Casares



There are the sugar cubes again, piled precariously high and just nudging the battlements of an Arab castle. It is hard to believe that this enchanting, typical village is only nine miles from the hustle and bustle of the coast and somehow succeeded in avoiding the coach tour circuit.

There is plenty of parking on the outskirts of the village, but be ready to climb, the narrow streets weave and climb surrounding the central plaza with its small bars and central fountain.
Keep climbing and eventually you will have reached the top of the town of some 1,400 feet above sea level.

There is an old fortress here and a derelict church, as well as a marvellous view.
Watch for peregrine falcons and kestrels and, on a clear day, you will be able to spy on the african coast with the Rock of Gibraltar looming craggily in the foreground.
When driving from coast, exit at Km. 147 (between Estepona and Sabinillas) and head inland for 15 km. The scenery is picturesque, so take your time. Suddenly you turn a bend in the road, and are treated to a spectacularview of the village with its medieval fortress.

You can park in the lookout area, or "mirador", to enjoy the view and the country air at your leisure; you can also find refreshment at several tapas bars and restaurants.

From here, you can stroll down a path which leads to the village plaza, where there are a number of taverns, one of which has a rooftop terrace. Look out for the Statue of "Blas Infante" the founder of Andalucía who was born in the village.
It's a steep climb, but you can hike up to the medieval fortress overlooking the rooftops of the village.
From the castle you can walk directly back to your car at the lookout (mirador) rather than go back down into the village.

Leave Casares on the road which winds around the village. When you get to the T junction you can either turn left for Manilva and the coast, or turn right for the next village, Gaucin.

Gibraltar



The Gibraltar Museum contains caveman tools and ornaments excavated from the Rock's caves, including a replica of the Gibraltar Skull, the first Neanderthal skull found in Europe (1848). There are also exhibits from the Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Moorish, Spanish and British periods of the Rock's history; a comprehensive collection of prints and lithographs; a collection of weapons from 1727 to 1800; a large-scale model of the Rock made in 1865; and displays of fauna and flora. The museum itself was built above a spectacular and complete 14th-century Moorish Bath House.

Other sites of interest are: the 14th-century keep of the much rebuilt Moorish Castle; the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, a mosque before conversion to a Christian chapel in 1462, housing the 15th-century image of the Patroness of Gibraltar; the Lighthouse and new Mosque, beautifully designed blending classic Islamic designs with modern facilities, situated within a few yards of the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe; the ancient Nun's Well, a Moorish cistern; Parson's Lodge Battery (1865), above Rosia Bay; the Rock Buster, a 100-ton gun; the 18th-century Garrison Library; Trafalgar Cemetery; Alameda Gardens; Europa Point, just 26km (16 miles) from Africa; the almost complete city walls, dating in part from the Moorish occupation.

Some popular tourist activities in Gibraltar are: the cable-car trip to the top of the Rock, stopping at the Apes' Den on the way up; the Convent, residence of the Governor, and formerly a 16th-century Franciscan Monastic house; the Guided Walking Tour of Places of Worship, every Wednesday at 1000, including visits to Gibraltar's two cathedrals, a synagogue, the Garrison chapel, the Presbyterian church and the Methodist chapel - all buildings of historical interest; the guided walking tour around the city walls, every Friday at 1030; and the Mediterranean Steps Walk which starts at O'Hara's Battery (the highest point in Gibraltar), snakes down the eastern cliff and around the southern slopes to the western side of the Rock. Marina Quay and Queensway Quay (two modern marina developments) provide visitors with the chance to indulge in some serious people watching while sampling delicious seafood in one of the many attractive harbourside restaurants.

Beaches: Gibraltar has five beaches. On the east side are Eastern Beach, Catalan Bay and, towards the south, Sandy Bay, where the Rock is very sheer and parking difficult. Little Bay, a pebble beach, and Camp Bay/Keys Promenade are on the western coast.


Note:
For more information on all tourist atractions ( eg. Markets & Shopping Centres ) please go to Http://www.puertobanusguide.com