This is Ronda?

Have you ever had one of those moments where you thought you were visiting one place, only to discover it was somewhere else entirely? Have you watched The Reluctant Traveler? It’s a travel show hosted by Eugene Levy (Schitt’s Creek). In one episode, he visits Andalusia, straps on a hard hat, and clings for dear life while navigating an aerial trail, built in the walls of a gorge 300 meters tall. So when I found out we were spending a day in Ronda, I assumed it was the same place. But it turns out, he wasn’t in Ronda at all; he was at Caminito del Rey, also known as the King’s Path, btw, looks terrifying! Maybe next time?

Sooo….

When we arrived in a quaint little town filled with cafes and gelato shops, I couldn’t help but wonder, where was the gorge? A short walk later, we made it to the famous Puente Nuevo, or “New Bridge.” Which, ironically, is quite old. Completed in 1793 after 34 years of construction, it connects Ronda’s old and new towns and is one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks.

The bridge sits dramatically atop a breathtaking gorge that plunges 120 meters deep. Let’s just say, I wasn’t getting too close to the edge. It’s remarkable to think this was constructed so many years ago—it leaves you in awe. “How was this even possible?” And if you’re up for a little adventure, you can hike from the bottom to the top (or vice versa). Hard hats included, of course.

BULL

The idea of annual bullfights at Plaza de Toros de Ronda makes me cringe. There, I said it, but, it doesn’t mean I have to like it. Yet, being the world’s oldest bullring, it still sparked my curiosity enough to visit. However, standing in the arena, I couldn’t help but feel sadness for the bulls that had lost their lives there. Still, the history was captivating—and I’ll leave it at that.

Around Town

Lunch at Casa Museo Don Bosco

Ronda offers many dining options, but we stumbled upon a Casa Museo Don Bosco, a charming museum where, for just 2.50 euros each, we could enjoy lunch on a terrace with breathtaking views. The menu was simple, but the scenery more than made up for it!

It was a great day in Ronda, we even found free parking to boot! While it wasn’t the terrifying aerial trail I had imagined from The Reluctant Traveler, Ronda was a delightful surprise. Its charm and stunning views reminded me that the unexpected can often be just as rewarding even when things don’t go as expected.