Are you looking for the best places to view the bridge in Ronda? Or maybe you want to capture the gorge from all its glorious angles. Then you’re in luck, because we spent an entire day visiting all the most scenic viewpoints in Ronda so we could share them with you. There are lots of websites that mention these stunning miradors in Ronda, but few actually tell you where they are, and it took us a long time to figure out these locations on a map before we visited.
Below we’ve listed all our favourite panoramic spots, including the most famous Ronda bridge view point and a few places that are a bit more hidden away. We totally fell in love with Ronda, and think it’s one of the prettiest cities in Andalucía. Many people visit on a day trip from Seville, Malaga or Cordoba, but we think it’s worth at least a couple of nights. By staying here, you’ll get to see the Ronda bridge and gorge at different times of day and explore beyond the main viewpoints.
Table of Contents
The three bridges of Ronda
Before we dive into the best viewpoints in Ronda, it’s worth noting that there are actually THREE bridges across the gorge:
Puente Nuevo (New Bridge)
The New Bridge (Puente Nuevo) is the main bridge and largest of the three – it’s the one that you see in all the photos. The current bridge dates to 1793 and took 34 years to build. It was once the tallest bridge in the world, and we think it has to be the most spectacular!
Puente Viejo (Old Bridge)
Further along the gorge is the Old Bridge (Puente Viejo), which was the crossing point for the town before the New Bridge was constructed. Puente Viejo dates to the 16th century and was built beside the Arco de Felipe V at the entrance to the old town.
Puente Arabe (Moorish Bridge)
Just the other side of Ronda’s Old Bridge is the Arab Bridge, which is older still. Built on the site of an old Roman bridge, the Punte Arabe was used to cross the gorge before the Puente Viejo existed. You can still walk across it today.
Right, now we’ve got that cleared up, let’s get to Ronda’s best viewpoints:
Ronda Bridge Viewpoint / Arab Arch
Highlights: THE best view of the New Bridge in Ronda. If you only visit one viewpoint in Ronda, make it this one!
Location: The trail down to the viewpoint starts in Plaza de Maria Auxiliadora, on the south side of the gorge, just down from the New Bridge.
what3words: vanilla.ended.arrival (trail head at Plaza de Maria Auxiliadora). elbowed.stand.postcard (Arab Arch viewpoint).
Google co-ordinates: 36.73816989450928, -5.167020812838756 (trail head at Plaza de Maria Auxiliadora). 36.73940563719683, -5.168395313266788 (Arab Arch viewpoint).
Best time: afternoon/early evening in spring/summer when the bridge is out of the shadow.
About: This is the viewpoint where all those iconic photographs of Ronda’s New Bridge are taken. You’ll need to hike down to the Arab Arch and back up again afterwards, but if you’re feeling fit then it’s well worth the effort. You can see the remains of the old Arab Arch and surrounding ruins whilst you’re down there. The round trip took us around an hour.
Top tip: It’s a steep walk down into El Tajo Gorge and there’s no shade, so take your time (especially coming back up), and carry a water bottle with you. When we visited in May, the light was best in the afternoon (the bridge was in the shade during the morning), so be aware that you might need to hike during the hottest part of the day to see the bridge at its best.
Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo
Highlights: A unique (paid) walk along the side of the cliffs to the base of the Puente Nuevo.
Location: The entrance and starting point is halfway between the trailhead at Plaza de Maria Auxiliadora and the Arab Arch Viewpoint.
what3words: unlucky.removes.pines
Google co-ordinates: 36.739059235950535, -5.167213209642201
Best time: in the afternoon or early evening in spring/summer when the bridge is out of shadow on this side.
About: The Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo is a walkway along the side of the cliffs and down to the base of the New Bridge in Ronda is a new way to experience the Tajo Gorge. It costs 5 Euros to do the Camino, and we tried it out just after it had opened. The return walk took us about half an hour, and whilst it was fun getting up close to the bridge, we thought the best views were actually from further back. You’ll need to wear a helmet and hairnet, which are included in the entry fee. There are plans to extend the route beneath the bridge and along the canyon in the future, and we feel that a longer route will make the experience more worthy of the fee.
Top tip: The mirador just below the Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo entrance building is one of the best views of the New Bridge in Ronda (it’s the one in the header image of this post!). However, you can’t access it unless you’ve purchased a ticket for the camino. But don’t worry, if you’re not doing the camino, you can just carry on down the path to the old Arab Arch, where the views are just as good.
Website: https://desfiladerodeltajo.info/
Aldehuela Viewpoint
Highlights: Easy to access, close-up view of the New Bridge (Puente Nuevo), often with a busker playing quintessential Spanish tunes on a guitar for added atmosphere.
Location: Right next to the New Bridge (Puente Nuevo), in front of the Convento de Santo Domingo.
what3words: holds.belonging.volcano
Google co-ordinates: 36.74054732387697, -5.1652617602671285
Best time: the sun is on the bridge in the mornings in spring/summer (unlike the other side which is in shade).
About: This mirador was named after José Martín de Aldehuela who worked on constructing the new bridge. This is the best spot for close-up views of the Puente Nuevo, though you might have to wait for your turn at the railings to take a photo. It’s a fantastic vantage point to enjoy views down the gorge towards the old bridge, and to see the houses teetering on the edge of the ravine on the opposite cliffs. We recommend stopping here at different times of day to see the scene in the changing light conditions.
Top tip: This was the most crowded viewpoint in Ronda, since it’s so easy to reach. Try to avoid the busiest parts of the day, and come first thing in the morning or early evening instead.
Jardines de Cuenca
Highlights: Peaceful, close-up views of the Ronda gorge from the cliff edge, with a great shot looking back toward the New Bridge. You can also see the Old Bridge from here too.
Location: On the north side of the gorge, half way between the new and old bridges.
what3words: chopper.arranged.watches
Google co-ordinates: 36.74050917189423, -5.164041614207861
Best time: the light is best in the morning and early afternoon.
About: We loved this spot and highly recommend including it on your Ronda itinerary. The Jardines de Cuenca sit right on the edge of the Tajo Gorge, and give you views of both the new and old bridges, as well as the houses on the opposite side of the ravine.
Top tip: Don’t miss out the lower terrace levels of the gardens, some of the best views are from here. You can follow the garden path all the way down to the Old Bridge – the gardens here are the best place to photograph the Puente Viejo.
Casa del Rey Moro (Water Mine and Gardens)
Highlights: Unique view from the bottom of the gorge, peacocks in the gardens, and a pretty terrace café overlooking the ravine.
Location: On the south edge of the gorge, half way between the new and old bridges on Calle Cuesta de Santo Domingo.
what3words: speakers.pulp.racks
Google co-ordinates: 36.73976091283374, -5.164033217206303
Best time: mornings and afternoons when the sun is shining on the gorge on this side of the New Bridge.
About: This was one of our favourite places to visit in Ronda, because you can enjoy views from both the top and bottom of the gorge. Start off by wandering around the beautiful, terraced gardens, which come complete with water fountains, pergolas, and tiled steps. Keep an eye out for the peacocks who like strutting along the paths and posing for photos. You can sometimes hear them calling from across town! The gardens have a real Andalucian feel, and the views out across the gorge from here are stunning.
Next up is the water mine, which was constructed in the 14th century to maintain a supply of water to the people of Ronda in times of siege. You’ll follow the steep stone steps right down to the bottom of the gorge through the rock, with lots of chambers and galleries to explore along the way. As you emerge back into daylight, the view of El Tajo gorge will take your breath away. There’s a small platform over the water so you can get a closer look.
Top tip: there are a LOT of VERY STEEP steps going down to the water mine, so you might prefer to remain up in the gardens if you have dodgy knees or aren’t feeling very energetic. Back up at the top, the café views are pretty too, and there’s also a toilet here.
Website: https://casadelreymoro.org/en/home/
Mirador de Ronda (La Sevillana)
Highlights: Scenic viewpoint overlooking the end of the gorge and surrounding countryside.
Location: North side of the gorge on the edge of town, between the New Bridge and the bullring.
what3words: muddy.emperor.products
Google co-ordinates: 36.74127327890899, -5.1679670806784
Best time: any time of day is great here.
About: This is a lovely spot for an evening stroll along the Paseo Blas Infante, a park area with greenery and cats! There’s a bandstand at the end where the mirador overlooks the sprawling open countryside surrounding Ronda.
Top tip: Come at sunset when the countryside is bathed in layers of oranges and yellows.
Paseo de los Ingleses
Highlights: Sweeping views of the rural Ronda countryside.
Location: Just a little further along the edge of the city from the Mirador de Ronda.
what3words: packages.swung.exists
Google co-ordinates: 36.743481419181116, -5.16919800451829
Best time: any time of day, but the best light is in the afternoon and evening during spring/summer.
About: Named “Promenade of the English” after the British workers who constructed the train line between Algeciras and Ronda, the Paseo de los Ingleses is one of the best viewpoints in Ronda if you want to see the surrounding countryside. Ronda was popular with English gentlemen visiting from Gibraltar – they were often seem promenading along this walkway in their suits, taking in the air and the views.
Top tip: This walkway is wheelchair accessible, but there’s very little shade so try to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Casa Museo Don Bosco
Highlights: Pretty garden setting with spectacular valley views and a historic house to explore.
Location: South side of the gorge, along Calle Tenorio
what3words: obeyed.bridges.carrots
Google co-ordinates: 36.73913583675354, -5.166315393039561
Best time: any time of day, but the best light is in the afternoon and evening during spring/summer.
About: If you’re short on time in Ronda, I’d miss this stop out in favour of some of the other more ‘iconic’ viewpoints above. However, if you’d like a different perspective of the valley and enjoy exploring gardens and historic houses, then Casa Museo Don Bosco is a great little find. The patios are picturesque, there are several tiled benches where you can perch to soak up the views, and you can even see the Puente Nuevo from here too. There are toilets and a nice open-air café on site, although it does seem to be a popular spot with groups so you might not get a seat depending on the time of your visit.
Top tip: it’s not worth visiting Casa de Don Bosco just to see the New Bridge (there are better spots for this). It’s the valley views from the garden that are the main draw.
Website: https://casamuseodonbosco.com/
Old Town Walls Walk
Highlights: Far-reaching countryside views, a bonus tower climb, and few tourists. You can also enjoy views looking back over the city from here.
Location: Along the eastern edge of the old town.
what3words: project.stuff.blurts
Google co-ordinates: 36.73824291326826, -5.163925824641566
Best time: this is good at any time of day.
About: Ronda’s old town walls were originally built by the Moors back in the 13th century as part of the city defences. They were later renovated by the Christians, and today some parts are still being rebuilt. The walls once wrapped around the whole city, but today only this southeastern section remains intact. It’s a lovely stroll, with great countryside views, and you can climb up the tower that sits half way along the wall for even better panoramas.
Top tip: For the best route, walk up into the old town from the Puente Viejo (Old Bridge), and cut down one of the paths to the wall, before following it along towards the town hall.
Roof terrace of Iglesia de Santa Maria Mayor
Highlights: Sweeping rooftop views of Ronda from the church tower terrace.
Location: In the Town Hall square – Plaza Duquesa de Parcent.
what3words: winners.cost.noticing
Google co-ordinates: 36.737212368847615, -5.165346540932215
Best time: any time of day when the church is open.
About: The Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Encarnacion La Mayor is Ronda’s largest church. Inside, the interior is attractive and well worth a visit in itself, but the best bit is the church tower, and the wraparound veranda walkway that gives you great views out across the town.
Top tip: It costs €4.50 to enter, but we think the views and the gorgeous interiors are worth it.
Roof bar at Hotel Catalonia
Highlights: Probably the best view of the bullring in town.
Location: Hotel Catalonia, opposite the bullring.
what3words: swinging.roosts.stream
Google co-ordinates: 36.74218897707886, -5.166359863466646
Best time: the light is best in the afternoon.
About: We stayed at this hotel and can highly recommend it for it’s great central location, upscale rooms (some have balconies overlooking the street) and beautiful infinity pool. But the best bit? The roof terrace bar, which has seats along the edge so you can enjoy views of the bullring and the rural Ronda countryside whilst sipping your sangria. You don’t need to be a guest to use the bar or restaurant.
Top tip: It can get busy in the evenings so come earlier in the day to have a choice of seats.
Website: Hotel Catalonia
Palacio de Mondragon
Highlights: A different angle for viewing the Ronda countryside to the west of the city, with historic palace patios to explore.
Location: Plaza Mondragon on the western edge of the old town.
what3words: devours.trunk.drips
Google co-ordinates: 36.737808679565546, -5.166571834385134
About: We love this spot because of the cool name, as well as the views! This is one of the town’s most impressive historic buildings, dating back to the 14th century. It’s rumoured that it was once the home of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella when they conquered Ronda in the 15th century. Today, it’s a museum with pretty courtyards, manicured gardens and sweeping views from the terraces.
Top tip: Unless you’re into historic buildings, it’s not worth visiting the palace just for the views as you’ll see better panoramas elsewhere.
Thoughts on the best viewpoints in Ronda
The best Ronda Bridge viewpoint (according to us and many others!) is from the Arab Arch, closely followed by the mirador at the Jardines de Cuenca. If you have time, don’t miss the water mine views at Casa del Rey Moro, and for the countryside views, our favourite spot was the walk along the Old Town walls.
We spent 3 nights in Ronda, which many people told us would be too long. Frankly, they were wrong! Sure, you can tick off the main Ronda viewpoints and a palace or two on a day trip from one of the bigger cities, but you’d be missing out on a lot. Ronda gets a lot quieter once the day trippers have left, and in the early evening you may have many of the miradors to yourself. The light is often better at this time of day too, especially if you want that iconic shot of the New Bridge from down at the Arab Arch.
