San Pedro de Alcantara

Though part of the greater Marbella municipality, San Pedro Alcántara is a small town set a few metres inland almost midway between Benahavis, Estepona town. A former agricultural settlement first created in the 19th century, San Pedro retains a more traditionally Spanish atmosphere that offers an authentic Andalusian town experience right on the doorstep of Marbella and Puerto Banús.

Location

Centre to centre, San Pedro and Marbella are 16 kilometres removed, but the little town is as little as ten kilometres from the western entrance to Marbella town and less than nine kilometres from the famous Puerto Banús port, both of which can be reached in little more than five minutes. San Pedro also lies just ten kilometres from the charming little inland village of Benahavis, home to luxury country club resorts such as La Zagaleta and El Madroñal, and is roughly 20 kilometres from Estepona.

The A-7 coastal road runs roughly parallel to the coast, passing Estepona through a viaduct as it connects Marbella and Estepona, while on its north side the town is linked to the coastal AP toll motorway. Originally not set right upon the sea, San Pedro is now gradually being connected to the sandy beaches and seaside promenade that are around one kilometre from its southern side by a newly emerging luxury residential area known as Nuevo Alcántara. The latter is a well laid-out suburban area dominated by exclusive contemporary apartments dotted with townhouses, villas and one of the leading racquet clubs in the region, the Club de Pádel y Tenis Nueva Alcántara.

The A-7 coastal road runs roughly parallel to the coast, passing Estepona through a viaduct as it connects Marbella and Estepona, while on its north side the town is linked to the coastal AP toll motorway. Originally not set right upon the sea, San Pedro is now gradually being connected to the sandy beaches and seaside promenade that are around one kilometre from its southern side by a newly emerging luxury residential area known as Nuevo Alcántara. The latter is a well laid-out suburban area dominated by exclusive contemporary apartments dotted with townhouses, villas and one of the leading racquet clubs in the region, the Club de Pádel y Tenis Nueva Alcántara.

The topside of the viaduct is made up of a stylish new promenade park that forms the official meeting point between San Pedro town and Nueva Alcántara. Designed to create an open recreational space for inhabitants of the town, it features playing areas for children, water features, benches, a small amphitheatre for performances, two popular tapas restaurant/bars and an ice skating rink at Christmas.

San Pedro is set upon the largely level coastal plain of the Costa del Sol– here known as the Vega de San Pedro Alcántara – and looks out across the Mediterranean Sea up to Gibraltar and the coast of North Africa. The inland views take in the succession of mountain ranges that mark the beginning of the mighty Serranía de Ronda that stretches far inland. On the eastside is the Sierra Blanca, dominated by the iconic La Concha Mountain (1270 metres high and officially known as the Pico del Astonar. Rising right behind the town are the Sierra del Real and the Sierra de las Nieves, with on the west the Sierra Bermeja mountains.

Origins

Unlike many of the towns and villages in Andalucía, San Pedro Alcántara is not an ancient village dating back to Iberian, Phoenician, Roman or Moorish times, though there is evidence that people have lived here for thousands of years. Archaeological findings point to the presence of a small fishing port in Roman times called Silniana, while right by the beach in Vega del Mar, amid a stand of eucalyptus trees there are the remains of an early Christian basilica church have been found and preserved. The site can be visited daily from 10:30 t0 13:30 and it represents a rare example of a sixth century AD Visigoth church, which was built before the Muslim invasion of the following century.

After the reconquest of Andalucía from the Moors in the middle ages, the coastal region gradually became depopulated due to the centuries-long slaving raids by Barbara Corsair from North Africa. These Muslim pirates carried off thousands of inhabitants into slavery and made settlement of what is now the Costa del Sol virtually impossible until the French conquest of Algiers in 1830. Not long after, in the 1860s, the Marques del Duero established a planned agricultural village that attracted farmers from across the region and indeed all of Spain. They settled in what is now the little suburb of El Ingenio, where they processed their sugar cane crop in the El Ángel factory that was built in 1871. This attractive building remains here to this day and is used for municipal and cultural events.

Shopping and dining

The town centre of San Pedro Alcántara offers a compact area in which to experience authentic Andalusian village life. It also features a wide range of shops and services, from boutiques, pharmacies and perfumeries to opticians, clinics, banks, law firms and phone shops. You’ll be able to find just about everything you need in town or at the small neighbouring industrial estate (polígono), including car dealerships, garages and furniture stores.

San Pedro is also increasingly popular for dining and socialising, boasting a good variety of tapas bars, cafes and traditional eateries in the old town and a growing selection of excellent restaurants and gastro tapas venues on and near the Bulevar and Paseo Marítimo beach walk, offering everything from Spanish to Italian, French, Argentinean and Asian cuisine.

The beaches in San Pedro are sandy and clean, with a pleasant sprinkling of fish restaurants and beach clubs such as Bora Bora, Guayaba, El Ancón and Macao.

Sport

In addition to padel and tennis clubs, San Pedro also has a municipal Polideportivo sports complex offering gymnastics, swimming pools and indoor sports. The local football club attracts a lot of young players and there is a first class choice of golf courses within a ten-minute drive, including Los Arqueros, El Higueral, La Zagaleta, La Quinta, Magna Marbella, Los Naranjos, Las Brisas, Aloha Golf, Dama de Noche, Guadalmina, Atalaya and El Campanario.

Also close to the town centre is the Cable Ski lake, which comes complete with a lakeside chill out club and borders a driving range.

Properties

Few foreign buyers opt for properties in the town centre but many are drawn by the modern apartments in Nueva Alcántara, older renovation villas in Vega del Mar, the golf apartments in Los Arqueros or luxury country club villas in El Madroñal and La Zagaleta. Guadalmina is particularly popular for its apartments and villas, with properties in La Quinta also close by.

Frequently Asked Questions:

San Pedro de Alcantara is a charming town on the Costa del Sol, just 10 kilometres to the west of Marbella. It is right next door to Puerto Banús, the popular and luxurious marina, shopping and entertainment district. San Pedro de Alcántara has a rich and diverse history. It was founded in 1861 by the Marquis del Duero, who established a colony of farmers and workers, which he named after his mother, Petra. She herself was named after the family’s patron saint from Extremadura. Before that, the area was inhabited by the Romans, who left behind ruins of baths and villas. The town also has the ruins of a Byzantine church from the 4th century, known as the Vega del Mar. And there is a watch tower from the 16th century, known as the Torre de las Bovedas. It has retained a more traditionally Spanish atmosphere. As a result, San Pedro offers an authentic Andalusian town experience right on the doorstep of Marbella and Puerto Banús.

What is San Pedro de Alcantara like?

San Pedro is a coastal town that has a mix of traditional and modern attractions. It has a beautiful beach with palm trees and restaurants. There is also a charming old town with a church and a plaza, and a modern boulevard with a park and an amphitheatre. San Pedro is not only a great place to enjoy life by the sea but is also a home base from which to explore other nearby attractions. For instance, San Pedro is just 10 kilometers west of Marbella, one of the most glamorous and cosmopolitan cities in Spain.
San Pedro is also close to Estepona, another coastal town with a charming old town and marina. It’s also less than an hour from Ronda, one of the most spectacular mountain towns in Spain. The town of San Pedro offers luxury housing complexes, golf courses, cultural events, outdoor activities and nightlife for people who want to live in Spain.

Where is San Pedro de Alcantara? How do I get to San Pedro de Alcantara?

San Pedro de Alcantara is located on the main Costa del Sol coastal road, the N340, between Marbella and Estepona. It has easy access to the main highway and the Malaga airport, making it convenient for travelling within Spain or abroad. It’s also close to other popular destinations such as Ronda, Malaga, and Gibraltar.
To get to San Pedro de Alcántara from Málaga by car, you can take the A-7 motorway and follow the signs for Marbella. The journey is about 70 km and takes less than an hour.
There is also an express bus from Malaga airport to San Pedro de Alcantara. It is operated by Avanza Grupo and runs once daily. The journey takes one hour and costs €5 – €7. You can also take a taxi, which costs around €80 – €100.

Is San Pedro de Alcantara Lively?

Despite being luxurious and tranquil, San Pedro de Alcantara is also a very lively area that offers a variety of attractions and activities for tourists and residents alike. It has a charming old town with a pedestrianized street and a beautiful central plaza, the Plaza de la Iglesia. There’s lots of places to eat and sit on a terrace with a beer and a tapa.
There’s also a weekly street market every Thursday, with over 230 stalls including local products and crafts. If you’re out for a walk near the old town, you will find plenty of playgrounds and parks, especially just south of the old town. Throughout San Pedro there is no shortage of things to do, from great restaurants, bars, boutique and designer shopping and a plethora of sports options, from golf to padel and tennis, to beach sports.

Is there shopping around San Pedro de Alcantara?

San Pedro de Alcantara has a lively town centre with many shops, services, and markets. You can find everything from local crafts and produce to international brands and products. There are also several shopping centres nearby, such as La Cañada in Marbella or El Corte Ingles in Puerto Banús. Puerto Banús also has tons of boutique and designer stores. Within the streets of San Pedro you will find the Guadalmina Mall, as well as the Centro Comercial La Colonia. Both are conveniently located right next to the N340 highway. You can get more great shopping ideas in our Guide to Shopping in Marbella and our Guide to Open Air Markets in Marbella.

What sports facilities are there around San Pedro de Alcantara?

San Pedro de Alcantara is an ideal place for sports enthusiasts. To start with, it has a beautiful beach promenade that stretches for several kilometers along the coast. This is perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, or rollerblading. It also has several golf courses in the area, along with tennis courts, paddle courts, gyms, swimming pools, and water sports.
One golf and country club right next door to San Pedro de Alcantara is Atalaya Golf & Country Club. Less than a ten minute drive away, Atalaya has two 18-hole courses and a driving range. The contact details are: Phone: +34 952 88 28 12. Even closer, within the borders of San Pedro de Alcantara is Real Club de Golf Guadalmina. It has two 18-hole courses, a par-3 course and a practice area. The contact details are: Phone: +34 952 88 33 75. You can also get details about all the courses in our Marbella Golf Course Guide.
Two other sports facilities that are in or very close to San Pedro de Alcantara are:

San Pedro Sports Complex: A public facility with a swimming pool, tennis courts, paddle courts, football pitches and a gym. Phone: +34 952 780 663 / 952 799 508

Nueva Alcantara Padel & Tennis Club: A private club with paddle courts, tennis courts, a fitness centre and a restaurant. Phone: Phone: +34 639 779 315

What Beaches are there in San Pedro de Alcantara?

San Pedro de Alcantara has some of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol. They are wide, sandy, clean, and family-friendly. You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, surfing or playing on the sandy beach. There are also a ton of beach bars and restaurants where you can have a drink or a meal while enjoying the sea views. Here’s a couple of great beach restaurants right on the San Pedro de Alcántara beach:

Nuevo Reino: a traditional chiringuito that offers fresh fish, paella, tapas and sangria. It has a large terrace overlooking the beach and live music on weekends.

If you want to walk off your meal, there’s a hiking area along the beach, known as the Senda Litoral San Pedro de Alcántara. There are also volleyball courts towards the western end of the beach.

What sort of educational opportunities are there in San Pedro de Alcantara?

If you are an English speaking family looking for private and international education for your children there are many options available in the area. Whether you prefer a British curriculum, a bilingual programme or an international baccalaureate, you will find a school that suits your needs and expectations. Some of the most popular and prestigious schools in the area are:

Colegio San José: A bilingual school that offers three baccalaureate programmes: the national one, the international one and a double one. It has two campuses: one in Estepona and one in Guadalmina.

Laude San Pedro International College: This school follows the British curriculum from nursery to year 13. It has a wide range of facilities and extracurricular activities.

Saint George’s School: A school that follows the British Early Years Foundation Stage and National Curriculum from nursery to year 6. It has a friendly and caring environment..
For more information on the many excellent schools in Marbella, check out our Marbella Schools Guide.

Are there any good restaurants in San Pedro de Alcantara?

The first thing is that anyone near Marbella has a wealth of choices of high quality restaurants to suit literally any palate. But San Pedro itself has a great gastronomic scene.
You can find traditional Spanish cuisine such as tapas, paella or seafood; international cuisine such as Italian, Chinese or Indian; or modern fusion cuisine that combines different flavors and ingredients.

Here’s just a sampling of what’s on offer gastronomically:

La Bodega del Cantinero: A cozy and elegant restaurant that specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist. You can enjoy dishes such as tuna ventresca, lamb chops, or steak tartare, accompanied by a selection of wines from their cellar. Contact: +34 952 927 188

El Cortijo de Ramiro: A family-run restaurant that offers international and fusion cuisine with fresh and local ingredients. You can savor dishes such as lobster risotto, duck confit, or crepes Suzette, prepared by the chef Ramiro himself. Contact: +34 952 888 077

Barbulla: A very cool cafe bar that offers Mediterranean cuisine with vegetarian, gluten-free, and Asian options. You can enjoy dishes such as hummus, falafel, sushi, or pad thai, along with cocktails and smoothies. Contact: +34 951 192 019

Here you can find more great restaurants in our Marbella Restaurant Guide.

 

Is San Pedro de Alcantara a good place to buy property?

San Pedro de Alcantara is an excellent place to buy property on the Costa del Sol. It has a range of properties to suit different tastes and budgets, from villas, apartments, townhouses to penthouses. Prices range from under €500,000 for a standard 3-bedroom apartment, or under €1,200,000 for a penthouse with 3 bedrooms and a terrace. Higher up the price ladder, you can find 4-bedroom, luxury villas with a private pool and near the beach for €2 million and upwards. Apartment complexes such as La Rada, La Goleta, Las Adelfas, Jade Beach, Castiglione and Bahialcantara are extremely sought after.

In terms of villas the area of Cortijo Blanco is probably the most sought after being close to the beach and comprising of a network of charming small roads. Buying property in San Pedro de Alcantara will give you access to all the benefits of living in a Spanish town with modern amenities, a friendly atmosphere, and a privileged location. In addition, properties in the triangle of Estepona, Marbella and Benahavís hold their value through thick and thin. This is an area that is in constant demand. For more information on the property check out our San Pedro Property Listings. In addition to those that we have listed, we also can show you properties listed privately, unlisted properties and those with other agents.