Places
Casares was a place of settlement for prehistoric man
The location of the municipality as a gateway between the entrance to the Serranía de Ronda and near the Strait of Gibraltar, made it a strategic place from a defensive point of view. This circumstance made it possible for different settlers to settle in its territory.
The Phoenicians settled in the most appropriate areas to maintain trade from the coast with the inland villages.
Casares played a prominent role in the rebellion of the Moors and also put up significant resistance during the French invasion two centuries later. The Napoleonic troops, in fact, failed to subdue the town. Casares is said to come from “Caesar” (“Cesar”).
Casares is the town where Blas Infante was born. He was the driving force behind the autonomy of Andalusia, the creator of the anthem and the flag of the region. In his memory, every 28 February a wreath is laid in front of his bust and the Andalusian Anthem is played by the Andalusian Band.
The municipality of Casares has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site, and still preserves the best of all the civilisations that have passed through it. It is worth mentioning the Castle of Casares, whose Arab origin is clear to see.
Casares has two well defined areas, Casares village, with all its charm of an inland village and Casares coast, with its wonderful beaches that takes you to a paradisiacal place for its nature.
Casares offers two types of gastronomy: that of the mountains and that of the coast. Of the former, the most outstanding dishes are the “pringá” stews, the stew with kid blood sausage, the gazpacho casareño and the goat’s milk cheeses from the Sierra Crestellina.
From the coast, the fried fish and the moruna de sardinas, a kind of marinade seasoned with lemon and paprika, are worthy of note.
In Casares costa we can enjoy its wide beach and visit the traditional Moorish mills that harnessed the energy of the waters of the stream or the river Manilva.
In addition, in the municipality of Casares we have 2 km of coastline and three golf courses of the highest level, for lovers of this sport.
– The Casares Costa Golf consists of 9 holes with a large expanse of Mediterranean vegetation.
– The Doña Julia Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course with splendid views of the Mediterranean Sea and the African coast. It offers courses adapted for both experienced and novice players.
– Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa is considered one of the best golf courses in Spain. The prestigious publication Golf Digest recognised it as one of the best golf courses in Spain.
PLACES WE RECOMMEND VISITING
– The Casa Natal Blas Infante, who is considered the father of the Andalusian homeland. Its halls house temporary exhibitions with works by local artists. In this building there is a tourist office.
– Casares Castle is situated in the highest part of the village. The view from the castle stretches from the Serranía de Ronda to the bay of Algeciras. Some towers are still preserved, two gates known as the Arrabal and Arcos de la Villa, where the Museum of Ethnohistory is located. Let us not forget that part of the wall also remains.
– The church of La Encarnación, whose origins date back to the end of the 16th century, is worth another visit for its Mudejar-influenced bell tower and its back courtyard, which belonged to the former convent.
– The hermitage of San Sebastián, built in the 17th century, houses the image of Nuestra Señora del Rosario del Campo, patron saint of Casares.
Outside the centre of Casares, we would like to point out
– The remains of the Roman city of Lacipo, in the area known as El Torreón, which is practically a watchtower on an important route of penetration from the coast to the interior in Roman times. This strategic location makes it an important enclave for the dominion, which controlled the entrance route from the valley to the internal area of the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga, and, as a consequence, controlled part of both provinces.
– Sierra Crestellina Natural Site, declared a Protected Natural Site in 1989. In this area nature lovers will have the opportunity to enjoy endangered species of flora and breeding colonies of griffon vultures and Bonelli’s eagles.
– Paraje Natural de los Reales de Sierra Bermeja, which Casares shares with Estepona and Genalguacil. Declared a protected natural area, it has a total of 1,236 hectares, in which the Spanish fir is the main protagonist.
– The sulphurous Roman Baths of La Hedionda are another of Casares’ attractions that have been preserved for use many centuries later. Numerous people flock to these baths every day to enjoy the sulphurous waters and apply mud when starting or finishing a route along some of the trails in the area.
– The Gran Senda de Málaga: Genalguacil – Casares and Casares – Estepona, if you want to walk in the open air and enjoy this fantastic landscape.
