Why we love Casares
Situated between Estepona and Manilva, Casares ticks all the boxes; peaceful countryside, not too far from the beach and pretty as a picture. If you were to imagine an archetypal white hillside Spanish village it would look like Casares, a traditional white pueblo with a population of less than 3 thousand people. Most of the Costa del Sol’ white villages are chocolate box pretty but Casares steep winding streets have a special quality, that continue to enchant visitors.
What’s it like?
Firstly, you need a head for heights; Casares nestles in the hills between the Serrania de Ronda, Campo de Gibraltar and the Costa del Sol. We can honestly say that Casares lives up to its reputation; the tightly packed white houses are a delight, but there is also a surprising sense of peace. This is due to its elevated setting amongst unspoilt countryside, where the loudest noise will be birdsong or your own footsteps. You enter the town from above, which gives you a sneak preview of its layout of steep paths and higgledy paved streets lined with terraced houses with doors wide open to keep cool.
Attractions
Eating and drinking
For a small village there are a lot of eateries! You’ll find a good choice between traditional Spanish cooking, including lots of fish and seafood and a good selection of international restaurants mainly situated on the nearby coast. You’ll also find charming chiringuitos, beach bars and all of the usual international cuisine options you would expect, such as Indian, Italian, Mexican, Moroccan and much more. Of course, we have to mention the nearby luxury hotel, golf course and spa – Finca Cortesin, where you can treat yourself to a fine dining experience.
Nightlife
Casares village is not the obvious choice if you are looking for raucous nightlife. However, similar to every village and town in Spain, the bars tend to stay open until very late, and are often packed to rafters with locals at the weekend. If you are looking for something more glitzy you will need to head towards the coast.
Shopping
If you like pottering around and looking a knick-knacks and craft shops, you’ll find a cornucopia of small shops offering everything from handmade bags, shoes, wood crafts, bakers and grocery stores. If you would like a larger selection or access to Spanish chains such as Mango and Zara you will need to head to the neighbouring towns, of Estepona or Puerto Banús. There is also the option of heading over the frontier to Gibraltar in less than 30 minutes, where you can visit English shops such as M&S, Morrisons, BHS, TopShop and Next.
Sports and outdoor activities
Casares’ close proximity to the coast and the countryside lends itself perfectly to outdoor sports, including wonderful cycling and hiking trails. In keeping with the rest of the Costa del Sol, this area of the coastline offers wonderful golf courses and superb beach for water sports and swimming, plus you can head out on a jeep safari or horse riding. Of course, you can take a leisure stroll through the river valley or hillside and soak up the wonderful views spanning the coast, the neighbouring town and the sea, as far as North Africa and Gibraltar.
Golf courses in Casares
- Casares Costa Golf 9-holes, driving range and putting Green designed by Juan Carlos Martinez
- Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa 18 holes, Niklaus academy and coaching studio
- Dona Julia Golf 9-holes, driving range and putting Green designed by Juan Carlos Martinez
Beaches
Casares is an inland village so doesn’t have any beaches. However, Casares Bay can be reached in around 25 minutes, where you’ll find around 2kms of superb Blue Flag beaches; Playa Chica, Piedra Paloma and Playa Ancha.
- Playa Ancha: Located at the most westerly side of Casares where it means Manilva, close to the Marina de Casares area. Facilities include disabled toilets, showers, Red Cross medical assistance and there is a lovely promenade.
- Playa Chica: This beach has dark sand is the most sheltered of the three beaches.
- Playa de Piedra Paloma: Located to the east of Casares, this is the beach where you will find a selection of bars and restaurants. It’s popular with holiday makers but never becomes too busy.
Facts & Figures
Here is some useful information about Casares to help you make up your mind as to whether this is the place you would like to relocate or to invest in property.
Schools
Although there are only 2 schools in Casares; offering kindergarten and primary level education in Spanish. There is a wide selection of state and private schools within a reasonable distance from the village, in the neighbouring towns of Sotogrande and Estepona.
CEIP Blas Infante Casares
Puerto de la Cruz s/n.
CEIP Blas Infante Casares
C.E.I.P. Los Almendros de Secadero
Urb. Sotocolorado s/n.
C.E.I.P. Los Almendros de Secadero
I.E.S Las Viñas de Manilva
Carretera del Penoncillo
I.E.S Las Viñas de Manilva
Colegio San Jose (Estepona)
La Cala, Estepona
Colegio San Jose
Sotogrande International School
Avda. La Reserva (CA533-Km3) SN v11310 Sotogrande, San Roque
Sotogrande International School
Transport links
You will need a car to reach Casares, as buses are few and far between. You will reach it by taking the motorway or N340 coast road from Malaga.
- Distance from Malaga Airport to Casares: 93 km
- Distance from Gibraltar Airport to Casares: 41 km
Approximate times from neighbouring towns
- Malaga: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Marbella: 35 minutes.
- Estepona: 15 minutes.
- Sotogrande: 25 minutes.
- Gibraltar: 30 minutes.
- Algeciras: 50 minutes.
