Casarabonela

Sometimes, friends mention places to visit that ordinarily we wouldn't have thought of.

Such a place is Casarabonela, mentioned to us by friends Bob and Lynn as definitely worth a visit.

So, we set off at about 10.30 this morning, heading east and then south on the A-357 Campillos-Malaga road. Turning onto the A-354 near to Pizarra, Casarabonela was a further 10 kms on.

Our first views of the pueblo nestling in the shelter of the mountains.

A roadside shrine just outside the town.



It was just about 11.45 when we parked our car near to the "Arco Fuente del Cristo", constructed just after the spanish civil war (1936-39).






An ornate and unusual entrance and facade.





Very noticeable were the number of freshwater fountains throughout the town.




After a short uphill stroll through the narrow streets, we came to the very pleasant Plaza de Buenavista that offered stunning views across the valley below.

We sat for a while, enjoying a coffee at the bar Nuevo in pleasantly warm temperatures of about 27°C.

The Ayuntamiento (Town Hall).
Moving on and just a short distance away was the 16th century Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago Apóstol. The sign outside said that it was beautifully decorated with interesting crypts, also housing a museum of silverware and religious items. Unfortunately it was closed.

Another beautifully tiled fountain.

The streets were all very clean and tidy.

On what appeared to be the main street, Avenida de Juan XXIII, this chimney tower had been preserved from the time in the late 19th century when it formed part of the generating system providing power to the town from 1901 onwards.

We really liked Casarabonela and looking at the link to the town website (above) there is clearly a lot more to see that we missed on this trip. Another time perhaps.

We left the town on a different route towards Ronda, initially on the A-354, before turning onto the A-366 through the natural park of the Sierra de las Nieves passing by the towns of Alozaina and Yunquera, both set in superb locations and logged in the "to do" list of future visits.

Just on the edge of El Burgo was the Venta El Yoni where we stopped to enjoy a light lunch from a very extensive menu.



El Burgo.

I know I rattle on sometimes about the stunning beauty and the fabulous scenery of Andalucia but the drive between Casarabonela and Ronda was one of the most scenic and beautiful routes that we have come across in our travels.

In distance terms, we did about 180kms (111 miles) on this trip, taking a leisurely six hours on a circular route.

My pictures do not do it justice so if you ever get the opportunity you won't be disappointed. We'll certainly return again in the not too distant future.