Location

San Pedro Alcantara is a coastal town wedged between Marbella and Estepona and, despite its proximity to glamorous Marbella, has managed to remain unspoilt. Very traditional and laidback, it attracts the type of visitor looking for a more low-key holiday.

Although San Pedro is small, it is a vibrant town abuzz with restaurants, bars, bakery cafes and ice cream parlours. The food scene is both local and international, with Irish pubs, Asian restaurants, Dutch bars all next to traditional Spanish bars and restaurants. There are a couple of well-priced supermarkets (Mercadona, Maskom, Supersol and Día), a 24-hour pharmacy and boutiques. Thursday is street market day, a true bargain hunter’s paradise. The Boulevard is fast becoming the heart of San Pedro and a favourite with children with a total of six playgrounds and a skateboard area. Adults can sit around nearby, or go to one of the bar/restaurants for a drink, a snack or a meal.

Nueva Alcantara is the new part of town with wide tree-lined avenues leading down to the beach. On the waterfront, the 2 km sweeping tiled promenade serves as an open-air gym with exercise machines and is always bustling with joggers, strollers and dog walkers. It is dotted with chiringuitos all the way along, most of them offering Mediterranean cuisine and, of course, the ubiquitous thirst-quenching tinto de verano. The promenade also links up to Puerto Banus and it is possible to walk all the way to Marbella along the sea front.

Don't expect any wild nightlife. A night out typically consists of a meal and a few drinks at a local bar - although there are a couple of salsa clubs- or a moonlight stroll along the beach promenade. If you're looking for a big party night, Marbella and Puerto Banús are a short drive away.

For sporting activities, there are many options. The Nueva Alcantara padel and tennis club has 11 paddle courts and 4 tennis courts. The adjacent residential area of Guadalmina is also known for its well-kept golf courses. If you just want to hit a few balls, try the Guadalmina public driving range (Located close to the Barceló Hotel). For a bit more action for the kids, the Cable Ski Marbella, next to the driving range, offers wakeboard, kneeboard, and water-ski lessons. The road to Ronda starts at San Pedro so experienced cyclists can enjoy a challenging but beautiful ride.