So many times we hear back from our clients how privileged they feel to wake up every morning to enjoy the fantastic views Andalucia has to offer! And indeed, we too, after living in Casares for more than 11 years now, still get taken away by the breathtaking sceneries the Andalucian properties have to offer.
A view on ‘The Pillars of Hercules’, meaning the rock of Gibraltar on the European continent and the Atlas Mountains on the African coast, is not only to be enjoyed in the exclusive La Zagelata resort. Many of the country houses in Gaucin and Casares are just as spectacular located, as is shown in the above picture, taken from the terrace of a hill top paradise we offer at just 15 kilometers from the coast. Having breakfast here in the morning sun is just as enjoyable as tasting a nice and cool glass of rosé, in the shade of an olive tree at the end of the day.
Breathtaking scenary
The Pillars of Hercules are not the only spectacular view Andalucia has to offer. Staying close to the coast, a view on the Sierra Bermeja, the red mountain behind Estepona, is just as impressive. This beautiful mountain range seems to change colour every hour of the day. The dark reddish glow the mountain spreads at the end of the day, when the sun sets, litterally takes your breath away. As does the sunset on the west side of Casares. Sitting on the terrace of the local ‘pub’, Venta la Laguna, located on the road connecting Manilva to Gaucin, you have a perfect view over the valley and the mountains in between Casares and Jimena de la Frontera. At the end of a clear and bright day, here you will see the sun practically dilluting into the earth. The sky turns bright red and for a few seconds the earth seems to be on fire. Memorable moments.
And let’s take you a little bit further inland, to the area around Ronda. At just a short drive from the city you will find the rolling hills of Ronda de la Vieja. Although in the middle of the Andalusian country side, in the heart of Ronda’s wine valley, you are only a 10 minute drive away from the city. Some of the estates here enjoy a fabulous view on ‘El Tajo’, the famous gorge, overbridged in the center of Ronda. Others look out on the historical site of the Roman town ‘El Acinipo’. A magical place, built on a hilltop, whichseems to arise out of the surrounding vineyards. It was the Romans actually who started to grow vines in this area. Nowadays hobby-farmers are trying to re-establish the old vines to recreate the excellent wine the Romans used to make.
The Andalusian countryside has so much to offer. If you prefer to be close to the coast and envy the boasting views over the Mediterrenean sea, Casares is the place to check out. If you prefer to be away from the coast and love to be soaked in true Andalusia yet still would like the panoramical views over the Pillars of Hercules, Gaucin is your town. Alternatively, if you go for history and ancient grounds, were many cultures have been before you, Ronda might be it.
Oscar Ernstsen | 3rd October 2012