If the hustle and bustle of the coastal resorts is not your thing or you just want a break from the sun, sea and sand, one of Spain’s white villages which is definitely worth a visit is the picturesque Casares.

This special little village is located about 15km from the coast in the province of Malaga, and is best to approach the village from the Coast Road (N340/A7) by turning inland at Km 147 near Torre de la sol on the road between Estepona and Sabinillias .It is best to take the drive up slowly and take in the stunning scenery and then as you turn a bend in the road you get a outstanding view of the village and its medieval fortress.

The village has a small population of around 4000 though this can be as high as 6000 with the semi - permanent residents and even though more and more people are discovering the hidden beauty of Casares, the village has still managed to retain its rustic charm.

It is best to park your car on the outskirts of the village and head down to the village on foot along one of the footpaths that lead into the village. Once in the village head for the main town square (Plaza De España) where many of the main tourist sites can be found including the statue of one of the most important figures in modern Andalucian history Nationalist leader Blas Infante seen as the founder of the autonomous state Andalusia. who was born here on July 5th 1885 and was executed by Franco’s own rebels at the start of Civil War. Just off the Square in Calle Carrera you will find his birth house which is now a museum gives an overview of his life and shows his original study and organizes exhibitions of Andalusian artists. Also located here is the tourist office for the village and the surrounding area. It is open Mon.-Fri. from 11 h. to 14:30 h. and from 16 h. to 18:30 h.
Saturdays from 11 h. to 16 h.
Here you will also find the Fountain Carlos III in the centre of the square which dates from 1785 and here you can get a refreshing drink of water from the Sierra and the Iglesia de San Sebastián, a sweet little 17th century church that was reformed after the civil war. The actual church consists of one chamber and gives place to the image of the villages patroness La Virgen Rosario del Campo.

Heading along the road adjacent to the Virgin del Rosario chapel visitors can climb the hill to the top of the town where at a breathtaking 1,400 feet above sea level you will find the old fortress and a derelict church plus you will benefit from a outstanding view of the village and beyond including on a clear day been able to see the Rock of Gibraltar and further in the distance the African Coast .There are two ways you can enter these fortifications, so you can take a circular journey. One is an enclosed passageway while the other resembles some kind of formal gate. The base of the walls is certainly Moorish but everything shoulder height or higher dates from after 1500. The ruined church, Iglesia de la Encarnación was built in 1505, when Spain had been free from the Moros for a number of years. It remained in use until 1845, and the building was badly damaged by anarchists during the Civil War of although today it is locked and deserted.

Near the church is the Hermitage of Vera Cruz. The most striking thing for the visitor, excepting its lack of protection, children on mini scooters and washing out to dry, is the large domed alcove which may have been an altar room. Three of it four walls are still standing and there are pitted here and there bullet holes. During the savagery of the civil war when the church was reduced to ruins it was common for factions to dispose of their enemies by hurling them in time honored fashion into the deep gorge below. Behind the church next to the cemetery there are the interesting signs of an outdoor auditorium. A modern day amphitheatre. Although it is rare to see a production here .The beautifully kept cemetery is stunning but is no longer used for burials .Located next to one of the old fortress gates is the Etno Historical Museum which going back to Neolitic times gives a nice overview of the lives of former inhabitants of Casares. Opening hours: Mon.-Fri. from 11 h. to 14:30 h. and from 16 h. to 18:30 h.,Saturdays from 11 h. to 16 h.

For the more active visitors this little village is a great base from which to explore the area by foot with a good selection of 10 walks are signposted by the town hall and you at the tourist office you can pick up a brochure in which the routes are described.

A good website is available for the town in English and can be viewed here, it has more details about this little white village that has so much to offer