Ronda: History, Culture & Traditions
The origins of the city of Ronda are linked to the Celts, but it was not until Roman times that the city became an important hub. After a few centuries under different people, such as the Suebi, the Byzantine, the Visigoths and the Umayyad, the city became part of the Spain we know today.
The city of Ronda is known for its location over a canyon and because of its picturesque Old Town, with the New Bridge as the main sight. The architecture of Ronda is traditionally Andalusian, with white-washed houses equipped with grilles, gardens, fountains and cobbled streets. We can highlight important monuments, such as its Arab baths – the best kept in the whole of Spain, the Alameda park, the Ronda bullring, dating from 1785 and one of the oldest in the country; as well as many churches and Renaissance palaces.
Ronda, although small in size – only 35,000 inhabitants; is an important cultural centre, with different music and cinema festivals taking place every year. The Easter celebrations are very popular and attract many international visitors, as well as the city’s festivities and romerías (religious pilgrimage). The city is deeply linked to brigandage, that played an important role during the Romantic era. In the Old Town, there is a Museo del Bandolero de Ronda that is focused on showcasing the history of bandits in Ronda.
Ronda, a MICE destination
MICE & Corporate in Ronda
There is a wide variety of venues and meetings and events spaces around and near the city of Ronda. In this list, we can find hotels, the city conference centre and several unusual venues, both at the city centre and the outskirts.
There are 13 4* hotels, with a total capacity of 475 rooms; and with a maximum capacity of 280 attendees in their meetings and events’ spaces. Other singular venues located within the city, can accommodate up to 400 people in a theatre setting. However, if you are thinking of a larger crowd, events with up to 3,000 attendees can be organised only 10 minutes away from the city centre.
Ronda is a great choice for those who wish to celebrate an event in inland Andalusia, and discover a different side of our region.
Incentive travel in Ronda
Ronda is a fantastic option for all kind of incentive travel. Within 20 minutes from the city, you will have access to 15 wineries, where you could taste the delicious Ronda wines produced in the area for centuries. In these wineries, you could not only taste their wines and do pairings, but also celebrate your meeting, event or team building activity.
Another great addition for incentives is a recently refurbished organic olive oil mill. The experience includes a discovery journey amongst hundreds of olive trees, an organic orchard, vineyards and you could also harvest your own olives and take home your own olive oil. Tastings and larger events can also be organised here.
Next door we can find a first-class race track, where you could drive a Lotus, a Radical or a BMW and compete against your colleagues. A fantastic option for the adventure lovers and not for the faint-hearted!
And last, but not least, you could visit and experience first-hand how fighting bulls and horses are bred and raised. In this typical Andalusian country estate, you can also organise team building activities, as well as private lunches and dinners.
Special interest groups in Ronda
As you can see, Ronda is perfect for all visitors, given the wide range of venues and activities that can be organised. Wine tourism is a very popular option amongst all visitors, as well as gastronomy. Ronda is home to a two-starred Michelin restaurant, Bardal; and also recommends two other restaurants in town. If you are interested in knowing more about organic farming or olive oil, this is the place to come!
Sports and nature lovers will find a paradise in Ronda. The city is located between several Natural Parks, where hiking and cycling are a must. Ronda celebrates the “101 kilometres race” every year, where runners or cyclers have to complete the 101 kilometres in less than 24 hours. The Spanish Army has organised this race since 1995, and now it attracts more than 7,000 runners every year.
Team building in Ronda
Ronda, thanks to its size, location and surroundings, is ideal for team building activities. From open-air activities like canyoning, hot-air balloons, rock climbing, wine tasting, 4×4 driving and caving to a city treasure hunt where you have to escape from bandits, everything is possible. Get in touch with Meridional Events and we will be delighted to organise your corporate event in Ronda.
Golf in Ronda
Ronda itself does not have any golf courses available, due to its location and rocky landscape. However, did you know that you can get to some of Europe’s best golf courses, located at the Costa del Sol in just one hour?
Marbella and the Costa del Sol are only a short drive away, where you can enjoy the highest concentration of golf courses in Europe and play under a shining sun all year round. Costa del Sol was chosen as one of the best golf destinations in the world in 2020.
Ronda is a great option for all MICE and Corporate Events, with a wide range of possibilities, options and activities available. Get in touch with us and we will organise your dream event in Ronda.
Meridional Events is your DMC for all corporate and MICE events in Andalusia and Southern Spain. We are experts in organising corporate events, incentives, meetings, team building activities and golf holidays in Malaga, Seville, Marbella, Granada and the Costa del Sol.
The team at Meridional Events
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