Spain: Ronda (Andalusia)

Fun Fact for my fellow San Diegans! Did you know that Balboa Park’s iconic Cabrillo Bridge was inspired by the Puente Nuevo bridge built in Ronda, Spain in the 1700’s? They are both special in their own right, but you can definitely see the similarities.

Ronda is a sweet town with plenty to do! I’d suggest a three or four-day visit for your first time.

Pro-Tip: Stop in the town of Setenil de las Bodegas on your way in, or take a quick day trip from Ronda! You’ll visit a white-washed village built into the cliff sides of the town. Wander the streets and grab a bite to eat anywhere along Calle Cuevas del Sol (caves of the sun)!

Day 1:

Arrival and check-in

Lunch/Wander the town:

The Plaza del Socorro is home to a charming white and yellow church and restaurants to take in the picturesque town square and recharge after travel.

Dinner at Tropicana - you’ll need a reservation!

End the day at a local Watering hole

El Rincón de la Manzanilla seems to be a local’s fav, known for their Spanish barrels with spouts pouring sherry, moscato and vermouth.

Day 2:
Take a hike and visit the Puente Nuevo!

The Puente Nuevo bridge seems to be one of the main attractions that people want to visit when they come to Ronda. If you want a good view of the Puente Nuevo (translates to “new bridge”) I would suggest a hike down the El Tajo Gorge for a great view and backdrop. You can take the stairs down at Plaza de María Auxiliadora, you’ll pass a lookout mid-way down where you can take a look, but I would recommend that you keep going! It’s really crowded at this mirador and we had the pleasure of a personal speaker really bumping the 97’ “Come on Barbie, let’s go party…” song so we were glad to find out there is a much better vibe and view further down the trail. Plus, there’s a beautiful arch to take pictures of your dog for next year’s fur calendar… if you’re into that!

Get lunch at El Lechuguita

Our favorite tapas spot was El Lechuguita. It could be described as a hole in the wall for how tiny it felt inside yet big enough that they let our dog inside.

The tapas were mostly all €1 each and included things like: a pork and cheese sandwich, mushrooms, goat cheese and raspberry jam toastie and even albondigas. There is a ton to choose from!

Catch a guitar concert at Casa Museo Don Bosco

It felt very intimate and the museum had unique architecture and an outdoor fountain with, again, great views!

Day 3:

Tour LA Organic Olive Oil Company

The LA Organic Olive Oil Company is beautiful! You go on a great tour, get to taste olives right off the trees, see the oil pressing machinery and end the tour with a tasting of their delicious olive oils.

Have dinner at Las Maravillas;

We recommend the pork cheeks + ox tail stew, but the portion is huge! Plus, they have a dog-friendly patio