Perhaps Malaga province is best known for its whitewashed towns, but climb higher to find the more traditional and pretty ones. In the hills you will find delightful pueblos. Some bear the name of ‘Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos’, and there are up to 60 in total. If you are not staying in Apartments in Casares then it is well worth the journey to the area.

For a brief tour take in Casares, going via Manilva on the MA 539, the Gaucin road. Or from Bahia Casares and past the Casares Del Sol complex . Casares rises dramatically from a gorge. The view from the top of the village looking over the houses is breathtaking and is deservedly one of the most photographed villages in Spain!

On the steep approach road you will see viewpoints from where in ideal conditions you can see peregrine falcons and kestrels soaring on thermals.

Casares is steeped in history and has Roman and Moorish influences. At the top is a Moorish Fort. The museum, albeit small is well worth visiting. Keep an eye out for the metal gate in the churchyard from where captive soldiers from the Spanish civil war were reputedly tossed unceremoniously into the gorge.

From the peak of Casares one can see the loft heights of the Sierra Bermeja and in the other direction the valley of the Rio Genal.

Casares is best approached by foot heading down from the top of the village by the Restaurant La Terraza. The food and wine is excellent, but expect to pay tourist prices. Park your car either by a bar or at the car park on the bend, (you will see the Casares dust cart parked there) and climb down one of the footpaths that lead into the village.

On the way down remark at at the way the locals have adapted. For example they have placed bench seats out with the ‘up slope’ legs cut short so that one sits level whilst resting!

Stop awhile in the main square, Plaza de Espa

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