A Short Guide to Casares | Spain’s Charming Pueblo Blanco
Looking to visit Casares in Spain’s Andalusia region? I’ve only just returned from my third trip to the pretty white village and below I’m sharing practical tips on how to visit, tours, what to see, and find the best tapas and authentic eats. Updated for 2024.
Built around a hill, Casares is a place of steep streets, where whitewashed houses start at the castle and cascade towards the valley floor.
It is a small and laidback town, made for slow wanders amongst the narrow streets and quiet moments contemplating the most spectacular hilltop views. One of Spain’s pueblos blancos, this incredibly pretty town isn’t loaded with heaps of things to do, and it won’t take you long to cover the highlights.
Yet Casares is absolutely worth visiting on a trip around Andalusia – though small, there’s heaps of lovely streets to explore, cafes to eat in, and viewpoints that make wonderful photography spots.
It’s the sort of place you’d expect visitors to flock to, yet Casares has somehow slipped under the radar of day trippers who flock instead to nearby Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas. Perhaps its the lack of ‘top sights’ that deters the tour buses; whatever the reason Casares remains authentic, quaint, and all the better for the few careful visitors who do stop here.
I first visited Casares on a road trip around southern Spain and I’ve been lucky enough to visit many times since, including on day trips from nearby Malaga and the Costa del Sol.
So, to help you plan your trip, I’m sharing the best things to do in Casares, including where to find the most picturesque views.
How to get to Casares
If you’re reading this post, you’re likely planning a trip around the pueblo blancos, or a bigger road trip around Southern Spain. Therefore, it makes sense you’ll be visiting Casares – and the wider area - by car.
In all honesty, having a car is the best way to get around if you’re looking to visit multiple villages in a day, or explore harder to reach places. This is especially true in the hilltop villages, many of which aren’t easily accessible by public transport.
The nearest airport is Malaga, and handily there are tons of direct flights from all major UK airports.
Plus, from the airport you can easily pick up a rental car for your Spain trip. Personally I recommend Discover Cars, an aggregator who’ll help you find the best deal.
Best things to do in Casares
Exploring the best things to do in Casares won’t take long, and most will be covered in a simple walk, from the bottom of town to the castle. However, don’t be in a rush to leave – these pretty little streets really are worth exploring.
1. Explore the winding streets
One of the best things to do in Casares, and this is true of all the pueblo blancos, is to simply meander along the maze of narrow streets. Compact and cute, the best way to explore is most definitely on foot.
Here, whitewashed walls lead to pretty patios and unexpected viewing platforms, beautiful street gardens and colourful doorways. Also, I find it best to explore early in the morning or during siesta, when there’s fewer people around.
2. Stop by the main plaza
One thing all Spanish towns have in common is a main square or plaza – in Casares this square is Plaza de Espana. In the middle of the square is Fuente de Carlos III, an 18th century fountain which provides fresh drinking water to this day.
Whilst around the square you’ll find cafes and plenty of opportunities for people watching whilst you enjoy a coffee with the locals. Be sure to stop by he small but pretty 17th century church of San Sebastian, just to the side of the plaza. Find the plaza here.
3. Arco Medieval Arrabal
Between the main plaza and the castle is Arco Medieval Arrabal, one of the ancient, medieval gateways into the old town. Today it’s partially whitewashed walls and grand archway are one of the clearest examples of Moorish architecture around Casares, and though small it’s one the best things to see. Find it here.
4. Castillo de Casares
Built in the 13th century, this castle was once a Moorish stronghold and defensive watchpoint. Now, the ruins of the castle are the pinnacle of a trip to Casares – all winding, narrow streets lead upwards from the plaza to the ancient castillo.
Nearby you’ll also find Iglesia de la Encarnacion, a medieval church that dates back to the 16th century.
Along the way, you’ll pass by whitewashed houses and cobbled streets, with pretty gardens and colourful patios. This little area is my favourite part of the town, with its swaying palms and leafy corners. Plus, the castle is Casares’s highest point, and the views are wonderful – be sure to stop by the viewing terrace as you head upwards.
Do however be prepared for a steep climb to the castle; comfortable shoes are advisable. Thankfully, the really excellent Bar el Castillo (here) is on hand for a much-needed cold cerveza!
Wandering through the castle, with its medieval walls and steps, is one of the best things to do in Casares - and very much worth the uphill hike. Find the castle here.
5. Spot the vultures soaring
The Andalusian mountains surrounding Casares were designated as a natural reserve in 1989.
Today, the Sierra Crestellina Natural Reserve is home to a whole host of impressive bird life, including a colony of spectacular griffon vultures. These birds of prey nest on the craggy ledges above Casares and spend their days happily gliding on the thermals, their broad wingspan an absolute delight to behold.
Keep an eye upwards, particularly when visiting the castle – they came surprisingly close at Mirador del Tajo de la Planá (here), by the castle walls.
6. Enjoy the local cuisine
El Flamenco Rosa | Admittedly there aren’t a huge number of restaurants in the centre of Casares, but one does stand out. El Flamenco Rosa, beside the main plaza, serves up excellent food alongside a solid Spanish wine selection. Loved by locals and visitors alike, reviews are excellent. Find the menu here.
El Cortijo | Also wonderful is the small but very lovely El Cortijo. Sitting above the town, it’s around a 10-minute (uphill) walk to this restaurant. A must-stop for a casual lunch or dinner, it offers an authentic Spanish menu of Andalusian dishes, including tortillas, salads, and tapas. And though the interior is quaint, you’ll want a seat on the outdoor terrace - the views over the town are stunning. Find it here.
Restaurante Sarmiento | A more formal dining option in Casares, sadly we didn’t get a chance to eat here. But the reviews are excellent and the views equally incredible. Book ahead to guarantee a table, and ask for one on the balcony. Find the menu here.
7. Celebrate at a local festival
Casares has a number of festivals, and in typical Andalusian style each are guaranteed to be a lively affair. Undoubtedly, visiting during festival is one of the best ways to experience Casares.
We unintentionally visited on Andalusia Day (held on 28 February) and found Casares in full party form; one of the largest festivals across the region, each town is decorated in the national green & white flag and local people celebrate with music and food.
It honours the day in 1980 when Andalusians voted for the region to become an autonomous community. However, Casares is particularly important for Andalusians as the founding father of the national movement, Blas Infante, was born here. Today you’ll find his name and imagery across the town, as well as a cultural museum.
You can find all the festivals in Casares here.
Where to find the best views in Casares
Unsurprisingly, for a hilltop village there are plenty of excellent viewpoints from which you can soak up (and photograph) both the gorgeous town itself, and the surrounding countryside. In Spain, these viewpoints are called miradors and tend to be natural balconies or viewing platforms.
Just be aware that routes to these miradors are steep and frequently require a leg burning slog. But I promise the views are worth it!
Mirador de la Plaza Marcelino Camacho | this viewpoint is away from the main square, but it’s the best place to see the castle above the old town. Find it here.
Mirador del Tajo de la Planá | from the back of the castle ruins, the views over the hills are special and you’re likely to see the vultures soaring. Find it here.
Mirador del Castillo | this terraced balcony overlooks Casares from above, with its white houses and terracotta roofs laid out below. Find it here.
Mirador Cancho Andares | my personal favourite, this mirador just outside of town offers an excellent view over the whole of Casares and the castle. Park up and walk a short distance uphill along a paved pathway, where a natural high point on the cliff is the perfect panoramic viewpoint. Most of the route is paved, though a short section is a little rocky. Also, if you have a drone, this is the perfect spot to fly it from. Find it here.
Nearby pueblos blancos Worth Visiting
If you’re looking to visit other pueblos blancos, these whitewashed little villages and towns are wonderful options. All are easily driveable from Casares and best strung together into a road trip:
Gaucin | this beautiful little village flies under the radar of most visitors, but is full of wonderful streets to explore. Plus, the foodie scene is wonderful. Find it a 19km / 20-minute drive from Casares.
Zaharra de la Sierra | one of the prettiest of all the pueblos blancos, built on a steep hill with gorgeous views. Find it a 93km / 1.5-hour drive from Casares.
Grazalema | this pretty mountain village is a popular base for visiting the the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, but its whitewash streets are also very much worth a wander. Find it a 80km / 1.5-hour drive from Casares.
Ronda | not a white village and significantly bigger than the traditional pueblos blancos, Ronda is still a must-visit in Andalusia. This beautiful town is packed with history including the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge. Find it 60km / 1-hour drive from Casares.
Setenil de las Bodegas | a particularly unique village set within, and under, caves of the surrounding cliffs. It’s a popular village that’s best seen early in the morning before the tour buses arrive. Find it a 76km / 1.2-hour drive from Casares.
