Else Beekman
Ronda, one of Spain’s most picturesque towns, is set to enhance its tourism appeal with the construction of the Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo. This new suspended walkway will allow visitors to explore the dramatic cliffs of the Tajo Gorge from within.
The project is still under construction, with 20% of the work completed. However, excitement is building around this unique attraction.
Construction progress and project details
The ambitious project with a budget exceeding one million euros, involves installing a 500-metre-long hanging walkway at a height of approximately three metres. This second phase of the initiative extends from the Puente Viejo and will eventually connect with the existing path near the Puente Nuevo. Currently, visitors can only reach the base of this famous bridge but cannot cross the gorge via the new route.
Once completed, the walkway will offer an unprecedented view of Ronda’s iconic Puente Nuevo. Additionally, it will lead visitors towards the Padre Jesús neighbourhood. Along the way, the path will pass notable landmarks, including the hydroelectric dam, the entrance to the Casa del Rey Moro’s mine, and the Puente Viejo, before reaching the Puente Romano, a structure of Arab origin.
Enhancing tourism and accessibility
One of the key benefits of this project is its potential to redistribute tourist traffic in Ronda. The Ermita de San Miguel will serve as the starting point for the new walkway. Herewith, previously inaccessible areas will open to the public. Until now, visitors could only view the gorge from the top or access it by descending into the canyon.
The completion of this project is expected to relieve congestion in highly frequented areas by directing visitors towards lesser-known yet historically significant sites like Ronda’s ancient walls and the Padre Jesús neighbourhood.
A successful first constrcution phase
The first phase of the walkway has already proven popular, attracting approximately 107,000 tourists since its opening. Based on these numbers, it turns out to be the most visited attraction in Ronda. In addition to offering breathtaking views, the trail includes informative panels explaining the region’s natural and historical significance, as well as showcasing the remains of ancient mills used by the city’s inhabitants centuries ago.
The geological wonder of the Tajo Gorge
The Tajo Gorge is a natural marvel carved over millions of years by the Guadalevín River. This water stream continues to shape its rugged limestone and sandstone walls. The canyon, over 100 metres deep and 70 metres wide, has its origins in the Cenozoic Era, dating back approximately 65 million years. The constant action of water and erosion has sculpted this breathtaking landscape, culminating in the Puente Nuevo. This impressive bridge has spanned the gorge since the mid-18th century. Now, with the construction of the walkway, visitors will have the rare opportunity to explore this geological masterpiece from within, much like the river has done over time.
How to visit the Tajo Gorge Walkway in Ronda?
Residents of Ronda will be able to access the walkway free of charge. Other visitors will pay €5. The attraction will be open from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm, with the last entry allowed at 1.00 pm. In the afternoon, the walkway will be accessible from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm, with the final entry permitted at 7.00 pm.
Tickets can be purchased online at desfiladerodeltajo.info. Additionally, visitors can buy tickets by scanning a QR code, displayed in numerous establishments and points of interest throughout Ronda.