Glamour, prestige, elegance and incredible luxury villas – The iconic Golden Mile in Marbella stands out as one of Spain’s most glamorous destinations.
With the beachside avenue at its heart, this pristine corner of Marbella remains one of Europe’s most desirable destinations for luxury travel. Exquisite rental homes are dotted within exclusive gated residential areas that have long been a glittering destination of choice for elite travellers, royalty and famous faces.
It was Prince Hohenlohe who truly put the Golden Mile on the map. Back when it was just olive groves and pine forests near the small beach town of Marbella, Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg fell in love with the area and built a summer home where he entertained his noble relatives and A-list friends.
This charming sea-view estate later evolved into the extraordinary Marbella Club, opening as a hotel in 1954. Soon enough, the area became the place to be in the Mediterranean. The exclusive villas and opulent residences led to the area being given its dazzling moniker of The Golden Mile.
Our curated collection of villas to rent on Golden Mile villas now appeal to discerning families, winter sun-seekers and the world’s elite summer travellers.
Where does Marbella’s Golden Mile start and finish?
From the slopes of the unmistakeable ‘La Concha’ mountain peak of the Sierra Blanca, to the shores of the sea, the Golden Mile is a collection of elite residential areas either side of the tree-lined avenue that connects central Marbella with its luxury marina, Puerto Banús.
The distance is actually a little over 4 miles (7 kilometres), passing some of the most desirable real estate in Spain, including the Royal Palace of the late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, and some of the coast’s highest ranking places to dine out.
The route dates back millennia, with a Roman road originally running along the coast here. A Roman bridge from those times still survives, giving its name to the Puente Romano Beach Resort, where it now forms part of the resort’s lush gardens adjacent to Villa Tenang.
Today the Golden Mile begins on the edge of Marbella, and runs west to Puerto Banus, that hosts not only some of the world’s most remarkable superyachts but is also home to an impressive collection of high-end glamorous luxury boutiques.
Golden Mile to Puerto Banus – by boat or by foot
The Golden Mile offers some of Marbella’s most beautiful beaches, with a shoreline promenade, the Paseo Maritimo, that is perfect for leisurely golden hour strolls, or a relaxing bike ride.
To enjoy a truly fresh perspective of Marbella’s most desirable neighbourhood, you should take to the water. You can take on of the regular ‘catamaran taxi’ sailings or our Guest Experience Team can help you book an exclusive yacht charter from Marbella’s Puerto Deportivo marina to Puerto Banus.
From the sea you can take in unforgettable sights like the coastline of North Africa to the south, or the iconic mountain of La Concha that shelters Marbella, providing its legendary micro climate. If you’re lucky, playful dolphins will accompany the boat, diving and jumping amongst the waves.
Golden Mile things to do
© Six Senses Spa Marbella
The Golden Mile embodies the privileged Marbella good life, with active pursuits for sun-drenched days, and the pleasures of a refined world of luxury shopping, culture, upscale dining, and exclusive nightlife.
Lovers of art should visit the extraordinary collection of Latin American art at the Ralli Museum, which also shows pieces by Joan Miró and Salvador Dali. Then in Puerto Banus, the Twisted Art Gallery of contemporary and modern art, has a collection curated by Dylan King and Kevin Simpson, including works by Banksy.
For the energetic, live life to the full with a wealth of water sports from jet ski, electric hydrofoil to the exhilaration of flyboarding.
Then to rest those weary muscles, turn to the experts at Six Senses Spa Marbella, the only Six Senses on mainland Spain.
For radiant retail therapy, Puerto Banus is strengthening its position as one of the Mediterranean’s best destinations of luxury boutiques, with a new flagship Fendi boutique and even more fabulous fashion from some of the most coveted maisons, including Chanel and Dior.
Our favourite restaurants on the Marbella Golden Mile
© Leña Restaurant Dani Garcia Marbella
The Golden Mile is the epicentre of Marbella’s glamorous dining scene, with restaurants from award-winning Andalusian Chef Dani Garcia including Atelier and his grill house, Leña, recently voted world’s most beautiful restaurant, serving the best Chateaubriand and Tomahawk steaks.
Nearby, Villa Tiberio is a Marbella institution, offering classic Italian cuisine in a magical setting of sub-tropical gardens decorated with extravagant sculptures and fountains.
Nota Blu offers fine contemporary French cuisine, a seductive garden terrace and a speakeasy-style bar. Choose the Sole Miso Meunière or a classic entrecôte with Café de Paris sauce. For timeless elegance, there is Cipriani Marbella with signature dishes from the legendary Harry’s Bar in Venice, including Carpaccio “alla Cipriani”.
For lively nights out, COYA never disappoints, with its immersive dining experience and dishes of seafood ceviche, mouth-watering fish tiraditos as well as wagyu beef. Or for the most captivating dinner show, head for Mamzel at Finca Besaya, and for late night shenanigans in style, it has to be the Olivia Valere, the most famous night spot in town.
must-visit bars & places to be seen after-dark
© Rudi’s Bar Marbella Club
Whether a pre-dinner aperitif, an evening of tapas and drinks, or for late night cocktails, the Golden Mile is also home to the best bars in town.
Rudi’s is the classic choice, in Marbella Club. This elegant homage to the cherished Count Rudi, who was the hotel’s first GM, is the place for a glass of champagne before dinner.
To raise the volume, head for La Plaza at Puente Romano Beach Resort, for a lively drinks scene, sipping signature cocktails like the ‘Great Gatsby’ with Grey Goose vodka, or a rum-based ‘Hemingway’ accompanied by live DJs and light bites ‘till late.
For sundowners and golden hour aperitifs, the beach is the place. Try the stylish little beach bar chiringuitos like Trocadero Petit Playa or the charming Besaya Beach. For people watching, then Puerto Banús should be your port of call, with a visit to Sinatra’s Bar for a classic negroni or sparkling G&T.
Laze on the beach or by the pool at a private beach club
© La Cabane, Marbella
Sun, sea, and style will define your Golden Mile experience, and there are few better places to be immersed in the affluent lifestyle of the coast than at a shimmering pool or beach club.
A short drive from the Golden Mile, our newest favorite is La Cabane Marbella in Los Monteros was the very first luxury beach and pool club to open on the coast. Now completely renovated and re-imagined in collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana, La Cabane is welcoming a new generation for a refined and elegant experience including Dani Garcia cuisine.
More beach club bliss can be found at Ocean Club over in Puerto Banus, probably the most famous of Marbella’s sun-kissed hangouts. Set close to the beach, Ocean Club is legendary, with iconic circular day beds, one of the best selections of champagne, and a lively DJ scene that sets the tone for your best summer.
Fendi has also come to Marbella, with its summer pop-up at Puente Romano Beach Resort. With vibrant colours, prints, and emblematic stripes reflecting the iconic collections of the fashion house, expect a delectable menu of sea food and cocktails inspired by Fendi.
Golden Mile shopping – Designer Labels & Luxury Boutiques
We are eagerly awaiting the opening of Marbella Forum. This once emblematic destination is set to be reimagined as a boutique luxury shopping centre, opposite Marbella Club and Puente Romano Beach Resort.
These leading hotels are also home to seasonal pop-up boutiques as well as new brands to Spain, including Baindoux for colourful terry cotton jackets and bomber jackets for women and men, and Orlebar Brown, the Brit brand that draws inspiration from Slim Aaron´s iconic pictures of the Costa del Sol and the French Riviera during the 60s.
Puerto Banús, with its flagship El Corte Ingles department store, and quayside boutiques is renowned for exclusive brands like Bvlgari, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Hermes, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino, and Versace.
The Golden Mile is also the epicentre of good taste for interiors and architectural design studios. To the west, El Restro showcases Italian furniture design by the Baxter brand, while to the east, closer to Marbella, the Pedro Peña Interior Design store is amongst the finest and best known in the city.
Golf courses near the Golden Mile
© Las Brisas Golf Club, Marbella
Marbella is a garden city on the shores of the Mediterranean, with its urban areas surrounded by greenery, from sub-tropical gardens and sculpture parks to even an arboretum.
Close to Puerto Banús at the western end of the Golden Mile is the Nueva Andalucia Golf Valley, an upscale residential area that has a number of the region’s best golf clubs, including the renowned Las Brisas Golf Club, Magna Golf Marbella, and Aloha Golf Club.
Understandably, the coast here is also known as the Costa del Golf, as it is said to be home to almost 70 clubs. So, while staying on the Golden Mile, you’re always close to the fairways and greens of Marbella’s best clubs.
Where is the New Golden Mile?
The New Golden Mile, or Nueva Milla de Oro as it is known in Spanish, is a sparkling new residential area that has emerged further west along from the original Golden Mile.
Starting west of San Pedro Alcantara to the seaside resort town of Estepona, this 15-kilometre stretch of coastal real estate includes some of Spain’s most exclusive communities, including Guadalmina Baja, and inland to the privileged enclave of Benahavis. Here we’re offering classic villas as well as new high-specification villas that are truly world-class.
Specialists in tailored luxury villa rentals on the Golden Mile
When it comes to finding your Marbella villa rental on the Golden Mile, our handpicked collections include exclusive properties that you just don’t come across every day, but then, this is home to some of Spain’s most expensive real estate!
The Luxury Villa Collection has homes throughout Marbella, from beachside, right up to the panoramic setting of Sierra Blanca and Cascada de Camojan.
We choose homes that perfectly complement different travel- and lifestyles, whether you seek the perfect sea view villa within walking distance of the beaches, a high-tech modern pad, or maybe a home full of Andalusian character, embodying Marbella’s vintage golden age.
Just take a look at our curated collections and make your next stay with your loved ones on the Golden Mile truly unforgettable.
Andrew Forbes
Andrew came to Andalucia is 2005 to learn Spanish at a language school in Marbella. It was intended as a sabbatical; but he never went back! He fell in love, got married to a Spaniard, and the rest is history! He loves discovering new places and has enjoyed many adventures over the years across the Iberian peninsula.
Array
(
[0] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 244982
[post_author] => 4
[post_date] => 2023-11-30 13:47:18
[post_date_gmt] => 2023-11-30 13:47:18
[post_content] => If you find yourself in the fortunate situation of being able to spend a week or more in Ronda, you're in for a treat.
Set amidst spectacular scenery in Malaga Province, this picturesque town is known for its iconic eighteenth bridge, which arches over the plummeting El Tajo gorge beneath, and offers fabulous restaurants and wealth of historical sites.
Discover why Ronda is Andalucia's third most-visited destination with our ultimate guide to Malaga's most scenic town, with a full list of the best things to do in Ronda.
Ready? Grab your sunglasses and let’s go exploring.
The 3 top must-sees in Ronda
1. El Tajo de Ronda
No trip to Ronda would be complete without witnessing the captivating beauty of El Tajo, the gorge that divides the city into two parts: the ancient Moorish Old Town and the modern new town. The canyon and its surrounding valleys are best viewed from the Puente Nuevo, or New Bridge, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture that spans the Guadalevir river.
El Tajo de Ronda is not only a natural wonder, but also a cultural and literary treasure, providing the inspiration for Earnest Hemingway’s novel ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’.
Top tip: Stay at our beautiful pedigree townhouse Casa Amaia and enjoy your own private views of El Tajo gorge.
2. The Old City
If you want to discover the true essence of Ronda, then the Old City is a must. Known as La Ciudad, this part of the town extends South of the famous Puente Nuevo Bridge. Featuring cobbled streets, charming squares and examples of Moorish architecture, this area is perfect for a morning of aimless wandering taking in the sites.
Top tip: To get the best out of your visit to the Old City, visit early in the morning or later in the evening when the streets are quieter away from day-trippers, and the temperature is a little cooler.
3. Plaza de Toros (& royal cavalry of Ronda)
Completed in 1785, Ronda’s bullring was declared a National Heritate Site in 1993. Known locally as the Real Maestranza de Caballería, its the oldest and one of the most attractive in Spain. This unique bullring offers a fascinating glimpse into Spain's (often controversial) heritage of bullfighting and equestrian arts.
Nowadays, the Plaza de Toros is mostly a museum and cultural centre, and it continues to house the Royal Riding School teaching professional dressage. It is used only for its original purpose during the spectacular September Goyesca bullfights and annual festival, in which the townsfolk dress in the manner of Goya's portraits of 18th century life in Spain.
Where is Plaza de Toros? C. Virgen de la Paz, 15, 29400 Ronda.
When to visit? 10:00 – 18:00 November to February, 10:00 – 19:00 March to October. Partially closed early September for the Goyesca festival
Website: Royal Cavalry and Bullring of Ronda
Other must-sees
- Castillo del Laurel: Explore the historic Castillo del Laurel, a captivating fortress with a fascinating past.
- Puerta de Almocabar: Step through Puerta de Almocabar, a medieval gateway to Ronda's enchanting Old Town.
- Murallas del Carmen: Discover the ancient city walls, Murallas del Carmen, that once protected Ronda.
- Fuente de los Ocho Caños: Charming eight-spout 18th century fountain.
- Plaza España: Revel in the lively ambiance of Plaza España, a bustling square at the heart of Ronda.
- Plaza del Socorro: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Plaza del Socorro, a central square surrounded by cafes and shops.
- Plaza Duquesa de Parcent: Experience the elegance of Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, a picturesque square renowned for its tranquil atmosphere.
- Talleres de Granados Somera: Explore the artisan workshops at Talleres de Granados Somera.
- Ernest Hemingway Sculpture/Orson Welles Sculpture/Hemingway/Welles Tour: Tap into Ronda's literary history with sculptures and tours dedicated to Hemingway and Orson Welles.
- LA Organic: Savour exquisite organic products at LA Organic, a boutique offering a taste of Andalusian luxury.
The 4 best viewpoints in Ronda
Mirador Puente Nuevo de Ronda New Bridge
For a truly unforgettable experience, take a short walk down a steep but well paved path from Plaza de Maria to a viewpoint approximately halfway down the gorge, where you will be treated to incredible views of the New Bridge.
Consider visiting with a local guide who’ll not only provide some fascinating insights but also have transport waiting at the bottom to whisk you back to the town, sparing you the tiring hike back.
Where is Puento Nuevo? C. Tenorio, 20, 29400 Ronda, Málaga
Alameda del Tajo
Located next to the bullring, this 19th century park culminates in a sheer drop (don’t worry, there are railings!). From here you can enjoy expansive westward views of the neighbouring Grazalema Natural Park, the highest peaks of which are often snow-capped in winter.
For an extra special visual treat, visit in Autumn when the park comes alive with a rich tapestry of colours.
Where is Alameda del Tajo? P.º Blas Infante, 1, 29400 Ronda, Málaga
PUENTE VIEJO
One of the two original - and much lower - crossings that Puente Nuevo was designed to replace, Ronda’s “Old Bridge” dates from the early seventeenth century and offers views of the canyon and the rolling farmland south of town.
Where is Puente Viejo? C. Real, 2, 29400 Ronda, Málaga
JARDINES DE CUENCA
Named after Cuenca, a hilltop town halfway between Madrid and Valencia with which Ronda is twinned, these gardens consist of a series of terraces pinned to the edge of the gorge. Follow them all the way down - lingering in the colourful rose garden on the way - and you’ll end up on Puente Viejo.
Where are Jardines de Cuenca? C. Escolleras, 1, 29400 Ronda, Málaga
some other incredible views in Ronda
- Paseo de los Ingleses
- Mirador de Aldehuela
- Calle La Bola
- Mirador de Ronda
must-visit Ronda Museums
1. Palacio de Mondragón
A firm favourite with The Luxury Villa Collection team, the Palacio de Mondragón is is one of Ronda’s finest remaining instances of Arabic architecture and dates back to the 14th century. Key features include tranquil inner courtyards, intricate tile mosaics and cliffside gardens. There’s also a museum housing Roman and Moorish relics.
Where is Palacio de Mondragón? Plaza Mondragón, s/n, 29400 Ronda
Opening times: Monday to Friday 10:00 - 13:45 and 15:00 – 18:00, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 -15:00.
Website: Palacio de Mondragón
2. Arab Baths Archaeological Site
Tucked away in the old Jewish quarter, Ronda’s Arab baths date back to the 13th and 15th centuries and are considered the best preserved in Spain. The Arab Baths served both a practical and spiritual purpose for the Moors, and although buried by floods over time, the three rooms with star-shaped skylights have been meticulously restored to their original splendour.
Where are the Arab Baths? C/ Molino de Alarcón, Ronda, 29400
Opening times: Tuesday to Friday 09:30 – 19:00, Saturday 10:00 – 14:00 and 15:00 – 18:00, Sunday 10:00 – 15:00, Monday 10:00 – 14:00 and 15:00 – 18:00.
Website: Ronda’s Arab baths
3. La Casa del Rey Moro
Another favourite of ours is the enchanting Casa del Rey Moro, an incredible 18
th century palace with Moorish-style gardens. Its pièce de résistance is the 14
th century 'water mine' ingeniously carved into the solid rock. Descend 300 winding steps through intriguing caverns and emerge by the babbling river at the foot of the gorge. Make sure you take water, though, as there’s only one way back up!
Where is La Casa del Rey Moro? C. Cta. de Santo Domingo, 9, 29400 Ronda
Opening times: 10:00 – 21:30 May to September, 10:00 – 20:00 October to April.
Website: Casa del Rey Moro
4. Reservatauro Ronda
Owned and run by local bullfighter Rafael Tejada, this vast bull- and horse-breeding ranch is situated a ten-minute drive outside the town. Guided 4X4 tours take visitors through the countryside, enabling glimpses of the magnificent fighting bull in its natural habitat. You can even round off a visit with lunch and a wine tasting.
Where is Reservatauro Ronda? Carr. Ronda Campillos, km 34, 29400, Málaga
Opening times: Open every day 10.00 – 18.00
Website: Reservatauro Ronda
Other Ronda museums to explore
- Centro de interpretacion del puento nuevo
- Palacio de Salvatierra
- Casa del Gigante
- Museo de Carruaje de Ronda
- Museo Lara
- Casa Museo Don Bosco
3 best places to eat in Ronda
Whichever restaurant you choose in Ronda, we can say with confidence that you’re unlikely to be disappointed! However, we've picked out 3 of the best restaurants in Ronda:
1. Bardal
In this incredible Michelin-starred restaurant, Chef Benito Gómez crafts creative dishes inspired by local traditions. Two tasting menus, with 16 or 19 courses, offer wine pairings and a tempting trolley of Andalusian cheeses before a sumptuous dessert.
Where is Bardal? C. José Aparicio, 1, 29400 Ronda
Website: Restaurantebardal.com
2. Tragata
Boasting an eclectic decor with mismatched seating and quirky lighting, Tragata’s menu seamlessly blends Asian, Moroccan and Spanish flavours, offering imaginative twists on traditional dishes. With its lively ambience and modern vibe, this is a real favourite of ours.
Where is Tragata? Calle Nueva, 4, 29400 Ronda; Telephone: +34 952 87 72 09;
Website: Tragata.com
3. Restaurante Azahar
Located in Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria, this top fine-dining spot with stunning views across the mountains and gorge offers exquisite, high quality dishes presented in a fresh and innovative style
Where is Restaurant Azahar? Calle Jerez 25, Ronda 29400
Website: ebocarestaurants.com/en/restaurants/azahar/
For more top tips on where to eat in Ronda, take a look at our
Guide to Ronda’s best restaurants and tapas bars.
Churches in Ronda
Ronda’s churches stand as magnificent symbols of the town’s diverse history and spiritual legacy. Here is a selection of some of the finest:
- Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor: a majestic mosque turned catholic church showcasing stunning Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture.
- Nuestra Señora del Socorro: a charming 20th century parish church located on one of Ronda’s beautiful plazas. The current structure was built in the 1950s to replace the original 18th century church, which was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War.
- Iglesia de Padre Jesús: 17th century catholic church renowned for its baroque style architectural beauty. Notable features include a Gothic arched entrance, Renaissance-style bell tower and an ornate image of Jesus which is paraded through the town every year on Holy Thursday.
- Minaret of San Sebastian: a historical monument with Moorish origins, offering a glimpse into Ronda's diverse heritage.. Once attached to one of Moorish Ronda’s several mosques, this small tower was later converted into a bell tower for the San Sebastian church, which was destroyed in the 1600s
best places to visit near RONDA
It’s not just the town of Ronda itself which is worthy of a visit. The surrounding countryside is jam-packed with areas of outstanding natural beauty and sites of historic interest. See below for our pick of the best:
Parque Nacional Sierra de las Nieves
Only a 15-minute outside Ronda, this natural park is home to Andalusia’s most elaborate system of underground caves, along with 2,000-metre-high mountains and sulphurous water baths. Fauna includes 120 species of bird and the largest spider on Continental Europe
Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema
On the other side of Ronda from Las Nieves is another natural park, home to a scattering of white villages – or
Pubelos Blancos – dotted amongst the oak forests and mountains. Atlantic storms make this the rainiest spot on the Iberian Peninsula.
Cueva del Gato
Found near the village of Benaoján in the Grazalema Natural Park, this is the southern entrance to a network of underground chambers, lakes and caves. Its clear, cool waters make for a perfect summer swimming spot.
Where is Cueva del Gato? MA-7401 Km 3 Carretera de, 29370 Benaoján, Málaga
Cueva de la Pileta
Situated just south of the Cueva del Gato, this cave was discovered in 1905 by a local resident. Visit the interior to see Neolithic remains and Palaeolithic wall art representing animals such as horses, fish, goats, bulls and bison.
Where is Cueva de la Pileta? Cueva de la Pileta Parking, 29370 Benaoján, Málaga
The Ruins of Acinipo
Situated a half-hour drive north of Ronda, the ruins of the Roman town of Acinipo feature one of the best-preserved amiptheatres in Andalusia: you can still a section of tiered seating, the orchestra pit and actors’ changing rooms.
Where are the Ruins of Acipino? MA-8406, s/n, 29400 Ronda, Málaga
13 unforgettable experiences in ronda
We know many of our guests love to dig deeper into the culture, history and nature of our Spanish destinations. That’s why we've curated some exclusive, unforgettable activities designed to make your stay in Ronda truly memorable. Here are 13 of the most amazing experiences we can organise for your private group:
- Access to the main events of the Ronda Romántica (May) and the Corrida Goyesca (August-September) de Ronda, or a private guide to show you around.
- Private tours following the footsteps of Hemingway and Orson Welles in Ronda and around the pueblos blancos (whitewashed villages of the Serrania de Ronda).
- Closed tour of the Real Maestranza (bullring) and private access to other places of interest around Ronda.
- Romantic private dining at a selection of local beauty spots.
- Advance reservations at the Michelin-starred Bardal and Tragata or have a local Michelin-grade chef cook up a feast for you and your guests in the comfort and privacy of your luxury villa.
- Spectacular horse riding trails through the woodland of the Serranía de Ronda.
- Bookings at Ascari race course for the ultimate VIP Ascari experience - perfect for motorsport enthusiasts.
- Meditation in the Cueva de Pileta – open-eyed meditation sessions that take place in complete darkness.
- Visits to the makers of international award-winning goats cheese, ‘Queso Payoyo’ produced in Ronda
- Private wine tastings in some of the area’s finest boutique wineries followed by a gourmet lunch with the winemakers themselves
- Tasting of Jamon de Castañas – fine cured ham made from very rare breed, chestnut-fed pigs.
- Workshops with local artisans including seagrass weaving or ceramics.
- Outdoor sports around Montejaque, Benaoján and Grazalema, such as hiking, cycling, mountain climbing, river walking and wild swimming.
When is the best time to visit Ronda, Spain?
Due to its inspiring setting, multitude of sights and picture-perfect squares, Ronda is very popular indeed with all visitors to this part of Spain. During the summer months it can become a bit much around the famous photo spots during the daytime with visitors from the coast, but early mornings and evenings are still a charm.
The best time to visit is Spring and Autumn, but if that’s not possible, then there are ways to avoid a queue to see that vista. Plan your sightseeing early in the morning or visit the sights at 7pm when the crowds have dispersed.
It’s worth remembering there’s more to Ronda than the famous miradors, so meander at leisure around the historic city and dwell on some of Ronda’s lesser-known delights.
How to get to Ronda
Ronda is best accessed from Malaga, from which it’s a 90-minute (and spectacular) drive, or about fifteen minutes longer on the
train (change at Antequera Santa Ana).
Alternatively, if you’re flying into Seville, it’s just under a two-hour drive or a three-hour train ride.
From Gibraltar or Cadiz, you can take the picturesque railway from San Roque to Ronda, affectionately known as "Mr Henderson'a Railway" after its daring creator.
For a day trip from Marbella or San Pedro, the drive is an easy 55 minutes, and our private guides can collect you door to door.
Considering a visit to Ronda?
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this comprehensive guide, but if you want a condensed version of the best things to do in a day in Ronda, check out our
must-see guide.
For travellers keen to explore the wider area, we have put together a handy guide on the
best things to do in Andalucia, including visits to the glorious spectacle that is Seville Cathedral and the world famous Picasso Museum.
If you’re considering a visit to this picture-perfect region of Spain, why not explore our collection of villas
in and around Ronda?
We look forward to welcoming you to Ronda soon!
[post_title] => Ronda: The Ultimate Guide to Malaga's Most Scenic Town
[post_excerpt] =>
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => things-to-do-in-ronda-spain
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2023-11-30 13:47:18
[post_modified_gmt] => 2023-11-30 13:47:18
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://theluxuryvillacollection.com/?p=244982
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
[1] => WP_Post Object
(
[ID] => 245340
[post_author] => 4
[post_date] => 2023-11-22 16:32:00
[post_date_gmt] => 2023-11-22 16:32:00
[post_content] => One of the easiest towns – not to mention the most spectacular – to get to from the Costa del Sol is
Ronda. Famous for its deep gorge that splits the town in two, spanned by a magnificent bridge, Ronda is surrounded by rich, fertile land where vines grow heavy with fruit every summer. Small, family-run vineyards produce mostly elegant, fruity red wines – mostly using Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Shiraz, Merlot, and Tempranillo - in the Sierra de Ronda. Enotourism is an excellent way to deepen your knowledge about local Spanish wines, see where and how they are made, and meet the bodega owners, and makes for an enjoyable day out.
Four of the best wineries in and near Ronda, Spain
Whether you’re staying in Ronda, or visiting from your villa nearby – inland, or down on the coast – a visit to one of these wineries (or two) is a must. We’ve included four of our favourite bodegas below.
Bodega Garcia Hidalgo
Located in the lush Guadalcobacin valley, this boutique family winery is run by Miguel Garcia Pereila. The winery produces organic wines such as Alcoazin, a strong and complex blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot, with aromas of ripe berries and a mature tannin taste. You can choose from a visit and tasting of three wines, with tapas too, or with tapas, paella and dessert.
8km from Ronda, on the Ronda to Arriate road.
Bodegas Garcia Hidalgo
[caption id="attachment_245606" align="alignnone" width="960"]
(c) Bodegas Garcia Hidalgo[/caption]
Bodega F. Schatz
Friedrich Schatz spearheaded the revival of wine-making in the Ronda mountains, starting here in 1982. A total of nine grape varieties are grown, including Pinots Noir and Verdot, Moscatel Negro, Lemberger, and Chardonnay, all five produced as monovarietal wines, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, and Tempranillo. The six fruity, elegant wines produced are all organic and biodynamic, without sulphates. Visits include a vineyard walk, cellar tour, and tasting of four to six wines.
10km from Ronda, on the Ronda to Ronda La Vieja road.
Finca Sanguijuela, 29400 Ronda.
Bodega F Schatz
[caption id="attachment_245608" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
(c) Bodega F. Shatz[/caption]
Bodega Descalzos Viejos
In a restored 16th-century convent complete with frescoed walls, below the Ronda Gorge, this is one of Spain’s most unusual and memorable bodegas. DV produces white (Chardonnay) and red wines, notably DV Aires , a fresh, intense Garnacha and Petit Verdot, and DV Iusta, a monovarietal of Garnacha which is bursting with red fruit. Visits are arranged to suit your needs, with each tour and tasting designed according to the clients’ requests. They also hold outdoor live music events in summer.
3km from Ronda. on the Ronda to Grazalema road. Partido de los Molinos, 29400 Ronda
Descalzos Viejos
[caption id="attachment_245609" align="alignnone" width="791"]
(c) Bodega Descalzos Viejos[/caption]
La Melonera
The project of Javier Suque and Ana de Castro was to revive varieties destroyed in the phylloxera plague of the 19th century, which saw most indigenous varieties wiped out. Their winery uses native Blasco, Roma and Melonera grapes. Payoya Negra is their star – Tintilla de Rota, Roma and Shiraz, a creamy, well-balanced wine with berry aromas. Visitors are taken by sommelier Laura Cana to the vineyard and winery, and then taste three wines with tapas.
11km from Ronda, on the Ronda to Setenil road. Paraje Los Frontones, 29400 Ronda
https://lamelonera.com/La Melonera
[caption id="attachment_245607" align="alignnone" width="831"]
(c) La Melonera[/caption]
How do I arrange a wine tasting tour in Ronda?
To arrange your tasting, you need to book in advance – you can call or email the wineries. The easiest and most relaxing way to enjoy a wine-tasting tour around Ronda’s bodegas is to use a private chauffeur. We offer
a concierge service so that you and your group can be collected from your villa, taken in comfort and style to bodega(s) of your choice, with no Google maps to follow, and conveyed back home when desired.
We also work with expert guides and sommeliers who can put together a personalised day trip depending on your personal tastes, and including some of the local cultural highlights in Ronda.
What sets Ronda wines apart from other Spanish types?
Spain has an extremely wide variety of wines, from Cava’s sparkling wines to Rioja’s hearty reds to the unique Sherries, thanks to the wide range of terrains, soils and climates across the country. Even
within Andalucia, you can find many different types of wines, from Cadiz’s Sherries to Malaga’s Moscatel wines and Cordoba’s fortified Montilla wines.
The Ronda region is known for its high-altitude vineyards (600-900m above sea level), with extreme temperature differences from day to night. This produces more complex wines, adding acidity and structure, and resulting in fresh, elegant wines with spicy, fruity notes.
What season is best for wine tours in Ronda?
Andalusia is uncomfortably hot for walking around in the summer heat, so we suggest that you avoid visiting in July and August – thereby also avoiding the tourist coaches arriving from the coast.
The grape harvest takes place in September, so if you want to see the Ronda wine-making process first-hand, this is the time to come. We also love springtime in Ronda, the countryside all around is an absolute riot of colour around March, April and May, well worth an early summer stay.
Keen to find out what else Ronda has to offer?
We have
beautiful villas in and around Ronda, so that you can discover this stunning region of southern Spain with its pretty hilltop villages that preserve a traditional way of life, while being within easy reach of the fabulous beaches of the Costa del Sol.
[caption id="attachment_244123" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Villa Sofia, luxury rural villa rental in Ronda[/caption]
As well as helping you explore the Ronda wine scene, we can also help you delight the tastebuds with local experiences including olive oil tasting, cheese making and private Michelin-grade chefs at home during your stay in Ronda. Email us at reservations@theluxuryvillacollection.com to start planning your trip.
[post_title] => Guide to the best wine tasting experiences in Ronda
[post_excerpt] => Discover the best wine tasting experiences in Ronda. Learn about local wineries and find out how wine is made in this charming Andalucian town.
[post_status] => publish
[comment_status] => open
[ping_status] => open
[post_password] =>
[post_name] => wine-tasting-ronda
[to_ping] =>
[pinged] =>
[post_modified] => 2023-11-22 16:31:33
[post_modified_gmt] => 2023-11-22 16:31:33
[post_content_filtered] =>
[post_parent] => 0
[guid] => https://theluxuryvillacollection.com/?p=245340
[menu_order] => 0
[post_type] => post
[post_mime_type] =>
[comment_count] => 0
[filter] => raw
)
)
1
If you find yourself in the fortunate situation of being able to spend a week or more in Ronda, you're in for a treat.
Set amidst spectacular scenery in Malaga Province, this picturesque town is…
One of the easiest towns – not to mention the most spectacular – to get to from the Costa del Sol is Ronda. Famous for its deep gorge that splits the town in two, spanned by a magnificent bridge,…
