By Emily Jordan

Just finished a cycle around the beautiful countryside and now looking to chill out in the city whilst making the most out of your stay? If you’re only staying one day in Ronda don’t worry, we’ve got you covered: read on to find out our three favourite ways to relax in the city.

Sample Ronda’s famous wines

We all know there’s no better way to relax than with a glass of wine. Why not try wine tasting in Ronda and find out more about your favourite tipple? Bodegas (wineries) in Ronda are held in high regard both locally and internationally. Across the area you will find Tempranillo, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc varieties. All the vineyards are situated above an altitude of 750m which means the wines of Ronda have a distinctive flavour. A wine tasting experience will include a tour of the vineyard where you’ll learn about the grapes unique to our region and discover the traditional and biodynamic methods used to produce good, organic wine. Of course, you will have the chance to taste a selection of Ronda’s finest wines too, all produced by local farmers in the area. By the end you will be an expert in Spanish oenological practice as you discover how to distinguish the notes in different wines and how these differ according to the wine’s production process and season. Can you think of anything better than learning how to produce organic wine while sipping on some of Ronda’s most delicious tipples? Naturally, the wine will be accompanied by tapas made from local seasonal produce! Not forgetting that many vineyards in Ronda are situated in unbeatable locations, where you can take in views of Ronda’s incredible countryside and if you’re in luck, the beautiful Puente Nuevo.

Discover Spanish Cuisine

If cooking is what takes your interest, there are ample opportunities to get involved in culinary activities in Ronda. After all, they say the best way to get to know a culture is through their gastronomy. If you take a cooking workshop in Ronda, you’ll discover what it is to be a Spanish cook; an integral part of the country’s culture. During a workshop, you will learn how to prepare traditional Spanish cuisine, making many of the recipes from scratch – don’t forget to bring a notebook to write down all the tips you’ll pick up!
If you’re more interested in actually eating the food, Ronda offers some of the best dining options in the area. The famous Tragatá, boasting a Michelin Star, serves traditional Spanish dishes made with seasonal produce and is worth visiting if you’re looking for a fine dining experience. If a local experience is more what you’re after, El Lechuguita is a lively tapas bar with extremely well-priced tapas dishes, and the fact that it is always brimming with people tells you all you need to know! During your stay in Ronda, you have to try some of the local delicacies: the serranito, a delicious sandwich with slices of Iberian pork, serrano ham, fried green pepper and tomato, is a typical dish that you will find in almost every bar throughout the city. Rabo de Toro (oxtail stew) is another local dish unique to Ronda that you can’t leave without trying!

Lose Yourself in History and Culture

If instead your preferred way to relax is to lose yourself in history and culture, Ronda is perfect as it is one of the oldest cities in Spain, dating back over 2000 years. Therefore, there is a lot of history to cover! Firstly, if we take it back to the 11th century, we can see the Arab Baths which served as the bathing place for the locals. Not only that but they also served as a place for them to cleanse their bodies before entering the mosque, which was located next door. Next, make sure you check out the Mondragon Palace, a museum dedicated to Ronda’s fascinating history. It is housed in a palace dating back to the 14th century and its charming courtyard and gardens are intricately designed and offer stunning views of the Sierra de las Nieves valley. Finally, the House of King Moro is the house of the ancient Arab king, which boasts an interesting mine and beautiful hanging gardens. It has been occupied by the Romans, Arabs and Catholics, which has resulted in an interesting mix of architectural styles. If you follow the steps of the mine down to the bottom, you will come across a crystal blue river, which makes the perfect place to chill out after a busy day. If you would prefer a more structured and informed visit, there are many guided tours to choose from, depending on whether you prefer one more geared towards culinary tourism or visiting historical sights.

As you can see, there really is no better place to unwind than the beautiful Ronda! Before you arrive, be sure to check out this article to discover the practical things you should know before you visit Ronda! Depending on how long you have to spend, we would strongly recommend a combination of experiences to really get the best feel of Andalusian culture. With all we have to offer, it doesn´t matter whether you’re into history & culture, Spanish cuisine or discovering local wines, Ronda will have something for you.