Andalusia, with its sun-soaked landscapes, ancient architecture, and vibrant culture, is a region of Spain that beckons travelers from all over the world. One of the jewels of this region is Ronda, a town perched dramatically above a deep gorge and brimming with history, charm, and natural beauty.
Why Rent a Car?
While Ronda is a popular destination, it doesn’t have its own airport so this makes flying into one of Andalusia’s key airports (Malaga, Seville, or Jerez de la Frontera) and renting a car the best way to reach this stunning town.
The beauty of Andalusia is not just in its towns and cities, but in the journey itself. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, take detours to discover hidden gems, and stop whenever the scenery demands a photo or a leisurely picnic. Public transport in the region, while available, does not offer the same flexibility or the convenience of a car, especially when traveling to smaller towns like Ronda.
Discover Cars
Find the ideal rental car for your journey DiscoverCars.com is a top choice for online car rental bookings, offering comparisons of deals from a wide range of companies to help you find the perfect option for your trip.
Unlike many other websites that may hide fees and additional costs, DiscoverCars.com provides a transparent pricing experience. All mandatory fees, taxes, and extras are included in the quoted price, ensuring there are no unexpected surprises when you pick up your rental.
Parking in Ronda
Where to park in Ronda? Well, Ronda can sometimes be a difficult little city to drive around and finding any free parking is becoming increasingly difficult! But, there are plenty of parking options available if you do a little research first.
From this article you can find car parks in Ronda and easily reserve a place online in advance. I have also mentioned a few hotels that have parking facilities for their guests as well.
Malaga Airport: The Gateway to the Costa del Sol
Malaga Airport (AGP) is the busiest airport in Andalusia and one of the most significant entry points to southern Spain. Located just 100 kilometers from Ronda, Malaga Airport is a convenient choice for travelers wanting to explore the Costa del Sol before heading inland.
Driving from Malaga to Ronda: The journey from Malaga to Ronda takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the route you choose. The most scenic option is the A-397 road, which winds through the Sierra de las Nieves, offering breathtaking mountain views. Alternatively, the A-357 and A-367 routes provide a quicker, more straightforward drive through the countryside.
Car Rental Tips: Malaga Airport has a wide range of car rental companies, from global brands like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar to local companies such as Goldcar and Record Go. It’s advisable to book your car in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and to get the best rates.
Seville Airport: The Heart of Andalusia
Seville Airport (SVQ) is another popular option, especially for those wanting to experience Andalusia’s vibrant capital before heading to Ronda. Seville is about 130 kilometers from Ronda, making it a slightly longer but still very manageable drive.
Driving from Seville to Ronda: The drive from Seville to Ronda typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. The most common route is via the A-375 and A-374 roads, which take you through picturesque villages and rolling hills. This route is perfect for travelers who appreciate a slower pace and want to enjoy the Andalusian countryside.
Car Rental Tips: Seville Airport offers a range of car rental services, with desks for companies such as Sixt, Budget, and Enterprise located in the arrivals hall. Again, booking in advance is recommended, and ensure your rental includes GPS or a reliable map app, as the rural roads can be tricky to navigate.
Jerez de la Frontera Airport: A Taste of Andalusia’s Wine Country
Jerez Airport (XRY) is smaller than Malaga and Seville but is an excellent choice for travelers interested in Andalusia’s sherry-producing region. Jerez is around 150 kilometers from Ronda, making it the furthest of the three airports, but the drive is rewarding for those who enjoy exploring less-touristed parts of Spain.
Driving from Jerez to Ronda: The drive from Jerez to Ronda takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with the most direct route following the A-382 and A-374 highways. This route passes through the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, offering stunning views and the opportunity to stop in small, traditional villages.
Car Rental Tips: Jerez Airport’s car rental services are more limited but still include well-known companies like Avis and Europcar. Given the airport’s smaller size, picking up your car is usually quick and straightforward. As with the other airports, pre-booking is wise.
Exploring Ronda and Beyond
Once you arrive in Ronda, the town’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot. However, having a car gives you the flexibility to explore the surrounding areas, such as the white-washed villages of the Sierra de Grazalema, or even to venture further afield to other Andalusian gems like Cádiz or Cordoba.
Renting a car is undoubtedly the best way to explore Andalusia and reach the stunning town of Ronda from Malaga, Seville, or Jerez de la Frontera airports. The drive to Ronda, whether you choose the coastal route from Malaga, the rural roads from Seville, or the scenic paths from Jerez, is as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself. So, buckle up, set your GPS, and get ready to discover the heart of Andalusia at your own pace.
Ronda Today
Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://rondatoday.com/
Visit Cádiz
Planning on visiting Cádiz? Tourist information. Monuments. Hotels. Activities. City guides: https://visitingcadiz.com/
The Caminito del Rey
Find tickets for the Caminito del Rey: https://www.caminodelrey.es/
Wildside Holidays – Spain
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!