Built along a huge gash in the mountains carved out by the RÃo GuadalevÃn, Ronda is a brawny town with a dramatic history scattered with outlaws, bandits, guerrilla warriors, and rebels. Its spectacular location atop El Tajo gorge and its status as the largest of AndalucÃa's white towns have made it hugely popular with tourists. South of the gorge, Ronda's old town largely dates from Islamic times, when it was an important cultural center filled with mosques and palaces. Further north, the grid-shaped 'new' town is perched atop steep cliffs, with parks and promenades looking regally over the surrounding mountains.
Upon meeting your professional, knowledgeable guide at a convenient location near your Malaga pier, you will be escorted to your comfortable, air-conditioned transportation where you will begin the spectacular 1.5-hour drive northward to Ronda. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided visit to its main attractions. You will pass through the old town which is surrounded by massive fortress walls pierced by two ancient gates, the Islamic Puerta de Almocabar, which, in the 13th century was the main gateway to the castle. You will visit Iglesia del Espiritu Santo (Church of the Holy Spirit), whose construction began on the site of the Muslim mosque known as Arrabal Alto in the same year the Catholic Kings reclaimed the town in 1485. Work was completed some 20 years later and mixes Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles.
Town Hall Square, originally the main barracks of the Provincial Militias, was constructed in 1734, seemingly on top of a series of ancient shops with colonnades created in the 16th Century. Of Islamic origin, the structure forms one of the sides of the main square. Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor (Church of Santa Maria la Mayor), whose cornerstone was laid in 1485 and was not completed until the 17th century, is one of the impressive monuments that decorate the area known as La Ciudad, in Ronda. This church is the most prominent element on the north side of the Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, which used to be the town hall square in the old part of the city.
Just when you think your experience cannot get any better, you will enjoy a full visit to the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. Considered the birthplace of traditional bullfighting, the Rueda, the large round circle of sand, is the largest in the world. During the Feria Goyesca held in the second week of September, the bullfighters and their assistants all wear costumes reminiscent of those worn by characters appearing in Goya's paintings, while the ladies delight in showing off their gorgeous dresses. Once you have seen the outside structure you will move inside to experience the bullfighting museum to hear the epic stories of the ring. You will have approximately 30 minutes at Plaza de Toros.
Your next move on to a local winery, Bodegas La Sangre de Ronda where you will learn about the historical and cultural impact that wine has had on the region. You will sample 2 different local wines. If you would like, you will be able to purchase some bottles of wine. You will spend approximately 30 minutes at the winery.
At this point in the day, you will have one hour of free time to discover the city and enjoy some local fare on your own. Your guide can give you recommendations on where to grab a bite to eat, shop or sightsee. After your freetime, you will meet back up and make your way back to Malaga along the Costa del Sol, a brief stop (45 minutes) in Marbella. Your break at the city center will provide an opportunity to stretch your legs, visit some unique shops, and grab some beautiful pictures along the spectacular seafront.
Once back in your comfortable transport, you will be returned to the point of pick up where you can return to your Malaga cruise ship pier.
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