Sitting on a hilltop between the Ronda mountains, the Costa del Sol and Gibraltar, Casares is one of the most beautiful villages in the province of Málaga, a fact which earned it the status of Historic-Artistic Site in 1978.

The origins of Casares date back to Roman times, when Julius Caesar ordered its construction as a show of gratitude for having been healed by the waters of the Baths of La Hedionda. However, the current town dates from the time of the Arabs. Outstanding among its historic sights are the ruins of an Arab castle, the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, from the 17th century; the convent of Santa Catalina, from the 16th century; the caves of Ballesteros, the caves of Hedionda and the Sima de los Huesos (abyss of bones).