Winkworth Spain Real Estate Blog

The beautiful boulevard of San Pedro Alcántara!

San Pedro Alcántara has undergone a wonderful transformation in the recent past, from sleepy commuter town for those who couldn’t afford Puerto Banús or Marbella to a thriving, buzzing community. Better yet, it has maintained its Spanish roots, with a good proportion of local residents from this area, welcoming and absorbing a broad array of nationalities without losing its Spanish identity.

The transformation began in 2006 when a tunnel was begun to deviate the main A-7 coastal road under the town. The work took five years and once it was completed, it was declared a great success. When the boulevard opened in December 2014, it was intended not only as great outdoor space for all the family, but also to bridge the divide between San Pedro’s Old Town and the newer areas developing towards the beachside promenade.

With a total area of 55,000m2, this was an ambitious project, but it has successfully become a gathering place for the community. Families with children big and small can take advantage of the six playgrounds dotted along the length of the pedestrianised area, the largest of which is an impressive 650 square metres.

Children aren’t the only ones to enjoy this area, as there is a bicycle lane used by cyclists as well as scooters and roller-bladers. If you don’t have your own wheeled transport, YEP Bike opposite the central roundabout hires out bikes and buggies by the hour or the day.

Dominating the whole space is the bridge entitled, ‘Un Mar de Sensaciones’, ‘a Sea of Sensations‘, designed by local architect Juan Antonio Fernández. This fabulous structure bends and undulates as it traverses the open area and is beautiful to see lit up at night, perhaps from the amphitheatre where concerts and recitals are held.

With three welcoming bars along the way serving fabulous international and local specialities, this is one area you really must visit when living in or visiting Marbella.

Image source: Ayuntamiento de Marbella