El Tajo Gorge
Calle Armiñán, 3, Ronda, Málaga, 29400
The old Moorish town of Ronda teeters precariously atop the El Tajo Gorge, which historically served as a daunting obstacle for approaching enemies. Water from the Guadalevín River and melting snow flowing down from the Sierra de las Nieves eroded the gorge, and Ronda is one of the few towns in the world to be split in two by a ravine such as this.
The Basics
The rocky, sheer-sided limestone cliffs of El Tajo Gorge plummet 390 feet (120 meters) to Guadalevín River below; at its narrowest the gorge is only 225 feet (68 meters) wide. Three bridges span the gorge; the largest of these is the triple-arched Puente Nuevo. Built in the late 18th century and known as the “new bridge,” it has become one of the most iconic images of Spain. Day trips from nearby towns such as Seville visit Ronda and El Tajo Gorge.
Things to Know Before You Go
Plan an overnight stay in Ronda, if possible, in order to take in El Tajo Gorge without the day crowds.
As you explore the gorge, you’ll encounter balconies that hang over its edge.
Walking down into the gorge is suitable for fit travelers; the path can be steep and uneven in some spots.
If you plan to descend into the gorge, wear good walking shoes.
There are clearly marked miradors (vista points) along the gorge trail.
How to Get There
To find the start of the trail down to El Tajo Gorge, pass through Ronda’s Old Town and the pueblos blancos until you reach the edge of the gorge (look for the pathway behind the tourist office in Plaza España, just north of Puente Nuevo); the trail starts with stone steps and leads to a dirt path. Round-trip transportation from cities like Seville and Málaga is typically included with day tours. You can also access El Tajo Gorge via a 90-minute train ride from Algeciras; trains run year-round.
When to Get There
July and August are the hottest months to visit El Tajo Gorge; keep this in mind if you plan to hike the gorge trail. Since the town of Ronda is surrounded by mountains, it’s not as hot during the summer as it is on the coast, and it can be cold and wet during the winter months. Spring and fall are the best times to go if you want to avoid the crowds.
Visiting Marbella
Located a little over an hour by car from Ronda, on the Costa del Sol, Marbella was home to the rich and famous during the 1960s and ‘70s. And while it is not the money magnet it once was, you’ll still find plenty of expensive yachts and high price tags, along with historical sites such as Plaza de los Naranjos.
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