Casares is one of the most distinctive places on the western Costa del Sol, offering a rare combination of traditional Andalusian village life, Mediterranean beaches, championship golf, luxury resorts and beautiful countryside.
Located between Estepona, Manilva and Sotogrande, the municipality stretches from Casares Costa on the Mediterranean to the spectacular white village of Casares in the mountains. This variety makes the area increasingly popular with international property buyers looking for a holiday home, permanent residence or luxury property on the Costa del Sol.
Casares is also home to one of Spain's most prestigious resorts, Finca Cortesin, adding an international luxury dimension to an area that has managed to retain much of its authentic Andalusian character.
Why Is Casares So Popular?
One of the great attractions of Casares is that it offers several completely different lifestyles within a relatively small area.
On the coast, Casares Costa provides beaches, golf courses, beachfront restaurants and modern residential developments. Travel inland and the landscape quickly changes to vineyards, olive trees, countryside and mountains before reaching the famous white village of Casares.
The village itself is officially recognised as a Historic-Artistic Site and occupies a dramatic hillside position overlooking the surrounding countryside towards the Mediterranean and Gibraltar.
For property buyers, Casares offers everything from beachfront apartments and new developments in Casares Costa to golf properties, country homes and exclusive villas around Finca Cortesin.
Casares Village – One of Andalucía's Most Beautiful White Villages
A visit to Casares Pueblo is one of the highlights of the western Costa del Sol.
The traditional whitewashed village appears to cascade down the mountainside beneath the remains of its medieval castle. Narrow streets, white houses, small squares and spectacular viewpoints give Casares an unmistakably Andalusian atmosphere.
At the highest point of the village are the remains of the Castle of Casares, a medieval fortress with origins documented from the 13th century. Its strategic location offers exceptional views across the valleys and mountains towards Gibraltar and the Bay of Algeciras.
Other places worth visiting include the Iglesia de la Encarnación, Ermita de San Sebastián, Fuente de Carlos III and the birthplace of Blas Infante, one of the most important historical figures associated with modern Andalusian identity.
Casares Village is also an excellent destination simply for lunch and a walk. Several restaurants have terraces overlooking the mountains, making the journey into the village worthwhile for the views alone.
Finca Cortesin – Luxury Living in Casares
Casares has become internationally recognised thanks in large part to Finca Cortesin, one of the most exclusive luxury resorts in southern Spain.
Located between Casares Costa and Casares Village, the estate combines a luxury hotel, championship golf course, spa, restaurants, private residences and an exclusive beach club.
Its golf course, CLUB DE GOLF FINCA CORTESIN, is considered one of the area's premium golfing destinations and has hosted major international tournaments.
Finca Cortesin also has an exclusive 6,000 m² beach club on the Mediterranean with landscaped gardens, a 35-metre infinity pool and a beachfront restaurant specialising in Mediterranean cuisine, seafood and rice dishes.
The properties surrounding Finca Cortesin represent the luxury end of the Casares property market, with contemporary villas, apartments and exclusive developments attracting buyers seeking privacy, security and high-quality architecture.
Golf in Casares
Golf is one of the major attractions for people buying or spending extended periods in Casares.
In addition to Finca Cortesin, Casares Costa Golf offers a more relaxed golfing environment close to the coast and residential areas.
Nearby Dona Julia Golf Club is another popular option, with its elevated setting providing impressive views towards the Mediterranean.
Casares is also ideally located for golfers who want variety. The courses of Estepona, La Duquesa and Sotogrande are within easy driving distance, making Casares an excellent base for a golf property on the Costa del Sol.
Beaches in Casares Costa
Casares may be famous for its mountain village, but it also has an attractive stretch of Mediterranean coastline.
The municipality has four principal beach areas: Playa Ancha, Piedra Paloma, Playa Chica and Playa de la Sal. Playa Ancha stretches for approximately 1.3 kilometres and has a promenade and extensive beach facilities, while Playa de la Sal is accessed near the beautiful La Perla de la Bahía residential area.
The coastline feels noticeably less urbanised than many parts of the central Costa del Sol. This has helped make Casares Costa property particularly attractive to buyers who want to be close to Estepona and Sotogrande without living in a heavily developed resort.
Several residential communities are located directly or very close to the beach, while new developments have expanded the choice of modern apartments and penthouses available in the area.
Gourmet Restaurants and Fresh Seafood
Casares offers an impressive restaurant scene ranging from sophisticated fine dining to traditional mountain ventas and relaxed beachfront chiringuitos.
For an elegant experience, the restaurants and beach club at Finca Cortesin offer Mediterranean cuisine in one of the most exclusive environments on the Costa del Sol.
Along the coast, La Sal is one of the best-known beachfront restaurants in Casares. Its location directly beside the Mediterranean makes it particularly popular for long lunches, fresh fish and seafood in a relaxed Costa del Sol setting.
In the hills towards Casares Village, the gastronomic experience changes completely. Sarmiento offers Andalusian cuisine in a beautiful countryside setting, while The Forge Restaurant is another highly regarded dining option on the road towards the village.
For something more traditional, the road between the coast and Casares Pueblo is dotted with ventas and restaurants where visitors can discover authentic Spanish and Andalusian cooking.
This combination of gourmet restaurants, seafood, beach restaurants and traditional Spanish cuisine adds considerably to the lifestyle appeal of Casares.
The Roman Baths of La Hedionda
One of the most unusual places to visit in Casares is Baños de la Hedionda, the historic sulphur baths located in the countryside.
The baths have long been associated with Roman history and the natural sulphurous waters of the area. The story traditionally connects the baths with Julius Caesar, although some of the historical associations surrounding their origins are part of local legend rather than firmly documented history.
Today, Baños de la Hedionda remains one of the most interesting attractions in the municipality and can be combined with walking routes through the surrounding countryside. The nearby historic sights also include an aqueduct bridge and old flour mills.
Nature, Walking and Things to Do in Casares
Casares is an excellent destination for anyone who enjoys outdoor life.
The municipality covers more than 160 square kilometres and rises from the Mediterranean coastline to mountainous terrain reaching more than 1,400 metres, creating a remarkably varied natural landscape.
Visitors can explore walking routes around the village, discover the countryside surrounding Baños de la Hedionda, spend a day playing golf or simply combine a morning in Casares Pueblo with an afternoon at the beach.
The mountains around Casares are also known for their birdlife, including large birds of prey and griffon vultures, which can frequently be seen circling above the village.
Hotels and Places to Stay in Casares
Accommodation in Casares reflects the diversity of the area.
At the luxury end of the market, Finca Cortesin provides an exclusive resort experience combining accommodation with golf, gastronomy, spa facilities and access to its private beach club.
For visitors wanting to experience the atmosphere of the traditional mountain village, Hotel Rural Casares provides accommodation directly in Casares Pueblo.
There is also a large selection of privately owned holiday apartments, penthouses and villas throughout Casares Costa, Bahía de Casares, Doña Julia and the Finca Cortesin area.
Living and Buying Property in Casares
Casares has become one of the most interesting residential markets on the western Costa del Sol because buyers can choose between very different types of property and surroundings.
Casares Costa is particularly attractive for modern apartments, penthouses and beachfront homes. Areas around Doña Julia and Casares Golf appeal to buyers looking for golf properties, sea views and newer residential developments.
Around Finca Cortesin, the market moves firmly into the luxury sector, with high-end apartments and contemporary villas designed for international buyers seeking exclusivity and privacy.
Meanwhile, Casares Pueblo and the surrounding countryside offer a completely different lifestyle for buyers who prefer traditional Spanish architecture, village living or rural properties.
This diversity allows Casares to appeal equally to holiday home buyers, retirees, golfers, families and buyers searching for luxury property on the Costa del Sol.
An Excellent Location on the Western Costa del Sol
Another advantage of Casares is its strategic location.
Casares Costa is positioned between Estepona and Manilva, while Sotogrande and Gibraltar are easily accessible to the west. Marbella and Puerto Banús can be reached along the coast to the east.
This makes Casares especially attractive for international buyers who want access to the restaurants, shopping, golf courses and services of the Costa del Sol while living in a quieter and less densely developed environment.
Discover Property for Sale in Casares with Enova Estates
At Enova Estates, we help international buyers discover property for sale in Casares, Casares Costa, Doña Julia, Bahía de Casares and Finca Cortesin.
Whether you are searching for a beachfront apartment, modern penthouse with sea views, golf property, new development, traditional home or luxury villa, our local knowledge can help you understand the different areas and find the right property for your requirements.
Casares offers something increasingly difficult to find on the Costa del Sol: beautiful beaches, world-class golf, luxury living, authentic Andalusian culture and spectacular countryside within the same municipality.
Thinking about buying a property in Casares? Contact Enova Estates and let us show you the best properties currently available in Casares and on the western Costa del Sol.
