50km - 1 hour

White Village of Casares

From Guacin to the coast road is around twenty-six kilometres. The road drops fist down to the River Genal where the children swim in the summer. Then climbs back up again skirting Sierra Bermeja on the left. Approximately half way, watch for a sign to Casares on your left. It's clearly market but if you reach the sea, you've gone too far! It's worth returning for.

Casares is a picture postcard village with a population of just three thousand and the view from the approach is definitely worth a photo. There are the sugar cubes again, piled precariously high and just nudging the battlements of an Arab caste. It is hard to believe that this enchanting, typical village is only nine miles from the hustle and bustle of the coast and somehow succeeded in avoiding the coach tour circuit.

There is plenty of parking on the outskirts of the village, but be ready to climb, the narrow streets weave and climb surrounding the central plaza with its small bars and central fountain. Keep climbing and eventually you will have reached the top of the town of some 1,400 feet above sea level. There is an old fortress here and a derelict church, as well as a marvelous view. Watch for peregrine falcons and kestrels and, on a clear day, you will be able to spy the African coast with the Rock of Gibraltar looming craggily in the foreground.

To continues on to Estepona directly keep driving past Casares. For Casares to Manilva turn round and back to the T junction. Left for Manilva right for Casares.

top of page