Hola! Welcome to Casares, a hidden gem in Andalucia. It’s a white village unknown to many travelers who visit Costa del Sol. And it’s a shame as it’s a delightful place worth exploring! Casares is a hilltop village, perched on a small hill. It offers a mix of history, stunning views, tranquility, and authentic Andalusian charm. So if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway from the crowds with scenic views, Casares is the place for you! Vamos, let us show you things to do in Casares, Spain.
Interesting fact: Casares’s origins date back to Roman times, and apparently, Julius Caesar himself ordered its construction. All because of gratitude for having healed his skin disease by the nearby waters of the Baths of La Hedionda!
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Casares, Spain FAQ
Casares is a small white village in the Province of Malaga in Andalucia, in Southern Spain. It’s located only about 15 kilometres from the coast which makes it a great day trip destination from nearby towns like Marbella, Estepona, or even Malaga. It’s also a great stopover on a road trip in Andalucia.
Of course! Casares is an off-beat path destination worth visiting for anyone who wants to experience a traditional Andalusian charm, amazing views, rich history, and peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds. Even though you won’t find dozens of things to do in Casares, you shouldn’t skip this gem while in the area.
Casares is best known for its hilltop location with whitewashed houses cascaded along the steep slopes, magnificent views over the surroundings from the top of the village, and a great spot for spotting Griffon vultures and other birds of prey. It’s also known as the birthplace of Blas Infante, a man considered the “father of Andalusia”.
Casares is only about 15 kilometers from the coast, just a short 20-minute drive to the beaches on the Costa del Sol. The closest beach is Playa de Casares, located in Casares Costa.
Things to do in Casares, Spain
Casares Old Town streets
One of the best things to do in Casares is strolling around its old town. It’s small and compact and the main attractions are located close to each other. Exploring won’t take too long and you’ll pass most places just by walking from the bottom to the top of the village. Casares is great to walk around but it’s also very steep so be prepared for that!
Quaint white houses, nice squares, some historical landmarks, magnificent viewpoints, birds of prey, restaurants, cafes… Just get lost in a maze of Casares streets and soon you’ll discover every nook and cranny of this charming village.
Among Casares Old Town, you’ll find points of interest like Plaza de España square, Casares Castle, Iglesia de San Sebastian church, Arco del Arrabal arch, Iglesia de la Encarnación church, Blas Infante birthplace, and some magnificent viewpoints. Let’s go and take a closer look.
One of Casares Tourist Offices is located in Casa Museo de Blas Infante on Calle Carrera 51. The second one is a bit outside of the village, on the main street leading to Casares – Paraje Puerto Ronda S/N. To check out their opening hours visit casares.es website.
Discover: Accommodation options in Casares
Plaza de España
Plaza de España is Casares’s main square located in the lower part of the village. It’s a vibrant place where you’ll find many locals sitting on the benches or in bars and just chatting. It’s surrounded by whitewashed buildings and in the middle there’s a late 18th-century small fountain – Fuente de Carlos III, which until this day provides fresh drinking water. Around the plaza, there are also a few cafes and restaurants.
Casa Natal de Blas Infante
Another place in Casares worth taking a quick look at is Casa Natal de Blas Infante, the birthplace and home of a famous politician who is considered the father of Andalusia – Blas Infante. It’s located in Calle Carrera (close to Plaza de Espana) and currently, it houses the Casares Tourist Office and a small museum where you can learn more about Blas Infante’s life and his impact on Andalucia. To check the opening hours visit casares.es website.
Also visit nearby: 15+ Things To Do In Estepona, Spain In One Day
Iglesia de San Sebastián
Just a few steps from Plaza de España square, on the road leading to the castle, you’ll find a small whitewashed church, Iglesia de San Sebastián. It was built in the 17th century and nowadays it’s home to the image of Our Lady of Rosario del Campo, the patron saint of Casares. If open, be sure to take a quick peek inside.
Arco del Arrabal
Arco del Arrabal is a stone archway that was a part of the fortified walls that protected the village. It’s one of the historic entrances to the castle and the arrabal – the old Moorish quarter. It’s located somewhere in the middle of the road leading from Plaza de España square to Casares Castle. Today, it’s a reminder of Casares’ rich history and a nice short stop on the way to the castle.
Also visit nearby: 10+ Things to do in Marbella, Spain
Discover more beautiful white villages in Andalusia ❤️
Castillo de Casares
The most important thing to do in Casares is a visit to the castle – Castillo de Casares. It’s located at the highest point of the village and to get there you’ll need to hike steep streets. But it’s totally worth it as it’s the most picturesque part of the village!
Castillo de Casares was built in the 13th century and once was an important Moorish stronghold and defensive watchpoint. Today the castle is mostly in ruins and what remains are the outer walls and some parts of the walls and towers.
There you’ll also find a small chapel of Ermita de la Vera Cruz, 16th century Iglesia de la Encarnación church with a Mudejar-inspired bell tower, and a small cemetery. In the castle area, you’ll also find some modern infrastructure like local houses, restaurants, or Blas Infante Cultural Center.
But the main reason why Casares Castle is a place worth visiting are the magnificent panoramic views from various viewpoints. Views over village, valleys, hills, mountains, coastal plains, and even Gibraltar or the African coast on a clear day await!
Entrance to Castillo de Casares is free and the area is open 24 hours.
Discover: Accommodation options in Casares
Viewpoint: Mirador del Tajo de la Plana
On the castle grounds, right next to Iglesia de la Encarnación church, you’ll find a stunning viewpoint – Mirador del Tajo de la Plana. From it, you can admire nearby valleys, hills, coastal areas, and… birds of prey circling over the village. Casares is a designated Natural Protected Area and a nesting site for griffon vultures.
Mirador del Tajo de la Plana is an excellent place for birdwatching and sometimes the birds come surprisingly close and even without binoculars you can get a close look. In our opinion, there is no better thing to do in Casares – and it’s free!
Also visit nearby: What To Do In Gibraltar In One Day?
Viewpoints in Casares
It wouldn’t be an overstatement that one of the best things to do in Casares is to admire the views! In the village, you’ll find a few great viewpoints with magnificent views over the surroundings. We’ve already mentioned some of them throughout the post but now let’s put them all together:
- Viewpoint Mirador del Tajo de la Plana
- Viewpoints in the Casares Castle area
- Viewpoint Mirador del Castillo
- Viewpoint Panorámica de Casares
- Viewpoint Mirador de la Plaza Marcelino Camacho
- Viewpoint Cancho Andares near Casares Visitor Reception Center (follow the paved trail behind it)
We will mark all the mentioned viewpoints on the map at the end of the post.
Beaches – Casares Costa
If after exploring Casares you’d want to relax on the beach for a while, then head to Casares Costa. It’s a coastal area located only about 15 kilometers from the village, just a short 20-minute drive. There you’ll find a nice stretch of Casares sandy beach, Playa de Casares, and a few amenities like parking or restaurants.
Book now: Dolphins Searching Sea Cruise with Drink & Snacks from Estepona
How to get to Casares, Spain?
Casares is located about 15km from Estepona, 45km from Marbella, 50km from Gibraltar, and 100km from Malaga. The most convenient way to get to Casares is by car.
Where to park in Casares?
We can recommend this free parking lot located in the upper part of the village, right next to one of the viewpoints – Panorámica de Casares. Its only downside is that the way down to Casares old town is quite steep and with many stairs.
Airports near Casares
The closest airports to Casares are located in Gibraltar (45km away) and Malaga (90km away). From them, you can reach the village by bus, but we advise you to rent a car for a faster and more pleasant journey.
For great car rental deals visit: Rentalcars
To Casares by public transport
From some places, you can get to Casares by bus, but usually it’s quite a long journey, sometimes with few stops. It looks like it’s best to first get to Estepona and then travel by bus or taxi to Casares. But still, your best and fastest bet is a car. To check the connections that might interest you, visit rome2rio.com website.
Camping Casares
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Area Autocaravanas Casares or Camping La Bella Vista might interest you. They are located in or close to the village.
Things to do in Casares, Spain – Summing up
Casares is a charming Andalusian white village, isn’t it? And the views it offers… Just wow! So it’s quite a shame that it’s yet unknown destination to many travelers. But at least for now you can explore this hidden gem in peace, and have it almost for yourself! Overall, there might not be many things to do in Casares but it’s still a place worth visiting even for a few hours. Enjoy!
Our opinion about Casares
For us, a visit to Casares was a day trip, combined with a visit to Setenil de las Bodegas, from Benalmadena Costa where we lived for a few weeks. We visited the village in mid-December and during that time it was very quiet, with just a handful of other tourists around. Exploring everything we wanted in Casares took less than 3 hours.
We liked this Andalusian white village but it didn’t make a striking impression on us. It was just right, nice and well-preserved. We’ve seen better, we’ve seen worse. What we liked most was strolling around the Castillo de Casares area and admiring magnificent panoramic views over the surroundings and watching the birds of prey circling above us. Even just for that it’s worth visiting Casares!
Also visit nearby: 20+ Most Beautiful Spanish White Villages In Andalucia
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Casares?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Casares:
Where to sleep in Casares?
La Casita del Arrabal
La Casita del Arrabal is a charming and cozy retreat nestled in the picturesque white village of Casares. This traditional Andalusian home offers a blend of rustic charm and modern comforts, perfect for a peaceful getaway. Guests can enjoy stunning mountain views, narrow cobbled streets, and easy access to nature trails and local cuisine.
La Casita de Casares
La Casita de Casares is a charming and cozy retreat nestled in the heart of the picturesque white village of Casares. This traditional Andalusian home offers a warm ambiance with rustic decor, modern comforts, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Perfect for a peaceful escape, it provides easy access to scenic hiking trails and the cultural treasures of the region.
El Hogar de Lucía
El Hogar de Lucía is a charming and cozy retreat in the picturesque village of Casares, offering a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. This beautifully decorated accommodation provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing getaway. Nestled in the heart of Casares, it allows guests to explore the stunning Andalusian countryside and nearby attractions with ease.
