El Tajo de Ronda
El Tajo de Ronda
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
2,095 reviews
Excellent
1,658
Very good
402
Average
32
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Brandon P
Seattle, WA44 contributions
Jan 2020
Visited Ronda for a day in January. We lucked out with beautiful warm weather which allowed us to comfortably walk around the old city and see the sites. If you like old cities and architecture this is a great place to visit. The road up from Costa Del Sol is a winding road with lots of curves so if you get motion sickness think about renting a car instead of taking the bus. We parked in an underground lot to avoid the hassle of driving around looking for a free spot on the out skirts of town. We ended up only spending 9 Euros on parking which we thought was well worth the reduced stress. Beautiful views of the country side
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David D
Devon, UK19,583 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Monday 9th May and we walked across incredible New Bridge, Puente Nuevo in the mountain Town of Ronda.
We stopped part way across the bridge and looking over the side we were treated to the breathtaking views of this mighty ravine, El Tajo, which the Bridge spans.
It is 120 metres (393 feet) in depth, down to the bed of the River Guadalevín.
The rock formations and the numerous tree and bushes with the bright green leaves enhance the extraordinary landscape.
There are a number of vantage points around the Town from where the ravine can be seen from different angles.No matter from what angle it is viewed from it still looks spectacular.
We stopped part way across the bridge and looking over the side we were treated to the breathtaking views of this mighty ravine, El Tajo, which the Bridge spans.
It is 120 metres (393 feet) in depth, down to the bed of the River Guadalevín.
The rock formations and the numerous tree and bushes with the bright green leaves enhance the extraordinary landscape.
There are a number of vantage points around the Town from where the ravine can be seen from different angles.No matter from what angle it is viewed from it still looks spectacular.
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LuizDutraNeto
Rio de Janeiro, RJ8,621 contributions
Mar 2019
Absolutely unbelievable! Dramatic cliffs and a 120m deep gorge that carries "Río Guadalevin" through its center! The canyon splits the city in two: "La Ciudad" (the Old Town) and "El Mercadillo" (the New Town) - and connecting both "towns", awesome "Puente Nuevo". From the many existing "miradores", unforgettable views and fond memories to take home. You cannot dare to miss it! Enjoy!
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Husse_Serk
Ronda, Spain134 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
The place is strategic, just at a corner next to the shops and cafes, and 5mins walk down to the main tourist attraction. So it is quiet yet close to the centre. The room and hotel smell so nice like in a spa centre. The staffs are friendly, helpful and nice. Thank you so much! The room is comfortable, nice shower and comfy bed. However, at night is is bit chill in winter. The room service did not make out our bed although we folded the blanket, but we assume they will make our bed. They clean the room and prepare everything but did not make our bed on the next day. Anyhow, this hotel is highly recommended!
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lars J
Copenhagen, Denmark417 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
A place you have to see if you are visiting the area.
The bridge maybe doesn’t look like something if you’re not interested in old stuff.
But the nature around it is astonishing.
Do yourself a favour and waltz/drive to see the bridge from below. You will not regret it even though it is through stone roads
The bridge maybe doesn’t look like something if you’re not interested in old stuff.
But the nature around it is astonishing.
Do yourself a favour and waltz/drive to see the bridge from below. You will not regret it even though it is through stone roads
Written December 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jonahNJ
Pennington, NJ11,435 contributions
Sep 2019
One of the highlights of my time in Ronda was taking in the views of this massive Gorge which divides the heart of Ronda. The Puente Nuevo Bridge allowed me a great vantage point to appreciate the massiveness of this chasm, but I found it well worth the time and effort to walk a little bit down into the Gorge along one of the trails. I did not go as far as many of the serious hikers, but it was still an exhilarating experience to enjoy this natural wonder in the heart of Ronda.
Written March 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hermes_NL 🇳🇱
Amsterdam, The Netherlands20,005 contributions
Oct 2019
The Gorge of Ronda is very impressive to see and it is possible at several points also to descend into it. It separates the old city from the new city (which is itself also pretty historical). It is crossed by two bridges, the old one and the new one, which are also both pretty historical! Especially the new bridge is a marvel to see. A good place to descend into the gorge is from the Plaza de Maria Auxiliadora in the old city, reaching to the Mirador Puente Nuevo de Ronda (vie point for the new bridge) which is a sturdy but doable climb back.
Written December 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Turista-Inglesa
Estepona, Spain30,055 contributions
Sep 2013 • Friends
.
The Tajo in Ronda - the deep gorge splitting the town in two - is not to be confused with the River Tagus, also called Tajo in Spanish.
The river flowing through the Ronda Tajo gorge is the Río Guadalevín. My photos show an unusual view of it: in flood! Another photo shows it in springtime, just as it leaves the gorge, flowing through a field of poppies.
To get a good view of the gorge, go along the little (public) path that goes beside and behind the Ronda Parador. There is no charge for this. Then cross the famous Puente Nuevo bridge to the observation platform on the other side of the road; from there you can get another breath-taking (or heartstopping if you are nervous) view.
Then, take a walk where fewer tourists tend to go. You'll probably find the Puente Nuevo area jam-packed with Japanese groups.
This walk will take about 45 minutes in all.
From the observation platform, turn left down the main street. The pavement is quite narrow - take care. Walk for about 150 metres until you come to a wide-mouthed turning on the left which has on the right-hand side a very old square brick tower. This is the Alminar de San Sebastián; it is a former minaret for calling the faithful of Ronda to prayer to Allah. You can see the horseshoe arch to its door.
Ronda was conquered by the Arabs in 713, and re-conquered by Isabel and Fernando in 1485, so it had more than 750 years of Muslim rule - and religion.
Continue down this road – where the road forks, take the right-hand fork, moving down towards the river. Half way down, you come to a handsome building on the right; this is the Palacio del Marqués de Salvatierra - the Palace of the Marquess. He made his fortune in the Indies, and you can see above the balcony 4 figures of Andean Indies holding up the house.
From the viewpoint in front of this palace you can look down over the Río Guadalevín. This is the Puente Viejo, the Old Bridge, built 1616; sometimes called the Puente Arabe because it has the Arab baths nearby. These Baños Arabes can also be glimpsed across the river.
Walking down round the hairpin bend towards the Puente Viejo, you come to an archway, the Arco Felipe V; the Baños Arabes can again be seen below on your right. Looking back up through the Arch you can see the old city walls.
Looking down from the Arch, you can see on the left the steps both down to the bottom of the gorge (not recommended) and up through the stepped "garden" (it hasn't got much greenery) called the Jardines Ciudad de Cuenca. This is where you are going to walk to bring you back up to the Puente Nuevo, with a very good view of the gorge.
The entrance to the steps up is sometimes locked. Don't worry! If the access to the steps is locked, just 5 metres further on there’s a narrow street on the left between the houses where you can join the steps and garden.
Before going up the steps, you could look at the Fuente de los ocho canos - an interesting eight-spouted fountain. A good photo opportunity for a large family. Just walk 50 metres or so along the same road - it is right in front of you.
Don't be put off by the steps up through the so-called garden. There are so many little viewpoints built, giving you a chance to look down into the Tajo, or across to the other side, seeing the terraces at different levels that householders have built, that you get more than enough chance to get your breath back.
At the top, turn left, and you'll come to the main street just past the Parador.
.
.
The Tajo in Ronda - the deep gorge splitting the town in two - is not to be confused with the River Tagus, also called Tajo in Spanish.
The river flowing through the Ronda Tajo gorge is the Río Guadalevín. My photos show an unusual view of it: in flood! Another photo shows it in springtime, just as it leaves the gorge, flowing through a field of poppies.
To get a good view of the gorge, go along the little (public) path that goes beside and behind the Ronda Parador. There is no charge for this. Then cross the famous Puente Nuevo bridge to the observation platform on the other side of the road; from there you can get another breath-taking (or heartstopping if you are nervous) view.
Then, take a walk where fewer tourists tend to go. You'll probably find the Puente Nuevo area jam-packed with Japanese groups.
This walk will take about 45 minutes in all.
From the observation platform, turn left down the main street. The pavement is quite narrow - take care. Walk for about 150 metres until you come to a wide-mouthed turning on the left which has on the right-hand side a very old square brick tower. This is the Alminar de San Sebastián; it is a former minaret for calling the faithful of Ronda to prayer to Allah. You can see the horseshoe arch to its door.
Ronda was conquered by the Arabs in 713, and re-conquered by Isabel and Fernando in 1485, so it had more than 750 years of Muslim rule - and religion.
Continue down this road – where the road forks, take the right-hand fork, moving down towards the river. Half way down, you come to a handsome building on the right; this is the Palacio del Marqués de Salvatierra - the Palace of the Marquess. He made his fortune in the Indies, and you can see above the balcony 4 figures of Andean Indies holding up the house.
From the viewpoint in front of this palace you can look down over the Río Guadalevín. This is the Puente Viejo, the Old Bridge, built 1616; sometimes called the Puente Arabe because it has the Arab baths nearby. These Baños Arabes can also be glimpsed across the river.
Walking down round the hairpin bend towards the Puente Viejo, you come to an archway, the Arco Felipe V; the Baños Arabes can again be seen below on your right. Looking back up through the Arch you can see the old city walls.
Looking down from the Arch, you can see on the left the steps both down to the bottom of the gorge (not recommended) and up through the stepped "garden" (it hasn't got much greenery) called the Jardines Ciudad de Cuenca. This is where you are going to walk to bring you back up to the Puente Nuevo, with a very good view of the gorge.
The entrance to the steps up is sometimes locked. Don't worry! If the access to the steps is locked, just 5 metres further on there’s a narrow street on the left between the houses where you can join the steps and garden.
Before going up the steps, you could look at the Fuente de los ocho canos - an interesting eight-spouted fountain. A good photo opportunity for a large family. Just walk 50 metres or so along the same road - it is right in front of you.
Don't be put off by the steps up through the so-called garden. There are so many little viewpoints built, giving you a chance to look down into the Tajo, or across to the other side, seeing the terraces at different levels that householders have built, that you get more than enough chance to get your breath back.
At the top, turn left, and you'll come to the main street just past the Parador.
.
.
Written January 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
K_Rabenstein
Hastings, England, United Kingdom132 contributions
Jan 2015 • Family
Ronda in Andalucia is one of several ancient cities (another coming to mind is Ragusa in Sicily) where the original settlement is located on the smaller of two adjacent hilltops, separated from the later more modern town by a precipitous gorge which poses a tremendous communication problem. In Ragusa this was solved a by several vertiginous stairs and roads; in Ronda they built 3 bridges across the chasm, arranged from East to West in a sequence of decreasing age and increasing height. Puente Romano (also known as Puente de San Miguel) and Puente Viejo (1616) cross the Guadalevin stream which carved out the Tajo gorge closely adjacent to each other on the shallow Eastern side whereas Puente Nuevo (1793) crosses it at its greatest height just before the gorge opens out into the plain. This tremendous bridge took 42 years to build and cost 50 lives in the process. It has a chamber (used variously as a storeroom, prison and latterly a museum) built into the lower part of the main arch, and during the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s both sides infamously threw prisoners to their deaths off the bridge. The view from the bridge is justifiably one of the main tourist attractions in Spain, and the gorge can be accessed on foot at either end as well as by a descent through the little known Water Mine stairwell that was built as a defensive feature to protect access to river water in times of siege by Emir Abu Melic in the 14th century, exactly halfway through the gorge which is 60m deep at this point (it reaches 120m at the Puente Nuevo). There are also great views to be had from terrace gardens at both sides of the gorge as well as from the balustrades of several restaurants and hotels. An unforgettable experience - but not for the fainthearted!
Written September 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
raf h
Hasselt, Belgium290 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
El Tajo is the name of the huge gap that divides the city into two ... In the old town you can park your car on a large parking (paying). At the Plaza Maria Auxiliadora square you can start a 1.5 hour walk to the bottom of the gap. If you take the path down here you have an impressive view of the Puento Nuevo and the rocky masses on which the two towns are situated. Further down you will encounter an old Arabian gate. What about this gate - in an opening in the old city wall - runs the actual walking path. This progresses gradually down to the river (which flows through the gap). On the way you have a breathtaking view of the bridge and the rock masses on which Ronda is built. But the surroundings in the valley are amazing too. You will first find an old power station, a farm, orchards, vineyards, a riding stable ... The valley is wonderfully green, thanks to the river. Once down you will gradually return to high to get up in the new town of Ronda. Total duration of the walk down and back up, 1.5 hours. Hiking trail from the first part of the descent can be slippery (sandy road with small and large stones) so good walking shoes and adequate water. Have done this walk in the early afternoon, but is then heavy, but certainly under a burning sun of about 36 ° C. So would advice to do this walk in the morning. But again, this walk can be highly recommended. The views, the silence, the nature... Absolutely recommended!
Written July 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KH2691
North Shields, UK
Hi, I have tried looking through the reviews but cant see anything telling me how to get down to the viewing point? We are parking outside the city and walking in. Thank you in advance.
Darrendazler
Chipping, UK151 contributions
You need to cross the bridge away from the Parador, take first right. Follow the road for about 500m until you come to a small square. The path to the viewpoint is on the right at the end of the square. Hope this helps.
leneme
George Town, Malaysia232 contributions
hi all,
Realize there are few option or path or way or trail walk down to EL TAJO GORGE or bottom of Ronda. can some one please advise the exact walk way into the gorge(in the middle of Gorge) not just at the bottom and look up to the iconic Puente Nuevo Bridge. thank you in advance.
DeanMurphy2020
Orlando, FL7,527 contributions
Ieneme: Roman Bridge and Puente Viejo (Old Bridge) are a few blocks to the east, accessed by Calle Real (Royal Street). Those bridges are much closer to the river, and there are paths that bring you close to Puente Nuevo. When crossing Puente Nuevo from north to south, you'll see in the distance to the left a small bridge. Turn left (east) immediately after crossing New Bridge. There's a narrow street paralleling the Gorge. You get eye-level views of New Bridge along the way, and phenomenal vistas of Ronda as well. Take note of the former prison constructed into New Bridge. That figured prominently in Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls." Enjoy! I certainly did.
Keziahloris
Sandnes, Norway50 contributions
Hi! We will be staying in Marbella on august 6-7 and Im thinking to visit Ronda. Is there any parking area near Puente Nuevo or any suggestion where to park near the area or El Tajo?
thanks in advance,
Monette
belleretraite
Montreal, Canada7,963 contributions
Hi ! This is a review I wrote about Ronda :
It is possible to see most of the interesting sights of Ronda by walking along the main street which unfortunately changes name at Puento Nuevo . There is parking at the Iglesia Nuestra Senora de la Merced on the main street , at this end it is called Calle Virgen de la Paz . From there you can walk to the New Bridge and the Gorge, cross it and continue on Calle Arminan ( the name of the main street on that side) until Iglesia De Santa Maria de Major where parking is also available . Both sides of the Gorge are interesting even though the Calle Virgen de la Paz is more commercial . From one end to the other a 30 minutes walk if non-stop or 3+hours if you want to see everything !
Bon_JayBon
Vallejo, CA115 contributions
How long is the walk from the Plaza Maria park (top) to the panoramic viewing spot of the Bridge (towards bottom) and back to the top?
MondoMerseyside
Merseyside35 contributions
I would estimate 40 minutes for the return journey, although you may get distracted by the shopping thoroughfare on your route. Well worth it if you have the time. Enjoy
Bart452016
Victoria, Canada5 contributions
How busy is Ronda in March? Thanks.
MGaylard
Horsham, UK281 contributions
I cannot answer for March but once visited in November and would say that the place always draws people but it is relatively sparsely populated at that time of the year. Also it was much warmer than I would have thought!
Gigi
Beauharnois22 contributions
Bonjour. Je vais être à Torremolinos fin aout et je voudrais savoir si c'est mieux de prendre un forfait ou je peux y aller en autobus par moi-même? Merci
Marjorie P
Souraide, France51 contributions
Bonjour,
je pense que tu peux y aller au autobus.en partant de bonne heure le matin, cela te laissera toute la journée pour visiter la ville..
bonnes vacances.
Are there hairdryers, shampoo and conditioner in the bathroom?
susanwalsh
Glasgow, UK1,611 contributions
El Tajo is a gorge! It would be a bit odd if there was a hairdryer in the gorge!
BP1984_11
Swansea, UK
How much would a city tour of Marakech cost? Is it a full day or not? There would be at least 4 of us but maybe several more. What is the maximum number?
RobertBovington
Roquetas de Mar, Spain3,966 contributions
Hello
I regularly visit Ronda and the El Tajo gorge. I have, in the past, visited Morocco but didn't make it as far south as Marrakech
El Tajo de Ronda - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about El Tajo de Ronda
- We recommend booking El Tajo de Ronda tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 30 El Tajo de Ronda tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience El Tajo de Ronda:
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- Hotels near El Tajo de Ronda:
- (0.03 mi) La Colegiata
- (0.03 mi) Old Town
- (0.03 mi) Hotel Monasterio Del Carmen
- (0.09 mi) Hotel Soho Boutique Palacio San Gabriel
- (0.12 mi) Hotel Alavera de los Baños
- Restaurants near El Tajo de Ronda:
- (0.00 mi) LA CUEVA DE PASOS LARGOS
- (0.02 mi) Meson El Sacristan
- (0.03 mi) Las Tablas Restaurante
- (0.04 mi) Bodega de Pata Negra
- (0.05 mi) Carmen la de Ronda
- Attractions near El Tajo de Ronda:
- (0.01 mi) Museo de Caza
- (0.02 mi) Museo Del Bandolero
- (0.03 mi) Souvenirs EL Antojo de la Muralla
- (0.03 mi) Ayuntamiento de Ronda
- (0.06 mi) Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor