Ronda is situated in the northwest of Malaga, Andalucia, approximately 100km from the city of Malaga and the international airport, and 48 kilometres from the Costa del Sol. Perched high on a hillside surrounded by mountains and some of the most spectacular scenery in Spain, Ronda has a magical charm and a rich and diverse history. The city is 739m above sea level and has a population of approx. 40.000 inhabitants known as Rondeños.

Ronda has a setting which has inspired poets and writers for years, notably Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles and the Czech Poet, Rainier Maria Rilke (1875-1926), who is considered to be one of the most important poets in German and universal literature. Hemingway and Welles fell in love with the town as they studied the art of bullfighting and Hemingway based part of his famous book “For Whom the Bell Tolls” on the city of Ronda. More modern day Ronda enthusiasts include Madonna, Bob Hoskins and Isabella Rossellini who all chose to visit “El Alma de Andalucia” The Soul of Andalucia.

Ronda is a beautiful sight. The city is perhaps most famous for its amazing bridge El Puente Nuevo (the new Bridge), the symbol and soul of the city which spans the breathtaking 100m deep gorge and Guadalevin River. The bridge divides the city into two parts the older, Moorish quarter and the newer section of the town. Ronda is an extraordinary place to visit. Once a hide-out for bandits and smugglers the whole area affords a wonderful landscape and the city of Ronda has much to offer. Wander the streets at your own pace and take in the magnificent architecture, sit for a while in one of the many delightful little squares and just breathe in the atmosphere. Take a horse-drawn carriage and clip clop your way around the main tourist sights or if you are feeling a little more energetic take one of many guided walking tours, find details from the tourist office. A huge variety of activities are available such as walking, bird-watching, climbing, horse-riding, paragliding and a host of other country pursuits. For racing car enthusiasts the Ascari race track located in a beautiful valley just 8km out of Ronda and 50km from Marbella provides the opportunity for motor enthusiasts to enjoy their passion for motorsport.

The lifestyle in Ronda is fairly Spanish traditional with the cost of living and property prices much lower than on the Costas. Schools in the area of Ronda are taught in Spanish but some schools have now included in their curriculum subjects taught in English. The city has all the amenities but is not so big as to lose its charm and personality. Visit the traditional Calle la Bola for shopping, buy crafts, antiques, clothes, shoes and souvenirs. Medical treatment is generally very good in Ronda and a brand new hospital is in the process of being built which will have all the latest, most advanced equipment.

Weather in Ronda is slightly cooler in winter than on the coast and the nights can be cold but still a better temperature than in northern Spain and northern Europe. Average temperatures range from 13 degrees in December to 31 degrees in August.

The White Villages (Pueblos Blancos) have a charm of their own. Living in the Serrania tends to attract those people looking for a more relaxed pace of life whilst being at the same time only a short drive from the coast. The Serrania de Ronda is an area of natural, outstanding beauty and in the current market there are many bargains to be had in property. White village property currently offers huge reductions in price. If the white villages are not for you country houses and Spanish farmhouses (fincas) also offer amazing reductions in price and there are some super bargains (chollos) out there! If you fancy your hand at a little renovation you will find property prices about as low as they are going to get and don’t forget you can always put in an offer! Palacetes (small Palaces) make wonderful Bed and Breakfast Hotels or super family homes and a piece of Spanish history can be bought at a very competitive price. Rural Hotels provide perfect venues for natural therapy workshops, photography, art and yoga. Spanish Cortijos and country estates make superb homes for those seeking Spanish, rural country life on a grander scale. Life style property is becoming more popular as people try to escape the rat-race of their own countries. Wine-making is on the rise. More than 15 existing vineyards in the Serrania make extraordinary reds, roses and whites. Making wine is not only for professionals. Wineries often offer the opportunity for anyone to make their own bottle of wine and with a small vineyard or a few good vines you can participate in this exciting occupation and delight friends and family with your home grown wine. Vine-yard property is becoming much sought after and the Serrania de Ronda is an excellent area for wine growing with Ronda wine now considered a serious contender in the highly competitive world of wine.

Andalucia has a diverse culture and foreign residents from many different parts of the world have made it their home. I have found people to be more open, friendly and welcoming than any other place I have visited in Spain. The key to a positive change of life-style is knowledge, find out about the area, the customs and learn some basic Spanish. If you enjoy a quieter life away from the rat-race, spectacular scenery, unspoilt regions to explore, excellent food and wine at reasonable prices Ronda and the Serrania de Ronda may be the place for you. Property prices couldn’t be more competitive – it’s a buyers’ market!