Sotogrande is the largest privately owned residential development in Andalucia. Originally a gated community, it is located in the municipality of San Roque, Cádiz, Spain and is composed of a 25 square kilometres stretch from the Mediterranean Sea 25 km east of Gibraltar, back into the foothills of Sierra Almenara. It provides contrasting views of sea, hills, cork forests and green fairways, including the Rock of Gibraltar and Morocco. Being on the western side of the Costa del Sol it is convenient for accessing Gibraltar, Tarifa and the Alcornocales.
Sotogrande has been long associated with wealth and luxury. Some of the richest and most powerful families of Spain, Russia, and the United Kingdom reside here. Current and past regulars and inhabitants of Sotogrande include Peter Caruana, former Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, current Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Tony Blair, Emilio Botín, Ana Rosa Quintana, Royal Shakespeare Company actor Mike Gwilym, Boris Berezovsky, as well as Prince Louis Alphonse, Duke of Anjou, the legitimist pretender to the throne of France. Sarah Ferguson (the Duchess of York) is a regular summertime visitor.
Sotogrande is known for its small but beautifully appointed port where large expensive yachts are moored. The Sotogrande port is surrounded by chi chi cocktail bars and restaurants. People and yacht watching are obligatory, particularly at the weekend. There is often a Sunday market in the port with stalls selling artisanal products and arts and crafts.
There are beautiful beaches too. The Playa de Sotogrande is 2 km long and is largely natural and unspoiled. The vastness of the dunes and the large area of sand provide plenty of open space and you can relax amid wonderful nature. Even in summer, it is rarely crowded on this beach.
Slightly further out are the playas of Torreguadiaro, Cala Sardina and Alcaidesa. Look out for chiringuito bars in the summer on the beach where you can eat grilled sardines and drink chilled wine!
In terms of nature, Sotogrande is well worth a visit. With the River Guadiaro and its estuary, Sotogrande, boasts the only marshland on this part of the coast and has been designated as an Andalucian National Park, Wildlife and Nature Reserve. A series of pathways has been constructed, with information boards explaining the natural area, enabling nature lovers unobstructed views of the estuary, its wildlife and in particular the migratory birds, on their route to and from Africa.
Finally, let us not forget the world-class golf courses (for example Valderrama!) and polo!
Contact the Marbella Living team to find out about the amazing property we have to offer in this area.
