One of the best reasons to base yourself in Torremolinos is how easy it makes exploring inland Andalusia — and no day trip delivers quite like Ronda. Perched dramatically on either side of the El Tajo gorge, Ronda is one of Spain’s most photographed towns, and it’s an entirely manageable day trip from the Costa del Sol.

Getting There

Ronda sits roughly 100 km from Torremolinos, and the drive takes about 1.5 hours via the A-357 and A-397, winding up through the Serranía de Ronda mountains. The mountain road is scenic but has plenty of curves, so it’s worth budgeting a little extra time, especially if you plan to stop for photos along the way. Check our Car Rental guide for picking up a vehicle near Málaga Airport or in Torremolinos itself.

If you’d rather not drive, several guided day tours depart from the Costa del Sol and include Ronda, often paired with a stop in a nearby white village.

What to See in Ronda

Puente Nuevo

Ronda’s iconic 18th-century bridge spans the 120-metre-deep El Tajo gorge and is the most photographed spot in town. Arrive early to avoid the midday crowds that build up by late morning.

Plaza de Toros de Ronda

One of Spain’s oldest and most historic bullrings, with an attached museum covering the history of bullfighting in Andalusia — worth a visit even for those unfamiliar with the tradition, purely for the architecture and setting.

The Old Town (La Ciudad)

Cross to the older, Moorish side of town for quieter cobbled streets, city walls, and views back across the gorge toward the newer part of Ronda.

Mirador de Ronda viewpoints

Several viewpoints along the gorge’s edge give sweeping views over the valley below — a good spot to slow down and take in the scale of the setting.

Suggested Itinerary

• 9:00 AM — Depart Torremolinos
• 10:30 AM — Arrive Ronda, walk Puente Nuevo and viewpoints
• 12:00 PM — Visit Plaza de Toros
• 1:30 PM — Lunch in the old town
• 3:00 PM — Explore La Ciudad and city walls
• 5:00 PM — Begin the drive back to Torremolinos

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Ronda from Torremolinos?

Ronda is roughly 100 km from Torremolinos, about a 1.5-hour drive via the A-357 and A-397.

Is it better to drive or take a tour to Ronda from Torremolinos?

Driving gives more flexibility and is straightforward with a rental car, while a guided tour is a good option if you’d rather not navigate the mountain roads yourself.

This page may contain affiliate links which earn us a commission at no extra cost to you to support the site. Thank you!