Guadalupe Hills
Luxury Apartments
Luxury Apartments
... October half-term and we managed to get away for a few days on our own. It was wonderful to have such lovely weather and temperatures of 25 degrees with blue skies. Being late October it was out of season for the majority of tourists and we had a sunny and relaxed break with miles of quiet beaches. ...
... Read more ... The Costa del Sol
Casares
View of Casarea village
This old village is the birthplace of the father of Andalucian nationalism, Blas Infante Perez de Vargas, who is considered to be the largest historic figure in Andalucia. However, for many, Casares is know as one of those picture postcard villages with white houses that nestle together precariously on the top, and cascade down the side of the hillside. On arrival you just have to stop and take a photo of this enchanting village set 1,400ft above sea level. It is hard to imagine that it is only about 15km from the coast. The approach has breathtaking scenery, with views of a Moorish castle and derelict church - look out for peregrine falcons and kestrels. The village is surrounded by the national parks of the Sierra Bermeia and Sierra Crestelllina.
Head for Plaza Espana, the main square, where you can sit and enjoy a drink at the pavement café before exploring the twisting arrow streets, or climbing up to discover the battlements and fortifications. The ruined church of Iglesia del la Encarmacion is worth seeing, built in 1550, but badly damaged in the civil war. Here in the main square you will see the memorial to Blas Infante, born here July 5th 1885, and executed by Franco’s own rebels at the start of the civil war. In Calle Carrera, his birth house is now a museum and tourist office. Since 1978, the historical and artistic heritage of the village has been officially protected.
There are several celebrations in Casares during the year, the main fair (Feria) of Casares is during the half of August. The first week in September is a celebration of the patron saint ‘Virgen del Rosario’, and in the middle of September is the Feria del Cristo with another the last Saturday in May.
Wander around the cobbled streets to find the small village shops with local produce, and some bars and cafes. This is unspoilt Spain, almost untouched by tourism, and seems to have been the forgotten by the coach parties. Here you can buy local pottery, weaving, leatherwork, with a market on Fridays (not a huge event though).
Roman artefacts can be seen in the small museum and numerous more finds close by. The whole village is fantastic for the photographers amongst you, a truly sleepy village that has managed to avoid the passage of time and is well worth a visit.
A little further on from Casares you will find this white Pueblo village called Gaucin.
There is a lot to see as you head into more authentic Spanish regions. These are areas that I always seek out when traveling in a new country, and Andalucia is able to suprise you with each new turn in the road.
Back to map...
Back to top
© 2010 Guadalupe Hills Holiday Apartments