If you venture into the mountains behind the Costa del Sol, you'll come across one of Spain's most celebrated medieval towns – the one and only Ronda. Spend the day exploring its cobbled alleys, discovering its history and admiring the views from its lofty bridges and viewpoints. Reme, one of our local guides, says, ‘In the middle of the 20th century, Ronda became a magnet for American celebs. Orson Welles, who said, “A man does not belong to the place he was born in, but to the place he chooses to die”, was such a devotee that his ashes are buried in a local farm.'
First up, you'll set off on a guided walk around the town, checking out the 18th century bullring. Reme adds, ‘Ronda is believed to be the birthplace of bullfighting and this historic arena contains a museum with an interesting collection of bullfighting memorabilia.' Next, you'll visit the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor and the New Bridge. This magnificent stone bridge straddles the 100-metre-deep Tajo gorge that bisects the town, serving up dizzying views.
You'll enjoy more views over the ravine from the Casa Museo Don Bosco, a modernist mansion perched above the gorge. Reme says, ‘Ronda fires the imagination. Ernest Hemingway was a fan of the town and parts of his novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls, were set here.' After stepping back a century on your tour of the house and its panoramic garden, it's time for a tapas and wine lunch. Afterwards, you'll have free time to explore Ronda at your own pace.
