This is part of our 8-day trip to the Andalusia region of Spain in July 2019. You can find the overall itinerary and links to other stops on this trip in our Andalusia post.
While Spain’s Costa del Sol is popular for its seaside resorts, just north of the region is the picturesque inland village of Ronda. Only a 1.5 hour drive from Malaga, a day trip to Ronda with kids is well worth it for the unique and varied experience while visiting the Andalusia region. Before arriving in Ronda, we went about 25 minutes past the town to visit the ancient Roman settlement of Acinipo. I recommend combining together these two stops as they make for an excellent non-beach day.
Roman Ruins in Acinipo
Romans arrived in the town of Acinipo in 206 BC. The city flourished until the second century AD when it began to decline with Ronda taking its place as the main center of the mountain range. Acinipo has since come to be known locally as “Ronda la Vieja” (Old Ronda). Excavations began in 1967, and most of the city is still to be investigated, with four sites currently uncovered.
Acinipo is amazingly free to visit and nearly tourist free. We only passed one other couple while we were there. Upon arrival, there is a small circular parking lot, and next to it, a large pergola with benches. This makes a great spot for a snack before or after visiting the site. Acinipo was only open until 2:30 pm the day we were there, so it will likely make sense to visit Acinipo earlier in the day, and then move onto Ronda. But be sure to check the days and times before planning your trip; they post the monthly schedule on the Acinipo Enclave Arqueológico Facebook page.
As you make your way up the hill, you pass the domus (stately Roman home), which has only been partially excavated (above right photo). It took us about 10 minutes to make it to the top, where the Roman theater is located. The theater is the main building of Acinipo, built in the middle of the first century BC, making it one of the oldest in Spain. As it sits at the highest point, the theater was used as a watchtower during Moorish times.
The facade of the theater is all that is visible as you walk up the hill. But once you reach the top, you see the rows of seats – fitting 2,000 people in total – carved into rock. A metal stage has also been constructed in front of the seats. The theater is a stunning sight with the surrounding panoramic views of the mountains of Ronda and Grazalema. The kids enjoyed walking around the ruins and learning about the theater. We spent 20-30 minutes exploring the theater and taking in the views before heading back down the hill.
Ronda
The cliffside village of Ronda is a must-see when you are in the Costa de Sol. The city is divided by the Tajo Gorge and the Guadalevin River, and connected by three bridges. Many people spend multiple days exploring the town. But it works perfectly well as a day trip as well; you can cover many highlights and still spend time just wandering around and soaking up the town.
Plaza Del Socorro
Plaza Del Socorro is a lively square in the center of Ronda. It features the beautiful baroque church, Parish of Our Lady of Socorro. A number of churches have stood on this spot, and the current one was built in 1956. There are also many restaurants, shops and parking garages around the plaza. Plaza Duquesa de Parcent is another popular public sqaure in Ronda.
Plaza de Toros
The bullfighting ring, one of the oldest in Spain, was built in 1785 and seats 5,000 people. Shortly after the construction of the ring, Ronda’s Romero family emerged with three generations of bullfighters. They played an important role in the development of modern Spanish bullfighting, responsible for innovations such as the use of the cape and a sword especially designed for the kill.
You can tour the Plaza de Toros, which also houses the Museo Taurino, a museum featuring outfits and bullfighting regalia from the last two centuries. For parents and kids, the Plaza de Toros might also remind you that Ronda is the setting for the animated movie Ferdinand.
Puente Nuevo
While there are three bridges that connect the two sides of Ronda, the Puente Nuevo is the most iconic. The “New Bridge” is relative in name, as it was built in 1793. The bridge’s architect, José Martín de Aldehuela, also designed the Plaza de Toros. Because of the cliffside setting of Ronda, there are a number of great viewing locations to see the bridge as well as the surrounding country side.
Just passed the Plaza de Toros is a lovely park, Paseo de Blas Infante. It’s a nice spot for kids to run around and play in the shade. But more importantly, once you walk through the park, you are treated to one of the best scenic viewpoints. Mirador de Ronda, also known as La Sevillana and El Balcon del coño, provides breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains, the gorge and the bridge. There is a small viewing platform that juts out over the side of the mountain (shown in the photo above) for an even more immersive experience which the kids loved. We also walked over to the Parador hotel for additional views, including of the Mirador de Ronda itself.
Another great viewpoint for the Puente Nuevo is the Mirador de Aldehuela on the other side of the bridge. And if you have more time in Ronda, you can take the Camino de los Molinos hiking trail through the gorge which offers views of the bridge from below.