Places to see, things to do
more activities
Manilva
Manilva is our closest town and is situated 2 kilometres inland from Puerto de la Duquesa and Sabinillas and is a typical Spanish pueblo. Wander the winding streets and stop for a coffee or a drink and a tapa, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
A lot of the shops and bars are closed in the afternoons, as they still observe the traditional Spanish siesta here.
Sabinillas
Once Manilva's fisherman's quarter, Sabinillas is fast growing into a prosperous small town, with new shops, bars and restaurants opening monthly, and is now Manilva's commercial hub.
Sabinillas is just a short walk along the promenade from Duquesa and apart from a wide range of bars and restaurants to suit every taste, there are also several banks, supermarkets, pharmacy, etc.
Every Sunday, just a short walk or drive from Sabinillas, is the famous Rastro, or market, which is held at the new fairground up on the Rio Manilva road.
Estepona
Estepona is a small coastal town about 10 minutes drive from Casares del Sol.
Estepona has retained a lot of its Andalucian charm despite and ever-growing population, and a stroll around Estepona's Antiguo Casco or old town is like a journey back in time.
Estepona has a large selection of traditional bars and restaurants to cater for all tastes as well as some lovely parks and squares where you can relax, soak up the sun and watch the world amble by.
Estepona also has a well appointed Marina which is used by both pleasure boats and Estepona's fishing fleet, and is also home to some fine bars and restaurants. On Sunday mornings there is a flea market held in the marina.
Gibraltar
 One of the most unusual places you can visit is Gibraltar. An historical oddity, Gibraltar is a little piece of Britain at the southernmost tip of Europe.
Just a 25 minute drive from Casares del Sol you can be crossing the border into the Colony of Gibraltar (make sure you take your passport) and strolling up Main Street taking advantage of the tax free prices on tobacco and alcohol! (see here for allowances on returning to Spain).
Gibraltar is not just about cheap booze and cigarettes though, join one of the organised tours and you can visit the Upper Rock with its stunning views and the famous Rock Apes, visit St Michaels Cave and marvel at the stalactites, or jump on the cable car and stroll through the nature reserve.
After all that you will have earnt yourself something to eat and drink, which Gibraltar can cater for from its many bars and restaurants, ranging from British pubs to Mediterranean or Moroccan restaurants.
So whether it's some retail therapy you are after or a trip back in history, Gibraltar makes a great day out.
Ronda
Nestled in the hillside just 80km from Duquesa and 116km from Malaga within Andalucia is the wonderful town of Ronda. The town which is steeped in history is dominated by the fact that the town is split in two sections by a 100m deep gorge. This spectacular gorge is bridged by the New Bridge (Puente Nuevo) built in 1751 and taking 42 years to build. This magnificent structure is one of the most photographed in Spain. On one side of the bridge is the old Moorish town with many historic buildings including the House of the Moorish King, worth a visit. On the other side is El Mercadillo, a more recent urban development. There is evidence of prehistoric man living near Ronda and the town has been influenced by every generation since. To the East of the town are the well preserved Arab Baths which were accidentally discovered when the house above them collapsed. The town is one of the most visited places in Andalucia and attracts thousands of visitors each week.
One of the best ways to visit Ronda is by an organised excursion, or take the train from San Roque.
The White Towns
The white towns or pueblos blancos of Andalucia are famous the world over, and are every visitors picture of the traditional Spain.
The nearest, and probably most famous, of these is Casares, visible from Manilva and a mere 15 minutes drive from Duquesa. The 'hanging village' as it is known, is built onto the hillside just below its ruined fortress and dates back to the Roman era.
With its narrow winding streets and multi-level houses, leading you up to the Castle where vultures soar and the views across to Gibraltar and Africa are stunning, Casares is a must for the visitor.
Other pueblos blancos within easy drive are Gaucin, Jimena de la Frontera and the fortified town of Castillar de la Frontera.
Jerez de la Frontera
About one and a half hours' journey by car or easier still take one of the organised coach trips, Jerez is a great day out. Home of Royal Spanish Riding School, and also to the world's leading names in Sherry production - Sherry takes its name from the town. Many of the Sherry bodegas have organised tours where you can see how it is produced, and of course sample the product.
Seville
The beating heart, and capital of Andalucia, Seville is the home of Flamenco music and dance. Seville also has a wealth of history and architecture from Moorish times through to the heady days of Spanish empire in the Americas, and where all the Spanish treasure fleets delivered their cargos of silver and gold.
Hiking
 Casares del Sol is well situated to take advantage of some great hiking.
There are numerous walks ranging from gentle beach strolls through some medium grade country rambles right up to some serious trekking in the local mountains. Whatever you like there is something for everyone. Birdwatching
Southern Spain is an important habitat for many birds and you can find a huge variety, both indigenous and migratory, including Griffon and Egyptian Vultures Booted and Short-toed Eagles, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Bee Eaters, Collared Pratincoles, Green Sandpipers, Caspian Terns, Audouin's Gulls, Storks and Flamingoes.
During the peak migratory periods the sky is full of birds. Either under your own steam or with a guided tour you will be amazed at the variety wildlife to be seen in the area. |
