villages, and reaches Ronda in a little over an hour.

Why go

Puente Nuevo and the gorge: free to walk across, spectacular from the paths below.
Spain's oldest bullring (1785), now a museum of the town's bullfighting and equestrian history.
The drive itself through Gaucín and the Serranía de Ronda mountains, one of the most beautiful roads in Andalusia.
A compact old town of palaces, Arab baths and viewpoints, walkable in half a day.

What to see and do

Puente Nuevo and the gorge

The New Bridge was finished in 1793 after forty years of work and drops 98 metres to the Guadalevín river. Walking across is free, and the path from Plaza de María Auxiliadora leads down to the viewpoints below the bridge, where the photographs are taken. Inside the bridge, the Puente Nuevo Interpretation Centre (€2.50; €2 for students and seniors, free under 14) explains how it was built.

Plaza de Toros

Ronda's bullring, built in 1785 by José Martín de Aldehuela, the architect of the bridge, is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Spain. The visit covers the arena, the stables of the Royal Riding School and the museum; admission is around €10–12 (children roughly €6–8). Open 10:00–20:00 from March to October and 10:00–18:00 from November to February; allow 45–60 minutes.

Casa del Rey Moro and the water mine

Across the bridge in the old town, the Casa del Rey Moro is a palace with hanging gardens and a 14th-century "water mine": a staircase of nearly 300 steps cut through the rock down to the river, used to draw water during sieges. Entry €10 with audio guide. The steps are steep and damp; not for anyone unsteady on their feet.

Arab baths and the old town

Ronda's 13th-century Arab baths, at the bottom of the old town by the Arab bridge, are among the best preserved in Spain (€4.50, free on Sunday). From there climb back through the old town past the Palacio de Mondragón, the church of Santa María la Mayor and the Alameda del Tajo gardens, whose balconies hang over the cliff.

The road through Gaucín

The A-377 from Casares to Gaucín and the A-369 on to Ronda is one of the best drives in Andalusia: hairpins, cork oaks, eagles and the pueblos blancos of the Genal valley on the right. Gaucín, with its castle on a crag, is the place to stop for coffee; from its viewpoint you see Gibraltar and Africa. Allow extra time and take it slowly, the road is narrow in places.

Practical information

Distance from the apartment	About 70 km · 1 h 15 via Gaucín (add time for stops)
Parking	Parking La Merced (Calle Carlos Cobo), about €1.70–1.80 per hour, 5 minutes from the bridge; Parking Plaza del Socorro or Martínez Astein (bookable online); free street parking near the railway station, 10 minutes' walk
Puente Nuevo centre	€2.50; the bridge itself is free
Bullring	About €10–12; 10:00–20:00 (Mar–Oct), 10:00–18:00 (Nov–Feb)
Casa del Rey Moro	€10 with audio guide; nearly 300 steps
Arab baths	€4.50, free on Sunday
Duration	Full day including the drive

FAQ

How long is the drive from Casares Costa to Ronda?: About 1 h 15 via the A-377 and Gaucín; the road is scenic but winding, so allow extra time.
Is it free to see the Puente Nuevo?: Yes. Walking across the bridge and the viewpoints below are free; the small interpretation centre inside costs €2.50.
Can I visit the bullring without a bullfight?: Yes, the arena and museum are open daily for visits; bullfights are held only at the Goyesca in early September.