San Pedro de Alcántara is in an ideal situation, just 10 kilometres west from all the glitz and glamour of Marbella, yet just a few minutes drive away from the natural beauty of the Sierra de Ronda mountain range and 20 km from the town of Estepona. An ancient farming community, once famous for sugar cane, today San Pedro is a refreshingly unspoilt pueblo with an appeal all of its own.

Be sure to head for the central plaza here with its gracious parish church and surrounding narrow streets which are packed with intriguing small shops, sidewalk cafes and bars. Thursday is street market day with all the associated hustle and bustle; a veritable bargain shopper's paradise.

A pleasant walk is from the centre of town to the beachfront along the Avenida del Marques del Duero which is a particularly attractive wide avenue flanked by palm trees. And the modern wide promenade is ideal for continuing your stroll (or skateboarding!) with several excellent chiringuitos (beachside restaurants) specialising in fish dishes. Visit Bora Bora if only for a drink at the bar. It is one of the best beach clubs on the coast, with a superb restaurant and all the usual beach facilities, a tropical paradise.

Local facilities available: Skiing, Waterskiing, Sailing, Beach, Horse riding, Golf.

Costa del Sol

The densely populated coast of Andalusia, stretching from Almeria to Tarifa, is Europe’s all-year-round favoured holiday destination, known as the Costa del Sol. It consists of a string of fine sandy beaches, where the average water temperature is 64ºF (18ºC), and picturesque towns have abundant tourist amenities, resorts and high-rise hotels. Attractions include zoos, bullfights, water parks, casinos and amusement parks. Marbella is the Costa del Sol's quality resort - the restaurants and bars are more stylish (and expensive). The old town is hidden away and retains some of its medieval charm and has some good clothes shops and restaurants. The exclusive Puerto Banus, six miles (10km) to the west, is where you will find the casino and the seriously large yachts. Those visitors who drive just a few miles inland to the villages in the hills around Ronda will discover a Spain completely untouched by tourism, with village markets and tapas bars to be explored.

View Larger Map