Seven things not to miss this summer during a visit to Casares

Its territory includes sea and mountains, ancient fortresses, and even a spa with sulfurous waters. It's impossible to get bored on a summer getaway to Casares because there are many and varied plans. The so-called 'hanging village', where Blas Infante was born, is a luxury for the five senses as soon as the summer season arrives.

Canuto de la Utrera

A tour through the southernmost karst in Europe

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It is reminiscent of the Torcal de Antequera for its eroded rocks and lush vegetation, but in this case, it is important to add that what is visited is a narrow pass, making the journey even more thrilling.

This visit can only be made between July and November, as the passage is restricted for the rest of the year due to the nesting of birds such as the griffon vulture. This bird can be seen relatively close when approached stealthily. It is advisable to make this incursion (from the road that connects Manilva with Gaucín) early in the morning.

Baños de la Hedionda

A secluded spa with sulfurous waters

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This can be a complementary plan to the previous one, as the end of the Canuto de la Utrera connects with the path to the Baths, but it can also be done independently. To do this, access is from the coast of Manilva. In any case, it is important to note that between June and September, it is necessary to book access in advance, which is free, through the Casares Tourism website.

In this way, the aim is to preserve a unique place, not only for its valuable sulfurous waters, suitable for some skin conditions, but also as a spa with a lot of history. There are even legends linking it to Julius Caesar.

A day at the beach

Swimming in crystal-clear waters under the gaze of the Torre de la Sal

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Casares is one of the towns on the Costa del Sol that has its main urban area inland, but it has a coastal strip.

Its coast, just two kilometers long, is not as well-known as those of other neighboring municipalities, but it is quieter and offers equally beautiful spots for swimming in the middle of summer, such as the area around the Torre de la Sal, a spectacular watchtower that is even said to have been part of a castle. In a more rugged, but spectacular area, Casares also has a stretch of the Malaga Coastal Path with a special charm.

Alcazaba ViveLagoon

A different day at a large artificial lake

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In addition to being able to swim in the sea or in the Baños de la Utrera, in recent summers another alternative has been added, although, in this case, it is artificial. It is the large lake of fourteen thousand square meters located between the beach and the mountain.

This place, which is accessed by prior reservation, offers careful restoration and various leisure possibilities, such as pedal boats, paddle surfing, or sunbeds.

Old town

From the Birthplace of Blas Infante to a castle with a lot of history

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Even in summer, it is necessary to delve into the steep streets of Casares, which, due to its layout, earned the nickname 'hanging village' decades ago.

There is a particularly intense tour in terms of attractions between the Birthplace of Blas Infante and the castle, where the primitive Church of the Incarnation awaits, now restored as a cultural center. During this visit, charming corners, monuments, and spectacular views await as you reach the fortress, over which griffon vultures continuously fly.

Villa 42

A 'clandestine' restaurant in the old town

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Angelita Fernández runs this gastronomic haven, which has the peculiarity of being inside her house, which has an original lounge carved into the rock of the mountain on which Casares sits.

There are no signs or posters. It is a discreet dining house, which is reached by prior reservation, where a menu is agreed upon that includes local or provincial recipes, such as Casares black pudding, hot gazpacho, or goat.

Crestellina

Payoya goat cheeses and yogurts to take home

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Taking a route through the rugged Sierra de Crestellina, which is a natural site in Andalusia, is a plan more suitable for after the summer. However, at its foot, it is definitely worth entering the cheese factory that also bears the same name.

There, the Ocaña family offers visitors the opportunity to buy their artisanal and organic dairy products made from high-quality raw materials provided by the Payoya goats. Specifically, there you can buy fresh, semi-cured, and cured cheeses and yogurts with various combinations of nuts, jams, or even carob syrup.