The working Spanish town of San Pedro de Alcantara is located just 10 kilometres west from the upmarket resort of Marbella, yet just a few minutes away from the natural beauty of the Sierra de Ronda mountain range and 20 km from the town of Estepona.

The town has become increasingly popular in the last few years with both holidaymakers and foreign residents. A main road divides the area; on one side is the old quarter with its narrow cobbled streets and tiny local stores, and on the beach side are new urbanisations, long stretches of beach and a charming promenade, which stretches along the beach and is home to some excellent beach restaurants.

History

The town was born around the late 1800s and was an agricultural farming community, which was famous for its sugar cane.

Around town

From the west you enter San Pedro through the famous Marbella arch and to the left you will find the old town and to the right the beach and promenade.

The buzzy old town has a great Spanish atmosphere, with lots of interesting old shops to explore and some wonderful tapas bars and old cafes which invite you in to savour some good old rustic Andalusian cusine.

Head across the road to the beach side of San Pedro and you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the new promenade which is lined with palm trees and restaurants.

Places to visit

San Pedro de Alcantara has its own historical heritage and monuments. If you want to find out more about the old village and the history of the surrounding area then you should visit the Paleochristian Basilica Church, the 3rd century Las Bovedas Roman Baths.

Beaches

San Pedro enjoys a long golden, sandy beach, backed by a palm lined promenade and some great chiringuitos (beach restaurants).

Eating out

San Pedro has an excellent choice of bars and restaurants. For traditional and lively Spanish dining, head to Alfredo Restaurants in the old town. Well priced and cheerful, the atmosphere is fun and the food excellent.

The Bora Bora and Guayaba Beach Clubs located on the beach side are both upbeat and trendy and serve international cuisine.

In town there are lots of restaurants, serving international cuisines from all corners of the globe.

Climate

San Pedro de Alcantara enjoys a sub-tropical Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Cooling breezes from the sea make the summer heat manageable, temperatures average 32 ºC during the summer.