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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Once impregnable Ronda is the only city in the wildly beautiful Serrania de Ronda between Malaga and Seville.

Teetering on sheer cliffs, Ronda’s extraordinary Puente Nuevo straddles the 150m deep Tajo gorge, linking the old Moorish town to the new. The views alone make it Andalusia’s third most visited city, but there is much more, including the Palacio de Mondragon Museum and gardens, the city walls and gates.

Ronda is also a gateway to a series of so-called Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) – 20 hill towns in the Sierra de Grazalema named after their glowing white-washed walls, immersed in lovely landscapes.

There are several circular White Village routes out of Ronda, or en route to Cadiz or Jerez de la Frontera. Ideal for leisurely touring by car or bike.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

There are a number of organised tours to the popular white villages, that will arrange all of the logistics for you. See our recommendations below.

If you want to self-drive, you can take in three of the most picturesque White Villages by heading 17km north to Setenil de las Bodegas with its famous cliff houses, then head west 33km to Zahara de la Sierra. From here drive south 16km on the breath-taking CA-9104 to Grazalema; from here it’s 33km back to Ronda. For a multi-day cycling (or e-bike) tour of the White Villages, try Cycling Country.

When to do it

Ronda and the White Villages are beautiful year-round, but maybe less so in July and August when it can be very hot and crowded.

An indoor stone swimming pool
Experience

Aguas de Ronda

Ronda, Andalusia, Spain

Relax in this charming spa, built amid the 700-year old ruins of Ronda’s Arab baths, with its five pools in various temperatures, sauna, infrared room and ice fountain; massages are available as well.

Best for ages: 13+ | £19

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The white village cascades down the side of the hill
Experience

Arcos de la Frontera

Arcos de la Frontera, Andalusia, Spain

Traditional, picturesque gateway to the White Villages from Cadiz, curling around a sheer cliff on the Guadalete river, with a Moorish fortress, steep narrow cobbled lanes, lavishly ornate churches, and cubist white houses.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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View of the Casa from across a valley showing it built into the cliff wall
Experience

Casa del Rey Moro

Ronda, Andalusia, Spain

An 18th-century mansion where can visit the half-French, half-Moorish garden and the extraordinary ‘water mine’ that supplied Ronda, 231 steps below the gardens to the Tajo river.

Best for ages: 18+ | £6

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A pretty central square in a white village
Experience

Grazalema

Grazalema, Andalusia, Spain

Surrounded by craggy mountains, in the heart of the eponymous Natural Park (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), this flower-filled White Village is dominated by the dramatic limestone outcrop of the Penon Grande.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Guided tour in Ronda

Guided tour in Ronda

Malaga

If you want to know Ronda by the hand of native official guides, here is the best opportunity. Not only will you learn many things about the...

€12 | Rating 4.94 / 5 [34 ratings]

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Ronda, the dreamt city - Private Tour

Ronda, the dreamt city - Private Tour

Malaga

Through this walking tour you'll inmerse yourself in the history, culture and tradition of the authentic Ronda. This unique city was settl...

€70 | Rating 4.95 / 5 [20 ratings]

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White Villages and Ronda Day Tour from Seville

White Villages and Ronda Day Tour from Seville

Seville

(mandatory, please READ DEPARTURE & RETURN SECTION to choose your pick up.) Take the day to discover the famous “White Villages” of Andalus...

€79 | Rating 4.53 / 5 [836 ratings]

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1 Day Excursion to White Villages and Ronda

1 Day Excursion to White Villages and Ronda

Seville

Nobody should leave Andalusia without experiencing the beauty of the landscape of the “Pueblos Blancos”. During our visit, discover incredib...

€79 | Rating 4.35 / 5 [28 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel Catalonia Ronda

Ronda, Andalusia, Spain[0.7 miles]

In the heart of Ronda, this four-star hotel has unbeatable views from its roof terrace and infinity pool. 

Official star rating:

Hotel Molino del Santo

Ronda, Andalusia, Spain[8.8 miles]

In gorgeous countryside near Ronda, this charming hotel in a former mill comes with a lovely pool and superb restaurant.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Andalusia

Andalusia, Spain

A big dazzling region, packed with fascinating cities, beautiful landscapes and beaches, colourful fiestas and oodles of sunshine.

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Malaga

Andalusia, Spain

A big, vibrant city with a fascinating old centre, lively contemporary art, sandy beaches, great restaurants and buzzy nightlife.

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