San Pedro de Alcántara Area Guide

Located just ten minutes away from Puerto Banús, the favoured hotspot of celebrities and reality stars, San Pedro de Alcántara has a very different atmosphere. Known more locally as ‘San Pedro’, this large Spanish town has seen somewhat of a renaissance over the years that put it on par with its more upmarket neighbours.

The town is a compact collection of straight narrow streets where traditional architecture sits side-by-side with some of the more modern edifices. The top of the town is where the large main central plaza is overlooked proudly by the local church. Wander down the surrounding streets, packed with a mixture of intriguing small shops, cafés and tapas bars and then cross over the main road and head down Avenida del Marques del Duero. It’s here that you will stumble into the iconic Boulevard Park and its eye-catching footbridge, made to resemble the waves of the sea. For those with children, the area is a fantastic place to spend a morning, afternoon or even an evening, with six large playgrounds and play equipment to keep them entertained for hours.

Just west of San Pedro, still within Marbella but bordering Estepona and Benahavís, lies Guadalmina – one of the oldest and most esteemed residential estates on the Costa del Sol. Renowned for its luxurious villas and townhouses nestled amidst peaceful tree-lined streets, Guadalmina boasts two prestigious golf courses, one dating back to 1959, along with an international school and a plethora of upscale amenities and services.

San Pedro de Alcántara’s Location

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is just 40 minutes by car, and Gibraltar Airport (GIB) is around an hour away, both featuring convenient international flights to the UK, US, Europe and beyond. There is also an express bus that runs from Málaga Airport to San Pedro operated by Avanza for those who wish to use public transport.

San Pedro 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.

San Pedro de Alcántara’s History

You might be surprised to learn that San Pedro’s history isn’t as extensive as many other areas of the Costa del Sol. Archaeologists found the remains of a Christian church which can still be seen today and is open to the public, and there are also signs that the area may have had a small fishing port. After many years, in the 1860s, the Marques del Duero formed an agricultural village that attracted farmers from across Spain, eventually settling into what is now the area of El Ingenio, a processing area for sugar cane.

Areas in San Pedro de Alcántara

San Pedro de Alcántara Town

Properties in San Pedro are incredibly diverse and you’ll find everything from traditional white-washed casas to brand-new apartment complexes within the town area.

San Pedro de Alcántara Beach

In Nueva Alcántara, urban growth is rapidly progressing, with the area seeing lots of development including apartments, penthouses and townhouse complexes. As anticipated, the finest residences are typically situated closest to the beach, exemplified by properties like Bahía Alcántara, Casablanca Beach, and Las Adelfas. These developments boast landscaped central gardens with swimming pools, crafting a peaceful and exclusive atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Cortijo Blanco, just next to Puerto Banús is a quiet haven that’s reminiscent of a traditional ‘pueblo blanco’. The iconic Hotel Cortijo Blanco and its traditional Andalucían design stands proud within the neighbourhood, acting almost as a gateway from Puerto Banús to San Pedro. Here you’ll find quaint villas and apartments, all with the modern amenities of a larger resort.

Linda Vista, split into Linda Vista Alta and Linda Vista Baja, can be found in the south-east of San Pedro and boasts an ample selection of medium-sized villas and townhouses. Within the area, you’ll find many popular beachside bars and restaurants including La Ancla and Guayaba Beach, both offering a varied menu of delights.