Casares Village
Looking to get away from it all on the Costa del Sol - try the village of Casares, just 14 kilometres from madness of the coast but a refreshingly authentic mountain village that has avoided the development that has blighted much of the Costa. This locality has preserved in its urban quarter an ambience of quieter times while, to the extent permitted by good taste, making those renovations to its infrastructure that modern life demands. Such balance is anything but easy, but in Casares it has been achieved and it is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, as evidenced by the fact that in 1978 it was designated a Historical-Artistic Complex. Its municipal territory stretches between the Costa del Sol, of which it is a part, the Ronda highlands and the Gibraltar plain. As a result, it shows some of the characteristics of each of those three zones, although the mountain region more influences its appearance than the other two. There are deep gorges in the direction of Sierra Bermeja, small pine woods stretching toward the peak of Los Reales (1,440 metres) and limestone heights in Crestellina, at the entrance to the Genal valley, where a majestic community resides: a colony of Griffon vultures that can easily be seen in full flight.
For some wonderful pictures of the village, check: http://www.andalucianpics.com/fr/Casares/indexcasares.htm
For an account of what to see in the village, check: http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Spain/blog-8629.html
For more information on Andalucia’s beautiful White Villages, check: http://www.andalucia.com/villages/home.htm
June 23rd, 2008 at 1:03 am
In 1983 I happened apon Casares by chance when I took a wrong turning in my hire car. I happen to believe in fate and know I was meant to experience the shear beauty and friendship of its inhabitants.
I parked the car just outside the village and made my way to the main square. I sat on a bench and watched the young children of the village enjoying a game of football. After a short time, being a keen footballer, I got up and made signs asking if I could join in. I was invited without hesitation and soon heard shouts of Bobby Charlton (Most certainly because of my almost bald head) In no time at all I was approaching melting point in the afternoon heat. I was directed to a small fountain, which I visited at least a dozen times, and which I later found out to be a natural spring. Two hours later I’d worn all the kids out and they started to disappear. The oldest boy in the group beckoned me to follow him. I wasn’t sure I was doing the right thing until we reached his house.
His mother looked with trepidation at the 38 year old almost bald stranger her son had invited into her house. But after a few words from her son her beaming smile welcomed me to sit down. In flash a refreshing drink was placed in my hand and she made herself busy in the kitchen. I was treated to the most fantastic hospitality and friendship I had ever experienced on a holiday.
I tore myself away some four or five hours later and a bit wobbly on my feet due to countless glasses of wine. I was introduced to the whole family (Of which there were so many I lost count) I was also handed a bunch of family albums to browse. The icing on the cake came when I was invited back to play football the following Saturday.
I drove back to Marbella in a daze and just a little (Little being an understatement) tipsy! Believe it or not but I don’t speak a word of Spanish and they couldn’t speak English. It just goes to show what can be achieved with just a little bit of effort.
I presumed Saturday would be a kick about just like last time. But no, this was a proper match against another village and my name on the team sheet….. Centre forward: Bobby Charlton (Honorary team member!)
Casares won the match 5-3 and ‘Bobby Charlton’ scored two goals and I was the toast of the village. That day still sticks in my mind like it happened just yesterday. Sadly to date I have not managed to find my way back to Casares but the team picture sits proudly on the first page of my photo album. Now at the age of 57 my list of things to do before I die still has Casares at the top of the list. Oh, and I still play football!
June 23rd, 2008 at 1:07 am
Oops! A correction:- 38 year old should read 33 year old.