Spanish Snapshots
Ronda
The dramatic scenery, architecture, and fascinating history of this lively market town attract visitors here, at all times of the year- just to relax and explore or for more energetic outdoor pursuits.
El Puente Nuevo, El Tajo Gorge, and surrounding panoramic views.
The stunning views of the 18th century "New Bridge" that straddles the town over the Guadalevin river gushing through the El Tajo Gorge and the panoramic vistas of quintessential Andalucian scenery all around speak for themselves.A stay in, or around, this amazing town will not disappoint, and many wonderful holiday homes are to be found here.
A stroll around the town is a delight.There's a busy pedestrian - only main street lined with an eclectic mix of cafes,tapas bars and shops of all kinds in the Old Quarter of town, complimented by traditional Andalucian houses with their gorgeous interior patios filled with cascades of flowers.Ronda life and its fascinating churches, museums and monuments are a real a feast for the eyes and senses.
Andalucian Patio
Opposite the El Mercadillo (market area) is Ronda's bull ring - La Plaza del Toros-the oldest in Spain and theres a museum to visit too.
Love it or hate it the art of bullfighting is an important tradition in Ronda . Horse-riding and the refined art of dressage too, with many stables offer riding lessons and rides out into the beautiful Ronda countryside.Or just take a carriage ride around town.
Many great restaurants are to be found in the bullring neighbourhood called La Maestranza, some like Tragabuches and Pedro Romero, are famous - all offer Andalucian fare at its best. Or opt for tapas if you prefer Plaza Mayor
in the Plaza Mayor ,perhaps, keeping company with some of Ronda's most famous former visitors-Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles-who both adored the Ronda.
From La Casa del Rey Moro - the Moorish King's House - there's an Islamic stairway of 300 (somewhat slippery) steps to descend 100m down into the gorge below. Not recommended for the faint-hearted, but fun none - the - less. Or stroll down to the ancient Baños Arabes - Arab Baths at the foot of the Old Town.
Descending the Gorge
Summer is a wonderful time of year here, to just relax, and enjoy a country house with a private pool. Warm spells in winter are a great time for exploring the Andalucian countryside at it's most beautiful, when the green lush hills are dotted with exquisite pink almond blossoms. ( approx end Jan to mid Feb). Spring brings riots of wild flowers carpetting fields in hues of red and blue, aswell migratory birds. Autumn too, is a great time to sightsee and tour when places are less busy and prices are lower.
Pink almond blossom - the nuts will be made into delicious turron (nougat), marzipan and other sweets. Buy some in Ronda
Not to be missed in Ronda is the Easter Procession -Semana Santa and the exuberant September Fair-La Feria, when the whole town comes out to celebrate. So come to Ronda and celebrate, too.