Ronda: soul, history and environment

Ronda is one of the oldest cities in Spain, especially known for its rich history, culture and impressive geography. Its peaceful atmosphere and spectacular views make it a must-see destination.

• Natural beauty and location
• Accessibility and communications
• Leisure and culture
• Best places to live
• Investment opportunities

NATURAL BEAUTY AND LOCATION

Surrounded by the Ronda mountain range, the city offers beautiful views and a unique natural environment.

Ronda enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, but thanks to the 750 m altitude the nights in summer are very pleasant and cool, making a difference with other cities in Andalusia.

Ronda’s location makes for a peaceful getaway with easy access to the coastal towns of Marbella, Estepona and the main urban centres of Andalusia. This combination of accessibility and serenity makes Ronda an attractive place to visit as well as to live.

ACCESSIBILITY AND COMMUNICATIONS

At almost equal distance from Seville and Malaga (100 and 120 km) it is within easy reach of both cities. Marbella is only 50 km away which makes for an easy and pleasant escape to glamour. The road with spectacular views around a bend in the road allows you to understand the unique geography of this part of Europe where you can see Gibraltar, the hills of Morocco and the bay towards Cadiz to the west and Malaga to the east.

The proximity to Marbella and other coastal towns allows you to enjoy the beaches and the Mediterranean lifestyle without having to live in the hustle and bustle of the coast.

There is a network of intercity buses connecting Marbella, Seville and Malaga.

The Renfe station connects to Algeciras and Madrid, being the Antequera station 60 km from Ronda, which links with the AVE to Madrid (in 2,40h), Barcelona (5 hours) etc… with a frequency of 5 AVE departures per day.

LEISURE AND CULTURE

Ronda offers a wide range of leisure activities, from cultural to outdoor:

Outdoor activities

Thanks to its location, Ronda is an excellent starting point for hiking, cycling and adventure activities in the surrounding natural parks. The famous “101 kms” race organised by the Legion located in the city also attracts sportsmen and women from all over Europe.

Culture and Traditions

Ronda is also famous for its festivals and cultural traditions, such as the Feria de Pedro Romero, which is held in September and pays homage to the bullfighter Pedro Romero, who was born in the city. This festival includes bullfights, with the traditional Corrida Goyesca where the bullfighting atmosphere is recreated, music, dance and traditional costumes in the incomparable setting of the Plaza de la Real Maestranza de Caballería in a spectacle worth witnessing.

History

Throughout its history, Ronda has been inhabited by Celts, Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs, each leaving their mark on the city. This is reflected in the various monuments and archaeological sites that can be visited today, such as the Arab baths, the Palace of Mondragón and the walls and gates of the ancient city.

What few people know is that it was the first place where an army was formed through horse training. The Maestranza de Caballería, created in 1573 by royal decree of Felipe II, who asked the nobility for their help in defending the territory, was a founding act that would be decisive for the history of the city, placing it in a position of authority, excellence, prestige and culture.

 Moreover, it was precisely on the basis of this act and at the behest of the nobility that it was later decided to build the bullring, which now belongs to the Real Maestranza and is a Spanish Cultural Heritage Site, as a training ground and equestrian showground where the art of horsemanship could be practised as an essential complement to the art of war assimilated from the Arabs. This is the birthplace of bullfighting itself, thanks to Pedro Romero, born in Ronda, who established the rules of the art of bullfighting which was practised in the streets and which was gradually transferred to the bullrings created as practice centres.

Thanks to all this, Ronda became a popular destination for the European nobility, as well as for the intellectual and artistic elite. From Byron, Mérimée, Gustave Doré, Davillier who wrote about the city and their attraction to it, to Rilke, Hemingway, who set his book “For Whom the Bell Tolls” in this city and Orson Welles himself, who wanted to be a bullfighter and became such a great friend of Antonio Ordoñez that when he died, his ashes were placed in the house of his dear friend.

Cultural visits

Here are some interesting places in the city:

• Puente Nuevo: One of Ronda’s most emblematic monuments is the Puente Nuevo, which spans the Tajo de Ronda, a deep canyon that separates the new city from the old city. This bridge, which offers spectacular views, was built in the 18th century and is an engineering marvel of the period.
• The Old Town: Ronda is a city of great historical importance. The old part of the city dates back to Islamic times and retains much of its medieval architecture and atmosphere. Walking through its cobbled streets is like travelling back in time.
• The Bullring of Ronda: It is the oldest bullring in Spain, built in 1785. Ronda is known as the birthplace of modern bullfighting, where many of the traditions and rules of bullfighting as we know it today originated.

• However, less known to the public and under special request, the Real Maestranza de Ronda is an important private institution, and the oldest in Spain, celebrating its 450th anniversary in 2023. Its library houses more than 40,000 volumes dedicated to the history of the Nobility, the art of Chivalry, romantic travels, the history of bullfighting and the history of Ronda. It offers cultural events throughout the year and a music week in July.

Natural Environment

Ronda is in a privileged location, surrounded by parks and nature reserves. This makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers, with numerous hiking trails and places of natural interest nearby, such as:

• Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park: This natural park is located east of Ronda and is known for its impressive karst landscapes, deep valleys and high peaks. It is an ideal place for hiking, caving and bird watching, especially due to the presence of the griffon vulture.
• Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park: Situated south of Ronda, this park was recently declared a National Park. It is famous for its forests of Spanish firs, an endangered species of Spanish fir, and for its rich biodiversity. It offers numerous hiking trails through spectacular mountain scenery.
• Los Alcornocales Natural Park: Although a little further southwest of the city, this park is known for having one of the largest cork oak forests in the world. It is an excellent place to explore the Mediterranean flora and fauna and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking and bird watching.
• Garganta Verde Nature Reserve: Close to the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, this reserve is famous for its impressive gorge and bird watching opportunities, including the rare Bonelli’s Eagle.

Gastronomy

Ronda’s cuisine is a reflection of Andalusian gastronomy, with influences from its history and geography. Some typical dishes and products are:

• Gazpacho and Salmorejo: Cold soups ideal for hot weather, made with tomato, bread, olive oil, garlic and vinegar.
• Rabo de Toro: A rich and tasty stew traditionally prepared with bull’s tail.
• Migas: A humble dish made with stale bread, garlic, chorizo and bacon, ideal for cold days.
• Local products: such as Iberian sausages, cheeses from the Sierra de Grazalema and the wines of the Sierra de Málaga and Ronda designation of origin, which are gaining interesting international recognition.
• In the last 15 years, the traditional offer has been renewed thanks to demanding chefs who shine in their bars and restaurants. Benito Gómez has 2 Michelin stars in his restaurant “Bardal” and also allows other customers to discover his talent in his tapas bar “Tragata”. Also Jose Luis Pascual in his tavern “Quinto Tramo” offers exceptional Andalusian-Japanese tapas and subtle pairings.

Wines of Ronda: Viticulture in the Ronda area has undergone a renaissance in recent decades, positioning itself as a prestigious wine region in Spain. The wines of Ronda are characterised by:

• Denomination of Origin: Although the Serranía de Ronda does not have its own Denomination of Origin, it is part of the DO Sierras de Málaga. This ensures quality and strict standards in wine production.
• Grape Varieties: Both indigenous and international varieties are grown, including Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay, among others. This allows for a wide range of wines, from robust and complex reds to fresh and aromatic whites.
• Wineries and Tours: The region has numerous wineries that offer tours and tastings. These experiences provide a first contact with local wine production, allowing visitors to taste the wines in their natural environment and learn about winemaking techniques.

Wineries in Ronda

• Bodega Samsara: It is an emblem of the fusion between traditional winemaking and the natural wealth of Andalusia. With its commitment to high quality red wines, produced from varieties such as Tempranillo, Grenache and Syrah, this bodega invites you to an enriching experience. Visitors can enjoy a tour of its picturesque vineyards, learn about the meticulous winemaking process and taste the exquisite flavours that each bottle offers, all while taking in the magnificent views of Ronda’s iconic Puente Nuevo bridge and the unique hospitality of the region. Samsara is not just a winery, but a must-visit destination for those wishing to immerse themselves in the wine-making heartland of Spain.
• Bodega Badman: It is the result of the union of Simbad Romero and Manuel Carrizosa, two winemakers who in 2016 decided to shape their innovative winemaking vision. Focused on enhancing the unique characteristics of each grape variety through traditional practices and indigenous yeasts, this winery is distinguished by its focus on quality and authentic expression of the terroir. Through carefully limited production, Badman offers wines that are a true manifestation of the richness and diversity of the Serranía de Ronda, marking a milestone in Andalucía’s winemaking evolution.
• Bodegas La Sangre de Ronda: Known for its wine museum and educational tours, this winery produces a wide range of wines that reflect the winemaking tradition of the area. They offer tastings and the opportunity to buy their wines directly.
• Bodega Doña Felisa: Close to the natural monument of El Tajo, this winery focuses on the production of high quality wines under a sustainable viticulture approach. Its guided tours provide a detailed insight into the winemaking process.
• Bodega Joaquín Fernández: An organic winery located in a beautiful natural setting, offering guided tours and wine tastings. They focus on producing wines in a sustainable way, respecting the environment and using organic practices.
• Bodegas F. Schatz: Founded by a German winemaker, this winery is known for its biodynamic practices and for producing wines unique to the region, including wines made from grape varieties rare in Andalusia. Tours and tastings are available by appointment.
• Bodega Cortijo Los Aguilares: Winner of numerous international awards, this winery is located just outside Ronda and is dedicated to the production of high quality red wines. Their guided tours provide a detailed insight into the winemaking process and end with a tasting of their excellent wines.

Olive Oil

Andalusia is the largest producer of olive oil in Spain and the world, and the area around Ronda contributes significantly to this production. Olive oils from this region are distinguished by:

• Varieties: The most common variety of olive in Andalusia is Picual, known for its intense flavour and high stability, which makes it ideal for cooking. However, in the Ronda area, you can also find other varieties such as Hojiblanca and Manzanilla, which produce oils with different characteristics.
• Quality: The extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) from this area are highly valued for their quality, taste and health properties. Production is carried out with care to ensure the purity and flavour profile of the oil.
• Olive Oil Tourism: As with wine, there are farms and mills in the region that offer guided tours and olive oil tastings. These experiences allow visitors to understand the olive oil production process and taste different varieties.

Oil mills in Ronda

• Almazara Molino del Hortelano: Located in the hills near Ronda, this mill produces top quality extra virgin olive oil. They offer visits to their facilities and the possibility to buy their products directly.
• Almazara Las Valdesas: Although a little further afield, this mill is known for producing several types of extra virgin olive oil, each from a different variety of olive. They allow direct purchases and offer home delivery.
• Agro-olivarera de la Serranía: This is a local cooperative that produces and sells extra virgin olive oil from local varieties. Its focus is on promoting the quality and unique characteristics of the oils produced in the Serranía de Ronda.
• Molino Don Félix: Located in Ronda, this mill produces extra virgin olive oil using Picual and coupage olives. They offer the opportunity to buy and taste their oils directly at the mill, and also provide information about the olive oil production process.
• LA Organic Experience: Located near Ronda, this estate focuses on olive oil tourism and offers guided tours of its Philippe Starck-designed facility. Visitors can learn about organic olive oil production and participate in oil tastings, appreciating the quality and diversity of the oils produced in the region.

Both wine and olive oil from Ronda and the surrounding area are exceptional examples of Andalusia’s rich agricultural heritage. Participating in tastings and visits to bodegas and olive oil mills offers an excellent opportunity to explore the local culture and enjoy one of Spain’s most emblematic products.

BEST PLACES TO LIVE

Choosing the best area to live in Ronda depends on personal preferences, including proximity to the centre, tranquillity or access to nature:

• The Old Town: Ideal for those looking to live in a historic environment and have easy access on foot to monuments, shops and restaurants.
• The outskirts of the city: For those who prefer tranquillity and closeness to nature, the rural areas around Ronda offer houses with breathtaking views of the mountains and countryside.
• Residential neighbourhoods close to the centre: Areas such as San Francisco offer a mix of tranquillity and proximity to services, ideal for families.

Living in Ronda means enjoying the tranquillity of a small town with a rich cultural offer and stunning natural beauty. The community is welcoming and the quality of life is enhanced by the excellent local gastronomy, leisure activities and the beauty of its natural and urban landscapes.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• Attractive Property Market: The property market in Ronda offers good value for money, with a wide range of properties ranging from flats and houses in the old town to villas in the countryside.
• Rental Potential: For those interested in investment, Ronda presents tourist rental opportunities thanks to its popularity as a tourist destination.

Choosing as a place to live and buying a house in Ronda means opting for a more relaxed lifestyle, connected to nature and culture, without renouncing the comforts and accessibility of modern life.

The combination of its natural beauty, rich history, welcoming community, and the relative affordability of housing make Ronda an attractive option for many. Ronda continues to fascinate for its special location and for each and every one of the traces that have been left over the centuries by all those who have passed through the city leaving their mark and part of its soul.

To visit it, to stay a few hours or a few days, is a dream, but to live in Ronda is a privilege that combines history and contemplation.

Article by Brice Benarroch Mennessons

26 Apr 2024

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