Costa Del Sol Attractions (6)

Casares
Casares is one of the typical Spanish whitewashed mountain villages found in in this part of Spain. It has population of 3000 and is one of the most famous and most photographed villages.

Casares can easily approached from the A7 coastal road and my favourite route is from the N340. The journey is only 9 miles. On route stop off to look over the scenery you might spot some eagles on the way up!

As you enter the outskirts of the village you will find a car park on the right hand side of the road, (free). If you prefer drive just a few metres more and park outside a bar or restaurant.

Then you walk just a few steps to fantastic views below to the village. You can drive down into the village, (best for those less able), but if you can, walk down the steep winding steps to be treated to a close up of the lovely houses which look just like sugar cubes from a distance.

The main square is called 'Plaza de España' In the square notice the statue of Blas Infante the Andalucia Nationalist leader who was born here on July 5th 1885 and executed by Franco's own rebels at the start of the civil war. Off the square in Calle Carrera his birth house has been turned into a museum and tourist office.

Follow the narrow street next to the Virgin del Rosario chapel when you reach the top you will be 1,400 feet above sea level. Visit the old fortress. There is an old fortress. There is also a derelict church, Iglesia de la Encarnación, (currently being rejuvenated). The church remained in use the mid 1800's. and was damaged by anarchists during the Spanish Civil War. From here you are likely to spot peregrine falcons and kestrels flying around the gorge. If the weather is kind and clear you may spot the African coast and the Rock of Gibraltar.

Near the church is the Hermitage of Vera Cruz. All that is left is a domed alcove which may have been an altar room. Look out for bullet holes. During the civil war it was common to hurl the bodies of enemies into the deep gorge below. Look across the gorge to the right of Restaurant la Teraza a simple iron cross marks and remembers another civil war hurling site.

Behind the church next to the cemetery there are the interesting signs of an outdoor auditorium.

When you leave Casares, unless you want to return by the same route, go past the visitor centre and when you get to the T junction you can either turn left for Manilva and the coast, or turn right for another visit to the whitewashed village of Gauchin.

If you select the route to Manilva after 1.5K you will see a small track. This was once the main route to Jimena and San Martin. It is bumpy ride but still usable. Travel over a cattle grid and past a farm house you will eventually come to a ruins of a 30 foot high wall. This is the remains of the Iberian and Roman town of Lacipo.

If you want to stay near to Casares but in more luxury look at this link. If you wish to look further afield look at Costa Del Sol.