As we bowled along the A7 coast road, finally turning inland at Motril, we waved goodbye to the polytunnels, the sparkling Mediterranean and probably our final sea swim of this trip. This was an easy drive, all dual carriageway or motorway until the final ascent along the A384 into more mountainous territory to get to our planned overnight stop, at Camping Pueblo Blanco, near Olvera, one of the many white towns in the area.
This is an interesting site and one we’d stayed on before, when we’d visited both Olvera and Granada. Perched atop a hill with 360degree views, we enjoyed the scenery, but were buffeted by a night of wind and so, bleary-eyed the next day, were happy to only have a short drive ahead of us to Ronda (thanks Tony for the suggestion!).
We passed Olvera on the way – well worth a visit if you’re
in the area and one of the prettiest white towns. It also has some amazing bird
spectacles and we were lucky enough to have a fly over of some Griffon Vultures
at the campsite in the morning. There’s also a via-verde cycle track nearby,
waiting for a visit on another trip…
It seemed no time at all before we arrived in Ronda and headed straight for Camping el Sur on the southern ring road. Having tried to book ahead and failed, we were a bit worried about availability, but were able to get straight in for a one-night stay…but no more!
It’s a lovely, French-run site and there is a northern European charm to it.
A quick lunch later and we were walking into the city, about half an hour on foot. It’s the perfect way to arrive, through the Puerto del Almocábar and into the lower reaches of the old town. We stopped for mint tea on the way…
A short meander later, along the outside of the old town wall and past the former Arab baths, we were at the Arab or ‘old’ bridge.
From there, we climbed up into the more developed part of the city, marvelling at the views and the old houses built into the cliff face. It truly is a beautiful city. Although popular with tourist hordes coming on day trips from Marbella and Malaga, it didn’t feel overrun and the babble of lots of different languages gave the city a lively feel. It also gave us a chance to catch up on the etiquette of Spanish fan use!
Next stop was the bullring (outside only – you can visit,
but it’s a working ring…so we didn’t). After trying for a quick selfie as well as a more
informative photo, we walked on to the main attraction, the ‘new’ bridge, which
spans the old and new towns, split in half by a gaping river gorge, El
Tajo. Built between 1751 and 1793 to a new design after the collapse of
the former structure in 1735, it’s very impressive and the views from below are
well worth the hike down - and back up! Note the waterfall at the bottom.
And the stacked pebbles at the halfway stage – an artistic display perhaps, or
an excuse to take a breather!
The Parador here is perched immediately above the gorge.
Sated with all the fabulous views - and the walking, we stopped off for a quick
refuel at a little bar in the old town, with a tapa and a cold drink - and a
manzanilla for Mr B, before walking back to the campsite. We certainly got our
steps in today!
Ronda, you were a treat!
J&S
1.11.22
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