I have never been to Ronda or the pueblos blancos, but that sounds like an interesting thing to do.
If you don't feel like renting a car, then I would recommend jumping on the AVE to Córdoba.
Good restaurants and a beautiful city.
We stayed at Hotel Selu, which while nothing special, was on the dividing line of the old and new parts of the city. We walked everywhere in Córdoba.
We got a good price at the Selu by using
www.hotelsspain.com. As MadridMan knows, I have no connection with this business...
Have a good trip!!