Casares - Manilva
Casares and Manilva form the far western edge of the Costa del Sol: two neighbouring municipalities with white hilltop villages, top-tier golf courses and a lively marina, all at one of the most attractive price levels in the whole region.
Casares and Manilva sit side by side on the western Costa del Sol, between Estepona and Sotogrande, and buyers often consider them together. Both municipalities share the same structure: a historic white hilltop village inland and a modern coastal zone on the Mediterranean. Casares Pueblo clings to a steep rock face, overlooked by the ruins of a Moorish castle, while the village of Manilva sits on a hill surrounded by vineyards known for their Moscatel wine. On the coast, Casares is defined by modern golf country around Finca Cortesín, while Manilva offers lively harbour life around the town of Sabinillas and the Puerto de la Duquesa marina. For property buyers, that means an unusually wide choice packed into a small area: authentic Andalusian village life, top-tier golf and marina flair, all noticeably quieter and better value than the well-known neighbouring towns of Estepona, Sotogrande and Marbella.
At a Glance
- Two of Andalusia's most beautiful white hilltop villages (Pueblos Blancos)
- Top-tier golf courses including Casares Golf Club and Finca Cortesín
- The harbour town of Puerto de la Duquesa, with a marina and historic castle
- Traditional Moscatel wine growing around the village of Manilva
- Positioned between Estepona, Sotogrande and Gibraltar
- A quieter, more authentic and often better-value alternative to the coast
Location
Two neighbours, one coastline
Casares and Manilva border each other directly, forming the far western edge of the Costa del Sol between Estepona and the province of Cádiz. Both municipalities follow the same pattern: a historic hilltop village inland and a distinct, considerably more modern zone on the coast. For buyers, that creates an unusual range of choice within a single, well-connected area: village life, golf property or marina living, without ever having to leave the region. At the same time, both municipalities stay noticeably quieter and less touristy than the well-known neighbouring towns of Estepona, Sotogrande and Marbella.
The white hilltop villages of Casares and Manilva
Casares Pueblo is one of the most photographed villages in Andalusia. Its whitewashed houses climb a steep rock face up to the ruins of a 13th-century Moorish castle, which offers a spectacular view across the valley to the coast. A few kilometres further west lies the village of Manilva, surrounded by vineyards and noticeably more rural, less geared towards tourism. Both villages have drawn comparisons to nearby Ronda, but offer a quieter, more authentic experience. Anyone looking for a property in either village will mainly find traditional townhouses, well suited to buyers who want genuine Andalusian living paired with an impressive view.
Golf and luxury: Casares Costa and Finca Cortesín
The coastal zone of Casares has become a sought-after destination for golf lovers in recent years. Casares Golf Club offers a challenging course set amid natural landscape, while neighbouring Finca Cortesín ranks among Spain's most exclusive golf and spa resorts. Around these facilities, modern villas and apartment complexes have sprung up in recent years, benefiting from the quiet setting and proximity to first-class amenities. At the same time, the coastline itself, around Casares del Mar, is only minutes away, so golf, nature and beach access all come together here within easy reach of each other.
Harbour flair: Sabinillas and Puerto de la Duquesa
Manilva's coastal zone is defined above all by Sabinillas and the Puerto de la Duquesa marina. The Sabinillas promenade invites a stroll past numerous restaurants, cafés and shops, and is especially popular around the traditional fish market right by the harbour. Puerto de la Duquesa itself is a picturesque marina full of colourful boats, surrounded by restaurants and the historic Castillo de la Duquesa. This mix of harbour charm, beach and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere has drawn a steadily growing international community in recent years, without taking on the crowded feel of some neighbouring towns.
Moscatel wine and the rural hinterland
The village of Manilva has been known for growing Moscatel grapes for centuries. The Moscatel wine produced here has a long tradition and is still made by local bodegas today, some of which also offer tastings. The rolling vineyard landscape around the village also offers lovely views towards the coast and the Mediterranean, and is a popular spot for walks and outings away from the busier beach towns. This rural hinterland adds a quiet, traditional counterpoint to the coastal life of Sabinillas and Puerto de la Duquesa, a combination that is becoming increasingly rare in the region.
Where are Casares and Manilva?
Casares and Manilva lie on the western Costa del Sol, between Estepona and the province of Cádiz, each stretching from the coastal strip deep into the hilly hinterland. The two hilltop villages sit around 15 to 20 minutes from the coast, while the coastal zones of Casares Costa and Sabinillas lie right on the A-7 coastal motorway. Estepona is around 10 to 15 minutes away from there, with Sotogrande and Gibraltar airport around 30 to 40 minutes. Málaga international airport is roughly an hour away depending on traffic, while Gibraltar airport offers a convenient alternative for buyers coming from the west.
Property in Casares and Manilva
The property market in Casares and Manilva is unusually varied. The hilltop villages have traditional townhouses full of character, often with spectacular views, while the coastal zones offer a wide range of modern villas, townhouses and apartments built around golf courses, harbour and beach. Compared with the immediately neighbouring municipalities of Estepona, Sotogrande and Marbella, prices in Casares and Manilva are often still noticeably more attractive, despite the excellent location and connections. Properties near Finca Cortesín and Casares Golf Club are especially sought after on one side, and those around Sabinillas and Puerto de la Duquesa on the other, both appealing as a home and as an investment in a growing area.
Buying a property in Casares or Manilva
Casares and Manilva offer a rare combination of authentic Andalusian village life, modern golf infrastructure and lively harbour flair, all set in a quieter, less crowded environment than the well-known neighbouring towns. Whether a traditional townhouse with a panoramic view in a hilltop village, a modern villa by the golf course, or an apartment near the harbour and beach, these two municipalities appeal to buyers looking for more tranquillity and authenticity without sacrificing top-class amenities. Right Casa Estates draws on local market knowledge to help you find the right property in Casares and Manilva, two of the Costa del Sol's most versatile and still-underrated municipalities.
