If you are in Manilva, that corner where tranquility reigns on the Costa del Sol, you can’t just stay with the sand and sun. Just a few minutes away, you have hidden treasures in the surrounding towns that look like they were taken from an Andalusian postcard.
These white towns are perfect for a road trip, photos in their narrow streets with the scent of jasmine, and tapas in their restaurants that will make you forget about your diet. From viewpoints with Gibraltar in the background to medieval castles, here are plans to disconnect without moving too far from the map.
Casares: the white town that seems to hang from the mountain
The first town on the list is Casares, a place that seems to defy the laws of gravity. Perched more than 400 meters above sea level, its white houses are stacked on the slopes in a perfect way. Getting here means climbing slopes that make you appreciate every square with a fountain and every viewpoint overlooking the Mediterranean.
The heart of the town beats around the Plaza de España with its 18th-century town hall and the Iglesia de la Encarnación, a simple but historic temple. But what really makes you fall in love are the narrow streets, full of flowerpots and silence.
And if you go up to the ruins of the Arab castle, the reward is incredible, you will see Gibraltar and the Strait as if you had them in your pocket. Casares is that town to get lost in for a while that ends up becoming the highlight of your trip. Of course, wear comfortable shoes or be prepared to slip on the slopes.
Gaucín: views of the Strait and artistic soul
About 25 minutes from Manilva, Gaucín welcomes you with views from the first traffic light you find. This beautiful town near Manilva is famous for its Mirador de la Marina, where the Strait of Gibraltar opens before you like a living painting with Africa in the background, sailboats crossing, and the wind that ruffles your hair without permission.
Its white streets hide art galleries, ceramic workshops, and bars where Iberian ham is cut with mastery. Gaucín has that bohemian vibe that attracts painters and dreamers; on every corner, there is a mural or a poem on the wall.
You can’t miss the Iglesia de San Sebastián from the 17th century, or the Torre del Homenaje, remains of the Nasrid wall that watched over the valley. And if you catch a Sunday, the local market is a feast of artisan products and sausages that will make you rethink your suitcase on the way back.
Historical Estepona: murals, flowers, and charming alleys
About 30 minutes away, Estepona is located with its labyrinthine old town of hanging flowers, hand-painted murals, and squares where time seems to have stopped at vermouth hour.
There are more than 70 artistic murals that dot the facades, turning each walk into an open-air gallery. The Plaza de las Flores is the epicenter, with orange trees, charming cafes, and the scent of orange blossom. Climbing the Torre del Reloj, the old gate of the wall, is a guaranteed photo where the white town mixes with the beach in the background.
Estepona is ideal for tapas and wandering without a map. Its narrow streets are full of craft shops, Andalusian patios, and perfect corners for that photo that you will put as your wallpaper. If you go on a Saturday, the antiques market is the perfect finishing touch.
Castellar de la Frontera: walls, castle, and lots of character
For history lovers, Castellar de la Frontera is a waking dream. Just 20 minutes from Manilva, this town near Manilva is unique. Inside Almohad walls from the 10th century, barely 30 neighbors live, surrounded by medieval streets and whitewashed houses that look like they are from a movie.
The Castillo de Castellar, Arab and reused as a prison in the 20th century, dominates the town from above. Walking through its interior is like going back centuries among its horseshoe arches, the views of the Hozgarganta River, and a silence that invites you to imagine battles and romances.
The Plaza de la Constitución and the Iglesia de San Marcos complete the perfect picture along with the red geraniums that contrast with the pure white of the walls. It is a small town, but with enormous character. Perfect for a one-hour visit that stretches to three because you won’t be able to leave without seeing everything.
How to organize a route through the towns near Manilva
Taking a route through these beautiful towns near Manilva is very easy and adapts to your own pace.
For a first option, we recommend starting in Casares in the morning to have a coffee with a view, then you can go down to Gaucín for lunch and watch the sunset at the viewpoint. Finally, finish with some evening tapas in Estepona.
Another option, if you have two days available, is to spend the first day in Casares and Castellar surrounded by authentic history, and the next day spend it in Gaucín and Estepona with art and relaxation.
Are you coming to explore the area? We are waiting for you with the perfect accommodation
Discovering the beautiful towns near Manilva is filling your suitcase with memories, whether they are impossible photos, authentic flavors, and that calm that only Andalusian towns give. From Casares hanging from the mountain to Castellar inside its walls, each one has its own magic.
And when you finish the route, nothing like returning to your accommodation with sea views, dinner in a beach bar, and the promise of repeating tomorrow. Because in the western Costa del Sol, the best is not in the guides, but in the corners that you are discovering and steal your heart. Contact us to book your apartment at the best price. We are waiting for you!
