Casares: what to see and how to get there
Casares is a white village in the west of Malaga province, near Estepona and Manilva and close to the border with Cadiz. Its narrow, steep streets climb between whitewashed houses towards the old castle enclosure. The municipality covers contrasting landscapes, from the rocky ridges of Sierra Crestellina and the Guadiaro valley to a small stretch of coastline at Casares Costa.
The historic centre is a designated heritage site and the birthplace of Blas Infante, a leading figure in the movement for Andalusian autonomy. You can spend your visit exploring the village and its viewpoints or combine it with a walk, a trip to the Baños de la Hedionda baths or an afternoon at the beach. When planning your route and choosing accommodation, bear in mind that Casares village and Casares Costa are separate places.
History of Casares
Archaeological finds in Sierra de la Utrera and its caves show that people lived in the Casares area in prehistoric times. Later, local communities traded with Phoenician settlements along the coast. The archaeological site of Lacipo, which developed into a town under Roman rule, is one of the municipality's main surviving links to antiquity.
According to a local legend, Julius Caesar was cured of an ailment by the waters of the Baños de la Hedionda.
The present village developed in medieval times around its fortress, which controlled routes between the coast and the Serrania de Ronda. Casares passed to the Crown of Castile in 1485, and the surrounding area was involved in the Morisco rebellions of the 16th century. The Moriscos were Muslims who had converted to Christianity and their descendants.
Blas Infante was born here in 1885. His birthplace offers an introduction to his life and the history of the movement for Andalusian autonomy.
Things to see and do in Casares
A walk through the historic centre takes in much of the village's heritage. Allow separate time for Sierra Crestellina or the area around the Baños de la Hedionda, as both are outside the village.
The castle and historic centre
- Casares Castle: remains of the medieval fortress, including walls and gateways, survive at the top of the village. The enclosure offers views towards the mountains and coast. (View the castle on the map)
- Former Church of La Encarnación: within the fortified enclosure, this church forms part of the historic buildings in the upper village.
- Casares Cemetery: its white burial niches follow the contours of the land inside the old castle enclosure. It remains a working cemetery, so please be respectful when visiting this part of the village. (View the cemetery on the map)
- Blas Infante's birthplace: on Calle Carrera, the house also accommodates the tourist office. It is a useful stop for understanding the village's connection with the Andalusian autonomy movement.
Viewpoints and walking routes
The protected natural area of Sierra Crestellina is known for its limestone ridges and colony of griffon vultures. Paths from Casares lead into this landscape, with different views of the village along the way.
- Birdwatching viewpoint: close to the village, this viewpoint overlooks the surrounding countryside and offers opportunities to watch vultures in flight. It is separate from the viewpoints along walking routes within Sierra Crestellina. (View the lookout on the map)
- Paseo de la Arquita: a walking route near the village that passes the fountain of the same name, built in 1783. (View the walk on the map)
- Puerto de las Viñas: a pass on the walking routes through Sierra Crestellina, reached from Casares via the La Arquita path. (View the pass on the map)
- Charco del Infierno: a spot among rock walls near the River Manilva. Access along the riverbed can involve negotiating uneven ground and depends on river conditions. (View the location on the map)
To choose a walk that suits your preferred distance and difficulty, consult the walking routes published by Casares Town Hall.
The Hedionda baths and cave
The Baños de la Hedionda are known for their sulphurous waters and distinctive smell. They lie near Sierra de la Utrera, close to Manilva and away from the historic centre of Casares. In high season, access to the bath building is managed through reservations and time slots. Check the visitor information for the Baños de la Hedionda before going. (View the baths on the map)
Nearby is Cueva de la Hedionda I, a cave in the La Utrera karst massif. Exploring it is a caving activity, so ask the tourist office about opportunities to visit with a specialist guide. (View the cave's location)
Festivals in Casares
- Andalusia Day: 28 February has particular significance in Blas Infante's birthplace, with official ceremonies and celebrations.
- Pilgrimage of the Virgen del Rosario del Campo: usually held on the last weekend in May, when the image of the village's patron saint is taken to her chapel beside the River Genal.
- Casares Fair: this traditional village festival takes place around the first weekend in August, with music, dancing and activities at different venues around the village.
- Chestnut roasting: on All Saints' Day, villagers traditionally gather beside the cemetery to share roasted chestnuts, a custom known as the tostón de castañas.
If you would like to visit during a celebration, check the dates and programme for that year on the town hall's festivals page.
What to eat in Casares
The local cuisine brings together dishes from the hills and the coast. In the village and at rural inns nearby, stews, kid goat and goat's cheese feature prominently.
- Gazpacho casareño: a traditional hot soup, distinct from the cold Andalusian gazpacho.
- Puchero con pringá: a dish of chickpeas, broth and meat, accompanied by pringá, the cooked meat and fat from the pot.
- Fritá de cabrito: a local fried kid goat dish. Another speciality is morcilla de chivo, a goat blood sausage.
- Sierra Crestellina cheeses: traditionally made from goat's milk.
On the coast, try pescaíto frito, or fried fish, and moruna de sardinas, a sardine dish seasoned with lemon and paprika. Sweet specialities include tortas fritas, fried pastries, and small local cakes called bizcochitos casareños, which can be served with honey or chocolate.
Golf and beaches in Casares Costa
The coastal part of the municipality has accommodation, beaches and several golf courses. It offers a different base from the inland village, although you can visit both during your stay.
- Casares Costa Golf: a 9-hole course between the coast and the village. (View Casares Costa Golf on the map)
- Finca Cortesin Golf Club: an 18-hole course within the Finca Cortesin resort. (View Finca Cortesin on the map)
- Doña Julia Golf Club: an 18-hole course with views of the Mediterranean. (View Doña Julia on the map)
- Casares Footgolf: a combination of football and golf, with the aim of kicking a football into the holes in as few shots as possible. (View Casares Footgolf on the map)
For time by the sea, Playa Ancha has a promenade and dark sand; Piedra Paloma has a designated dog-friendly area; Playa Chica is reached on foot and bordered by a cliff; and Playa de la Sal lies beside the tower of the same name. Find out more in our guide to the beaches of Casares.
How to get to Casares from Malaga
Casares village is around 100 kilometres from Malaga Airport. Journey times depend on the route and traffic along the Costa del Sol. If you are staying in Casares Costa, check the address before setting off: you will not need to drive up to the historic village.
By car
From the airport, head west along the A-7 towards Marbella and Estepona. You can also use sections of the AP-7 toll motorway. At the coastal end of Casares, take the signposted turn towards the village on the MA-8300, which climbs for around 14 kilometres. The final stretch is winding, so allow time for a steady drive.
To visit the historic centre, it is easiest to leave your car in a signposted parking area and continue on foot.
By bus and train
Avanza runs buses from Malaga Airport to Estepona. From there, you can continue to Casares village on bus route L-77, which passes through Sabinillas and Manilva. Services to Casares are infrequent, so check connections for both your outward and return journeys before planning a day trip. Consult the Avanza timetables.
Casares has no railway station. If you need to travel via Malaga city, take the local train from the airport to Málaga María Zambrano and walk to the bus station next door to continue towards Estepona. For journeys from the airport, check the bus to Estepona first, as it may save you travelling into Malaga.
Car hire and private transfers
Taxi or transfer to Casares
A private transfer takes you from the airport to your accommodation without changing transport. When booking, specify whether your destination is in Casares village or Casares Costa.
Book a taxi to Casares
Explore Casares and the surrounding area
Having a car makes it easier to combine the village with the beaches, the Baños de la Hedionda or a visit to Estepona and Manilva, without relying on bus timetables.
Car hire in Malaga*No advance payment is required and cancellation is free. We therefore recommend booking ahead to secure your vehicle and price.
Map of the route to Casares
Tourist information for Casares
The tourist office is in Blas Infante's birthplace at Calle Carrera, 51. Call +34 952 89 55 21 for information about visits, walking routes and opening hours.
The town hall is at Calle Villa, 29, and can be reached on +34 952 89 41 26. Visit the official Casares Town Hall website for events and municipal information.
Frequently asked questions about Casares
When is the best time to visit Casares?
Spring and autumn are generally good times to explore the village and go walking. In summer, you can combine your visit with the beaches of Casares Costa. For a walk through the historic centre, make the most of the early morning or late afternoon.
Should I stay in Casares village or Casares Costa?
Staying in the village puts you close to the historic centre, with its streets on your doorstep to explore on foot. Rural holiday homes nearby are another option for an inland stay. Casares Costa has apartments, hotels and villas near the sea and golf courses. Check the exact location when booking, as the village and coast are a drive apart.
Is Casares accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Slopes, steps and narrow streets can make the historic centre difficult to navigate. Playa Ancha has adapted access, but this does not mean that all routes around the municipality are accessible. Ask the tourist office about access to the specific places you would like to visit.
What can I do in Casares besides walking?
You can explore the castle enclosure, visit Blas Infante's birthplace, watch birds, go to the Baños de la Hedionda or spend a few hours at the beach. There are also golf courses and a footgolf venue in the Casares Costa area.
