Casares Guide

Picturesque Coast

Spectacular, rural and impressively daring in its architectural makeup, the white-washed clifftop village of Casares has been a popular destination – and classic photo opportunity – for tourists for decades. 

More recently, however, a lesser-known area of the sprawling municipality has also been attracting visitors’ and homebuyers’ attention.

Property for sale in Spain, Costa del Sol

Down on the coast, several exceptional residential estates are being developed, while Finca Cortesín was the venue for the World Match Play Golf Championship in 2009, 2011 and 2012. It is also home to one of Costa del Sol’s seven Michelin-star restaurants.

But to return to the mountains…

Top European Tour action at Finca Cortesín’s renowned golf-hotel resort

Intriguing Village Life

Approach from the coastal road and you travel through some of the most picturesque countryside found anywhere on the coast. Stop the car and take a wander through the hills. That sound you hear is one of silence, interspersed with birdsong or the occasional cricket.

Once you arrive in Casares, the town actually sits below you. A quick scan of the horizon from one of the telescopic lookout points confirms all you need to know. Discovering this magnificent village is going to be an awesome experience.

The steep and unevenly-paved streets whisk you to the village's heart, taking you past plenty of front doors, many left open for cooling purposes, and allowing you an intriguing glimpse into what life is like here.

Day-Time Pursuits and Evening Pleasures

If you have the legs for it, the entire village can be seen in just a couple of hours. After your initial descent into the centre, which sits at the bottom of an impressively steep valley. Enjoying the central fountain and its neighbouring cafés and restaurants will certainly be a captivating sight. Once suitably refreshed, you can choose to:

• Continue down, to the foot of the cliff on which the village sits. 
• Head up to the peak, where wonderful views and a couple of superb restaurants await.

Relaxing in the heart of the picturesque town centre

If you climbed up, you can scramble across the remains of the former Moorish garrison fort. Take a peek into the uncannily cheery graveyard, wander over to the new church, and gaze back down. At practically any time, simply look up to see kestrels, peregrine falcons and black African vultures swooping high above you.

Then there's the views of Gibraltar and Morocco, the excellent hiking and horseback riding opportunities inland. We recommend you to visit the opulent church near the main Plaza de España, and buy a souvenir from the local craft stores, grocers and bakers.

Peaceful village life in classic white-washed Casares

Appetising Culinary Options

Casares' nightlife is not exactly legendary. However, there are several bars that stay open until late and attract plenty of locals during the weekend. Those seeking something a little livelier tend to head to the coast. Lovers of tapas will most certainly enjoy the range of options available in Casares.

Most small bars have an appetising selection. The larger restaurants on the edge of the village serve a more varied choice of sit-down a la carte meals. A couple also offering delightful al fresco seating where breathtaking views across the Mediterranean and towards northern Africa can be enjoyed.

Just picture that: an affordable meal, accompanied by fine wine and loved ones. Enjoyed atop a cliff overlooking the glistening Mediterranean. The distant yet tangibly close exotic romance of Morocco… and the dying ambers of a setting sun as it shoots towards the ocean calling time on another memorable day in Andalusia.