Ronda, Spain

Ronda, one of Spain’s oldest towns, sits atop a plateau divided by the deep El Tajo gorge, carved by the Guadalevín River. Its history stretches back to the Neolithic period, but it rose to prominence under the Romans, who founded the settlement of Arunda (later becoming the main town after the decline of the nearby Roman city of Acinipo). The most defining era was the Moorish period (from 713 AD until the Reconquista in 1485), during which it became Izna-Rand-Onda, the capital of a province and, for a time, an independent Taifa kingdom, leaving behind a rich cultural legacy visible in the old city walls and the well-preserved Arab Baths. Following its capture by the Catholic Monarchs, the city saw the construction of its most famous landmarks in the 18th century, including the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge, which spans the gorge and connects the old and new quarters, and the historic Plaza de Toros, cementing Ronda’s identity as a place steeped in dramatic history and Andalusian culture.

• 15 minute walk to the center of town and bridge from the bus station
• 20 minutes walk from the train station to the center of town
• Beautiful small town without views of the Sierra de las Nieves mountains
• Bull Ring, lookout views, hiking, sunset views of the mountain ranges

Words from the Photographer: A must go to while in Spain, wonderful food, walking, sunsets, at least a night, if not a month in the town