Casares del Sol Holiday in Costa del Sol, Spain

One of the pleasures of going on a Costa del Sol self catering holiday, are the lovely beaches. At Casares beach the beach bar within 20m of the sea.  Unfortunately the Chief of beaches on Costa del Sol is intent on closing any Spanish beach bars within 100yards of the shoreline by denying applications to renew their licences. It seems an act in 1988 prevented any bars being built within 100 yards of shore - but many disregarded this law,

We can only hope this does not happen as it will take away a great pleasure along this coast line. Eating and drinking during the day or evening with the sea within yards is a great pleasure along this coast line. Lets hope the beach bars survive.

We went to Ronda one day whilst we were at Casares del Sol. We've not been to Ronda before as seemed a long way to go in hot weather, but on a bright, windy day had a day in the Andalucian hills on the edge of the Costa del Sol self catering holiday area. There are 2 ways to get there from Casares del Sol - both windy and steep climbing roads. Either the via San Pedro or via Casares town - there isn't much difference in the time it takes  either way - just over a hour.

Even in mid February, Ronda was busy with coach tours and multi lingual groups of people. Suggest you head for the bull ring to find the tourist information centre and pick up a map. The bull ring is the oldest purpose built ring in Europe - high in the hills. The head to the new bridge as seen in the photo here - 18th century and spectacular to see the scale of the gorge it spans. Then see the old bridge from the new bridge - tiny in comparison.

Wander the streets of old Ronda with the cafes and numerous museums. And if you are feeling fit, walk down to the base of the new bridge to get a photo like the one here - its a steep climb down ( and it seems even steeper back up) but well worth the effort.

Alternatively if you want to go to Ronda by the single track train.

Just back from a week staying at Casares del Sol apartment - we had a couple of really warm days but some cold days.

Seems that the date for Volvo World Match Play at Finca Cortesin Golf Resort has been put back - the original date in late Sept clashed with another event in the States. They are hoping to finalise a date in the next couple of weeks - probably late October. The course is fully open for playing and looked spectacular.

Walked around Finca Cortesin again last week - the hotel and grounds are amazing - so much has been achieved in a very short time with 'no expense spared'. Fabulous gardens and pool and spa and hotel - and just next door to Casares del Sol - and hoping that the Spa will be open to all.

Immediately behind Casares del Sol is the Finca Cortesin Golf Resort - with some of the Casares del Sol apartments alongside the 16th green.

Finca Cortesin s one of the longest courses in Europe - great if you are a big hitter! Opened October 2006 - it is a new American style golf course with many mature trees throughout the landscaping it has the air of a mature course. Designed by Cabell Robinson one of Europes top Golf Course designers - it has 18 holes, 6800m and more than 100 bunkers - one of the finest golf courses in Spain with magnificent views of mountains and sea of Andalucia.

Although its a long course - there are 5 different tee positions to suit all standards. And if you want some lessons, it is the home of the Jack Nicklaus Academy.

One of the more expensive games of golf - inline with other top rate courses for Costa del Sol golfing at 80 - 100 euros, but a millionaire style round.

Finca Cortesin are going to be on the golfing map- as home to Volvo Match Play 2009.

From the Casares del Sol apartments you can go to Duquesa 2 ways - if you fancy a walk - just walk down the road to the beach and turn right along the beach, past Sabinillas to Duquesa esplanade - it takes about 20 minutes but a lovely walk.
Alternatively drive past Sabinillas and off at the next exit straight into Duquesa, park around the marina area.

Lots of things to do in Duquesa. There are 3 parts to Duquesa -

• Marina area - surrounded by relaxing bars and restaurants of all nationalities, indian, italian, mexican, chinese... Plus a small supermarket at the entrance to Duquesa, internet cafes, laundrette etc..
  Water sports can be booked here with boat trips, fishing trips and watersports. The marina is flanked by uncrowded, sandy beaches in either direction.
• El Hancho area - the residential area on the hillside overlooking the coast and the golf course - some shops around a small square.
• Castillo area - the castle area with a little village along side - several fish resturants and beach bar here. From here its a pleasant walk back along the esplanade to the marina.
  
  There are beaches either side of Duquesa  - to the east the beach has pedalos in high season and slightly rougher, more exposed sea - whilst the beach to the west which is more family friendly with calmer waters.

Whilst you are on holiday at Casares del Sol self catering apartment its always nice to read what is going on in the area, local news stories, local adverts or maybe even find an interesting night out at a local venue.

Pick up a copy of the 'Manilva Diary' or 'The Resident' - both are monthly for the local community living in the Estepona - Casares - Manilva - San Roque - La Linea area of Costa del Sol coast.

The aim of both newsheets is to bring you local news, features and information of interest and use to people living specifically in this part of the South of Spain, although much of it will also be of interest to visitors and residents outside of the area. Copies of The Resident are available at several places in the area - community gathering points but you may have to be quick at high season, as copies are snapped up.

Both newspapers are available online - Manilva Diary http://www.manilvalife.com/ and The Resident http://www.theresident.eu/ 

From Casares del Sol apartments the nearest town is Sabinillas - either walk down the road and across the beach to the esplanade at Sabinillas, a pleasant 15 min. walk or drive the short distance, be warned, Sabinillas is a busy little town and finding a parking space can take awhile sometimes.

Sabinillas is a fishing town with a long seafront promenade and beach - it has cafes and resturants along the esplanade and beyond there are banks, supermarkets, bakers, assorted shops from furniture to newspapers, great fish resturants plus other resturants and tapas bars. A choice of 3 supermarkets for your big grocery shop - Supersol, Mercado and Lidl, all with carparks for easy shopping. Plus for those wanting to catch up with their email or surf the web, there are many internet cafes at v reasonable cost. Sabinillas is divided into 2 by the main road - and shops are on both sides.

The beach is a highlight of Sabinillas, a long expanse of well maintained sands. The esplanade has recently been extended and a new childrens play are and sports area were added last year.

There are 2 markets in Sabinillas:

• A market on the east esplanade every Friday with approx 20 stalls from fruit and veg to clothes to pots and pans, worth a visit if only for bags of oranges.
• A second market on Sunday mornings on the edge of Sabinillas at the fair ground, go along the road sign posted Roman Oasis - this is a huge market cum car boot sale.

Drive 10 minutes from the Casares del Sol apartments into the hills, following the windy road away from the coast.

Casares is a traditional white Spanish village set precariously on the hills, with houses built into the rocks and narrow streets. It has been called one of the finest 'white vllages' in Spain and so far is relatively untouched by tourists.

Park your car and walk down through the narrow alley ways, too small for cars, to the market square. Walk up to the old castle and look out for miles over the Costa del Sol countryside across the wind farm to Gibraltar and back to Casares Costa. See the eagles and other birds flying overhead and into the cliff face - note the beautifully kept cemetory perched high on the hill top along with the church. Enjoy a drink at the hill top cafe.

A lovely day out.

A short 10 minute walk from the Casares del Sol apartments is the beach at Casares Costa.
Or if you prefer to drive, you can park the car at the car park off the Casares Costa roundabout by the beach.

Casares beach is blue flag with golden sands and  stretches for for over 3 miles to Sabinillas and Duquesa in one direction and towards Estapona in the other. Have a lovely  walk along the sand, in parts there is an esplanade if the sand gets too hot in summer.  Casares Costa beach has a beach bar - chiringuito- for drinks, snacks, meals or watching the world go by. There are several other chiringuitos dotted along the beach.

Casares del Sol apartments - a new development that is becoming very popular as a base for all sorts of holidays - family holiday, relaxing holiday, beach holiday, golf holiday, adventure holiday. Located between Marbella and Gibraltar on the Costa del Sol and just 800m inland from the beach.

Most of the Casares del Sol apartments are 2 bedrooms with some 3 bedrooms. With 2 bathrooms and well fitted kitchens. Some with air conditioning. Terraces open out from open plan lounges. Set in spacious, well kept gardens with large pool and childrens splash pool.  Underground parking.

Casares del Sol apartments are close to the beach, bar, resturants and golf courses - short drive to many bars, resturants, watersports, mountain adventure activities.

Try the 9 hole golf course at Casares Golf, its an ideal golf course in many ways. 

Forstly it is just need to across the road from Casares del Sol apartments, so its really handy and the nearest Casares golf courses, Finca Cortesin being the other Casares golf course.
Exceptionally good value for the occasional golfer or those wanting a short round at a nearby golf course after a day in the sun. There are 9 holes, some challenging and some interesting. Very friendly staff, always welcoming.
With new Club house and a bar and restaurant open to all. Restaurant offers good food - try their meal of the day for 12 euros. Probably the cheapest course for golf on the Costa del Sol but with some interesting holes and well worth playing.

The Casares del Sol area is mid way between Marbella and Gibraltar on the Costa del Sol. Nearest towns are Sabinillas and Estapona.

The Casares del Sol area has grown up in the last 5 years with many apartments and now 2 golf courses. So there are lots of new people in the area with apartments recently bought or visitors in the apartments. Keep watch for info on Casares del Sol apartment and area.

We are hoping to give some feed back about the apartments,the golf courses, new developments, changes to the beach or roads, places to go, things to see.

So lots of info and hopefully feed back from you readers.

Keep watch or bookmark for the next posting from Casares del Sol.