There are around 90 paradors scattered all over Spain and can be found in the most privileged locations such as Castles, Palaces, Fortresses, Convents, Monasteries and other historic buildings. 

One of these unique paradors is located in the centre of Ronda, located some 60 kms north west from Marbella on the Costa del Sol. It was formerly the cities Town Hall and is located right next to the Puente Nuevo, one of Southern Spains most visited national monuments, and if you visit Ronda you will immediately understand why it is such a popular destination for visitors to the area. 

The views out from the hotels are stunning, specially if your room looks directly down to the bottom of the gorge some 120 meters below.

Local cuisine is always on offer et every Parador around Spain and this one is no exception, here you will find quality elaborated dishes such as ajo blanco a cold garlic soup, Conejo a la Rodea a rabbit and almond soup, one of my favourites is Salmorejo a thicker type of Gaspacho soup topped off with local olive oil and cured jam.

And for those of you with a sweet tooth you must try "Yemas Rondenas" (sweet egg yolk flans) these are very addictive, "Queso de Almendras" (almonds and cheese) and ), "Tortitas de Miel"

( large honey biscuits ).

If you like exploring every nook and cranny of historic towns on foot, then Ronda is for you. Apart from the Puente Nuevo there is a long list of must visit places around Ronda including the bullring, the Cathedral, the Minaret of San Sebastian, Mondragon Palace, the prehistoric paintings of the Pileta cave, Arabic Baths, Museo Lara and the mercadillo quarter of the town. And for something different why not walk down ( and up again !) the 365 steps of the Mina stairway which was cut by the Christian slaves in the fourteenth century.

The Ronda Parador offers private balconies in each of the 78 rooms available , many offering views of the surrounding mountains.