Is Ronda worth visiting?

Views from Ronda

In a word, Yes! Ronda is a city in the province of Málaga in the autonomous community of Andalusia. It is known for its picturesque location on a mountain plateau. Its historic old town and impressive bridge over the El Tajo gorge are very popular attractions. The city has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times.

Some of its most notable landmarks include the Arab Baths, the New Bridge and the Plaza de Toros. (One of the oldest bullfighting rings in Spain.) Ronda is also known for its traditional crafts and cuisine, as well as its proximity to the Sierra de las Nieves National park.. Is Ronda worth visiting? Yes! :)

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Cycling on the Via Verde

Cycling on the Via Verde close to Ronda

What a fantastic trip report about an adventure cycling on the Via Verde de la Sierra not far from Ronda.

Book your cycling tour on the Via Verde over at Get Your Guide here.

What is the Via Verde de la Sierra?

The Via Verde de la Sierra is one of 135 ‘green routes’ that chart a trail of disused railway lines across Spain. Here in Ronda, “our Via Verde” is part of a proposed rail route across the province of Cadiz between Almargen and Jerez de la Frontera.

Cycling the Via Verde with White Village Tours Cycling
Cycling the Via Verde not far from Ronda

Its final plan was to connect the cities of Cádiz, Malaga and Granada but, although much of the groundwork, including tunnels, viaducts, and railway stations, was completed in the early 1930s, the project was never finished and lay neglected until 1993 when the line was renovated for use as a walking and cycling route.

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Guided walking trips from Ronda

The walk to the Ermita from Ronda - Guided walking trips from Ronda

Ronda’s breathtaking countryside is a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. With three local natural parks – Sierra de las Nieves, Los Alcornocales, and the Sierra de Grazalema – the region has become increasingly popular. However, you can still escape the crowds and experience the unspoiled beauty of Western Andalusia while breathing in the fresh air. Booking guided walking trips from Ronda is simple and convenient with many options available online.

Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a casual nature lover, there is something for everyone. Discover hidden gems, stunning vistas, and the natural wonders of the region with a knowledgeable guide who can offer insights into the local flora, fauna, and history.

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Discover Juzcar

Juzcar

Deep in the green Genal Valley, but only a few kilometres from Ronda, lies the tiny village of Júzcar, almost invisible as the valley roads twist and turn along the length of the Genal River. Juzcar is small, and easily walked around in less than 30 minutes, you could blink and miss this little inland Andalucia village, but don’t or you’ll really kick yourself later.

A little bit about Juzcar. It really is blue? and Smurfs live there?

Juzcar is a small village located in the province of Malaga in Andalusia, southern Spain. It gained international fame in 2011 when it was painted blue for the promotion of the Smurfs movie. The village was chosen by Sony Pictures to celebrate the world premiere of the movie, and as part of the promotion, all the buildings in the village were painted blue, making it look like a real-life Smurf village.

The village was originally a traditional white Andalusian town, but after the success of the Smurf movie promotion, the residents of Juzcar voted to keep the blue color as a tribute to the famous blue cartoon characters. The blue paint used was eco-friendly and made with natural pigments, and it has become a tourist attraction ever since.

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Mr Henderson’s Railway walk between Benaojan and Jimera de Libar

Mr Henderson’s Railway walk between Benaojan and Jimera de Libar

Mr Henderson’s Railway walk between Benaojan and Jimera de Libar is one of the most popular walks in the Serranía for visitors, particularly because it is long enough to be a challenge for some, but short enough to really enjoy the walk, see some lovely nature, and be located between two railway stops giving peace of mind if anything untoward were to happen help is close at hand.

The walk is just 7.5km from start to end, and the return walk is listed as a three and a half hour walk. The terrain is suitable for all bar those with serious health concerns, though there are two sections of the track that could be more difficult because the path has been cut into rock. When walking in the countryside, always wear sensible walking shoes, adequate clothing for the time of year and take water.

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