Casares

Casares is a picture postcard village with a population of just three thousand and the view from the approach is definitely worth a photo.

The whole municipality has a population of about 4 000, and an area of 160 km². Most of the municipality is inland, but a little part goes all the way to the coast. Casares borders with Estepona, Manilva and Gaucín.

To say that Casares is beautiful is an understatement. Most of the white villages are beautiful but there is something very special about the sight of Casares that causes so many visitors to visit this place. It is hard to believe that this enchanting, typical village is only a short way from the hustle and bustle of the coast and somehow succeeded in avoiding the coach tour circuit.

It is best to approach the village for the first time when driving from the coast road (N340/A7) by turning inland at between Estepona and Sabinillas and head inland for about 15 km. The scenery is picturesque, so take your time or stop at Venta Garcia on the way. Suddenly you turn a bend in the road, and are treated to a spectacular view of the village with its medieval fortress on the top. This view is best in the afternoon sun.

To hire a car is the best way to get around. This is the only way to visit Casares since there is only one morning and one evening bus a day to Estepona!

The tourist office is in the village at Calle Carrera, 15. Tel: +34 952 89 55 21

THINGS TO SEE IN CASARES

Casares is a pleasant white village to stroll around. Visit Blas Infante birthplace, Iglesia de San Sebastian, near the square or climb up via Puerta Calle Arrabal, to the Castle, ruined church, Iglesia de la Encarnación now Centro Cultural Blas Infante, old cemetery.

There are a number of sign-posted (from the road) walks just outside the village that take you to the top of adjacent hills for even better views of the white village. Sierra Cristilina is a longer one and a natural area. The walk down the river valley to Manilva is also popular.

There is a 20 stall street marked in Calle Copera on Friday mornings 08.00 to 14.00.

Further afield there are beaches such as the Playa de la Sal which allows dogs and are beautiful and well kept. There are also golf courses in Casares and neighbouring towns.