Casares del Sol Holiday in Costa del Sol, Spain

Casares Holiday in 2011

2011-08-17T11:39:13

Just back from fab holiday at Casares del Sol apartment. The apartment had everything you may want and more, very tidy, modern and inviting. The swimming pool just like the photos, crystal clear blue water and plenty of room to swim. Sunbeds for relaxing, and great policy that sunbeds can not be saved so stops the 'towels on sunbeds' problem and everyone gets a chance to relax by the pool. The gardens are lovely with large areas of grass, palm trees and plenty of room to wander or play games. And all this private to the apartments so secure for relaxing and for families with children.

A short wander across the road to a bar and restaurant with fab terrace looking over golf course, coastline and Gibratar beyond. And here there is a 9 hole Casares Golf course, gym and spa with hairdressers and treatments to pamper your inner self.

Not surprising that many of the faces that we met around the Casares del Sol apartments are holiday makers that have been visiting for several years, they love the area and the relaxing, non touristy atmosphere of this area on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.

Where to eat out on Casares del Sol holiday?

2010-02-01T16:17:45

Where to eat out when you go on your Casares del Sol Holiday?

There are alot of choices and where you go depends on:

* How far afield you want to go? Within walking distance, a short drive or further afield.
* What sort of food you would like to eat?

Within a short walk you have a few choices:

D'Antonellas restaurant is a 2 minutes walk and has Spanish/ international foods which is good quality and a reasonable price.
Giovannis is a 3 minutes walk and has 'classy' pasta and pizzas, again very good quality and reasonable price, but being 'classy' means its more than the average pizza house.
La Choza is slightley further with an 8 minutes walk and spanish foods. Reasonable quality.
Chiringuito is about 6 minutes walk to the beach, with seafood and fish plus meats on the menu.
Beach Bar Casares - 200 yards along the beach and only open in summer months. Serving seafoods and fish mostly.

A short drive away into the nearest town of Sabinillas. Eating out in Sabinillas gives you a huge choice of foods and restaurants, from Indian foods to Chinese to Spanish, Indonesian, International. With many seafood and fish restaurants.
Enjoy your time on Costa del Sol at Casares del Sol Holiday Apartment.

Finca Cortesin - Spains new Golf Star in Casares

2009-11-28T17:21:14

'Finca Cortesin is a sparkling addition to Spain's enviable collection of world-class courses' according to David Brice of Golf International, Inc..

Finca Cortesin Golf Resort is the proud host to The Volvo World Match Play Championship and David Brice considers that Finca Cortesin is now worthy of Ryder Cup consideration because Finca Cortesin offers a very serious challenge together with handsome good looks. With stunning design, Finca Cortesin demands the attention of every visitor to the Costa del Sol. With some 100 cunningly placed bunkers, combined with an intriguing abundance of risk-reward possibilities, this is a strategists dream that simply calls out to be played more than once.

As well as a top Golf course, Finca Cortesin has a plush boutique hotel deserves a sixth star for reaching new levels of pure luxury. In a world where five stars has always been the top hotel ranking, this is one that could easily and unapologetically, be awarded a sixth.

Located in Casares in the Costa del Sol, Casares on Costa del Sol golf course is a haven in southern Spain.

Boule or Petanque in Casares on the Costa del Sol

2009-09-24T19:56:33

Petanque is a game played all over the world and often associated with the beach. And many will know the game as boule. On first impressions it seems a simple game, as do many sports on first impressions, but skill is needed to win. Although its an ideal sport for all age groups whether they have played before or not.

Petanque is played on a rectangular area called a piste with boules to throw. Although many people play the game on any area of the beach or grassland. Casares beach has a petanque piste, part way between Casares beach car park and Sabinillas, and any one can play here. And there is another piste at Casares del Sol apartment in PM4 gardens.

Its often thought of as a game in Mediterranean countries, France in particular, but is played all over the world and many UK villages have their own teams.

Don Giovannis Restaurant in Casares

2009-09-15T14:08:14

Right next to Casares del Sol is Don Giovannis Restaurant just inside Finca Cortesin Estate, upmarket Italian food.

We walked up the road to the restaurant from Casares del Sol apartment one evening in August this year, just a 10 minute walk but its a shame there isn't a pavement as its very dark coming home later along the road. We weren't sure what sort of food or what price range it would be or whether we would be sitting alone in the restaurant. We shouldn't have worried on any of these points.

It was a glorious evening and we sat outside in the lovely courtyard with olive trees and fairy lights. There were about 10 tables of which there were about 6 being used so the atmosphere was great. The menu was Italian as you may guess from the name, with some more unusual Italian dishes, as well as classic pizzas and garlic bread.

Service was good and meal lovely, prices fine although portions not over generous. Recommend going to this restuarant and its lovely to be able to walk to eat at night and not worry about having a drink or two!

Casares Beach

2009-09-12T17:33:53

Yes I know I've posted about Casares Beach before, but for me, no holiday is complete unless you are close to a beach. The fresh sea air, sand through your toes and swish of the sea. I never feel like I've had a proper summer holiday if I cant spend time at the beach. So just 10 minutes walk down the hill from Casares del Sol Apartment or 10 minutes in the car and you have the beach to enjoy.

Check out Casares Beach Video by clicking here and enjoy the music of Spain!

Casares beach (sometimes called Casares Costa beach) stretches for over 3 miles, a vast area of sandy beach, gentle slopeing sands so safe for bathing and rakes daily during the summer period.

Most peoples first sighting of the beach is from the car park just off Casares roundabout, easy parking if you want to drive to the beach with all your gear, sunshade, balls, towels etc...... Next to the car park is one of the beach bars, chiringuitos, for drinks, snacks, meals or loungers and parasols. Go in either direction along the beach from here and in 5 minutes you will reach another beach bar.

Along this stretch of beach there are showers during peak times, volleyball and boute (petanque court).

Roman Oasis - Restaurant in Casares

2009-08-12T16:06:59

We first tried to eat at Roman Oasis in Manilva last April but arrived to a closed sign. But on seeing an advert for the restuarant again in July we tried again, this time successfully. It seems Roman Oasis is only open during the summer months May till October. And once inside its not surprising, because the whole dining area is set outside although some is undercover.

Straight forward to find although tucked away from the main drag. From Casares del Sol apartment go along the A7 towards Sabinillas, turn off the A7 at Lidl in Sabinillas untill the road goes under the toll road flyover - park on the road you have arrived. Going into the Roman Oasis is a bit like stepping into another world, a delightful and unusual setting to eat under the stars with its colonial setting and chintzy table clothes.

The menu is buffet style with a fabulous spread starting with soup, onto cold buffet with seafood and meats, then hot barbeque and roast meats. And, of course, you can have seconds or more.

Dessert is extra and a striking part of the dessert menu is the reverse with 100+ different ports to choose from including one at 175euros per glass! But the meal it self is well priced for a lovely night out.

As the sun light fades so the fairy lights light up the trees, building and area in the hidden part of the Costa del Sol. Say hello to the parrots, bilingual, who will talk back in english or spanish. A lovely evening.

Nearest Gym to Exercise? Casares del Sol Apartment Holiday

2009-08-11T16:58:58

Going to the gym whilst on holiday is a key part of their total holiday, whether to keep up their normal exercise or to have an 'exercise purge' whilst away from their normal everyday distractions.

Their are several options near the Casares del Sol Apartment. For a proper gym there are 3 gyms within 2 km, Finca Cortesin Spa with gym just 500m away with an ice room to use after a work out. Or 1 km to Duchessa Hotel and Spa with hydro therapy pools afterwards. Or 2 km to Albayatt Spa with hydrotherapy pool.

Of course you don't have to walk around much on a Costa del Sol holiday before you come across a public gym. The Spanish Government has put a lot of money into prevention and correction of teh huge obesity problem in Spain, particularly in the under 20 year olds. And public gyms have been built in many towns, including the small white towns in teh hills to encourage Spanish people to take more exercise.

Here is a typical public gym on Sabinillas sea front, with 8 or 10 pieces of gym equipment to use free of charge. It always seems a shame that whenever we have walked by, these gyms are not used by more, but maybe thats because we've walked past at the wrong time of day!

Where to holiday in Spain? Spain Holiday Rentals in Casares

2009-08-08T20:32:41

Where to have your holiday whether in Spain or any other country, depends on what you are looking for? Close to the mountains, close to cities, close to night life, close to beach whether remote or urban. Everyone has their person view which may change during the year and from year to year.

Many people choose Spain firstly because of guaranteed sun and hot weather. Most people think of Spain holiday rentals as the built up areas of Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca which developed rapidly in the 1970's. But step away from these areas on the Costa del Sol to find some holiday rental gems in Spain.

Mountains and hills creep close to the beach areas across much of the Costa del Sol, so many villages and towns have part in the mountains and part at the beach side, such as Casares in the hills and Casares Costa by the beach.

Casares del Sol Apartments at Casares Costa have the beach just 700m infront and mountains in the background. The view walking along the beach is sometimes surreal with mountains so close to the beach. So for a quieter area of the Costa del Sol which is still easily accessible and close to many of teh main facilities many people want on holiday, days out to Marbella, Puerto Banus, Gibraltar, Morocco, Wild life park, water park etc. but yet quiet and relaxing..........Casares del Sol could be your perfect Spain holiday rentals.

Casares Villa Apartment - What is a villa? What is an apartment?

2009-07-19T21:31:37

What is a villa? What is an apartment?
The definition of a villa varies from 'a larger than average up market house' to a 'single story dwelling' to a 'house rented to holiday makers'. Whilst an apartment is a 'set of rooms making up one dwelling' or ' a suite of rooms on a building housing several other sets of rooms'.Both terms are freely used for the holiday market - and given these definitions the Casares del Sol properties could be called apartments or villas.

Casares del Sol are mostly 2 bedroom apartments with some 3 bedroom apartments. Bedrooms seperate to living areas is a big bonus with holiday accomodation, you don't have to pack away a pull out bed every morning or make up te bed every night. As well as the bedrooms there is an open plan living cum dining room, a good sized galley kitchen and seperate utility area with washing machine, plus a family bathroom, ensuite bathroom and, of course, a terrace.

Many terraces in Southern Spain are built facing west because the Spanish prefer to be shielded from the heat of the day. And many Casares del Sol apartments have west facing terraces, but some are south facing to catch the late morning, afternoon and early evening sun. The terraces are a good size for dining alfresco or lounging in the sun.

An added bonus at the Casares villa apartments is the surroundings, spacious gardens totally surrounding the apartments, well looked after and well planted gardens with neatly cut lawns and trees to provide shady areas so you can enjoy your holiday outside and inside. Plus spacious sun bathing terrace surrounding the lgenerously sized swimming pool which is cleaned daily and crystal clear.

One of the big problems with being in a hot country, is the cars getting roasting hot. At Casares villa apartments there is underground parking for a cool car plus stairs or lift to the apartment. All in all, a lovely holiday destination to stay in at Casares villa apartments.

Self Catering Holiday in Costa del Sol

2009-07-16T19:54:22

A hotel holiday in Costa del Sol sounds like bliss, the thought of being waited on hand and foot for a whole week or even a fortnight. No cooking, no washing up, no cleaning. But you are restricted in your private space, normally to just one bedroom.

If you prefer more private space, you either have to hire a get a whole suite of rooms in a hotel, which tests the credit card. Or a less costly option is to rent an apartment so you all have your own space and a more relaxed holiday.

Of course the many people think the down side of renting an apartment is that there is no food 'on tap' and the holiday will end up as a none holiday because of cooking, washing up and cleaning. If you choose your location of apartment well, you can easily eat out every day, in a different resturant every day to sample lots of different styles of cooking and entertainment and hospitality.

My idea of a self catering holiday in Costa del Sol is an apartment that has these things:

bedrooms that are not part of the lounge,
full air conditioning in summer months (no a few fans do not count as air conditioning!),
lots of hot water for baths and showers,
a clean big swimming pool close to the apartment,
a terrace you can relax on,
a lovely view from the terrace,
close to lots of resturants and bars,
close to clean beach,
within 1hour of airport,
close to lots of places of interest.

Just so happens I know just the place!
Casares del Sol apartment ticks all these boxes and more - they are an ideal location to enjoy the Costa del Sol area.
So if you whether you want a beach holiday, a pool holiday, an activity holiday, a family holiday or even a golf holiday , take a look at the Casares del Sol apartments for Spain Holiday Rentals.

Walking in Spain near Casares

2009-07-15T18:57:46

As a dog owner in the UK, I am used to my daily 'fix' of walking around the fields with our mad springer spaniel. And its always abit of a shock when we're on holiday and there is no dog to walk!

But of course there are lots of opportunities and places to walk in the

Costa del Sol apartment area, you just have to look abit harder.

One of my favourite walks is the walk along the beach from Casares beach bar to Sabinillas and on to Duquesa and Castillo. Its about 4 miles of golden sand and walking bare foot along the sand can be bliss. Of course in the peak of summer the sand gets really hot, hot enough to burn bare feet so you have to be careful and all the more reason to splash along bare foot in the wash on the beach edge. If a walk along the sand is difficult, you can walk part of the way on the esplanades at the edge of the beach.

Walking aroung the lovely white villages of Costa del Sol is another favourite, with Casares white village very close to Casares del Sol Apartments. Wander around the tiny streets, climb to the highest point, take in the view.

Inland, its not so easy to get footpath maps, and many of the roads are not really designed for walkers, maybe its because of the heat they assume people don't want to walk. But the Manilva Town Hall has a programme of guided walks designed to develop walking and hiking in Manilva

which not only improves fitness, but also raises awareness of the environment and provides an opportunity to improve your knowledge of the surrounding area. The activity also helps to maintain the rural roads and footpaths whilst providing an activity open to a wide range of people.

Transport is supplied for each walk and leaves at approximately 8.30 am. Pick up points are the Health Centre in Manilva (near the Las Viñas Sports Pavillion), the Castle in Castillo, and from the petrol station in Sabinillas. There is a charge of 4 euros per walk to cover accident insurance cover during the course of each activity. There is a maximum number of 50 places for each route. For more details and full calendar of events contact the Delegación de Medio Ambiente on (0034) 951 27 60 50.

Another spa very close to Casares del Sol - Duquesa Spa

2009-06-01T18:45:45

Just 5 minutes from Casares del Sol apartment drive along the A7 towards Sotogrande. Built into the basement of the refurbished Hotel Golf La Duquesa is a Spa complete with thermal spa.

The Duquesa spa has a gym and all the normal treatments such as massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and waxing. But also what is called 'thermal club'. Thermal club is a circuit through a steam room, sauna, ice cave, vichy showers and jet pool to boost circulation. There are day passes and special offers for holiday makers.

So build a pamper afternoon into your holiday rental at Casares holiday apartment and take some time out and pamper yourself.

Visit to Estepona from Casares

2009-05-30T17:23:57

Estepona is just a few minutes drive from Casares del Sol apartments, along the A7. Estepona has sports, beach, nature and food - something for most people - map of Estepona here.

Stroll along the long esplanade next to the beach, this stretches the length of the town from the marina to Carrefour Estepona - maybe a mile. The marina has recently been upgraded and but not as glitzy as Puerto Banus further along the coast and not as accessible to view the boats. Walk from the marina through the fishermans units where you may see sardines drying in the sun onto the esplanade that runs alongside Avenue de Espana. You will meet runners and walkers along the esplanade and further along an outside multi gym, as seen on most of the seaside town sea fronts - Spains effort to get their obesity problem under control.

If you like shopping, visit the Estepona steet market held in Avenida Juan Carlos every Wednesday morning or the big Sunday Estepona market at the marina. You can buy cheap gifts, leather goods, jewellery, arts, crafts, whatever takes your fancey. Or sit and watch the buzz around the market., have cafe con leche by the quayside and people watch.

The marina is one of the favourite spots for lunch, with a huge range of local and international cuisine to choose from. Local dishes include local fresh fish and paella.

Or wander into the old part of Estepona with old churches and streets.

Enjoy a bit of Pampering whilst in Casares

2009-05-29T14:07:22

Enjoy some pampering whilst you are on holiday - several places to go but here I'll mention the Albyatt Country Club Spa, address CN 340, Km 149,2, Avda. de Costa Galera 34, Estepona, Spain. Just 5 minutes from Casares del Sol apartments, turn up the A7 towards Estapona, turn left at Christian roundabout.

A mediterranean style resort. Lovely clean spa. Well equipped with thermal dynamic multi water jet circuit, swimming pools inside and out, steam rooms and sauna, Roman bath and Japanese foot bath. There are also Asian themed rooms for an extensive range of health and beauty treatments, many holistic treatments such as chocolate therapy, wine therapy, volcanic stone massages.

If you are looking for a workout, there is a Fitness centre and aerobic room. The Albyat offers various individual treatments or pampering packages, some particularly good deals can be bought online.

Roman Baths in Manilva

2009-05-27T17:01:41

On a sunny day you can spend a pleasant afternoon at the Roman baths in the Hediona valley, just behind Manilva. Just off the Rio Manilva road and hidden away down a rough track under the toll road bridge and not 'fancy' in any way. But on a warm day you will find lots of people enjoying the baths.

The water is high in sulphur, particularly during the summer months, making it cloudy, milky in colour. The river starts in the Sierra Utrera and enters the sea at Casares beach.

The roman baths are a lovely quiet spot, but can be busy at the weekends. People smear the sulphur rich mud all over their bodies, dry off in the sun then dip into the underground cvern baths built by the Romans, and very cool even on a hot day.

The baths are in the municipaity of Casares although technically closer to Manilva. One of the things to do in Costa del Sol - simple, cheap and fun.

Day out in Puerto Banus

2009-05-25T18:24:04

Puerto Banus is not far from the Casares del Sol apartment area - between Estapona and Marbella and approx 30 minutes drive. Puerto Banus, also known as 'The Port', is renowned as the home of the rich and famous - Ferraris, Bentleys, Lotus are easily seen driving around. It is a very pleasant day out if you like looking at smart boats or smart shops or sitting watching the bustling marina world go by. Drive straight into the port, parking in one of the well signed car parks near the centre. We always go to the marina area and walk up and down the jettys looking at the fabulous boats, names, where they are licenced, and watch the whole industry that revolves around the boat world. Cafees and bars surround the marina, so a great place to sit and watch teh world go by - but the prices can be steep.

Then the shops, Puerto Banus designer shops galore, 5000euro bags in the windows such as Dolce and Gabbana, D & G, Chloe, Hermes, Jimmy Choe and lots more. There are also more modest shops including El Corte Ingles department store and across the road from here is the thriving market square opposite.

Revised date for Volvo World Match play at Finca Cortesin, Casares

2009-04-22T16:58:05

At last a new revised date for 2009 Volvo World Match play Championship at Finca Cortesin Golf Resort, Casares. The original date in September clashed with European Tour fixtures.

The new dates for the Championships were announced at a press conference at Finca Cortesin at the end of March, are the 29th October to 1st November subject to a final confirmation by The European Tour.

16 of the world's best players will go head-to-head in classic match play golf over the magnificent 7,439 yard Finca Cortesin course. Players from each of the continents plus the defending champion and the winner of the 2009 Volvo China Open will compete.

The Volvo World Match Play Tournament will see an innovative new playing formula with a 'Champion's League' style match play format - with the players divided into groups of four where they will play each member of their group over full 18 hole matches.

Casares del Sol self catering apartments will be ideal location to stay to see the golf, with one hole just meters behind the holiday apartments. Plus close to many golf courses in Casares del Sol, Costa del Sol area.

Good Friday in Sabinillas

2009-04-21T19:09:10

We were at Casares del Sol apartment over Easter and many people had told us to make sure we were in the centre of Sabinillas on the evening of Good Friday to see the procession.We had no idea what time it would start so went into Sabinillas to eat and waited.

Around 11pm people started gathering on the East side of Sabinillas and the procession started soon after with around a hundred people taking part including a brass band and 2 hand carried floats. And when the procession started moving, many of the local people joined in and walked down the street.

It was quite a sight and quite moving to see the energy of the proceedings - including all ages.

So if there is a fiesta on when you visit the Costa del Sol - make a point of seeing how the Spanish celebrate - see festival dates in Manilva area.

Clear sky line at Casares del Sol

2009-04-20T15:32:25

Hurray, hurray!!
Breaking news.....we all know that cranes on the skyline in Spain and Costa del Sol are common place. But the good news for Casares del Sol is that the cranes around the aparthotel development behind Casares del Sol are now down. They were dismantled in the last few weeks - leaving a lovely crane free skyline for the Casares del Sol self catering apartments and their holiday makers.

Buggys and Golf Courses

2009-03-14T18:06:02

For years now, it has been an issue with myself and others - not only can some golf courses on Costa del Sol be costly to play the course (although well worth it!) but they also charge an extra 30 euros plus for a buggy, even though on some of the hilly courses a buggy is essential.

At last some courses are now including buggies in their pricing - long overdue and very welcome - one of the golf courses very local to Casares del Sol apartment is Dona Julia and this now includes buggies and long may it continue.

Festivals in Manilva area

2009-03-13T18:35:55

There seem to alot of local festivals on the Costa del Sol and if you are staying at the Casares del Sol self catering apartments you should find out whether there are any festivals in the Manilva area. Spain has many festivals and Andalucia has many festivals and the local area has festivals - so altogether there are quite a few holiday days.

Ones that are really good to see in the Manilva area are:

23 June - Noches de San Juan - It's the old pagan midsummer celebration which has been 'Christianified' - many locals regard this as the start of summer.

A huge tableau like seem in the picture here - taken 2005 in Sabinillas - is constructed on the beach in Sabinillas a few days before the event. This is a work of art and an different theme every year and around midnight, the whole thing is set alight. It is customary to walk into the sea to wash away any bad luck as it burns.

There are also fireworks on the beach in Sabinillas, live music and dancing until the early hours of the morning.

16 July - Virgen del Carmen - when the fishing boats in Sabinillas and Duquesa are decorated with images of the Virgen and set out to sea to sail up and down the Manilva coast. The launch of the boats in Sabinillas can be a little difficult if the sea happens to be rough. When the boats return to shore the images of the Virgen are returned to their place of honour in the churches of Sabinillas and Castillo Duquesa.

Searching for an oven shelf

2009-03-12T13:48:18

We have at last found where to buy an oven shelf for our Casares del Sol holiday apartment, after looking in endless Spanish shops over the last 18 months.

Why ever do the Spanish supply and fit a oven with no shelves? Its a mystery to us. And one shop where I asked about them, suggested I had to buy a new oven! Luckily another furniture shop very close to Casares del Sol was very helpful and sent me straight to a little shop in Sabinillas that sells parts for machines and adjustable oven shelves. Go to the bus stop just off Sabinillas roundabout and then head straight down towards the sea and you will come to the shop - sorry haven't got its name.

So at last we can use our oven if we fancy a night in - even if its just for a couple of pizzas!

The fate of Beach Bars on Costa del Sol

2009-02-24T20:11:23

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.

A Day Out in Ronda

2009-02-22T17:54:42

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.