Introduction
Ronda has been voted the prettiest town in Spain on numerous occasions and it is not hard to see why. Its elegant town centre, surrounded by open countryside and mountains, makes this area an ideal holiday destination.
Ronda has a wonderful selection of formal restaurants and traditional tapas bars. Popular tapas include the Bellota jamón, sourced from the Iberian pigs fed purely on acorns, and the Payoyo cheese, sourced from the goats which are out to pasture in the nearby farms. For those with a sweet tooth, the nuns at the convent produce a selection of cakes. There are also locally produced wines and bodegas/wineries open to the public for visits.
Flamenco
If you would like to experience authentic flamenco, there is a flamenco festival here every August. Singers, dancers and guitar players come from all over to compete. During the rest of the year, there are flamenco bars in town, where you can sip a glass of sherry and listen to local artists.
As well as the flamenco festival in August, Ronda celebrates its Pedro Romero Feria in September in true Andalucian style. Many Rondeños dress in the typical Goyesca style costumes, with some ladies wearing traditional flamenco dresses. The highlight of this event is the beautiful horse and carriage parade around the bull ring and surrounding streets.
Nearby Beaches
If you fancy a change from relaxing around your private pool, the Mediterranean coastline can be reached in one hour by car. The unspoilt beaches of the Costa de la Luz, in the province of Cádiz, can be reached in less than 2 hours and are the ideal spot in which to learn how to surf or enjoy freshly caught fish at one of the chiringuito beach bars.
Explore
The Andalucian cities of Sevilla, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada and Jerez de la Frontera are all accessible via car, bus or train. All have their own curious history, interesting architecture and sense of style, making them unique yet quintessentially Spanish.
