Located close to Marbella, Casares is a picturesque white village that often goes unnoticed by the crowds flocking to the more famous Costa del Sol destinations. I discovered this hidden gem during my road trip through the white villages near Málaga, back in October, and I’m thrilled to share its charm with you.
During autumn, I found Casares basking in the warm autumn sun, its whitewashed buildings gleaming against the backdrop of a clear blue sky. The village was refreshingly free from the crowds that often swarm more famous Andalucian destinations, allowing me to explore its winding streets and its Moorish castle at a leisurely pace.
In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through the best things to do in Casares, sharing my personal experiences and insider tips to help you make the most of your visit to this pretty pueblo blanco.
Where Is Casares and How to Get Here
Casares is located on a hillside in the province of Málaga, about 14 kilometres inland from the Mediterranean coast. It’s roughly equidistant from Málaga and Gibraltar, making it an ideal stop if you’re exploring the region.
Getting to Casares is an adventure in itself. I drove from Málaga, taking the A-7 motorway towards Algeciras and then turning off onto the MA-8300. The winding road leading up to the village offers breathtaking views of the countryside and the distant sea – a taste of the vistas to come.
If you’re relying on public transport, it’s a bit trickier but not impossible. The closest major town with good connections is Estepona. From there, you can catch a bus to Casares, though services are limited, so be sure to check the schedules in advance.
For those flying in, the nearest airport is Málaga-Costa del Sol, about an hour’s drive away. You could also fly into Gibraltar, which is slightly closer but offers fewer flight options.
As I approached Casares, the sight of its whitewashed houses clinging to the mountainside took my breath away. It’s a view that perfectly encapsulates the allure of Andalucía’s pueblos blancos, and one that made me eager to explore this charming village.
Where to Park in Casares
As I approached Casares, winding up the narrow road, I quickly realized that parking in this hillside village would be an adventure in itself. If you’re driving like I was, don’t worry – there is a large, multistorey car park outside of the village.
The main car park in Casares is located at the bottom of the hill and I highly recommend parking here and not venturing on the too-narrow streets of the village, with your rental car. It’s large and free, with plenty of space. There is an elevator that will take you to the top, at the entrance to the village.
The Best Things to Do in Casares
See the Mural in El Portal
As I walked from the car park to the main square in Casares, I stumbled upon a very pretty mural. El Portal is located on the well-known path to the Fuente Vieja (Old Fountain), where the current La Fuente Street developed in the 16th century. Interestingly, this street was previously called Calle Magistrado Infante, a name that hints at its historical importance.
What makes El Portal architecturally unique is its “algorfa” – an Andalusian architectural element reminiscent of the region’s Moorish influence. This feature allowed access to the lower floors of the houses on Calle Copera, showcasing how the village’s layout adapted to its steep terrain.
But El Portal’s history goes beyond its architecture. Until the 1960s, this passageway served a crucial economic function. It was here that the sale of fresh fish took place, brought from Sabinillas by the Gonzalez Morales brothers – Pedro, Juan, and Rafael, affectionately known as “Los Cachondos”. I could almost imagine the lively scene of villagers gathering to buy the day’s catch, the air filled with the cries of vendors and the smell of the sea.
See the Fountain Dedicated to the Women Who Used to Wash Clothes in Casares
Next to the mural, I noticed a beautiful fountain which I later found out that is a monument dedicated to a fountain dedicated to the laundresses of the village, after reading the plaque describing it.
The fountain itself is a simple stone structure, but what caught my eye was the beautiful mosaic above it. Created with small stones, the mosaic depicts a scene that encapsulates Casares: a donkey standing next to a cactus, with the silhouette of the village perched on its hill in the background. It’s a charming representation of rural Andalucian life that immediately made me smile.
But the real story here is told by the purple information plaque next to the fountain. It describes the incredibly hard work that the women of Casares undertook as laundresses. This wasn’t just a household chore; it was backbreaking labour that was crucial to the community.
According to the plaque, women would wash clothes by hand in the streams, at the Arquita fountain, in hydraulic mills, or in the basins that give Espileta Street its name. They would kneel, scrubbing against stones or inclined wooden surfaces, using “Lagarto” soap and bleach when the fabric allowed. “Brasso” blue was used to achieve a blue tone on white fabrics. These women didn’t just wash for their own families; many also provided laundry services for other households. The plaque even mentions a professional laundress named María del Río Carrasco, who washed clothes for the local doctor.
Check Out Plaza de España
As I made my way up from the parking area, I found myself in the heart of Casares – the charming Plaza de España. This square is the vibrant centre of village life and, in my opinion, the perfect place to start your exploration of Casares.
Plaza de España is everything you’d expect from an Andalucian village square, and then some. It’s not particularly large, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character. The square is framed by whitewashed buildings with their distinctive wrought-iron balconies, many adorned with colourful flower pots that add splashes of colour to the white facades.
At the centre of the plaza, there is a beautiful small fountain decorated with flowers. There are several benches around the square where I saw elderly residents chatting in the sunshine – a quintessential Spanish village scene. Around the plaza, there are a few cafes and restaurants which were all closed when I arrived – siesta time!
See Iglesia de San Sebastián
Just next to the main square, as I started climbing the road leading to the castle, I turned behind for the view and saw Iglesia de San Sebastián. Unfortunately, it was closed but I could still see its simple but pretty architecture blending it perfectly with the surroundings.
Built in the 16th century, this church is a beautiful example of Mudéjar architecture, a style that blends Islamic and Christian elements.
Walk Around the Beautiful Narrow Streets of the Village
As I meandered through Casares, I quickly realized that one of the most enchanting aspects of this white village is its network of narrow, winding streets.
These “calles típicas,” or typical streets, are a labyrinth of white-washed walls, steep staircases, and unexpected turns. Each corner I rounded seemed to reveal a new postcard-worthy view.
As I walked, I noticed how these narrow passageways offered welcome shade from the Andalucian sun, keeping the village remarkably cool even on warm days. The occasional potted plant or hanging basket of colourful flowers added splashes of colour to the white walls. To truly appreciate Casares, it’s necessary to wander these streets slowly, savouring the tranquillity, the pretty views, and even the delicate fragrances of flowers.
Cross Under Arco del Arrabal
The Arco del Arrabal is one of only two remaining main entrances to the castle that once dominated the hilltop, dating all the way back to the 13th century. As I stood before it, I couldn’t help but think at how many feet had passed under this very arch over the past 800 years – from Moorish defenders to Christian conquerors, from medieval peasants to modern-day tourists.
Approaching the arch, I was impressed by its sturdy construction. The weathered stones speak to its age, yet the structure remains solid and imposing. Passing under the arch is like stepping through a portal in time. On one side lies the more modern part of the village; on the other, the oldest part of Casares, with its narrow alley leading up towards the castle ruins.
Tip: If you want to buy a souvenir from Casares, there is a small artisan shop just under the arch. I haven’t seen any other shops around the village.
Visit the Ruins of the Arab Castillo de Casares
After a few more turns, I finally reached the ruins of the castle. I was surprised that there was no entry fee and that I could explore the place in peace. There were no other tourists around, which felt so surreal!
The castle’s origins date back to the Moorish period, likely around the 13th century, though some sources suggest it may have been built on even older Roman or Iberian foundations. From this vantage point, the defenders would have had an unobstructed view of the surrounding countryside for miles, making surprise attacks nearly impossible.
What remains of the castle today are mostly the outer walls and a few internal structures. Despite the ravages of time, these ruins still convey a sense of the fortress’s former grandeur and importance. I sat down on a bench, in one of the former chambers of the castle, and just took in the view between the ruined walls. I wondered how life would have been there, in the 13th century. What was now serene and quiet, was probably buzzing with locals, merchants, and soldiers so many centuries ago.
As I wandered through the ruins, I noticed the sweeping panoramic views in every direction. To the south, on a clear day, you can see all the way to Gibraltar and even the coast of Africa. The surrounding mountains and valleys spread out like a living map, giving me a true appreciation for Casares’ strategic position.
See the Tiny Eremita de la Vera Cruz
In one of the corners of the castle, I noticed a small chapel – Ermita de la Vera Cruz. The Chapel of the True Cross, in English, is a perfect example of how Christian architecture was often integrated into former Muslim strongholds after the Reconquista.
Take In the Views From Mirador del Tajo de la Planá
The viewpoint is at the highest point of the village and offers panoramic views over the landscape below. From here, you can see for miles in every direction, from the Mediterranean Sea to the south, all the way to the mountains of Ronda to the north. And the drop is high! Very high! The sheer limestone cliff plunges vertically for hundreds of meters.
But the views aren’t the only attraction at this mirador, as this spot is also an excellent place for birdwatching. The most popular inhabitants who take over the skies here are the griffon vulture and the lesser kestrel. Other birds you might spot include Bonelli’s Eagle, the Red-billed Chough, the Common Swift, and various types of swallows. Even if you’re not an avid birdwatcher, the sight of these birds soaring against the backdrop of the village and the distant mountains is truly spectacular.
See Iglesia de la Encarnación
Iglesia de la Encarnación is also a cultural centre and whilst I could hear music and rehearsals from inside, it wasn’t open to the public. The church stands on the grounds of the castle and offers guided visits only on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The ticket costs 3 euros and includes entrance to the Casa Natal de Blas Infante, which is in the village. Blas Infante was a very important politician, known also as “The father of Andalucia” because of his fight to create an independent and autonomous Andalucia.
See the Cemetery
Another very interesting place, on the grounds of the castle, is the local cemetery. It’s a very peaceful place full of flowers, with beautiful vistas. The cemetery is very different from any similar ones I’ve seen before and it’s definitely worth a visit.
Take a Photo With the Kiss Me in Casares Sign
One of the most interesting things to do in Casares is to find the little hidden patio and take a photo with the “Kiss me in Casares sign”. I have to admit that it took me a while to find it, even if there are signs pointing in its direction. This is because the patio is very small, behind a closed door. But don’t worry, the gate is not locked and you can get in. There is even a stand to put your phone on to take the photo if you are travelling by yourself, as I was.
For more similar articles, check out my recommendations below:
- The best day trips from Marbella
- The best things to do in Gaucin
- The best things to do in Mijas Pueblo
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