San Pedro Alcántara area guide

Located halfway between Marbella and Estepona, San Pedro de Alcántara is considered the “cool” neighborhood of Marbella. It is fair to say that some 10 years or so ago many visitors to Marbella would not have given San Pedro de Alcantara a second thought. Back then it was a traditional Spanish town with a main

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Located halfway between Marbella and Estepona, San Pedro de Alcántara is considered the “cool” neighborhood of Marbella.

It is fair to say that some 10 years or so ago many visitors to Marbella would not have given San Pedro de Alcantara a second thought. Back then it was a traditional Spanish town with a main road running through it and a town centre with some restaurants, bars and shops.

These days however, San Pedro del Alcantara is a thriving town with a truly international feel. People from all over Europe have made it their home. As more people came to visit, more restaurants, shops and businesses opened up, offering an authentic Andalusian experience to all who visit. San Pedro de Alcántara is an ideal area for families looking to settle in southern Spain and boasts a wide range of activities.

ACCESS AND TRANSPORT LINKS

San Pedro Alcantara is located between Estepona and Puerto Banus on the Costa del Sol. It is about a 5-minute drive from Puerto Banus. Estepona is about 15-minute drive and about the same to Marbella town centre. Other local places within a short drive include Benahavis village (about 15 minutes), Nueva Andalucia (10 minutes) and the historical city of Ronda is about 35 minutes up the mountain.

San Pedro de Alcántara is also connected to the A-7, allowing easy access to other popular destinations on the coast and the AP-7, a toll highway connecting you to most of mainland Spain. Malaga Airport – 60km, Gibraltar Airport – 65km.

SAN PEDRO BEACHES, CHIRINGUITOS & RESTAURANTS

The beach of this quiet and relaxed territory on the Western Costa del Sol is made of dark sand and gravel and is in an environment of great beauty and history, surrounded by palms and eucalyptus.

The beach of San Pedro de Alcántara measures 1,400 meters long and 35 meters wide, it has free parking, a lot of chiriguitos and equipped beaches.

On the beachfront, chiringuitos line the boardwalk, where the freshest locally-sourced fish can be tasted, and the popular paellas can be found at excellent prices. The gastronomy in San Pedro is one of a kind, and it allows you to be submerged in the typical life of a Spaniard. Don’t forget to visit famous “Nuevo Reino”. If you want to have lunch or dinner next to the sea enjoying the views in a beautiful restaurant with a pool included, be sure to visit the “El Ancla”.

AMENITIES

San Pedro has become a place that easily accommodates any need and lifestyle.

San Pedro is packed with activities for anyone and everyone. The Boulevard of San Pedro is a very popular attraction, where one can enjoy a nice walk with their family, a playground for kids filled with cute bars and restaurants for any occasion and even an open-air theatre that hosts events.

For lovers of history, a basilica and cemetery dating back to the 4th century can be found here, as well as 3rd-century Roman baths. Both are open to visitors and are considered the most historical monuments in Marbella.

Many daytime activities, such as shopping in traditional, locally-owned stores, are widely available to the public. One can expect to find hand-made accessories and clothing, which differs from the usual, well-known boutiques. It is worth visiting, as you can discover some beautiful hidden gems. For those needing self-care, many beauty salons for women and barber shops for men fill the area. Prices are usually relatively cheaper compared to other areas in Marbella. However, the quality of service remains outstanding.

In terms of gastronomy, San Pedro is the place to be if you wish to experience authentic Spanish food. Many cozy cafes take up the streets, where you can try authentic tapas. There are also various ‘sidrerias’ which serve a huge variety of meats and specialize in ciders; definitely a must-try for the authentic Spanish experience.

There are also many sporting opportunities within San Pedro, as the poli-deportivo (the public sports centre) is located here, where one can play a range of sports, such as basketball, football and even tennis – many after-school classes and events are held here for everyone to get involved with and enjoy. Many tournaments and events are held here, open for the public to enjoy. San Pedro is also very well-connected for cyclists, with many designated paths that allow you to explore the area safely.

SCHOOLS IN SAN PEDRO

The abundance of playgrounds and sports facilities allows them to be occupied at all times, and the heavily pedestrianised streets allow them to explore without facing the danger of cars. Parents can let their kids roam around without worrying for their safety. Many schools and educational centres surround San Pedro, benefiting the younger ones greatly.

San Pedro De Alcantara is home to Laude International School, serving education in either Spanish or English for children ages 4 to 18. Also, the well-known Colegio San Jose primary school is located on the western outskirts of San Pedro de Alcántara. Saint George’s School is a small, private education centre for smaller children, with their doors open from Kindergarten until Year 3. There is also a Montessori school in San Pedro called Casa del Mar. It is the only Montessori school in Marbella and educates children from as little as 15 months old until they are 12 years old. Many public Spanish schools surround San Pedro, so the ability to choose attracts many families.

There are various other schooling options not far from San Pedro. The distances to these are as follows:

• Swans International Primary School: 11km, 17-minute drive
• Swans International Secondary School: 11km, 15-minute drive
• Aloha College: 6.8km, 10-minute drive
• The British School of Marbella: 9km, 16-minute drive
• English International College: 24km, 25-minute drive
• Sotogrande (boarding and day school): 46km, 50-minute drive

STROLL TO MARBELLA

The promenade by the sea was linked all the way to Puerto Banus and through to Marbella, meaning you could walk or cycle to both destinations along the beach. This is a glorious walk between beach & superbly kept gardens with palms, cacti and flowers and even parrots and other exotic birds.

GOLF IN SAN PEDRO

There are 33 golf courses in the vicinity of San Pedro de Alcántara. Golfers of all levels will find the ideal one. The courses offer very good deals and is a very relaxed and serene environment to play. The most famous are La Zagaleta, Villa Padierna Golf club, Los Arqueros Golf & country Club, El Paraiso Golf, La Quinta golf club.

WHY SAN PEDRO IS A GREAT PLACE TO INVEST

Whether you venture into the San Pedro area for an investment property or to buy a home, the results will be the same. You will find that the house offers a great deal of value for what you end up paying. So, if you want to own a home or rent real estate, you will find that San Pedro will not disappoint, whichever path you choose.

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