Casares

Casares is a beautiful white washed town in Andalusia, more precise in the province of Malaga. The village was built on a rocky outcrop making some of the streets steep (comfortable shoes advised).

The area around Casares is known for its biodiversity and its variety of landscapes. In the area, three different natural areas can be found:
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• Sierra Bermeja, an area of volcanic origin where you find Spanish firs
• Sierra Crestellina's massif which was declared a protected natural area.
• The Duke's mountain, an area densely populated by oak, cork and Portuguese oak forests

Arriving by car? The easiest way to explore the town is by parking your car somewhere along the MA-8300 rather than driving into the town itself. As an example, there is a large car park nearby the Centro De Educacion Infatil Y Primaria Blas Infante when you enter the town from the coast. From here, a lovely wooden path brings you safely along the MA-8300 providing you with stunning views of Casares along the way.

A network of tiny streets

While walking through this pretty village, it is easy enough to get lost in the many narrow streets. But that is not necessary a bad thing. Admire the little patios and gateways, enjoy the colourful flowers,....

Calle Coperas

In the 18th century, the street was home to the Coperas Street Kitchens. The name comes from the hollows in the walls which would have been used as street kitchens. The locals would prepare cured meats, sausages and animal fat from slaughtering pigs. Historically, it has been a street where mainly vineyard owners lived.

The main plaza

Plaza de Espana is the perfect place to stop for a drink or something to eat in one of the many bars /restaurants and watch the world go by. Nearby Fuente de Carlos III, a beautiful 18th century fountain is the gathering place for the locals. Seated on the many benches enjoying the early morning sun, they share stories and tell each other the latest news.

Visit the small 17th century Church of San Sebastian as well.

Blas Infante Cultural centre

The 16th Century building is housed in the former Major church of the Incarnation which was constructed on the foundations of the Moorish fortress old mosque.
From its Islamic past still remains a part of the minaret in the bell tower.

Where the church was in ruins, the building was nicely restored and is nowadays used as a meeting point for cultural events, a library,...

The sound of church bells is part of the cultural heritage of casares. With different chimes or ringing, mass was called on special days or the town people were informed of deaths, identifying the deceased person was a woman, man or minor.
This task was last carried out by Ana Vargas Mateo, known locally as Ana "La Carla". She learned the trade in her childhood when her father was absent for a period of time. After he returned, she started her work as bell-ringer. She received financial compensation from the town hall for hourly chimes and from the church for religious chimes and from relatives when there was a death.

Castle and Arab walls

The construction of the castle dates back to the Arab-Moorish period and was the origin of the town of casares.
Built on the top of a rocky massif, you will need to climb to the highest point of the town to admire the castle and the stunning views.

The castle built was purely defensive and would have provided an early detection for impeding attackers arriving from Camp de Gibraltar, Ronda and Algeciras due to its magnificent views.
The jagged defence walls follow the cragged landscape with the main entrance point still visible in Villa Street and Arrabal street.

Inhabitants of the sky

From the castle grounds, take the time to look up to the sky and admire the many birds of prey soaring above the town.  The Lesser Kestrel, a small colonial raptor that feeds on insects and small reptiles nests in the nearby church tower.

The Griffon vulture is another inhabitant  you can see high above the town. This vulture uses the hot air to rise slowly only to come soaring down again.

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Casares, declared a Village of Historical and Artistic Importance, is absolutely worth a visit.