Seville (Spain) to Malaga (Spain) via Ronda (Spain)
01 September 2019
El Tajo gorge and the dramatic Puente Nuevo which frames nearly every photo that you’ve ever seen of the charming town of Ronda, that’s what I wanted to see too.
All those months ago when I had mentally traced our path of transit between Sevilla and Malaga, I made sure that the way-point involved a moment in this Andalusian gem. With its position of power at the top of the Tajo gorge, standing astride the Guadalevin river, some 100mtrs below, the breathtaking arches look almost surreal, acting as the conduit between two sides of a brawny town that look to be precariously positioned on either side.
Driving out of Sevilla we were packed to the hilt. Five adults, a six month old, luggage for days and a car a little to small for its full requirements, somehow we contorted ourselves and stacked our travel cases in just the right way to be able to get going.
Having driven through Spain several times previously I was already aware as to what to expect of the countryside. In the south of Spain, the rolling hills, scorched earth and blue sky give the impression of a somewhat rugged, tough environment that wouldn’t have much to offer. Which in part may be the case, until such time you make your arrival in Ronda.
Like many well loved sites in Europe, the tourist buses, vehicles and an all sorts of nationalities dominate the streets of the town. Yet another European diamond that is being run into the ground by its weight of popularity. I understand that I don’t have the right to complain, as I’m also part of the current problem, but, there needs to be something done when places like this become overwhelmed. They simply aren’t built to handle what they’re currently putting up with, putting a strain on residents and visitors alike. With that said, the town is beautiful.
We had arrived around lunchtime and thus found a beautiful spot by Puente Nuevo to take in the stunning views of the gorge and the iconic bridge. It’s a funny thing to experience something in reality after you’ve stared at that very same thing so many times in photos online. There’s something quite visceral and satisfying when you realise one of your bucket list items. Something that I’ve had the good fortune to do quite frequently over the last 10-15 yrs.
The final part of the day saw us make our way from Ronda to Malaga.
We had rented a great little apartment right on the port in Malaga, a very short stroll from Playa la Malagueta.
Our afternoon was
spent down on the beach, giving Aiden is first toe dip in the Mediterranean and
allowing the northern ladies to capture their requisite dosage of vitamin D,
which seems to be something that’s just built into their genes. Being from
Australia I’ve my view, like that of many others of my age, has always been to
treat the sun with extreme caution. Laying out on a sunbed and absorbing rays UV
rays is always associated with risk. It’s not my jam at all. But hey, when your
days are cloudy, bleak and cold for much of the year, the desire is obvious.
