Saturday, June 20, 2009

A Brief Guide to Casares

If you want to enjoy the year-round sun of the Costa del Sol but would rather stay or live somewhere with a bit more tranquility, then we highly recommend Casares as it will offer you everything you could possibly need. This delightful town is the jewel in the crown of the sunny south of Spain, and makes the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing break or to move to permanently.

Overview

There are not many places that can match Casares for beauty, and this is indeed one of its most appealing charms. The south of Spain is a beautiful area in itself, but Casares is exceptional. It is made up almost entirely of small white houses, so looking upon it from a distance the entire town looks like one big, white splash on the hillside.

As well as its beauty, Casares is also known for its tranquility. Nestled up away from the coast, people come here not for sea and sand but for a break and to get away from it all in the pure mountain air, to walk and to take life easier without the constant presence of other tourists. Casares is a place to get away from it all, pure and simple, with plenty to offer both tourists and residents throughout the year.

Things To See and Do

People do not generally go to Casares because they want lots of activities to do, and it is more often than not the laid-back nature of the town and the tranquility that is the major attraction. Nevertheless, there are plenty of things that will be of interest should you pass through or indeed should you move here permanently.

The Plaza de EspaƱa is a lovely square surrounded by a few restaurants, and also contains a quaint little fountain that provides pure drinking water. This is located at the very centre of the town and is easy to find, and you may want to eat an outside meal here in the evening.

The Ethnographic Museum is another interesting activity for history buffs and those who would like to find out about the long and varied history of the town and the region. Here you will find some fascinating Roman remains and it is certainly worth a look in.

Historical Sites Of Interest

Casares enjoys a long and eventful history. It has both Roman roots and an important Moorish heritage, and this is most clearly evident in the buildings and ancient historical sites that can be found throughout the town.

The most important of these is by far the castle. It is found in a prominent position right at the top of the hill on which the town is settled, dominating the skyline and visible from practically anywhere. It will cost you a bit of effort to get to the top as the way is quite steep, but the route is in itself a good excuse to walk through the tiny streets of the town and discover new and previously unknown treasures. And when you reach the top the view is well worth the walk.

The castle is not a lot more than a ruin, it has to be said, but seeing as you have gone all the way to the top you will certainly get your money’s worth as you will also find a delightful church, the Iglesia de Encarnacion, which was built in the 16th century.

Eating and Drinking

Although you won’t get the range of choice that you might find in other larger locations along the Costa del Sol, you will still be able to find a number of quaint little bars and restaurants situated throughout Casares. There are a number of different types of cuisine on offer, and the peaceful surroundings are perfect for enjoying a drink in the evening.

Beaches

You won’t find much in the way of beaches in Casares, which is no surprise seeing as it is a mountain settlement. But beaches and the Costa del Sol go together, and so you won’t have to travel far to find a good beach or two. Playa Ancha is not far away and is everything that you could want from a beach, including white sand, blue seas and numerous activities. A day trip, or even a morning or afternoon trip, is not hard to arrange.

Surrounding Area

One of the joys of Casares is that it is in such a fabulous location. Although nestled away in the mountains, the Costa del Sol is all around, and with your own transport there is nothing to stop you exploring the surrounding attractions that southern Spain has to offer.

You won’t have to drive far to another similar town, Gaucin, also made up of all-white houses and boasting more stunning scenery. And the beaches of the Sabinillas also provide a variety of different options.

If you have a car then you can get to Gibraltar Airport in just an hour, and Malaga Airport in under two, meaning international travel is right on your doorstep.

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