Bahía de Casares
Bahía de Casares, or Casares Bay, stretches from Estepona to Manilva and the port of La Duquesa, a popular spot for yachting and nightlife. To the north it transitions into hilly terrain, the Sierra Bermeja mountain range is known for its nature reserves and hiking trails. The most beautiful, closest and walkable beach is Playa Chica. The beach is sandy with pebbles, well-maintained, and in season equipped with sunbeds for rent and showers. There’s also a Chiringuito – a great beach bar/restaurant.
Climate
Due to its location and subtropical Mediterranean climate, Bahía de Casares has pleasant weather year-round, without extreme fluctuations. Summers are hot, but pleasantly refreshing with sea breezes. Average temperatures range between 28–32 degrees, dropping to a pleasant 20 at night. Winters, on the other hand, are mild, with average temperatures around 17 degrees (around 10 at night). December is the wettest period, but rainfall is rather occasional and mild. Most days are sunny and warm, averaging 300 days per year. Ideal for lovers of heat and sunshine.
- January: 8–16 °C (cold mornings and evenings, mild daytime temperatures)
- February: 9–17 °C (similar to January, mild warming)
- March: 10–19 °C (starts to get warmer, pleasant spring weather)
- April: 12–21 °C (warm days, cooler evenings)
- May: 15–24 °C (pleasant temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities)
- June: 18–28 °C (summer begins, warm days and pleasant nights)
- July: 21–31 °C (hot days, typical summer weather)
- August: 22–32 °C (warmest month, hot and sunny weather)
- September: 20–29 °C (still warm, but beginning mild cooling)
- October: 16–25 °C (pleasant autumn temperatures)
- November: 12–20 °C (cooler, but still mild weather)
- December: 9–17 °C (mild winter, cold mornings and evenings)
Sea
The entry into the sea is gradual, the bay is bounded by rocks, so the water is calm and clear, you can observe fish from the shore, but sea turtles, dolphins and octopuses also live here. In Estepona, there are several companies offering boat trips with dolphin, turtle and even whale watching (price is around 35 euros per person).
- January and February: 15–16 °C (cold, more suitable for hardy swimmers).
- March and April: 16–17 °C (still cold, but beginning to warm slightly).
- May: 18–19 °C (water is cold, but more pleasant for short swimming).
- June: 20–22 °C (water becomes pleasant for swimming).
- July and August: 23–25 °C (warmest months, ideal for swimming).
- September: 23–24 °C (water remains warm due to summer heating).
- October: 21–22 °C (still pleasant temperature for swimming).
- November: 18–20 °C (water begins to cool).
- December: 16–18 °C (water is cold again).
Sights
Torre del Sal (Salt Tower) by the smaller rocky beach Playa de la Sal. It is one of the few preserved defensive structures in this area. The name refers to the salt pans where salt was mined in the past. Not only because of its historical value and picturesque location with amazing views is it worth a visit. Directly at the tower is Bahía Beach restaurant, where the food is excellent. Everyone will find something there and a bonus is very pleasant staff and the aforementioned view of the beautiful clean sea and surrounding nature.
Where to Eat
- Bahia Beach: Already mentioned modern restaurant right on the beach, “at the tower”. Within walking distance of the apartment. The price of a main course ranges from 20–30 €. They have everything there, from paella, through fish and seafood, salads, meat to hamburgers. The food is great and a bonus is pleasant staff. Open year-round.
- Chiringuito Beach – Bar La Sal: Beach bar with sea view and seafood. Great for dinner at sunset. Prices are standard, main course around 15–30 €. Open in season.
- Venta Victoria: Authentic Spanish cuisine with beautiful views. Prices from 20–35 €, but the food is excellent.
- Estepona Marina: In Estepona directly in the port you will find a selection of world cuisine at very favorable prices! Tapas, Greek, Italian, sushi, excellent wine. One restaurant next to another, with a view of the port, just choose.
- Heladería Ambrosía: For ice cream lovers, we recommend the ice cream parlor on the promenade in Estepona. No words needed. You must taste it. 🙂