Heading into the hills from the Costa del Sol, you'll come across one of the most storied medieval towns in the region – the one and only Ronda. Spend the whole day exploring its cobbled alleys and discover its history and local traditions, including a visit to a bull ranch. Marilo, one of our expert local guides, says ‘Ronda's famous bridge is still known as Puente Nuevo, even though construction began over 250 years ago. It joins the two parts of Ronda - the new town, “Mercadillo”, and the old town, “La Ciudad”.'
Arriving in Ronda, you'll set off on a guided walk around the town, checking out its churches, mansions and the Puente Nuevo. This magnificent stone bridge straddles the 100-metre-deep Tajo gorge that bisects the town, serving up dizzying views. Marilo says, ‘Ronda fires the imagination. Ernest Hemingway was a frequent visitor and set parts of his novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls here. There's a sculpture of him – opposite one of Orson Welles, another Ronda aficionado – in the park by the bullring.'
You'll enjoy more views over the ravine from the Casa Don Bosco, a modernist mansion perched above the gorge. Here, you'll step back a century on your tour of the house and panoramic garden, then round off the visit with a glass of wine. Afterwards, you'll have free time to explore Ronda and have lunch. There's also a stop at Reservatauro – set in a biosphere reserve filled with centuries-old oak trees. It's perfect habitat for breeding Spanish bulls and Andalusian horses.
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