Explore
beyond casares
The region of ANDALUCÍA has loads to offer for a memorable visit. Here are a few of our favorite ideas, easily achieved right from The Wild Olive.
A MOROCCAN GETAWAY
A day trip to Africa? Easy.
The infamous port town of Tangier can be reached by ferry in 45 minutes from Coastal Andalucía. We suggest embarking from Tarifa's port; there you take a picturesque sail across the Strait of Gibraltar and dock just a short walk away from the City Center. You can stroll through the narrow and never-ending Medina, bargaining for some seriously unique artisinal souvenirs and break for a Moroccan tea. Soak up a glimpse of Arabian beauty and be back on the Spanish side for dinner time.
PUEBLOS BLANCOS
The "white village" of Casares is certainly not the only charming Andalusían town in the area you can visit during your stay. From the Finca, itself, there are views of Jimena de la Frontera and Guacín, both within a 45-minute drive. Add on Castellar as a third stop allowing you to make a nice scenic loop from the Finca. A bit further away, you will find notable Arcos de la Frontera, Vejer de la Frontera, Setenil de las Bodegas where the village's houses are famously built into the surrounding cliffs or Medina-Sidonia, which, considered by some, is the oldest city in Europe. Do not miss a visit to one or two pueblos blancos, as this region of Spain is uniquely home to these treasure towns rich in history and quintessential Andalusían beauty.
Image of Casares by Sean Russell, Los Angeles, USA
COSTA DEL LUZ
Quieter and more rugged than its sister sunny coast, this stretch from Tarifa into Cádiz city and Huelva provinces has remained our favorite costa of Andalucía.
Tarifa
Once you step foot in Tarifa's ultra-charming historic core, it will be a forever favorite. And when you discover the white sandy coastline of paradise beaches flocked with colorful kite surfers and a view of Moroccan peak silhouettes, you will know why this place is so special. Just one hours drive from The Wild Olive (and trust when we say it's an epic scenic drive) you can explore this bohemian treasure of a town.
30 minutes more along the Atlantic, you will find notable Bolonia, a stunning beach likely because of its white sand dune to climb and Roman Ruins. The next stop could be Zahara de los Atunes where you could indulge in a tuna tasting route if the season is right and then perhaps glimpse the salt marshes surrounding the lesser known village of Barbate. Moving along to the laid back surfer’s hub in Conil de la Frontera and finally the ancient port city of Cádiz where you should spend at least a day (or night!) to take in the unique architecture and monuments and más mariscos!
GIBRALTAR
How does a mini country within a country sound for another day-trip option? OK, Gibraltar is technically a British overseas territory of the United Kingdom, but you may as well mistaken yourself to be in a London borough while trotting around this cultural melting pot. "Gib" is known as the Southern-most point in Europe and is just 40 kilometers from The Wild Olive. Discovering the giant Jurassic-era limestone rock that dominates Gibraltar is a view worth the drive alone if you happen to only pass by. There's the rock pictured in the distance on a clear day from a trail by the property.
image by Sharon Combes-Farr, New Hampshire, USA
OTHER URBAN
DESTINATIONS
Due to our central location, there are really so many wonderful towns and larger Spanish cities you can visit. Dance flamenco in the Moorish capital of Seville or enrich your art history knowledge at the Picasso museum in Malaga. Treat yourself to a glass a champagne at a luxurious beach bar in Marbella or snap some photos of the "hanging pots" in Estepona as you navigate the charming streets flooded with excellent gastronomy options. Take in the unforgettable view from the El Tajo Gorge that the town of Ronda sits above. Sample some sherry wine in Jerez de la Frontera, or, if your holiday timing is right, experience the famous Carnival of Cádiz in early Spring. All of these destinations are possible for a pleasant day trip right from the Finca.
NATIONAL PARKS
Andalucía is lucky to be surrounded by vast areas of protected nature. You have most likely already driven into 1 or 2, but our favorite way to explore more of its several National Parks is to take a hike. We have listed a few for inspiration below..
Parque Natural Los Alcornocales
Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema
Parque Natural Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja
Parque Natural del Estrecho