Due to severe damage caused by Storm JANA, the A-397 road between Ronda and San Pedro Alcántara remains completely closed to traffic. The closure affects the section between the Benahavís junction and the Igualeja road (MA-7304), making it impossible to travel directly between Ronda and the Costa del Sol via this route.
IMPORTANT: The time estimated to repair the road and bridge is at least 4 months and probably 6 months. (though there is talk of opening just one lane within a couple of months to allow some restricted access to Ronda from the Costa del Sol.) So, we could be looking as far ahead as September 2025 before the road as actually repaired.
If you’re planning to travel to Ronda, here are the best alternative routes to reach the town safely:
Málaga to Ronda via Teba and Cuevas del Becerro (A-357 & A-367) This is a straightforward and reliable route from Málaga to Ronda, bypassing the A-397 entirely:
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
Ronda is set to launch a Comprehensive Waste Recycling Centre, known as “Arunda Recicla“, named after the city’s ancient Iberian and Roman heritage. This initiative aims to revolutionise waste management in the region, addressing the growing need for sustainable waste disposal solutions for both residents and businesses.
A Sustainable Solution for the Serranía de Ronda
With a population of 50,632, Ronda and its surrounding areas have lacked a proper waste management facility, forcing businesses to travel long distances for responsible disposal. The new recycling centre will provide a local solution, reducing CO2 emissions and operational costs while promoting environmental sustainability.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
The refurbished path for the Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo Gorge walk in Ronda starts at the Plaza María Auxiliadora and leads down to the base of the Puente Nuevo.
To get there just cross the Puente Nuevo after the Parador hotel into the old town and then take calle Tenorio opposite the painted tiles of Ronda Romántica.
UPDATE: 28/10/2024: Construction has begun on the second phase of the Tajo Gorge pathway in Ronda, with a budget of €1.1 million. This phase, lasting six to eight months, aims to create a unique trail offering new perspectives of the natural monument. The route will connect the Puente Nuevo to the Arab baths, adding to the existing 200 metres that have attracted over 75,000 visitors since April 2024.
This path is not accessible for individuals with mobility challenges!
The cobbled pathway leading down to the entrance is VERY steep and is not accessible for individuals with mobility challenges, but for those eager to embark on the adventure, it will eventually (once the second phase is completed) offer a thrilling descent into the heart of Ronda’s natural beauty.
If you really want to experience the Tajo Gorge with a bit of adrenalin then how about a guided climbing excursion! Having done this myself I can highly recommend it!
Mixed reviews for the Tajo Ronda Gorge walk in Ronda
Right now, the route is getting some pretty bad reviews over on Google maps with people commenting that it is too expensive and equally as good views are available for free a bit further down the path away from the paid area. As I mentioned before, the key will be finishing the second phase but in my humble opinion this first phase should have remained free untill the project was completed in full.
IMPORTANT! Children under 8 are not allowed.
Admission is five euros.
The maximum capacity is 30 people per hour
Entrance tickets will include the mandatory helmets to be worn during the walk, similar to the Caminito del Rey.
After you have paid and been given a safety helmet, the steps lead down to the bottom of the Puente Nuevo.
Buy tickets online or at the gate
Tickets can be bought online at the official website or at the entrance gate desfiladerodeltajo.info. Debit cards and cash are accepted at the entrance gate and the staff speak pretty good English.
Read the rules before you go!
On the official website you should also check out the “rules”. before you enter the area. Apart from kids under 8 not allowed you mustn’t “take off your clothes, scatter ashes of the dead, smoke tabaco or any other substance”. Take heed of the rules! :)
The Puente Nuevo and Parador in Ronda from the bottom of the Tajo Gorge walk
The end of the first phase of the Tajo gorge walk in Ronda. In the future the walkway will continue from this point where you will be able to walk all the way down to the Arab baths.
The second stage down to the Arab baths
When the second stage is completed, the gorge will be crossed from the base of the bridge and the ending point will be at the old San Miguel Hermitage, next to the Arab Baths, in the Padre Jesús neighbourhood
Here’s the promo clip from the Ronda town hall
The promo video clip for the Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo Gorge walk in Ronda
Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.
Iberia Nature Forum
Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum! https://iberianatureforum.com/
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
If you’re a travel blogger or have a travel-related website, you can turn your passion for travel into profit by joining TravelPayouts Today . At Ronda Today, we’ve found that TravelPayouts is a highly successful travel affiliate program that allows us to promote travel services like flights, hotels, car rentals and tours on our website. We earn commissions on bookings made through our referral links.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
The prestigious Goyesca bullfight and other events in the Ronda bullring, traditionally held during the Pedro Romero Festival, have been cancelled for 2024 due to necessary structural interventions in the historic Plaza de Toros. The decision was made following detailed technical evaluations highlighting safety concerns that arose after a particularly challenging weather year.
The Goyesca Bullfight
The Goyesca bullfight, a highlight of Ronda’s cultural calendar, is famous for its unique presentation and historical significance. Established by Antonio Ordóñez in 1954, the event is celebrated in the 18th-century Plaza de Toros, where participants dress in period costumes inspired by the painter Francisco de Goya. This bullfight draws enthusiasts from around the world, eager to experience its distinctive blend of tradition and artistry.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
