Casares, a picturesque corner in the heart of the province of Malaga, is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. This beautiful white village, steeped in history and culture, is nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Bermeja and offers visitors a unique experience on the Costa del Sol. In this post, I’ll take you on a virtual tour of Casares, revealing the highlights you can’t miss on your visit to this Andalusian gem.
Casares: A glimpse of its history
Before immersing ourselves in the wonders that Casares has to offer, it is essential to understand a little of its fascinating history. The village has roots dating back to Roman times, as evidenced by the archaeological remains found in the area. However, the Moorish influence is most prominent in its architecture and urban design, with narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses climbing the hills.
Casares Castle
We start our journey at the top of a hill, where the imposing Casares Castle stands. This fortress, which dates back to Roman times, was later enlarged and reinforced by the Arabs. From its elevated position, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the village and the Mediterranean coast. Exploring the castle is like stepping back in time and is an enriching experience for history buffs.
Church of the Incarnation
Walking down the narrow streets of Casares, we reach the Iglesia de la Encarnación, a religious building of great historical and architectural importance. Its white façade and bell tower are emblematic of Andalusian architecture. Inside, you will find an impressive baroque altarpiece and an atmosphere of serenity that invites reflection.
Plaza de España
The Plaza de España is the heart of the town, a place full of life and charm. Surrounded by bars, restaurants and local shops, it is the perfect place to sample the gastronomy of Casares and enjoy the local culture. The fountain in the centre of the square adds a touch of coolness on hot summer days.
Hiking trails in Sierra Bermeja
If you love nature and the outdoors, Casares offers you a unique opportunity to explore the Sierra Bermeja. This mountain, which rises majestically behind the village, is famous for its unique red colour due to the presence of iron-rich minerals. Here, you can embark on exciting hiking trails that take you through lush cork oak and pine forests to breathtaking panoramas of the coast and the African continent on clear days.
Hedionda Baths
A short distance from Casares, you will find the Baños de la Hedionda, a unique natural spot. These sulphurous thermal waters have healing properties and have been known since Roman times for their health and skin benefits. The setting is picturesque, surrounded by greenery and with a natural pool where you can relax and enjoy the therapeutic properties of the waters.
Nearby beaches
Despite being nestled in the mountains, Casares is not far from the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol. Just a few minutes’ drive away, you can reach golden sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, ideal for a day of sun and sea. The nearby Playa de la Sal beach, with its typical beach bar, is a perfect place to enjoy the sea breeze and the local gastronomy.
Gastronomy in Casares
Your visit to Casares would not be complete without sampling its delicious gastronomy. Try traditional dishes such as gazpacho, salmorejo, pescaíto frito (fried fish) and, of course, the famous Casares goat, an exquisite dish that reflects the culinary richness of the region.
How to get to Casares
Although there is public transport to Casares, it is ideal to hire a car in Malaga to visit this picturesque village with no timetables or restrictions.
Casares is a unique destination on the Costa del Sol that perfectly combines its rich history, stunning natural surroundings and Andalusian charm. We assure you that you won’t be disappointed!