The 'Venice' of inland Málaga

Beyond its ranking in the list of most touristy places, it is certain that Ronda is one of the most important destinations in Andalusia and one of the main ones located inland. The Tajo, Puente Nuevo, the old town, bullring, walls, Arab baths, Arab and Roman bridges, churches, palaces, and nature attract thousands of visitors each day.

Official figures last year reported 1.5 million visitors, a huge number for a city that officially has only 33,000 residents, although it is estimated that its unregistered floating population is considerable. A number of tourists that we can trace to much more recent dates, as just last Hispanic Day holiday, the city welcomed 40,000 visitors in just three days, which equates to an average of nearly 13,500 people per day. This volume even forced the local council of Ronda to close vehicle access to the old town.

Such a volume of tourism also has a direct impact on the most visited areas such as the Puente Nuevo and its viewpoints, where there are times when it is difficult to find a spot to enjoy the view and, even less, to take a photo without someone else appearing in it due to the large influx of tourists.

This influx of visitors also directly impacts the hospitality businesses, which see a significant influx of customers with packed terraces for lunch and difficulties in securing a reservation. "I knew people came to Ronda, but not so many," commented one tourist who chose the last holiday to visit.

The coming and going of people that many enjoy and that makes them feel the city is alive, although not everyone is convinced and there have even been unfortunate reports claiming that the city has lost its charm without enjoying it fully. And it is that beyond those central hours of hustle and bustle, which cannot be denied, there exists another quiet Ronda, where one can stroll without stress almost feeling alone, enjoy its monuments, its gastronomy or partake in some of the leisure activities it offers. A guitar concert, tastings at some of the many existing wineries, theater, or simply relaxing on a terrace overlooking the Tajo.

The crowded streets of the City, the epicenter of the old town, becomes a perfect setting to enjoy in the evening, while hundreds of cars and buses have already left the city, for a peaceful stroll through its alleys where some of its main monuments are hidden, all of them illuminated at night. The dream city that captivated Rilke presents itself to those who decide to stay overnight. That other unknown Ronda that gradually conquers more tourists with its beauty and the more attractive alternative it represents.

Staying overnight is worthwhile

“They are two different cities,” acknowledged Daniel Pérez, one of those tourists who opted for this approach this summer. Enjoying the hotel and its pool during the day and visiting the city in the evening.

In that Ronda, everything slows down. Everything is calm and relaxed. The service in restaurants calms down and the busy terraces of the morning are free from the gazes of eager customers looking for a table and staring at those who have finished but don't immediately get up.

Watching the sunset over the mountains from any of the city's viewpoints becomes a pleasure for the senses. It is from that moment that the transformation of the city occurs and the night adds an extra layer of beauty to its already recognized charm.

Enjoying the city at those hours can include plans like visiting any of the more than 20 wineries that offer different experiences, touring museums and exhibition halls that include works by Picasso, Peinado, or a unique journey through the city's history among pieces thousands of years old. Enjoying a concert by an international guitarist like Paco Seco or attending a flamenco show at the historic circle of artists, to name just a few.