Having fun in Ronda

Our previous trip to Spain, we skipped Ronda, convinced it was overrated and over-touted. How mistaken we were! As many places as we have been, Ronda is still very special, very impressive. As tempting as it is to go hiking in the hills, we decided to forego our previous hiking plan and to stay in town instead. We had so much fun looking for all viewpoints and savoring each alley/path, not to mention playing with the panorama function on the phone(s).

The day we arrived in Ronda was the day before the holiday Dia de Andalucia. Ronda was brimming with visitors, many Americans (more than in Barcelona), even more East Asians (we always take this as an indication how photogenic a place is). We learned that schools in Andalucia are off for the whole week. And it was the coldest days for the whole trip so far. The next time, we'll wait until the week after Andalucia Day and go hiking in the hills!

We took the bus from Malaga to Ronda. The hills were green and the artichokes in season.


The streets of Ronda were busy when we arrived on Feb 27, the day before the Dia del Andalucia holiday, in the early afternoon even though it was windy and chilly


A few souls sat outside to enjoy the view while eating.


The main church in Ronda was built over top of a mosque and the minaret extended up to be a bell tower.


Ed, this is for you: Teaching the kids to ride in a pace line. There are also 2 adults at the back of the pace line, but are obscured by the passing car.


Our first afternoon, we hiked to the other side of the valley to a small 10th-century "cave" church with good views back to Ronda all along the way.








Returning to Ronda just in time for the sunset.






We headed home while the crowds continued to stroll.


The second day, we abandoned plans for an out-of-town hike and decided to visit all the scenic viewpoints and bridges in town, plus visit a few museums. This is a patio at the City Museum.


Courtyard.


And the view from a patio.


The southern city wall, near the old town gates.




View to the SOUTH.


Puente Viejo (Old Bridge).


The Arab Bridge. Next door are the Arab Baths.


The Cuenca Gardens.


The New Bridge as seen from Cuenca Gardens.


The New Bridge as seen from the gorge below. Check out the flood gates.




The famous Bull Ring.


Church.


And some views from the Alameda del Tajo.




Finally, some nights views around the New Bridge.