Casares is a charming village in the province of Malaga, in southern Spain. It is located on the border with the province of Cadiz, in the region of the Costa del Sol Occidental. Casares is the epitome of the white Andalusian village: narrow, steep and winding streets and whitewashed houses. It is also the birthplace of Blas Infante, considered the Father of the Andalusian Homeland.
CASARES INFORMATION
History | Festivities | Sights | Gastronomy | Useful Information
History
Casares is a town with a rich and fascinating history that goes back to ancient times. According to legend, it was Julius Caesar who founded Casares, after he cured his skin condition by bathing in the sulphurous and alkaline-magnetic waters of the thermal baths of “La Hedionda”. These baths are still in use today and attract many visitors who seek their healing properties.
The current town centre has an Arabic origin, as it was part of the Muslim territory until the Christian reconquest in 1485. You can still admire the remains of a fortress that stands at more than 400 metres above sea level, offering stunning views of the surroundings. [See photos]
Casares also played a significant role in the resistance against the French invasion in 1810, as it was one of the few places that the French could not conquer, along with Cádiz. The bravery and determination of its people are still remembered and celebrated today.
Sights
Casares is a destination that offers something for everyone who wants to discover its natural beauty, cultural heritage and gastronomy. You can explore the diverse landscapes of the region, from the rugged and stunning scenery of the Serrania in the Pico de los Reales, where you can enjoy hiking, biking or birdwatching, to the fertile plains of the Guadiaro Valley, where you can see orchards and cereals growing, to the small strip of coast with beaches and golf courses, where you can relax and have fun. The village itself has many attractions and places of interest, such as:
- The ruins of the Castle, which date back to the 13th century and offer panoramic views of the surroundings. [Locate on the map]
- The Church of the Incarnation, which was built in the 16th century and has a beautiful Mudejar tower. [Locate on the map]
- The Hedionda Caves, which are famous for their sulphurous waters that have healing properties. [Locate on the map]
Casares is a place where you can experience history, culture and nature in a unique way.
Festivities
The principal fair in Casares is celebrated in August. It is worthwhile noting the romería to “La Virgen del Rosario”, the fair of September dedicated to “Ntra. Sra. De la Virgen del Rosario del Campo”, also in September:
Cultural Summer
Enjoy a variety of cultural shows every Friday night at the Rosario Gardens amphitheater. You will find music, theater and dance performances of different genres and styles: classical, flamenco, jazz, rock, folklore and more.
This event takes place in July.
La Noche en Vela
Experience a magical night in Casares, where the town is illuminated with candles and filled with activities and entertainment. You can sample local cuisine, browse the night market, listen to live music, join workshops and play games with your children.
This event takes place on July 1.
Casares Fair
Have fun at the main fair of the town, celebrated in the historic center. You can visit the booths, attractions, music and dances in La Carrera and Plaza de España. It is a traditional and family-friendly fair.
This event takes place on the first weekend of August.
Secadero Fair
Participate in a smaller fair, but with a lot of neighborhood involvement. You can see a parade, coronation, float contest, popular dance and fireworks.
This event takes place on the penultimate weekend of July.
Casares Costa Velada
Celebrate a beach party with children’s activities and live music. You can enjoy inflatables, foam party, popular games, sandcastle contest and live music.
This event takes place on August 15.
Patron Saint’s Day
Honor the Virgen del Rosario del Campo, the patron saint of Casares. You can witness a transfer of the image, mass, presentation of the casareñitos and procession through the town with band and rockets.
This event takes place on the second weekend of September.
Tostón and Halloween
Combine the chestnut roast next to the cemetery with the celebration of Halloween. On the Coast and in Secadero there are costumes, candies, horror stories and mobile disco.
This event takes place on October 31.
Gastronomy
Casares is a place where you can taste two different cuisines: the mountain and the seaside ones. Depending on where you go, you will find dishes that will delight your palate and fill your stomach. Let me give you some examples.
If you head to the village of Casares, you should try the “pringá”, a complete dish that consists of a soup, chickpeas, pork and bacon. It’s a hearty meal that will keep you warm and satisfied. Another option is the fried kid, an animal that also produces the popular black pudding that can be eaten with bread or in a stew.
If you visit Casares in summer, you can enjoy the exquisite gazpacho, so typical of southern Spain. It’s a refreshing drink that is easy to get used to during the hot days. Don’t forget to try the artisanal cheeses and the bread baked in the oven with red lard.
For the beach days or if you decide to visit the coast, Casares is famous for its fried fish, as well as the whole Costa del Sol. If you want to try something typical of Casares, you should order the sardine moruna.
For dessert, you can choose between the fried cakes and the biscuits. If you decide to try any of these dishes, don’t forget to tell us what you think.
Useful Information
Local Holidays : The main fair takes place during the first two weeks of August, the Feria de la Virgen del Rosario at the beginning of September; and the Feria del Cristo in mid-September.
Distance from Malaga Airport: 96km. Exit the A-7 at km 146.
Town Hall : 952-894-056
How to get to Casares
One of the best ways to get to Casares from Malaga airport is by car. You can rent a car in Malaga and enjoy the scenic drive along the coast or the fast route through the mountains.
Depending on your preference, you can choose between two roads: the AP-7 or the A-7. The AP-7 is a paid highway that takes you straight to Casares in about an hour, but you have to pay around 10 euros for the toll. The A-7 is a free road that follows the coastline, but it has more traffic and it takes you about 20 minutes more.
In both cases, you have to leave the road at exit 153 and follow the signs to Casares on the MA-8300.