Roundabouts and Croquettes: Ronda to Cadiz

Breakfast with a View (and a Bark)

Our day started, as always, with breakfast – this time joined by Aron and Fernando. Achilles stayed in the room, though his bark followed us as they left. The breakfast spot had a perfect view of the bridge, gorge, and town. We mapped out our day over food: a short hike down the hill to the old bridges and waterfall, then a road trip to Cadiz.

The Helmet Hike

We set off around 10am, the path entrance just a short way uphill. The descent was easy and peaceful, and we paid €5 each for the next section, which included helmets. You walked under looming rock walls with only a few nets and some very questionable supports between you and gravity. Ignore the fact that there was still about 2-3 metres of rock hanging over the walking path that wasn’t covered. Also ignore the fact that in a few spots the supports holding up the net were drilled into some small boulders that looked like they would jump out at any stage. Sadly, the under-bridge path was closed for maintenance, but the climb back up to the viewing terrace rewarded us with sweeping views.

The next part, the walk up the winding path and long steps towards the top of the hill, was our next challenge. It was starting to warm up so we stopped twice along the way to have a bit of a drink, catch our breath and continue on. Finally reaching the top we slowly walked back to our hotel to check out.

Packing, Parking and Parting Ways

After the climb, we returned to pack and check out. Fernando and Aron handled the talking; we nodded along. Bags were left at the hotel for a smoother car pickup. The walk to the car was far less painful than the day before. Even the woman who had parked across our line gave us a memorable farewell glare. We said goodbye to Fernando and Achilles, who headed back to Granada, while Aron joined us for the ride to Cadiz.

Navigating Narrow Streets and Roundabout Regrets

The car park exit was brutal – how we didn’t scrape something remains a mystery. The crowds on the bridge had ballooned from ten to a hundred people. There was also a large group heading up the road where I needed to drive to get to the hotel – surely they would hear the car. Ros suggested I “rev” it – I thought about it, but didn’t want to accidently have my foot off the brake.

Our bags were unguarded in the foyer, and no staff were in sight, so we grabbed them and took off. Having driven those streets once before, I was a bit more confident. Still, I ignored Aron’s directions in favour of Ros’s, which sent us down a rabbit warren of narrow streets. Then I missed a roundabout exit and ended up following an ambulance to the hospital. Classic. Missed another exit later and learned that in Spain, cutting across three lanes is apparently just fine.

Heat, Hills and Hesitant Overtakes

The 90-minute drive had it all: slow traffic, a rogue driver straddling the centre line, and an underpowered car. I tried to overtake two cars going uphill and heard a panicked chorus of “pull in, pull in, pull in!” from my passengers. I did. Oncoming traffic passed moments later. Nothing serious, but enough adrenaline for the day.

Parking Rules: Wide Lines or No Deal

Ros and Aron coordinated parking options. My only rule? No tight corners. They found a good one with big, clearly marked spaces. The only thing here though was the entrance – Ros and Aron were getting sent to different entrances. I chose the one Ros had on the right side of the road instead of the one going through the old town. The entrance was a bit tricky, but it worked. Bags in hand, we wandered to the hotel.

Dark Interiors, Bright Views

Our hotel was quirky and dark inside, but the rooms were great. Mod-cons galore and a view over the square and Cathedral. Aron was one floor below us. Achilles had a mat laid out, with a chew toy with his name on it – bittersweet, since he was already en route to Granada, as Aron was still feeling unwell. The room was nice overlooking the square, our room had soundproofing but Aron advised that on the first night he was awoken to the sound of crashing bottles as the garbage was collected around 2am.

Croquettes and Poolside Pizza

We went up to the pool deck for lunch and ordered modestly. We were used to small portions of tapas and so ordered two plates of croquettes and a pizza, expecting it to be tiny. It was anything but. There were 20 croquettes in total and a huge pizza. The heat hit 35°C, but with cold drinks and shade, it was bliss.

Evening Wanders and Sandwich Wins

After a siesta, we explored a street suggested by the hotel staff. Everything seemed to be a 500metre / 5 minute walk from the hotel. Everyone seemed to coming back from the beach, chairs and eskies in hand. We stopped for sandwiches – chicken, ham, Jamon and club. The chicken was the standout. Then it was a gentle walk back through the local buzz to the hotel. Music, relaxation, and sleep followed.