Travelling Simply

Travel recommendations, ideas and observations from two simple travellers

Tag: self-driving holidays (Page 1 of 4)

Basel, a Swiss treasure you must visit

Visit Basel, a Swiss treasure that you must see

06/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

A short time in Switzerland, making our way to Italy by road, found us wanting to see more of one of the most picturesque countries in the world. Basel was our first stop on our comprehensive road tour of the country. Be sure to visit Basel, a Swiss treasure that you must see.

Why you should visit Basel

Basel, located in northwestern Switzerland, is conveniently situated near the borders of both France and Germany. Known as the art and culture capital of Switzerland, unless one embarks on a river cruise along the mighty Rhine River, travellers do not often make the city a priority for a visit. Read on to learn more about why we think you should.

Steeped in history with its origins going back to Roman times, Basel is Switzerland’s third-largest city, often overlooked by visitors who prefer to visit Zurich.

For visitors, central Basel is split into two unique areas on either side of the Rhine River: Kleinbasel and Basel’s Altstadt. Even though the River divides the city, bridges crossing over the river make the city easy to navigate on foot.

Our favourite things to do in Basel

Explore Basel Altstadt

Visit the Rathaus

Basel’s Rathaus (Town Hall) is a unique structure. Standing in the heart of Basel’s bustling Marktplatz, the building’s red facade catches your attention. We were in awe of this building, which was constructed over 500 years ago. Sit on a bench across from the Renaissance building to study its beautiful façade, complete with intricate carvings and sculptures.

Basel's unique Rathaus
We sat across from Basel’s unique Rathaus to admire the amazing exterior before we went inside

But wait, there’s more. Step inside the arcaded entrance, and you’ll find yourself in an inner courtyard. You’ll find your breath taken away with walls covered extravagantly in frescoes and grand staircases.

Basel Rathaus beautiful interior
The beautiful interior courtyard of Basel’s Rathaus

While the building is an iconic landmark in Basel, it is also a working building housing the city council and the mayor’s office, as well as being the seat of government.

Basel Munsterplatz

Basel’s Munsterplatz is one of the oldest public squares in Basel, hosting not only the Basler Munster but also many beautiful historic buildings around the square. Take a look around at the Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the buildings, many of which date back to medieval times.

The striking toweres and red sandstone facade of Basel Munster
The striking towers and red sandstone facade of Basel Munster

The square has also been a public meeting place for centuries and continues the tradition today, with concerts and major events held there, including the annual Christmas Markets.

Basel Munster

Basel Munster, and its towers are visible across the city on either side of the river. However, it’s most striking up close in Munsterplatz. The Munster was built between 1019 and 1500 and is known for its red sandstone exterior, colourful roof and Gothic facade. The church was destroyed and rebuilt after an earthquake in 1356.

One of the cloisters of Basel Munster
One of the cloisters of Basel Munster

The interior is simple and lightly adorned, but what stands out are the beautiful stained glass windows and frescoes. The highlight was wandering around the two cloisters, which led to a shaded terrace with a viewpoint overlooking the river and across to the other side.

The viewing terrace behind Basel Munster which provides views over the Rhine River and beyond
The viewing terrace behind Basel Munster provides views over the Rhine River and beyond

Walk along medieval Augustinegasse

One of the most beautiful routes to walk to Munsterplatz and the Munster is along Augustinegasse. A stroll along the street takes you past medieval and aristocratic houses, as well as museums with glimpses across the river from vantage points. Along the way, look out for the Augustiner Brunnen, a decorative fountain bearing the city’s coat of arms. A fountain has been on the site since 1468.

Augustiner Brunnen, the decorative fountain on Basel's Augustinegasse
Augustiner Brunnen, the decorative fountain on Basel’s Augustinegasse

Mittlere Brücke

Since 1226, the Mittlere Brücke has been one of Basel’s most well-known landmarks. Linking the two sides of the river, it is one of the oldest Rhine crossings.

Mittlere Brücke as seen from Basel's Augustinegasse viewpoint
Mittlere Brücke as seen from Basel’s Augustinegasse viewpoint

The current bridge, known as the new Mittlere Brücke, was erected in 1905 to incorporate the city’s tram system.

Stroll in Altstadt’s backstreets

Venture away from the more popular riverside streets in the Altstadt and discover the backstreets of the old town. Filled with beautiful old houses and intimate squares dating back to the 12th century, you’ll find it a treat to walk around.

The beautiful courtyards and medieval buildings of Basel;s Altstadt
The beautiful courtyards and medieval buildings of Basel’s Altstadt

Be mesmerised by the Tinguely Fountain

Walk through Basel’s theatre district and you’ll find a modern addition to the Altstadt, the Tinguely Fountain

For a modern twist, visit the Tinguely Fountain (Tinguely-Brunnen). IT sits on the site of the old Basel Theatre and next to the new Basel Theatre. Watch the fun and mechanical sculptures moving in this quirky fountain.

Tinguely Fountain in Basel, Switzerland
Tinguely Fountain

The fountain was created by Jean Tinguely, one of Basel’s most celebrated artists. There’s also a museum in Basel dedicated to his work.

Venture across the river to Kleinbasel

With its vibrant squares and choice of inernatleinbasel, originally known as “lesser Basel”, has become a popular part of town to visit.

Kaserne Basel and the Basel Tattoo

Kaserne Basel is Basel’s central culture hub. The open-air theatre hosts up to 250 concerts and performances every year.

During our stay, the annual Basel Tattoo was being held at the venue. The Basel Tattoo is the second-largest open-air tattoo in the world. It promises to be a sensational show featuring bagpipes, music, and folk dancing.

If you’re planning to attend the Tattoo, tickets sell out fast, so book early. We didn’t have tickets, so we spent some time enjoying the grounds outside the venue with the locals, who, like us, were taking in the sounds of the rehearsals before the main event.

Stroll the Rhein Promenade

The Rhein Promenade offers some of the best views of the Altstadt. Take a morning walk or evening stroll.

Views of the Altstadt and locals floating down te Rhine River. Visit Basel, a Swiss treasure that you must see.
Views of the Altstadt and locals floating down the Rhine River in Basel

If you’re visiting during the summer months, you’ll find a phenomenon particular to the city. On our morning walk, we came across locals engaging in one of their favourite activities. With their daywear in special waterproof bags doubling as floats, we saw dozens of people floating down the river.

Enjoy a riverside picnic dinner

The huge Migros supermarket (it even has a large patisserie section) in Kleinbasel was our spot to collect a crisp rosé wine and an assortment of breads, cheeses, and olives one evening.

In the summer, the riverside is wonderful for an evening picnic. We found a spot to join the locals watching the floaters go down the river, listening to musicians entertain us, looking over the scenic Altstadt and engaging in a little people-watching while enjoying our simple evening meal.

More things you can do while in Basel

  • Not much of the castle walls remain in Basel today, but walk a little further from the Altstadt to St Alban and you’ll find the parts of castle walls and the Spalen Gate, one of the city’s three remaining gates.
  • Also in St Alban, you’ll find Basel’s Paper Museum. It’s a working paper museum set in a medieval paper mill.
  • Make a day trip to Baden in the Limmat Valley. It has a beautiful old town and is known for its thermal baths, and is just 56km from Basel.

In case you’re interested

You name it, we’ve been on all sorts of holidays. However, whether we’re exploring our own country or travelling further afield, our most treasured ones are our road trips. Read why on our blog post dedicated to self-driving – “It’s more fun to self-drive“

How to get a taste of the Rhine Valley

How to get a taste of the Rhine Valley

16/11/2025 / / 0 Comments

The Rhine Valley, with its beautiful landscapes, charming towns surrounded by picturesque vineyards, is high on our list of places to visit on a German road trip. We were fortunate to see much of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley while driving the scenic Rhine Castle and Romantic Rhine route. Short on time? Read on as we tell you how to get a taste of the Rhine Valley.

Driving to the Rhine Castle route to Koblenz on our first day in Germany, we looked across the Rhine River to hills covered in vineyards and small towns hugging the riverfront. We were glad that we had made some time to explore that side of the river on the return leg.

In particular, there was one town we wanted to visit, Rüdesheim am Rhein.

Rüdesheim am Rhein

Rüdesheim am Rhein is a charming town just over one hour’s drive (65km) from Frankfurt. It’s the perfect town to get a taste of the Rhine Valley. If you’re not convinced, then look at any riverboat cruise itinerary travelling the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, and you’ll find the town on their itinerary.

The town is a great way to experience the local architecture, the Rhine Valley and wine.

Marktplatz, Rudesheim am Rhein
Rudesheim am Rhein’s lovely Marktplatz

Rüdesheim am Rhein architecture

Dating back to the 15th century, the town has an old town filled with medieval buildings. The best way to experience the town’s charm is to walk up one of the alleyways leading from the riverfront and stroll through the town. You’ll find beautiful half-timbered houses and squares in a compact area.

The beautiful half-timbered houses on Oberstrasse in Rudesheim am Rhein, Germany
The beautiful half-timbered houses on Oberstrasse

Rüdesheim am Rhine wine

The UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine is renowned for its picturesque vineyards, which produce world-famous Riesling and Pinot Noir wines. The countryside is dotted with world-famous winegrowers. And, there’s no better place than Rudesheim am Rhein’s old town to sample some. You’ll find plenty of local wine cellars which offer tastings and wine for purchase when strolling through.

How to get a taste of the Rhine Valley. An underground wine cellar in Rudesheim am Rhein
An underground wine cellar in Rudesheim am Rhein

Stroll along Drosselgasse 

The heart of Rüdesheim is the town’s most popular and scenic street, Drosselgasse. The lively cobblestoned street is filled with historic inns and restaurants serving local dishes.

Drosselgasse, Rudesheim am Rhein, Germany
Historic Drosselgasse is where you’ll find old inns and restaurants

Ride the Cable Car or drive to the Niederwald Monument

The Niederwald Monument was constructed between 1871 and 1883 to commemorate the unification of Germany, which took place when 25 individual states merged into one nation following the Franco-Prussian War. If you are in Rüdesheim, visiting the monument by making your way up the hills is highly recommended.

The majestic Niederwald Monument overlooking the Rhine Gorge, Rhine Valley, Germany
The majestic Niederwald Monument overlooking the Rhine Gorge

The monument sits majestically on a pedestal overlooking the Rhine Gorge, perched above the valley in a park. It’s one of Germany’s most revered monuments.

How to get a taste of the Rhine Valley

The park offers the public a terrace overlooking the vineyards and across the Rhine River to the towns, vineyards, and countryside of the west bank.

Views over the Rhine River and valley from the Niederwald Momument terrace
Views over the Rhine River and valley from the Niederwald Monument terrace

The panoramic view is absolutely worth the effort. Savour the scenery from above.

If you have extra time

Take the ferry between Rüdesheim and Bingen. A short six-minute ferry ride will offer you the opportunity to view both sides of the river from the water and stroll through the walkable town and riverfront.

Our opinion

Being on both the river cruise and tourist bus routes, be prepared to share your Rüdesheim experience with the crowds. We returned to visit in mid-September at the end of our summer road trip in Germany to find that there were lots of tourists milling around the town.

In our opinion, there are other, more enchanting towns in the Rhine Valley. It is, however, the perfect place to get a taste of the Rhine Valley if you have time constraints.

In case you’re interested

Have plenty of time and want to see more? Please take a look at some of our other experiences in the Rhine Valley.

You’ll love driving the scenic Rhine Castle and Romantic Rhine route

21/10/2025 / / 3 Comments

Fresh off a morning arrival on our flight into Frankfurt, we hopped into our car and headed north. We were driving the scenic Rhine Castle and Romantic Rhine route. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed route is divided into two parts.

Driving the scenic Rhine Castle and Romantic Rhine route
The Rhine Castle route

We would drive the first half to Koblenz and stay there for a couple of days before completing the second half to Bonn. Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers in the Upper Rhine Valley, is one of Germany’s oldest cities. The Mitterhein wine region also runs between Bingen and Bonn.

Driving the scenic Rhine Castle and Romantic Rhine route

The drive from Bingen to Koblenz

Dotted with over 40 castles, the route is also part of the Rhine Valley wine region. The city of Mainz, approximately a 90-minute drive from Frankfurt, serves as the gateway to the wine region, while the Castle route begins from the town of Bingen. Bingen is a sleepy town with a lovely main street with cafes and restaurants. We stopped to have lunch there before continuing.

From Bingen onwards is a real treat for anyone wanting to drive this route. The road winds its way alongside the river while riverboats slip gently past. Along the way, there are castles and fortresses on high peaks or set lower amongst the vineyards on both sides of the river. While it isn’t practical to visit all the castles, nor are many open to the public, it was fun driving along, spotting them all. The drive between Bingen and Koblenz should only take an hour; however, to enjoy the scenery, making short stops at designated viewing points and allowing yourself a detour to a castle or two on the way, you should allow at least two to three hours.

Phililppsburg Castle in Marksburg, Rhine Castle route, Germany
The fairytale Philippsburg Castle in Marksburg on the Rhine Castle route

With so many castles and options, we strategically chose a few spots to look out for on the route.

  • Burg Reichenstein
  • Sankt Goar (Rheinfels Castle), from where you can look across to the Lorelei
  • At Boppard, we stopped to look across the river to Sterrenberg Castle
  • After Boppard spotted Marksburg Castle
  • Looked out for Stozenfels Castle just before arriving in Koblenz

A visit to Schonberg Castle

A castle that wasn’t on our list, but we couldn’t resist visiting after seeing it perched on the hillside from afar, was Schonberg Castle. A short distance off the main road in the town of Oberwesel, we wound our way up the hill to the castle’s car park.

Entrance to Schoneberg Castle
Outside Schonburg Castle walls

The castle, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, was built in the 12th century; however, there are records of a dwelling on the site in 900 AD. From the car park, it’s a couple of minutes walk to the small arched entrance into the cobbled carriage path and inside the castle walls, from where a narrower walkway continues into the castle courtyard.

Schonburg Castle courtyard and entrance
Schonburg Castle courtyard and entrance

The Dukes of Schonburg and their families lived in the castle from the 12th century until 1689, when much of it was destroyed by troops during the Nine Years’ War. Partially reconstructed in the late 19th century, it wasn’t until the town purchased it in 1950 that it was completely revived.

The castle is now a 4-star hotel, Burghotel Auf Schonburg, with a museum in the castle tower, which is open to the public. The castle’s gardens are, however, available for only hotel guests to roam. For others, there is a vantage point overlooking the Rhine River, giving you splendid views. The picturesque scenery from above was worth making the small detour and was one of the highlights of our drive.

View from Schonburg Castle lookout
View from Schonburg Castle lookout

There is also a small lookout before entering or after exiting the castle walls, from where there are excellent views of the grapevines of the hills of the valley behind the castle.

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz

In Koblenz, we had anticipated taking a morning walk up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress high on the hillside over the city from the other side of the Rhine River. Unfortunately, there was no easy way to cross the river on foot.

Instead, we waited until after we returned from our day excursion to the beautiful town of Cochem, to go across by cable car to look around the fortress. The cable car ride provides fabulous views over Koblenz’s old town.

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is a complex of buildings sprawling over a large area of the eastern bank. The fortress buildings are now home to the State Museum, displaying antiques and war memorabilia.

If you’re not a museum-lover, you can take a wander around the extensive fort area, savouring the views, especially from the viewing platform, which is a piece of art itself. The triangular-shaped wooden platform was originally built for a Horticultural exhibition, then repurposed and placed on the fortress’s grounds. From the platform, you get spectacular views of Koblenz, the Rhine and Moselle Rivers.

The Rhine Castle route from Koblenz to Bonn

The Rhine Castle route is determined to run from Bingen to Bonn. However, we were disappointed not to find any noteworthy castles or fortresses on the drive along the Rhine River between Koblenz and Bonn. Maybe they are well hidden from the roadside.

Our opinion

The first section of our drive, between Bingen and Koblenz, mesmerised us with the centuries-old, magnificent castles and fortresses as well as the terraced vineyards on the rolling hills on both banks of the Rhine River. The entire journey is picture-postcard worthy, and we would consider driving again at a much slower pace, making more stops and detours to visit select castles.

Note: Some castles and fortresses charge an entrance fee to visit inside.

In case you’re interested

During our journey, we stopped in the beautiful old town of Mainz, stayed in the historic city of Koblenz, which dates back to 8 BC, and from Koblenz, took a day trip to the charming town of Cochem, located along the Moselle River. Click on the links below to read more about these beautiful places in Germany.

Beachside at Kingscliff, New South Wales
Beachside at Kingscliff

The best places to stop on a road trip from Brisbane to New South Wales

23/04/2023 / / 1 Comment

Our love of leisurely road trips allowed us to break the 10-11 hour drive from southeast Queensland to the Blue Mountains with some stops and a couple of overnight stays. Below are our suggestions for places to stop on a road trip from Brisbane to New South Wales.

Route options

With several route options available, our road trip from Brisbane to New South Wales was to be on the inland route with two overnight stays. The first was in the inland Scenic Rim town of Stanthorpe, and the second was in Australia’s country music capital, Tamworth.

Our plans rapidly changed when an oil tanker rollover blocked the highway. After sitting in a traffic jam for several hours, a quick decision was made to re-route and take the coastal road.

Phone calls were made on the go to cancel and make new accommodation bookings. We were glad to have taken the “Free cancellation” option on our original bookings

More traffic delays and we finally arrived at our overnight destination seven hours after leaving home. The drive would usually take two hours!

Hint: Travelling teaches you to be flexible and agile and enjoy the experience, even if it’s not what you expected.

The best places to stop on a road trip from Brisbane to New South Wales

An overnight stay in Kingscliff

Only a couple of hours of relaxed driving from Brisbane and just over the Queensland border is the coastal town of Kingscliff.

Kingscliff is not just a place to stop over on the way south, it’s a beautiful holiday destination in its own right and perfect for short or long stayovers. We have enjoyed short stay breaks in the laidback atmosphere that comes from one street town.

Kingscliff
Pretty parklands across from Kingscliff’s main street

The “welcome drinks” at Peppers Salt Resort were extremely welcome and within moments of check-in, we had put the day behind us, were relaxed and ready to enjoy the evening.

A short stroll to the adjoining Salt Village and we are spoilt for choice by the dining options: Asian, Mexican, Italian, or simple fish and chips. For those staying for a few days, treat yourself to the spa or shop in the boutiques. Then, of course, there’s the beach!

Beachside at Kingscliff, New South Wales
Beachside at Kingscliff

Our misfortunes of the day changed to a fortune of a relaxed evening at the resort.

Hint: When you leave Kingscliff, drive south along the scenic coast road through Cabarita Beach, a small beachside village.

Stretching out legs at Nambucca Heads

The highway has dramatically improved. over the years. There is no longer the need to drive through small towns at limited speeds. Now you can pick and choose which towns you wish to detour into or turn on cruise control and keep driving.

We choose to stop at the scenic Nambucca Heads for lunch. We discover Gordon Park on the river. It’s a peaceful spot to stretch your legs and grab lunch and coffee—a fantastic place to take a break.

Gordons Park, Nambucca Heads. New South Wales, Australia
Tranquil Gordons Park, Nambucca Heads

Overnight stay in Port Macquarie

We arrived in Port Macquarie with fond memories of a stay during another road trip many years ago when we had arrived fresh from New Zealand to make our home in Australia. Arriving in the early afternoon allowed us time to do a little exploring. The best way was on foot.

We began our brisk walk from the town centre along the Coastal Walk. The painted rocks at the breakwall capture our intention. The painted rocks started as an art competition in 1995. and have become a gallery of sorts: tributes to loved ones who have passed away; celebrations of love and; anniversaries amongst others. Our walk is slowed down to a stroll as we stop, read, and admire the artwork.

At Town Beach, the artwork ends and our pace quickens. We aim to walk to the Lighthouse, but time is not on our side and we turn back at Nobby Head after a walk of breathtaking rough and rugged scenery.

Views on the Coastal Walk, Port Macquarie, Australia
Views on the Coastal Walk

After several hours of exploring we are back at our hotel to shower and enjoy a drink at the bar before walking the short distance into the town centre to choose somewhere for dinner. Again, we are spoilt for choice and decide on a simple pizza dinner.

The Blue Mountains

A World Heritage area, Blue Mountains National Park is one of Australia’s icons. You’ll be enchanted by its natural wonders. Explore the endless hiking trails around cliffs, canyons, waterfalls and lush forests of the national park by spending a few days in the area.

Views from the Skyway across the Jamison Valley, Blue Mountains
Views from the Skyway across the Jamison Valley, Blue Mountains

Read our post for more details on the things you can do in the Blue Mountains.

Other places to stop on a road trip from Brisbane to New South Wales

Of course, depending on how much time you have, there are numerous stops and stays to make on a road trip from Brisbane to New South Wales. A few suggestions are below. We stayed at a couple on our return journey.

  • Byron Bay
  • Ballina
  • Yamba
  • Coffs Harbour
  • Port Stephens and Nelson Bay
  • The Hunter Valley

Why you shouldn’t leave southern Spain without visiting Ronda

06/01/2023 / / 2 Comments

Planning on visiting Malaga or Seville? Read on to find out why you shouldn’t leave southern Spain without visiting Ronda.

Southern Spain is speckled with pueblo blancos (white towns). Each has its own character and it’s hard not to get caught up visiting all of them. If you’re short on time, Ronda is the one town to visit.

Why you shouldn’t leave southern Spain without visiting Ronda

We chose Ronda as our base for several days because of its point of difference from the other white villages.

Steeped in history, the city sits on two sides of a deep gorge connected by a fantastic bridge—the bridge, Puento Nuevo (new bridge) was built in 1793.

Our apartment was located in Plaza Espana next to Puento Nuevo, with an added “wow” factor. Our expansive patio looked out over the magnificent Sierra de las Nieves! The Tourist Office around the corner from our apartment armed us with a map and options on how to spend our time in the town.

Views to the Sierra de las Nieves from Ronda
Views of the Sierra de las Nieves from our apartment patio

We were fortunate to arrive on a Saturday when a free flamenco concert was being held in Ronda’s Old Town.

A summer evening in Ronda

The views from both sides of the bridge are dramatic, and it is the first place to stop to soak in the scenery before you explore the old town.

In the Old Town, we followed the sound of music down some cobblestone alleys to appear at an open-air area where the rehearsal was in progress. Moving on, we stopped in a pretty square to visit the cathedral, Santa Maria de la Mayor. An added pleasure was watching a wedding party emerge.

The plaza offers several restaurants if you’d like to eat in the quiet precinct. We opted for the low-key garden restaurant to try a few of the local dishes on offer. The food portions are large and delicious.

Back at the concert venue, we found the seats were filling up fast. Instead of sitting down with the audience, we decided to sit on the ledge above to watch people and observe. By 10:00 pm, the arena was full. Concertgoers came dressed for the occasion and the atmosphere was jovial as the concert commenced.

We left after an hour, wishing we understood the language better so we could have enjoyed the music, singing and dancing as much as the locals did.

The Cathedral was spectacularly lit up as we passed by on the way back to our apartment. At 11:30 pm. townsfolk were still out and about in droves, and the town was buzzing. Just one of the benefits of visiting in the summer months.

Things to do in incredible Ronda

Enjoy the dramatic views from Mirador Aldehuela

Mirador Aldehuela is on the Old Town side of Puento Nuevo and directly opposite Plaza Espana. We recommend that it’s one of the first things you do. The dramatic views down to the Guadelevin River flowing at the bottom of the gorge surrounded by the cliff formations are jaw-dropping.

Views of the gorge, Ronda, Spain
Views of the gorge from Mirador Aldehuela

Take in the evening views of Puento Nuevo

For another perspective of Puento Nuevo, stroll along Mirador de Aves via the pathway from Plaza Espana in the evening.

It’s a great place to linger as the sun goes down. As darkness falls and the lights around the gorge turn on, highlighting the bridge. The bridge looked spectacular, and the gorge seemed rather eery.

Puento Nuevo, Ronda at night
Puento Nuevo, Ronda at night

Take a hike in the El Tajo Gorge

Morning dawned with hot air balloons hovering over our balcony. They skimmed across the sky to hover above the gorge and valley. The views must be unique from above.

The Tourist Office recommended hiking the Molinos del Tajo route, which leads down from the Old Town into the El Tajo Gorge. This would be the best way to experience the town’s distinctive qualities. We took their recommendation and were not disappointed.

Views of Ronda's Puento Nuevo from the El Tajo Gorge
Views of Ronda’s Puento Nuevo from the El Tajo Gorge

The main path takes you to the waterfall just below the bridge with some viewpoints providing breathtaking views of the bridge. You can then walk some of the quieter paths leading further downhill to capture bridge views from different angles before circumnavigating to the other side of town towards the old Roman bridge and visiting the Arab Baths. We returned to the township via Jardines de Cuenca, and the spectacular viewpoints spread at intervals across the gardens before emerging in Plaza Espana from the other end of the Puento Nuevo.

The early morning is the perfect time to do the two-hour walk, especially if you are visiting in summer. The temperature is cool, and, at this time of the day, there are not many people on the trails. It provides a wonderful opportunity to savour the views from the lookouts and take unobstructed photos.

Step inside the Arab Baths and walk over the Roman Bridge

If you follow the walking route around to the eastern side of the town, you’ll end up at the Arab Baths.

Relatively intact, the baths provide a peek into the Moorish heritage of the town. This part of town was originally the main entrance into Ronda, and the baths sat just outside the city walls and next to the Mosque. Locals and visitors would stop to cleanse their bodies at the baths before going to the Mosque

A little further around the corner, you’ll find more another remnant of old Ronda with the Roman Bridge at the original entrance to Ronda.

The Roman Bridge, Ronda, Spain
A couple look over the Arab bath site from the old Roman Bridge

Visit the Plaza de Toros

One of the oldest in Spain, Ronda’s bullring stands as a centrepiece as you enter the Old Town. Two statues honouring two sons of the town stand at the entrance. Statues honouring two of the town’s famous matadors, a father (Antonio Ordonez) and son (Cayetano Ordonez) stand proudly at the entrance. With bullfighting falling out of favour in recent times, the bullring serves mainly as a museum these days. Bullfighting is, however, embedded in the culture of the town and once a year in September, the Plaza de Toros truly comes to life when the Feria de Pedro Romero is held along with several others in southern Spain.

The bullring, Plaza de Toros, Ronda, Spain
Ronda’s bullring, Plaza de Toros

Mirador de Ronda – scenic lookout of the gorge and mountains

A few minutes’ stroll from Plaza Espana, and through the flower gardens is another lookout to the amazing mountain ranges and the gorge. For spectacular sunset views, take a seat on the steps of the rotunda from where you can watch one of the world’s best sunsets.

Visit Setenil de las Bodegas

The small white village of Setenil de las Bodegas is a twenty-minute drive from Ronda and worth a visit whether you are staying in Ronda or just hopping from one white town to another on your way through southern Spain.

Why? Setenil is not just another white village and is unique in its own right for the town’s hilltop castle, which was once an Arab fortress. Even more, it is famous because of the village houses built into the rock and cliffside.

Setenil de las Bodegas
Dwellings built into the cliff face in Setenil de las Bodegas

The village is very popular for its culinary fare. The original houses built into the cliff are now mostly tavernas or restaurants serving the chorizo sausages that the village is famous for. We arrived in the village for a late afternoon visit to find the village still brimming with tourists.

Once you’ve had a wander around the area below, follow the steps up to a small lookout to take a seat and survey the pueblo from above. You’ll find it a great vantage point to view the castle/fortress.

Setenil de las Bodegas lookout, Ronda, Spain
Views of the castle and township from the lookout

Shopping on Carrera Espinel

Carerra Espinel is a one-kilometre pedestrian street with shopping for all budgets. However, Carrera Espinel is worth a walk down for its festive spirit. Part of the way along veer into the pretty Plaza del Socorro, where you’ll find a few dining options and the Inglesia del Sirocco. It’s a pretty square in an incredible town!

Plaza del Socorro, Ronda, Spain
Plaza del Socorro, Ronda, Spain

Our conclusion

Steeped in history and jaw-dropping scenery, Ronda was true to all that we had read about the town and the amazing photography we had seen when researching places to visit in southern Spain. Ronda did not disappoint!

You simply should not leave southern Spain without visiting Ronda!

One more thing

Looking for more pueblo blancos to visit. Click on the link below to read more.

See the unique and stunning white villages of southern Spain

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