Worth getting out of bed for...

Viewpoint

The best views of the plunging 100-metre-deep El Tajo gorge are from the Puente Nuevo and the Paseo de Blas Infante next to the bullring.

Arts and culture

The neoclassical bullring, where the Romero family defined modern bullfighting in the 18th century, is one of the oldest and prettiest in Spain. Visit the museum during late afternoon when there are fewer tourists in town.

Something for nothing

There are several spectacular drives through mountain scenery in the area. The roads to Grazalema, El Bosque and Setenil are some of the best.

Shopping

Options in Ronda are limited. For chic shopping, Puerto Banus on the coast is a honeypot of boutiques and super-yachts.

Daytripper

Marbella is an hour (and a world) away from the villages in the mountains. The most stylish spot on the Costa del Sol, it has been reborn as a players’ destination, with old-school glam, exclusive boutiques and unashamedly glitzy nightlife. Don’t miss the winding streets of the Old Town, where you can still feel the faint echo of the mountain hideaways.

Perfect picnic

The old Henderson railiway from Ronda is also a beautiful walking trail with many perfect picnic spots – and you can catch the train back.

Activities

The best mountain walks and off-road-vehicle routes are around the picturesque village of Grazalema. There are great views from the 1,350-metre Puerto de las Palomas (Pass of the Doves). La Fuente de la Higuera’s sister hotel, Rise, offers a range of courses, from yoga to cookery (www.rise-resort.com). Pangea offers outdoor activities, including kayaking and mountain climbing. You can cycle downhill to the coast through the Sierra de las Nieves and they will drive you back up (www.pangeacentral.com).

And

Orson Welles’ ashes were scattered here, some say inside the bullring.