It’s difficult not to rhapsodise too much about Casares and hard to find a more beautiful location. The village is situated between the Serranía de Ronda mountain range and the coast with over 2km of sandy beaches, just 10 minutes inland from Estepona and 5 minutes drive from Puerto de Duquesa.

Surrounded by incredibly beautiful and varied landscape with outstanding views across the Straits of Gibraltar, Casares is a ‘picture-postcard’ village nestled on the hillside and seemingly untouched by tourism. It is also the birth place of the ‘father of Andalucía’ Blas Infante who fought for Andalucía to be an autonomous self governing region.

Village life is played out against a myriad of winding cobbled streets dotted with white washed houses, tiny shops, small bars and cafes. Parking is available on the outskirts but be prepared for some uphill walking, around the narrow streets, particularly if you intend to visit the Moorish fortress to take in the spectacular views.

Due to its strategic position and panoramic views across to North Africa Casares was deemed by the Romans to hold enough importance to have its own mint. Roman baths were also bestowed in gratitude from Caesar who bathed in the sulphurous waters to cure his skin complaint. There are numerous Roman ruins nearby including an aqueduct and there is a small museum displaying artefacts from this era.

Today the village is typically Spanish, with women in traditional shawls who have lived there for generations going about their business as they may have done centuries ago, whilst men sit and put the ‘world to right’ in the village square. Traditional values are strong and every year in May, locals make a pilgrimage to the nearby Hermitage de Virgen del Rosario del Campo and like most Andalucíans they come alive at the local fiestas which take place in August and September every year.

The diverse landscape around the village is now part of the Andalucían Network of Protected Natural Areas including the beautiful Sierra Bermeja mountain range known for their volcanic properties. Tourists should also visit the Alcorconales Natural Park. A great location for a holiday or permanent home.

Distance from Málaga airport: 90km