Travelers to Spain who discover their love for Andalusia often explore Seville, Granada, Malaga or Cordoba, the most beautiful cities in Andalusia. Ronda, not far from the Costa del Sol, is also a popular destination for Andalusian holidaymakers. You can reach it with a rental car due to the lack of an airfield.

The location of the city on two rocky plateaus is unique. However, the hard-to-reach city complex offered strategic advantages. The Tagus Gorge, which lies between the plateaus, reaches 120 meters deep. It divides Ronda into two halves. Both districts are connected by three bridges.

The history of Ronda

Paleolithic cave paintings near Ronda suggest that people settled here early on. But it was not until Roman times that the first records of the city were found. Ronda was still called Arunda by the Celts who settled here. They were followed by the Phoenicians and the Sweben.

The citizens of the city felt safe because of the favorable strategic location – at least until the first of many plundering in 429 AD. The history of Ronda proves that even the location high up on a plateau could not protect the citizens of the city from further conquest or plunder. The Vandals were followed in 713 AD by the Moors, and later by the Catholic kings.

It was not until 1485 that the Christians reconquered the city. Ronda’s Moorish heritage is still recognizable despite all efforts to eliminate it from the cityscape. Above all, the publicly accessible Casa del Gigante from the 13th century offers insights into the Moorish architectural style. Many formerly existing mosques and minarets have been razed or converted into churches.

The plateau opposite the town centre was developed into a new district. In the 18th century, the first of three bridges was built, which still connect the two districts today. At the same time, the construction of a bullring ensured that Ronda is now considered the cradle of bullfighting. The 40,000 inhabitants of Ronda are proud to live in one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia.

What to see in Ronda

Many Andalusia fans only visit Ronda as day tourists. However, it is worth staying a few days and also exploring the magnificent surroundings. The traces of the Moorish occupation of Ronda were not completely removed. Fortunately, because the historic old town with the palace of the Moorish king from the 14th century, which is well worth seeing, is worth a stroll.

Spectacular panoramas and photo opportunities are offered by the three bridges over the Tagus Gorge, which connect the two districts of Ronda. No wonder that numerous smartphone cameras are held up here. The Ponte Nuevo, built in 1793, offers the most populated viewpoint every summer. The sister bridges Puente Viejo and Puente Árabe are older.

The Puente Árabe is sometimes referred to as Puente Romano because of its foundations from Roman times. The Arabs later took over the further construction. These bridges also offer attractive viewing angles. A very popular photo motif is also the old city gate, Puerta de Almocábar. Equally photogenic is the Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor.

Visitors to the city can still discover Moorish buildings in Ronda, such as the house of the Moorish king with its beautiful gardens and courtyards, excavation sites of former Arab baths or palaces that are still intact, such as the Palacio de Mondragón. It was built in the Mujedar style and now houses the Museo Municipal de Ronda.

A special tourist attraction for incorrigible bullfighting fans is the historic bullring from 1785. The rules of Spanish bullfighting were developed by the Romero family from Ronda. The bullfighting rules that are still in force today are therefore called “Escuela Rondena” – Rondo School.

On the slope of the gorge carved into the landscape by the El Tajo of Guadalevin, you can still see the remains of the former city wall Murallas de Levante. Tireless adventurers can embark on a step-packed path into the El Tajo Gorge. From here there are fantastic views of the divided city. However, you should keep in mind that everyone has to scramble up the path again afterwards.

Day tourists prefer to enjoy a relaxed stroll through the alleys of Ronda with their pretty cafés, restaurants and shops. In addition, Ronda has several museums that are worth visiting: for example, the Museo Lara, filled with torture chambers and curiosities, or the Museo del Carruaje. The Museo Taurino de la Real Maestranza de Caballería is also very popular.

Best time to visit

The pleasant temperatures in Ronda are striking. About 2,700 hours of sunshine are recorded in the city every year. Nevertheless, it will only be 15 degrees Celsius on average. Only in July and September does it get up to 30 degrees Celsius here.

After one of the popular hikes in the surroundings of Ronda – for example to the Pueblos Blancos – it is a good idea to visit the modern hamam Aguas de Ronda near the excavation site of the former Arab baths.

Impressions from Ronda

On the east coast of Spain, right on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, lies the university town of Castellón de la Plana. It has about 170,000 inhabitants and is easily accessible because it has its own airport. But most tourists probably travel via the metropolis of Valencia, which is only 30 km away – or even with a cruise ship: Cruise ships often arrive in the port of Castellón de la Plana, and the passengers may then spend a few hours in the city. But such a short stay is actually not appropriate for the traditional city! If you can make it possible, you should take a few days for Castellón de la Plana, yes, maybe even spend the whole holiday here – it’s worth it! A beach holiday is highly recommended, as the water temperatures of the Mediterranean Sea reach around 25°C in July, even 26°C in August, and in September the water on the beaches of Castellón de la Plana is still around 24°C!

A stroll through the old town

The old town with its narrow streets, nice restaurants and numerous shops offers plenty of opportunities for shopping and going out. If you like to party, head to the small party district of Las Tascas with its cocktail bars in the evening. And during the day it is worth taking beautiful photos in the old town. Tourists like to walk through the market square and admire the pretty town hall with its arcades. It was built in the 17th century in the Baroque style. In front of the town hall there is a fountain – also photogenic. The most beautiful photo motif and landmark of the city is not the town hall, but the tower “El Fadri”. It is the octagonal bell tower of the cathedral of Castellón de la Plana, the “Iglesia Concatedral de Santa Maria de la Ascunción”. The 58 m high tower dates from the 16th century and was built in the Gothic style. It stands separately from the church to which it belongs. The cathedral itself is definitely worth seeing, but much younger than the tower. After fires and destruction, the original church was reconstructed in neo-Gothic style from 1939 onwards. It has an impressive nave with two aisles and is decorated with beautiful altars and statues. Outside there is a small cloister. The Basilica of Our Lady of Lledó, built between 1724 and 1731, is also worth a visit – a place of pilgrimage for the locals, an admirable building for tourists and also a place of silence and contemplation. The basilica is painted bright white inside and out.

Interesting and quiet: the museums

Not only the historic buildings, but also the museums prove that Castellón de la Plana is a very attractive place for those interested in culture. Two of the city’s museums should be mentioned here: The largest and most important museum in the city is probably the “Museum of Fine Arts”. Many archaeological finds are exhibited here, but also numerous pretty, colorful ceramic products. (An extra tip: ceramic jugs, cups or plates are ideal holiday souvenirs from the region!). In addition, interesting paintings and sculptures can be found in the museum. Also worth a visit is the Ethnological Museum (“Museo de Etnologia”), where mainly everyday objects of the 19. and 20th century. This is where the region’s past comes alive!

Attractive for families: the adventure pool and the beaches

Families like to spend an eventful day in the “Aquarama” adventure pool. It is located just 12 km north of Castellón de la Plana and offers attractions for swimmers and non-swimmers, such as various swimming pools, paddling pools and water slides. Children will never get bored here! But the beaches are also attractive: north of the city harbour are the beaches of Playa el Gurugú, Playa del Pinar and Playa el Palmeral. Every family will find a nice place here, even in the high season! The sand is light and fine, and the beaches slope gently down to the sea. Important for children and non-swimmers: Lifeguards are on duty during the bathing season. Sanitary facilities, showers and beach bars are also available. Another tip: South of the city harbour is the beach Playa de Ben Afelí. It belongs to the southern municipality of Almassora and is often a little quieter than the city beaches on hot summer days. Beach bars can also be found here. By the way, a walk on the beach is a wonderful experience at any time of the year.

Rest and enjoy: From the park to the harbour

If you want to relax for a few hours, the best thing to do is to take a walk through Ribalta Park. This park is a “must” for visitors to the city anyway, it is one of the most important attractions! The Ribalta Park was laid out in the 19th century in the English style: with beautiful flower beds, hedges, pond and pavilions. The monuments and sculptures that additionally decorate the park form original photo motifs. The “stars” of the park, however, are the benches. They are not made of wood or plastic, as is usual in “normal” parks, but they are colorful works of art! Each bench is individually designed from colourful mosaic stones.

How about a trip across the Mediterranean?

Not only the large cruise ships dock at the port of Castellón de la Plana, but also smaller ferries that are on their way to and from the Balearic Islands. Many tourists like to take a trip to Ibiza, for example. But if you have spent a few days in Castellón de la Plana and fallen in love with this city, you may not want to leave…

Due to the heat waves that have prevailed in southern Europe in midsummer in recent years, more and more tourists are moving to cooler regions during the summer months. Currently, Holland, the North Sea and South Tyrol are at the top of the list of the most popular destinations.

But of course, wanderlust also wants to be satisfied in Germany’s most popular foreign travel destination. That’s why it’s worth taking a look at which Spanish destinations are particularly worthwhile in the off-season (March-June & September-October). We draw on information from a study by Ferienwohnungen-spanien.de , which recorded the maximum temperatures, average UV values and humidity for over 100 popular Spanish holiday resorts.

The early mid-season in Spain from March to June

One thing in advance: UV exposure in the early off-season is significantly higher in Spain than in the late off-season – despite sometimes lower temperatures. So if you have particularly sensitive skin, we recommend postponing your travel plans to autumn.

According to the study, the most popular travel destinations at this time of year are:

• Valencia
• Castellón de la Plana
• Huelva
• Javea
• Moraira
• Alicante
• Denia
• El Campello
• Cadiz
• Guardamar del Segura

We briefly introduce Valencia, Alicante and Cadiz to you below:

Valencia – Birthplace of Paella

With more than 780,000 inhabitants, the third largest city in Spain is located on the east coast of Spain directly on the Mediterranean Sea. The city is known for its impressive architecture, including the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and the historic cathedral.

If you travel directly to Valencia in March, you will experience “Las Fallas” – the famous festival with the highlight of the burning on March 19th. Valencia also has extensive beaches, where you can relax in the pre-season with pleasant temperatures between 19 and 26 degrees.

Alicante – Swimming on the Costa Blanca

As a beach holiday in the early low season, Alicante in the southeast of Spain is ideal. Towering over the city on the Benacantil mountain is the castle of Santa Bárbara. An absolute highlight in the city invites you to stroll: The Explanada de España, Over 6 million mosaic stones in three colors have been processed into the floor here. At the edge, palm trees provide refreshing shade and in the evening the harbour is a magnet for good food and lively bars.

Cadiz – coastal town in Andalusia

In the capital of the province of the same name, temperatures in summer are constantly well above 30 degrees. A trip to this traditional town in spring is a good idea. With pleasant temperatures of around 23 degrees in May, you can explore the city, which was used as a base by sailors long before the birth of Christ.

So it’s no wonder that you can see numerous finds from this era in the city’s archaeological museum. Cadiz is particularly easy to reach for German holidaymakers. Jerez Airport is just 45 kilometres away.

September & October: Soak up the sun before the dark season

Lower UV exposure at pleasant water temperatures. Visiting Spain in the late mid-season offers many advantages. Here, the Balearic Islands, which are particularly popular with German holidaymakers, also performed well in the study.

The most popular travel destinations in autumn:

• Castello de la Plana
• Can Picafort
• Alcudia
• Cala d’Or
• Cambrils
• Magaluf
• Palma de Mallorca
• Pollença
• Salou
• Santa Ponça
• Tarragona

As in spring, Castello de la Plana appears at the top of the list of the most popular destinations. Since many other holiday resorts from Mallorca share the top rankings, we present the Balearic island as a whole in addition to Castello below:

Castello de la Plana – Tradition on the Mediterranean

A dream for every holidaymaker who is looking for a combination of culture and relaxation. In the morning, stroll quietly on the central market, visit the town hall in the baroque building from the 17th century and take numerous photos with the city’s landmark, the bell tower “El Fadrí”. In the afternoon, after the afternoon rest, the day ends relaxed at the Mediterranean Sea. This is possible in the charming capital of the Valencia region.

Even in autumn, the temperature here is still a pleasant 28 degrees and the humidity is always well tolerated.

Mallorca – Germany’s favourite island

Almost everyone who has ever visited Cap de Formentor feels the need to return to this magical place. Mallorca is so versatile as an island that there is a suitable holiday destination for every type of holiday.

Somewhat wealthier guests like to go to Andratx in the west of Mallorca, while families with small children are likely to feel most at home in the east around Cala Ratjada, Cala Millor or Sa Coma with its beautiful peninsula Punta de n’Amer.

But there is also no shortage of excursion destinations on the largest Balearic island. In particular, the capital Palma de Mallorca with its cathedral “La Seu” is worthwhile for a day trip.

Spain is always worthwhile – no matter what time of year

In summary, a trip to Spain is always worthwhile. If you don’t mind the heat wave, you can of course spend fantastic days in southern Europe even in the middle of summer.

A little tip for the cool season: City trips to Madrid and Barcelona are also recommended in winter and offer excellent conditions to expand your cultural knowledge at temperatures just above 10 degrees.