Whilst touring Andalucia in 1997, looking for the ‘Real Spain’, we came upon Casarabonela by chance, or was it fate? Captured by its magical spell, the location, the fantastic views and the friendly local people. We just had to come back for a second look! We finally settled here in 1999 with our little piece of Spain, opened our real estate agency and we have not looked back since.

You will see that Casarabonela is one of the most picturesque white mountain villages in Andalucia. Situated approx. 40 km from Malaga, using the A357 and turning left on to the A354 at Zalea. This road is currently undergoing widening and straightening, which will decrease the traveling time to or from Malaga to approx. 30 minutes. It is nearer than you think!

Casarabonela covers an area of 114.1 square kilometers and is ideally located in the ‘Sierra de las Nieves’ and the mountain ranges of the ‘Alcaparain’ 1,200 metres, ‘Cruz Alta’ and ‘Prieta’ 1,525 metres offering outstanding panoramic views of the Guadalhorce valley and on a clear day the sea in the distance. Hotels and golf courses are currently proposed to be developed in this very beautiful area, which was designated by UNESCO on 15th June 1995 as the ‘Reserva de la Biosfera’. This is a nature reserve rich in flora and fauna, with an abundance of different species of pine trees, including high in the mountains, the unique jewels, ‘Pinsapo’ pine trees. One of the oldest species know to have grown here in the Mediterranean. The natural park covers an area of 93,930 hectares which includes Casarabonela and some of the surrounding villages: Alozaina, El Burgo, Guaro, Istan, Monda, Ojen, Parauta, Tolox, Yunquera and a part of Ronda.

The village of Casarabonela is situated approx. 495 metres above sea level and has a registered population of approx. 2,642, census in 2005 figures. The name Casarabonela was conferred in 1574 by the Christians in a document signed by Filipe II. Previously, during its Roman occupation it was known as Castra-Vinaria (Castle of the Wine) and, Casr-Bonaira (Palace of the Bonaire) during the Arab Moors era; the Moorish architecture is still very evident today. However, on the boundaries of Casarabonela, there is evidence of its history during the Neolithic period.

Casarabonela is a truly picturesque village with wonderful far reaching views of the Guadalhorce valley. At night time the view is equally beautiful with the twinkling lights of the villages below and the shadows of the vast mountain ranges, the traditional rooftops, the carpet of grain pastures, plus olive and almond orchards. In the lower valley area of the village the water is plentful and the land is lush with a variety of fruit trees and vegetables. On entering the outskirts of the village there are beautiful flowers adorning the roadside and a Jacaranda tree dotted here and there. Adding an enchantment to the place that captures and typifies the nature of true Andalucian. Don’t forget your camera!

Casarabonela is also famed for both the quality and purity of its natural mountain spring water supply. There are currently five commercial bottling plants situated in the area, the most famous is, ‘Aguavida’. This spring water is distributed throughout Spain. There are eight mountain springs, water drinking fountains, all beautifully decorated with ceramic tiles located throughout the village. You can amble through the streets and sample the pure refreshing mountain spring water, which remains cold all year round.

In addition to the water, spectacular views, local gastronomy and historic architecture, there are several places of interest which include; The old olive mill museum ‘Molino de los Mizos’. The beautiful 15th Century Church ‘Parroquial de Santiago’ located in the centre of the village. The ‘Ermita de la Veracruz’, the old church, in the lower part of the village. The ‘Ermita del Calvario’ in the upper part of the village. The municipal swimming pool is also located in the upper part of the village and is surrounded by pine trees, beautiful shrubs and flowers, with fabulous far reaching views. The route of the ‘Hornacinas’ is a recommended walk through the narrow, winding maze of streets to see the pretty shrines, which have been carefully preserved. These shrines all have different designs and proudly adorn the outside walls of some of the fortunate village houses. The old ‘Torre Chimenea’, previously used to generate electricity for the village, still stands as a reminder on the main street, in the centre of the village on Calle Juan XXIII.

The ‘Chorreron’ is a natural waterfall which can be seen from one of the mountain springs and runs into the Casarabonela river. There are many bars and restaurants within the village offering local tapas dishes and specialties, plus, the beautiful Hotel Rural Caicune. A hotel /restaurant located on the outskirts of the village offering quality accommodation and an excellent menu and the fully restored historic restaurant ‘Venta San Antonio’ which was the ‘old pony express’ venta where both ponies and rider used to stop on their way to Madrid for refreshments.

All the religious festivals are celebrated in style. The local feria is on the last four days of July, ending with a spectacular firework display. The most unique festival in Casarabonela however is the ‘Fiesta de la Virgin de los Rondeles’ on the evening of the 12th December each year. This is a procession of local villagers in traditional costumes, carrying the ‘Virgin de la Pastora’ from the ‘Veracruz Church’ to the ‘Parroquial de Santiago Church’. The special candle lit narrow Moorish streets, with the children singing Christmas carols are accompanied by the bearers of burning olive press mats. This is a thanksgiving procession, to signify the end of the olive harvest. In the main plaza de Casarabonela at the end of the procession, the town hall provides a very welcome hot chocolate drink and buñelos. The tourist information office is located at the rear of the town hall in the centre of the village.

Article written by: Suzanne Croucher

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