Cutting through the heart of Ronda is the scenic canyon El Tajo Gorge. It splits the town into La Ciudad, which is the Moorish-era old town, and El Mercadillo, the modern quarter. Gaze in amazement at the gorge’s picturesque beauty and hike down into the heart of its valley.
El Tajo Gorge is up to 394 feet (120 metres) deep and 223 feet (68 metres) wide. It formed following the persistent erosion of the Río Guadalevín, a river fed by the mountains of the Sierra de las Nieves. The gorge’s formidable size acted as a mighty defensive system during times of enemy invasions.
Stand on the impressive Puente Nuevo, which connects Ronda’s two districts, for uninterrupted views of this natural landmark. Look down the steep escarpments to the river below. Huge Romanesque arches of the 18th-century bridge are embedded into the cliffs. Admire additional impressive vistas from Cuenca Gardens, from vantage points such as the Mirador Ronda lookout and the town’s other historic bridges, Puente Arabe and Puente Viejo.
Look out over the patchwork fields, which stretch into the distance. On a clear day, it’s possible to spot the peaks of the Sierra de Grazalema mountains.
Go for a walk along the banks of the Río Guadalevín. Get close to the gorge by following the trails that lead down from the western edge of La Ciudad. Experience a shrinking sensation as you walk deeper into the valley and the cliffs rise up above you. Before a landslide in 1917, flour mills used the river water to power their machinery. See a rock-carved water mine and beautiful gardens at the Casa del Rey Moro.
Another interesting way to see El Tajo Gorge is on a train ride from Algeciras. Enjoy the journey winding through mountainous landscapes and passing Andalusian villages before arriving in Ronda. Trains run year-round and take about 90 minutes. A similar train route operates from Malagá.
