Puente Nuevo and El Tajo Gorge

Puente Nuevo and El Tajo Gorge in Ronda

The Puente Nuevo and El Tajo Gorge are the defining landmarks of Ronda. The 98-metre-high bridge spans the Guadalevín River at the highest point of the gorge, connecting Ronda’s historic old town with the newer part of the city. Below it, the river has cut a dramatic gorge through the limestone, creating the sheer cliffs and landscapes that have made Ronda famous.

The Puente Nuevo is much more than a viewpoint. You can explore the bridge and its interpretation centre, walk along the gorge, discover historic routes and viewpoints, and see how the Tajo has shaped the development of Ronda. In this guide, I’ll show you the best ways to experience the bridge and gorge, including the places I recommend for photographs and the history behind this extraordinary part of the city.

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Puente Nuevo Vehicle Access Restrictions in Ronda

Vehicle access across Ronda’s Puente Nuevo is restricted. Visitors driving vehicles that are not registered and taxed in Ronda should not cross the bridge or enter the restricted area without prior authorisation. If you are staying inside the restricted zone, your accommodation should arrange the necessary vehicle registration before you arrive. For most visitors, the simplest option is to use the Ronda ring road, park outside the restricted area and walk into the historic centre.

Ronda bridge closed to traffic
Coming down past the Plaza de Merced church you have the opportunity to turn left. If you continue onwards here, the cameras will trap you and the fine will be sent. So, if you see the bullring on your right you have already gone too far.

Practical tips

  • Do not rely on your GPS route if it directs you through Calle Virgen de la Paz or across the Puente Nuevo unless your vehicle has been authorised to enter the restricted area.
  • For most visitors, the safest option is to use the Ronda ring road (A-374 / A-369), park outside the restricted zone and walk into the historic centre. See our guide to parking in Ronda.
  • If you are staying at accommodation inside the restricted area, contact the property before you arrive and provide your vehicle registration details so they can arrange the necessary access.
  • If you are driving a hire car, remember that any traffic fine may also be followed by an administration charge from the rental company.

If you’re visiting or staying in a hotel within the restricted zone, don’t worry—hotel guests can still access the area by coordinating with their accommodation, which will inform local police of your stay.

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Hotel Ronda in Ronda’s Moorish Quarter

Hotel Ronda in Ronda, Spain

Finding a hotel in Ronda is easy, there are so many to choose from. But, not all hotels are created equal! The hotel Ronda located next to the Casa del Rey Moro (The Moorish King’s House) is one of these delightful little hotels most people only hear about after their holiday. Hotel Ronda in Ronda’s Moorish Quarter

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Puente Nuevo Interpretation Museum

Puente Nuevo and El Tajo Gorge in Ronda

The Puente Nuevo is one of Ronda’s most famous landmarks, in fact the bridge is one of the most photographed manmade structures in Spain. The interpretation museum is inside the bridge, in the large room under the road. At various times this has been a prison, a hotel, and a bar.

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Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo in Ronda

Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo

This is an archived article. For up to date information about the Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo click here. Ronda Town Hall has approved a project to construct a walkway at the bottom of the famous gorge in the town. The renowned architect, Luis Machuca, known for designing Malaga’s Caminito del Rey, is behind this … Read more

History of the Puente Nuevo

Puente Nuevo and El Tajo Gorge in Ronda

THIS IS AN ARCHIVED VERSION OF THE ARTICLE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE PUENTE NUEVO PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MOST UPDATED VERSION

In 1542, a few short years after the reconquest, and at a time when the market districts of Ronda were forming, the citizens of Ronda requested a new bridge that would directly connect La Ciudad with the highest point across the gorge, an area that was long and flat, and ideal for the expansion of Ronda which was already becoming crowded.

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Puente Nuevo Phone Backgrounds

Puente Nuevo and El Tajo Gorge in Ronda

Here’s a special treat for readers of Ronda Today, our favourite photo of the Puente Nuevo, Ronda’s iconic bridge, resized to fit the screen of a Nokia or Apple smartphone.

There are two versions of the photo, a Nokia version which is 640-360 pixels, perfect for users of the Nokia 5800 phone, and an iPhone photo sized at 480-320 pixels.

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