Starting in January 2025, access to the Puente Nuevo bridge in Ronda will only be to vehicles registered with the town council. This new regulation aims to preserve the historic heart of the town and ease traffic congestion. However, if you are visiting or staying in a hotel in the affected area then you can still enjoy the charm of Ronda and its Old Town with a few simple tips to navigate the changes.
Restricting traffic to the Puente Nuevo has been tried before and has failed each time due to public outcry. We should remember though that this beautiful monument was built many year ago for horses and carriages and certainly not the amount of traffic it has to endure in modern times.
IMPORTANT: Hotel guests staying in this area will be able to pass through by notifying their hotel in advance, who will then inform the police of their reservation. To enforce the restrictions, cameras will be installed at Cuesta de las Imágenes (San Francisco) and Virgen de la Paz, near the intersection with Mariano Soubiron and the Plaza Merced.
The Ronda area is, without doubt, a cyclists delight and can be challenging at times! In fact the areas around Ronda and the sierra de Grazalema are well known and a popular training destination for professional cyclist winter camps preparing for long distance road races and triathlons. So, lets take a look at Cycling from Ronda and around the Serranía.
Where to get more information, hire your bikes or book a cycling tour?
White Village Tours Cycling and the Via Verde close to Ronda
Experience a leisurely self-guided cycling excursion over at Viator, With Ronda based White Village Tours Cycling, pedalling through the picturesque countryside north of Ronda. Journey through tunnels and across bridges, passing by olive groves and farmland, while traversing the mountains along one of Spain’s most exquisite Via Verdes.
The journey begins at an elevation of 450 meters above sea level, gradually descending to approximately 150 meters. You’ll ride on high-quality, well-maintained bicycles provided by the White Village Tours Cycling team, with the assurance of a support network as you navigate this scenic greenway at your own pace.
The El Tajo gorge offers a wealth of bird species to watch, in fact many tourists book rooms in hotels overlooking the gorge specifically to setup their binoculars on hotel terraces away from the crowds.
The area between the Puente Nuevo and the Jardines del Cuenca is a deep almost enclosed part of the gorge that buzzes with life, from flying insects to spiders, lizards and geckos, and of course the many birds that nest in the gorge or hunt for food here.
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/
Ronda, one of the jewels of Andalusia, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage, and timeless charm. G Adventures, a leader in small-group, sustainable travel, offers tours through Spain that include stops in this remarkable hilltop town. For travelers who want a meaningful, locally engaged experience, G Adventures provides a route to Ronda that captures the town’s natural beauty, cultural legacy, and vibrant modern life.
10-Day Seville Round-Trip G Adventure Tour Highlights
This immersive 10-day tour from (and back to) Seville brings Andalusia’s culture, cuisine, and history to life. Meet your guide and fellow travelers over a welcome dinner before diving into local experiences, like an olive oil tasting in Úbeda and an optional flamenco show in Granada. Discover Seville’s Alcázar, Córdoba’s highlights, and Granada’s Alhambra.
The Caminito del Rey Trail is a thrilling hike along pathways and bridges suspended high above the Guadalhorce River Gorge. This iconic trail offers breathtaking views and a chance to experience Andalusia’s rugged beauty with a local guide.
In Ronda, you’ll explore the historic town’s famed Puente Nuevo bridge, spanning the dramatic El Tajo gorge, and enjoy a guided tour that brings to life its fascinating mix of Moorish and Spanish heritage. Ronda’s charming streets and scenic views make it a memorable highlight of the tour.
