Explore the Area Surrounding Finca Maridadi Villas
Near to Finca Maridadi Estate
Ronda, known to locals as the ‘The City of Dreams', has a fascinating history and is situated in one of the most beautiful areas of Southern Spain.
This ancient hill town straddles the extraordinary Tajo, a narrow gorge that plunges to a depth of more than 150 metres. Phoenicians, Celts, Romans and Arabs all passed through this area which was eventually reconquered from the Moors by the Catholic Monarchs.
Dusk at Ronda's magnificent tajo
The oldest part of the town, the original citadel fortress of the Moors, lies to the east of gorge, a labyrinth of winding streets with ancient mansion houses, churches and enchanting little squares. There are breathtraking vistas from many of the bars and restaurants out across the gorge to the surrounding mountains. The newer part of the town began to grow when the famous Ronda bridge was completed at the end of the 19th century. This is a bustling area of small shops, bars and restaurants and the site of Andalucia’s most famous plaza de toros.
To the east of the town is the pristine Sierra de la Nieves national park, recently declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve and just ten minutes to the west is the Grazalema Park, home to some of the most diverse flora and fauna in Spain.
A series of traditional ‘Pueblos Blancos’ (white villages) are all within easy driving distance. The walking trails and birdwatching in the Serranía de Ronda are amongst the best in Europe.
Explore the Costa del Sol and Andalucía
The golden sand beaches of the Costa del Sol are as close as 45 minutes drive from Ronda, perfect for enjoying the sun without the noise and crowded restaurants of areas filled with package holiday makers.
The Alhambra in Granada
Marbella's beautiful Casco Antigua (old town) is only an hour away and well worth taking a day trip to see. The world class shopping and museums of Marbella and Puerto Banus are easily reached, as is the marina where where some of the world's best known celebrities spend their summers.
Málaga and the Picasso Museum, the historic Alcazabar, and the biggest shopping district in the province are a little more than an hour away, though almost everyone agrees the bullring in Ronda, or the Roman ampitheatre at Acinipo are more impressive than in Málaga. Plan to spend a day in Málaga.
Of course no visit to Andalusia would be complete without taking a day trip to Granada, home of the World Heritage listed Alhambra, the palace of the Moorish Caliphs of Al-Andalus from the 12th century until the Christian reconquest in 1492. Trains from Ronda are the most relaxing form of transport to Granada, and you can even buy your entry pass to the Alhambra in Ronda, saving you time and hassle.
Córdoba's Mezquite
Córdoba and the Mezquite, the Mosque turned Cathedral with its gorgeous pink and white marble colonnades is also within easy reach of Finca Maridadi, you'll be able to enjoy seeing the cathedral, Córdoba's old town, and enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner and still have time to return for night caps on your terrace.
Last but not least, we cannot forget Sevilla and her cathedral, the third largest in the world and the largest gothic church in the world, or the history associated with Andalucía's capital city, and formerly the capital of Spain during the days of the Spanish Empire.
Approximate Distances
Nearest international airports: Malaga, Sevilla, Jerez at 90kms.
Nearest beach: San Pedro/Marbella: 50kms
Nearest ferry port: Algeciras 75kms
Nearest railway station: Ronda 10kms
Madrid is just a 4 hour train journey away
Nearest Golf Course: Los Arqueros/La Quinta at 45 minutes (and a new golf course is currently being built just outside of Ronda).