SOTOGRANDE AREA GUIDE

Sotogrande is a true hidden gem, boasting a low-key, relaxed lifestyle that reigns supreme here on the very western end of the Costa del Sol.

Interestingly, Sotogrande falls under the area of San Roque and is located within the province of Cádiz, nestled between Estepona and Gibraltar. The area is known for its luxurious atmosphere and beautiful marina, making it a popular destination for both tourists and expats alike. With great transport links both along the Costa del Sol and internationally, via Gibraltar or Málaga Airport, it’s no wonder this town has become a go-to destination for those seeking sun, sand, and low-key sophistication.

Comprised of around 2,500 hectares in total, Sotogrande is the largest privately owned residential development in Andalucía and is home to around 10,000 permanent residents all year round, but this increases during the summer months when the area comes alive.

Sotogrande offers a golfing experience unlike any other on the Costa del Sol. Home to several world-class golf courses, including the iconic Real Club Valderrama, which hosted the Ryder Cup in 1997, Sotogrande caters to golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. With meticulously designed courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, golfers can indulge in the ultimate sporting retreat. Whether teeing off amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Almenara Golf Course or tackling the challenging fairways of the La Reserva Golf Club, Sotogrande promises an unforgettable golfing adventure amidst luxury and natural beauty.

The sporting endeavours don’t just stop at golf, however, Sotogrande is synonymous with polo, offering one of the most prestigious polo scenes in Europe. With its world-class facilities and stunning backdrop, Sotogrande hosts numerous polo tournaments throughout the year, attracting top players and enthusiasts from around the world. The Santa María Polo Club is the heart of polo in Sotogrande, featuring multiple polo fields, training facilities, and a vibrant social scene. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a spectator, Sotogrande’s polo events promise thrilling matches and a taste of luxury living amidst the sport’s elegant ambience.

Whilst the area may have the cachet of being an exclusive area for those who are wealthy enough to feature in ‘homes of the rich and famous’, however, there is an unknown element that makes this area the perfect place to purchase a property. If you look past the glitz and glamour, you’ll find a community of residents made up of nationalities from around the world living harmoniously together.

It is this community aspect that gives Sotogrande a village feel and, as it is just far enough away from the buzz of the more popular resorts such as Marbella, it has managed to ride the economic storm better than some of its neighbours and come out the other side. Property prices rise and fall but those who want to make a long-term investment turn out to be the winners in this property game. The beauty of buying a home here is that there is something for everyone, from contemporary penthouses in the marina to the waterfront apartments lining the route leading towards the river, from golf apartments to townhouses with communal pools, from single-level villas to larger family-sized homes and then, of course, there are the multi-million euro sprawling mansions.

Sotogrande’s Location

Sotogrande is incredibly well-served when it comes to transportation. Gibraltar International Airport (GIB) is just 30 minutes away by car and offers a selection of flights to the UK, whilst the Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is just over an hour away by car and boasts a wide range of internal and international connections. Alternatively, Sotogrande is also around one and a half hours away from Jerez International Airport.

For those looking to explore Andalucía, as well as the rest of Spain, the rail stations of San Roque and Algeciras are conveniently located just 30 minutes away by car and boast connections to Ronda, Madrid, Cordoba, Granada and beyond, allowing you to explore the country with ease.

Sotogrande is also well-connected by modern motorways, including toll and public roads such as the AP-7 and the more scenic N-340 (A-7), which runs along the Costa del Sol.

Sotogrande’s History

Sotogrande was first established in 1962 when Filipino-American Joseph McMicking had a vision of creating an exclusive resort in the area. With the beautiful surroundings and countryside situated along the south Andalucían coastline, halfway between Marbella and Gibraltar, the area was perfect for Joseph’s vision. He purchased four fincas (traditional rural properties) around the area and gradually merged them into what we now know as Sotogrande – deriving from the denomination of one of his farmhouses on the estates.

Sotogrande’s marina was officially inaugurated in 1987, with the name ‘Puerto Deportivo Sotogrande’, to revitalise and diversify the real estate market. The real estate on the left bank of the Guadiaro River was acquired and subsequently developed into a collection of luxury apartments. This area now houses the prestigious Real Club Marítimo de Sotogrande.

Areas in Sotogrande

Sotogrande Marina

One of the most iconic areas in Sotogrande is its stunning marina. Sotogrande boasts a world-class marina with over 1000 berths for boats of up to 70 meters in length. Not only is the marina a hub for boating and yachting enthusiasts, but it’s also surrounded by luxury apartments, restaurants, and shops with a vibrant and glamorous atmosphere. The marina is the perfect place to spend an afternoon admiring the yachts and window shopping, followed by a cocktail at KE or the Hairy Lemon, as the sun sets over the Mediterranean Sea.

Sotogrande Marina is also home to a range of regular markets, including the popular Sunday Market and the Night Market, held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings throughout the summer months. Both are held at La Ribiera del Marlin close to the marina, with free parking nearby.

Sotogrande Alto

In Sotogrande Alto, buyers have an extensive selection of apartments, townhouses, and villas to choose from, along with large building plots. Nestled amidst the slopes overlooking some of the Costa del Sol’s renowned golf courses, this area offers a prime location for those seeking luxury living intertwined with golfing pursuits. Driving around the area’s palm tree-lined streets, you’ll find an abundance of sprawling villas dotted along the hills, evoking California vibes.

Apart from its renowned Valderrama Golf Club, Sotogrande Alto features three other prestigious golf clubs: Almenara Golf, La Cañada Golf Club, and La Reserva Golf Club, each offering 27 holes. Additionally, Sotogrande Alto is home to the esteemed Sotogrande Golf Academy, Sotogrande Equestrian Club, and Sotogrande International School, along with the upscale Hotel Almenara.

La Reserva

La Reserva is one of the most recent developments in the area and is located within the Sotogrande Alto district. The area encompasses a staggering range of facilities, including the La Reserva Golf Club, an exclusive inland beach club, restaurants, tennis and padel courts and even watersports. The housing complexes of Los Cortijos de la Reserva, La Finca, The Seven, El Mirador, Lagoon Villas, Sotogrande School and many more can also be found in the La Reserva complex.

Properties here include a range of gated communities, apartments, villas and even plots for those who want to design their own luxury paradise.

Torreguadiaro

The village of Torreguadiaro is located to the east of Sotogrande, marked by the two apartment blocks on the coastline. This quiet village, although small, has lots going on. The main road of Avenida del Mar, running through the village, is lined with upmarket bars and restaurants, including El Trasmallo de Agustino, a fantastic fish restaurant, whilst the beach plays host to both the Bahia Límon and Chambao beach bars – the place to be in the summertime. Properties here are slightly lower in price compared to Sotogrande, but this is primarily because they tend to be older, but there is still a selection of more modern properties available. Nonetheless, there is a great selection of properties to be discovered here, including both apartments and villas.

Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro

The neighbourhood of Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro (shortened to Pueblo Nuevo by the locals) is often overlooked, but there’s lots to see and do here. The area is packed with amenities including local shops, banks and pharmacies, as well as plenty of bars and restaurants. It’s also home to the larger supermarkets of Supercor, Lidl and Mercadona, as well as Overseas, a British food store, for those missing a taste of home. The popular Sotomarket commercial centre can be found here too, which boasts a range of independent and pop-up stores.

Much like Torreguadiaro, a number of the properties in Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro are slightly older, however, many of them have undergone full contemporary renovations, bringing them up to modern-day standards

Guadiaro and San Enrique

If you’re looking for a taste of rural life, you’ll love the villages of Guadiaro and San Enrique de Guadiaro. Located inland, just outside of Sotogrande, these two villages offer the perfect blend of beach and village life.

Guadiaro, named after the river flowing to the east of the village, is home to around 2,000 residents and was once a more popular destination, however, it is now often missed by tourists, making this an idyllic location for those wanting peace. Given the small size of the village, you’ll be surprised to learn that there is quite a wide range of restaurants to be found, offering a wide variety of cuisines, from traditional Spanish flavours to Thai specialities. Properties here are more rural and traditional, perfect for those who want a slice of Andalucían life, or for those who want to undertake a renovation.

San Enrique de Guadiaro (shortened to San Enrique by locals), on the east side of the Guadiaro River, also features a surprising amount of amenities. Whilst slightly smaller than its neighbour, with around 1,000 residents, the area is still full of life. The main industry of the area is citrus fruits due to its position on a floodplain surrounding the Guadiaro River. Interestingly, the village was formed in 1887 when Manuel Domingo Larios, of the famous Larios gin family, created the Sociedad Industrial y Agricola de Guadiaro. Like its neighbour, San Enrique de Guadiaro features mostly more established properties, but thanks to its proximity to Sotogrande, the area is becoming more and more popular.

To find out more about the area and the frequently asked questions about Sotogrande, head over to our Why Buy in Sotogrande page.

Why buy with Winkworth?

When considering purchasing a property in Sotogrande, choosing Winkworth offers a distinctive advantage. With a deep-rooted commitment to providing unparalleled service, we prioritise your needs every step of the way. Our team possesses invaluable local knowledge, offering insights that only true locals can provide. We don’t just see clients; we see individuals with unique aspirations and desires.

At Winkworth, we understand that a property is not just a house; it’s a home. We pride ourselves on our keen eye for detail, recognising the nuances that others may overlook. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat in the villages of Torreguadiaro or a luxurious hillside villa in La Reserva, Winkworth is your trusted partner, dedicated to making your property-buying journey as seamless and rewarding as possible.

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