logo
The Spanish destination that hasn't succumbed to mass tourism

The Spanish destination that hasn't succumbed to mass tourism

Metro6 days ago
Steeped in dark myths and bullfighting folklore, Ronda is often referred to as the 'City of Dreams'.
Perched on a gorge around 100km from Malaga, one of the oldest – and perhaps most photographed – cities in Spain has a lot going for it.
Neolithic history, a romantic allure that has drawn poets and literary giants for centuries, and a dramatic mountaintop setting regarded as one of the most spectacular locations in the country.
Its cultural significance is as impressive as its geography, but Ronda is far from overwhelming.
As a small town, everything is within walking distance. And, while Ronda is one of the most famous of Andalusia's 'pueblos blancos' (white villages), it hasn't succumbed to the mass tourism that has crippled its coastal counterparts.
You won't find big-name chain hotels or the breeze block high rises that cast shadows over the Costa del Sol. It still feels like 'Old Spain', of chalk white streets, sleepy squares and the strum of flamenco guitars.
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
After spending a weekend there, I fell for Ronda's laid-back charm. Here are my tips for getting the most out of a visit to this other-worldly city.
Ronda's crown jewel is the Puente Nuevo, the bridge over the gorge which is not really new (it was built in the 18th Century).
Easily the most recognisable landmark in town, the bridge connects the old and new parts of town, and has been immortalised in the words of Orson Welles and Ernest Hemingway, who both spent several summers living in the old quarter.
It's worth climbing uphill, or down the 200 steps to the Guaddalevín River, to get a good view of the bridge itself.
Once you've snapped some photos, you're nicely positioned to plan your next move over a jug of sangria.
Like every Spanish destination, one of the best ways to spend a day in Ronda is bouncing between its tiny tapas bars.
Ronda's unique cuisine is influenced by its diverse history, which includes invasions and occupations by everyone from the Celts to the Romans.
Key dishes include oxtail stew, black pudding tostadas, fried aubergine with honey and gazpacho, the iconic cold Spanish soup.
These are best enjoyed at one of the quaint little restaurants hidden under the arches of the Balcon del Tajo, a viewpoint next to the Puente Nuevo. There are a few, so it's best to order a few light bites in each.
Right around the corner is Pura Cepa, an upscale wine bar with a beautiful terrace that's the perfect perch for sundowners.
If you're looking for something on the hoof, try a bocadillo with local Iberian ham. These moreish baguettes are sold in the venta s (street cafes) dotted around the Old Town, and often come slathered in tomato and garlic pulp.
Ronda is around 100km inland from Malaga, which makes it a popular day trip for tourists holidaying on the Costa del Sol. There is so much to see and do, though, that it's worth an overnight stay.
After arriving by car or by train (train is advisable if you're prone to any kind of motion sickness; the winding roads are relentless), the town is best explored on foot.
Start from the top and work your way down through the mazelike alleys of the La Ciudad (Old Town), stopping to window shop for souvenirs along the way.
If you plan to visit a few attractions, it's worth investing in a 'bono turistico', a tourist pass that gives you access to several sights for €12 (around £10.50).
Included in this are the Puente Nuevo museum and the Arabic Baths, which date back to the 13th and 14th Centuries. You can buy a pass at the tourist information kiosk beside the bullring.
While I don't condone bullfighting, it's worth visiting the bullring for an insight into this controversial aspect of Spanish culture.
Ronda is considered one of the cradles of modern bullfighting, which emerged in the 18th Century, but bullfighting rarely happens there nowadays (save for a symbolic event once a year)
The stone complex, which includes stables, stockyards and a small museum, is visually impressive and one of the oldest in Spain. Entry is €9 (£8).
Ronda is well-connected to bigger Andalusian cities, with rail links to Malaga and Granada, and local buses that take you to the likes of Seville for as little as £13.
I travelled on to Estepona, but there are plenty of options this a twin-city break: Malaga
Torremolinos
Seville
Marbella
Granada
Nerja
Fuengirola
Benalmadena
Torremolinos
The best time to visit Ronda is in shoulder season, from April to June and September to October. More Trending
During these months, the weather is pleasant and ideal for walking.
I was there the third weekend in June, which is right at the start of the peak summer season, and even then, it was quiet.
MORE: The best lesser-known Greek islands for dodging tourists in 2025
MORE: 'Like the Caribbean': Ibiza's quiet little sister with lunar beaches and turquoise oceans
MORE: 'Exceptionally beautiful' city crowned world's most walkable — with UK flights from £44
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Don't go to Benidorm - visit these three-lesser known European cities instead
Don't go to Benidorm - visit these three-lesser known European cities instead

Daily Mirror

time5 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Don't go to Benidorm - visit these three-lesser known European cities instead

An Irish holidaymaker has shared her top three 'underrated' European travel destinations, insisting they are less packed with tourists and offer everything you need for your holidday Since the UK isn't widely known for its hot and sunny summers, many Brits will be looking elsewhere to get to enjoy the hot summer days. ‌ One of the most popular holiday destination for Brits is the Spanish coastal town Benidorm, with approximately 800,000 visiting the town every year. Several tourists have praised the town for having everything you might want, from a buzzing nightlife to idyllic sandy beaches. However, for those yearning for a fresh adventure, choosing a new holiday spot can be daunting - especially if you don't know where to look. ‌ To help ease the burden, Irish traveller Éadaoin has divulged her top three under-the-radar European destinations, boasting that they're not as overrun with tourists as other hotspots. ‌ "Three totally underrated European destinations for a unique trip," she captioned her video before diving into her recommendations. 1. Kotor, Montenegro Éadaoin's first suggestion is the often-overlooked gem of Montenegro, nestled along the Mediterranean coast. She singles out the quaint town of Kotor. ‌ "A walled town hubbed by mountains with immense views of Kotor Bay," she described in her video. Her footage showcased her time in the town, featuring a grand clock tower, inviting eateries, and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and harbour filled with boats. She also highlighted the local beaches as perfect spots to cool off on particularly hot days. 2. Bologna, Italy ‌ Next up on her list was the lesser know city of Bologna in Italy. She described the place as: "A buzzing student town with the most delectable food on offer & fabulous architecture." In her video, she's seen exploring vibrant food and floral markets, admiring the unique architecture, and savouring the city's culinary delights – which naturally included pasta and gelato. 3. Tarragona, Spain ‌ For those still keen on a Spanish adventure, she recommended the city of Tarragona, situated on the eastern coast just a short distance south of Barcelona. Describing it as "A beautiful coastal city with Roman history and ruins, a great place for seafood," Éadaoin highlighted Tarragona in her video while posing amidst a street lined with colourful buildings. Tarragona is celebrated as a World Heritage city, rich in Roman history with impressive ancient structures like the Tarraco Amphitheatre and the Roman circus, not to mention its inviting white sandy beaches perfect for basking during the warmest hours. The comments section of the video quickly filled with viewers sharing their experiences and thoughts. One user exclaimed: "Love Tarragona. We had an unbelievable Airbnb here in June. Fabulous city," Another commented: "I've been looking for where I want to visit in Montenegro, Kotor looks like it's making the list!". And a third added: "Bologna is on my to-do list."

Brit in Benidorm warns tourists could be fined for innocent childhood activity
Brit in Benidorm warns tourists could be fined for innocent childhood activity

Daily Mirror

time9 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Brit in Benidorm warns tourists could be fined for innocent childhood activity

A Brit in Benidorm warned there's something you may think is innocent while you're away, but it could land you with a hefty fine that you definitely do not want to pay Brit in Benidorm warns of fines for building sandcastles on beach Heading to Benidorm this summer? You may want to be aware of the fact that building an innocent sandcastle could land you with a hefty fine. Yes, you didn't read that wrong – you could get fined for making a simple sandcastle. Harry, who posts on TikTok as @harrytokky, often shares his tips and tricks about the Spanish seaside resort, sharing what not to do and how to avoid fines or getting scammed. ‌ But this time, people have been left baffled to learn that building a sandcastle could leave you out of pocket to the tune of a whopping £87 (€100), so you may want to think twice before doing the innocent childhood activity. ‌ In a recent video, Harry Poulton shared the holiday spot is virtually empty because tourists are being "priced out" of the resort. ‌ And the sandcastle ban may be another reason for Brits not to bother with Benidorm. In a recent clip, racking up over 21,000 views and hundreds of likes, he revealed building a sandcastle on the beach can result in a fine of up to £87 (€100). He referred to it was the "weirdest thing you can get fined for in Spain," sharing you "probably didn't even know you could get a penalised for it" because it's so bizarre. ‌ His friend, Louis Grier, guessed it was public indecency he was speaking about, but it was just building sandcastles, which he said was "mad". "Supposedly, you could be obstructing walkways," he fumed, ending the video by saying it's "a bit bizarre". ‌ In the comments of the video, someone wrote: "I'm sure they mean the huge sandcastles that people make on the beach." Another fumed: "Fine you for building a sandcastle? But do nothing about the pickpockets that stand out like a sore thumb. Hmmm makes sense." Somebody wondered whether it "included toddlers" making sandcastles. ‌ Recently, Harry also warned Brits about scams that were going around in Benidorm, urging them not to fall foul of what was going on. These are the warnings he shared: 3. Potato man Harry warned you'll usually see these men in the mornings, and Harry said they're usually "older men on the beachfront, doing these games". ‌ He said the game can "look like noughts and crosses," but claimed it's best to "avoid them" as they're "known scams in Benidorm". "Definitely avoid them. You are not going to win money, even though it looks like people are winning. It's all part of their little con," he seethed. 2. 'Illegal' cocktail drinks Harry said: "Now this is one I highly recommend avoiding. Those cocktail drinks are illegal, and you have no idea where they're being made. ‌ "It could be on the back of a truck for all you know, so I definitely highly recommend avoiding them." 1. The ladies of the dodgy night Harry warned: "If you're walking down Benidorm, anywhere in Benidorm, and you're alone, generally alone, and these ladies walk up to you offering special services, avoid them. "Now, most of the time they're out to rob you, steal your phone, steal your jewellery, that sort of thing." He warned it's important to be extra vigilant, especially when you're drinking a lot of alcohol and then potentially walking home alone. You should always be aware of your surroundings.

Freak storms lash Spanish tourist resorts with roads becoming raging rivers and HAIL turning streets white as Brits hide from lightning in Benidorm
Freak storms lash Spanish tourist resorts with roads becoming raging rivers and HAIL turning streets white as Brits hide from lightning in Benidorm

Daily Mail​

time9 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Freak storms lash Spanish tourist resorts with roads becoming raging rivers and HAIL turning streets white as Brits hide from lightning in Benidorm

A series of freak storms have struck popular Spanish tourist hotspots turning roads into powerful rivers while hail has lashed down and turned streets white. Dramatic footage shows dirty water gushing down streets and into houses in Murcia, southeastern Spain, while enormous grey clouds tower over the province. The Murcia region has been badly hit and in the city of Caravaca de la Cruz, a major pilgrimage site, golf-sized hail balls smashed down on cars. Up to 20 residents from the city were evacuated and spent the night in a municipal sports pavilion, according to local reports. The hail turned into enormous mounds of ice before quickly melting with rapids forming. Mucky fast-flowing water streamed through the region, filling some homes and businesses, leaving the roads barren. Cafes and restaurants were left empty with people taking shelter. Calasparra and Casas Navarro are also among the most affected areas. As was the town of Moratalla, where car windows were smashed. Meanwhile, British tourists in Benidorm have been forced to take shelter as enormous thunder storms lash down on the Alicante region. Idyllic beaches and bars lay vacant as aggresive thunder and lightning hit the province. Video clips circulating on social media show popular holiday spots looking abandonded as tourists remain indoors in a bid look to escape the extreme conditions. Alicante was placed on high alert on Thursday night by state weather agency Aemet. While Murcia is remaining braced for further torrential downpours and thunderstorms until Friday afternoon. The dramatic downpours following a prolonged heatwave in the region, while temperatures have now plummeted to 10C below normal. Parts of Valencia, Barcelona, Girona and Tarragona have also been placed under an amber weather warning for rain and storms this week. The flooding comes less than two weeks after ferocious storms lashed Spain, with 'two swept away' by flash floods. Videos shared on social media showed waterspouts forming along the coast by Cubelles, Catalonia earlier this month. Others appeared near Valencia and Tarragona. Storms ultimately forced a flight from Barcelona to the U.S. to turn around moments after takeoff, as a violent hailstorm damaged the nose of the plane. But as Catalonia grappled with the 'DANA' cold drop, Spain's arid south saw temperatures push towards 40C, with a forest fire breaking out near a popular tourist hotspot. The forest fire broke out in Mijas, sweeping through Mijas Golf, an area popular with tourists, according to the Spanish Eye. The south of Spain has been lashed by fires since the first major heatwaves in June. More than 21,000 hectares of land have burned so far this year. The national weather agency, AEMET, said last month that it was the country's hottest June on record.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store