The beautiful village of Casarabonela is located in the north west area of the Guadalhorce Valley , and is just 48km from Malaga. The village is a perfect example of the traditional white washed villages that can be seen across Andalucia.
The landscape surrounding the village is dominated by the magnificent Alcaparaín (1,200 metres) and Prieta (1,521 metres) mountain ranges which provides a stunning backdrop to the village which blends beautifully with the olive groves and the grain fields.

There is evidence surrounding the village that shows that there were settlements here during Neolithic times but it was during the Roman era that the town began to really grow. It is located one of the main routes from Malaga to Ronda and the most important remains in and around the village come from this era.

Like many of the villages and towns in Andalucia, the moors left their mark on the village and many of the impressive structures that can be found in the village today date from the Moorish times. The moors are also reasonable for the name of the village naming it Csar Bonaira (Palace of Bonaira), which the Christians changed into Casarabonela when they took control of the village in the 16^th century

Thearchitecture of the village shows a wonderful blend of Moorish and Christian influences , the streets are narrow and maze like which is the traditional Moorish style while many of the buildings are a mix of Arabic and Christian in style

One of the most impressive buildings in the village is the Santiago Church, which was built by the Christians in the 16^th Century on the site of a mosque. It is a stunning example of late gothic style >The church is worth a visit for its impressive interior and especially the altarpiece which was built by Rafael Ruiz Liébana. The Choir room is also well worth the visit. and the church also houses a wonderful painted wooden carving from the eighteenth century of the Virgen del Rosario (Virgin of the Rosary,. The Church is located at the highest point of the village.

In front of the Church you will find the ruins of the Arabic castle that the moors built on the site of the original Roman Fortress. There is still part of the four towers and sections of the wall here and due to its location it provides a great vantage point to view the village and the surrounding countryside

Other places of interest include the Veracruz hermitage which houses the Virgen de los Rondales which is decorated with gesso artwork and past that you will find the Molino de los Mizos (Los Mizos mill), a traditional nineteenth century oil mill that still has all its gear and tools

Not far from the actual village you can visit an ancient medieval village archaeological site known as Los Villares. The spring in the Fuente Quebrada Cave, the La Yesera cave, the little El Chorredón waterfall and the La Jácara chasm are natural spaces that are well worth a visit

The last week of July is a great time to visit the village as this is when they hold fair in The fair in the last week of July in honor of Santiago Apóstol (the Apostle Saint James) .The local people decorate the village streets and partake in verbenas (traditional street parties) and various performances, both popular and traditional,

On the 7^th October the village holds The Virgen del Rosario (Virgin of the Rosary) pilgrimage

Early May (3 May) sees the fiesta of La Cruz (the Cross).

The Virgen de los Rondeles festivities are special, having been designated a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest in Andalusia, and this takes place on the 12^th December

The Virgen de los Rondeles festivities (12 December) are obviously special, having been designated a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest in Andalusia,.

Tourist Information: Tourist Office, Calle Real, 5 (29566). Telephone: 952 456 067