Inland from Marbella and Malaga about an hour by car, Ronda is a charming gorge-straddling hill town of about 35,000 residents. It dates to the Moors and was taken back by the Spaniards in 1485.
Ronda is the cradle of modern bullfighting and the home of the 19th century bandoleros. The two tiered bullring was built in 1785 and is a true show piece, complete with 136 Tuscan columns and a fascinating exhibit glorifying the sport.
The lovely Ronda Parador Hotel is perched on the rim of the gorge and adjacent to the bridge that joins the old historic center and the new. The city is very pedestrian friendly and well tended by the locals. Balconies are brimming with flowers and the cafes and shops are very welcoming throughout the old and new town. Ronda is well worth the trip inland from the coast.
On a side note, the route from Malaga to Ronda, passes the highly secured test track for the Formula One race cars.
Journeys Viaggio 