Activities, Beach Life, Cadiz, Gourmet, Relax, Sotogrande, Spanish Travel Blog

Sotogrande has friends in high places. From musicians and A-list movie stars to former UK prime ministers – and even a royal polo fan or two – it’s been the luxury resort of choice for some of the world’s more discrete rich and famous types for many years now.

It’s an unusual place, too. It’s not a ‘town’ in the strictest sense of the word, but is actually a privately owned, and rather exclusive residential complex. As a result, it keeps itself to itself a bit, and can be just a little hard to get to know.

From golf to gastronomy via polo and playas, in our Sotogrande guide we’ve tried to lift the lid on some of its best bits – so you can really get the most out of your next visit.

Location & Getting There

First things first: where is Sotogrande? It’s about an hour’s drive from Malaga airport – if you take the Autopista rather than crawling along the old N340, that is. Gibraltar International Airport is even nearer at about 25 minutes by car. Driving from Sotogrande to Marbella only takes about 35 minutes.

Golf

Golf is always going to be one of the main draws for many visitors to Sotogrande. Which is hardly surprising given that there are no fewer than five golf courses to choose from in the immediate vicinity, and a couple of those are amongst the very best in Spain.

La Cañada and La Almenara are both excellent and suitable for high to mid-handicappers, while La Reserva, the Real Club de Golf  and world-famous championship course, Valderrama, are really best left for only the most accomplished golfers.

(For more golf inspiration, see our pick of the best Costa del Sol golf courses.)

Beaches

As the name suggests Playa de Sotogrande is the main beach, stretching away directly from the estate itself. For ease, comfort and a range of facilities, this is the place to head. It’s also home to the ultra-stylish and adults-only Trocadero Beach Club, which if you book in advance makes for a great base camp for the day.

On the other side of the port, Torreguardiaro is another good bet for a nearby strip of sand to stretch out on for the afternoon. Here, too, there’s a good beach club – Chambao – to try.

Ever so slightly further afield, Playa Guadalquiton is a wilder choice, and one of the quieter, less developed and more attractive stretches of sand you’ll find between Malaga and Gibraltar.

For something a little different – and a whole lot luxe-ier – the La Reserva resort (Lareservaclubsotogrande.com) is home to Spain’s first, and to date only, private beach. A manmade sandy lagoon in the hills above Sotogrande, it’s a spectacular spot (see the video below to get a flavour) that’s packed with facilities including paddleboards and kayaks if you fancy getting a bit of exercise.

With warm, shallow waters and shady chill out areas, La Reserva’s inland beach is ideal for families (although there’s also an adults-only pool) and it comes with a full complement of restaurant, bar and even a rather nifty beach boutique.

Sotogrande is at the far westernmost end of the Costa del Sol, and unlike most of the rest of the region, is in Cadiz rather than Malaga province. As a result, the beaches of the Costa de la Luz – which are some of the most beautiful in the whole of Spain – are just over the other side of the Rock.

Restaurants & Bars

In the heart of the port, Belgian-owned Mytilus (Plaza de Los Naranjos, 8) is one of the best restaurants in Sotogrande. In amongst a heavy meat offering (we can heartily recommend the Chateaubriand) delicious Belgian dishes like moules frites make an appearance.

Next door to the polo ground, La Cancha II (Haciendas de San Enrique, s/n, 11312 San Enrique de Guadiaro) is another of the area’s best places to eat, specialising in the finest Argentine beef in a gorgeous setting next to lush, green polo fields.

For something more relaxed, Inboca Gastrobar, PuraTapa (both of which are on the Avenida del Mar) and its sister bar down in the Marina, Bokana, are a few of the best places to head for tapas.

A little outside the resort, just up the road towards San Roque, La Finca (Ctra. Nacional 340, Km 127) offers some excellent Thai fusion cuisine in a pleasant courtyard setting.

Nightlife

In the summer, Sotogrande after dark is all about the beach clubs. The coolest hang-out of the moment is definitely the Trocadero Beach Club (pictured – Grupotrocadero.com). With loungers, large Moroccan lanterns, rugs, cushions and parasols set against a backdrop of seafront palms swaying in the breeze, it may well be the most Instagrammable spot in Sotogrande.

There are a few other options worth dropping into if you want to make the most of the cool sea air in the evenings. El Octogono (Paseo del Río, 0, 11310 Torreguadiaro) doubles up as a great place to play padel or tennis; Bunker Beach Club (Paseo del Parque, S/N) at the easternmost end of Guadalquiton is a lovely spot and often has live music on in the evenings; finally, up the other end of the resort on Torreguadiaro beach, Chambao (Playa Torreguadiaro, s/n) is another attractive place for drinks and sea views.

A couple of relaxed bars in the port worth checking out are The Hairy Lemon and Ké bar. A couple of real Sotogrande nightlife institutions – which are practically next door to one another in the heart of the port, handily enough – they’ve been the meeting place of choice for a quick bite, a drink and a spot of people watching for the sizeable expat community for years now.

Shopping

From Monaco to Puerto Banus, where there are yachts there’s luxury shopping. And Sotogrande’s no different, with plenty of choice for a bit of light retail therapy.

The pedestrianised Blue Sotogrande shopping quarter is the place to start. Here, Itsomi (Local 14, Ribera del Marlin) does a lovely line in beachwear, jewellery and accessories, Patricia Darch (Local 32-33, Ribera del Marlin) is an interior design showroom and De Gruyter (Ribera del Marlin 35) is an ultra-chic furniture store.

El Mercado de Levante is a fab Sunday market of artisan stalls and interesting pop-up shops, which in the summer months also opens up on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

There are also a couple of nearby shopping centres to choose from in Mar y Sol and SotoMarket.

Other Things to Do

Golf, shopping and dining aside, Sotogrande itself is not exactly overflowing with things to do in the sightseeing sense of the word. Which is kind of understandable – it’s a luxury resort where people are supposed to come to kick back and relax, after all.

The surrounding area itself, though, is absolutely packed with sights and attractions. If you don’t fancy another day’s sunbathing, there are countless great day trip options right on the doorstep,  from Gibraltar, Marbella old town or Ronda (see the day trip provided by tour company Tomaandcoe.com) or one of the beautiful nearby white villages like Casares (pictured above), Jimena de la Frontera or Gaucin.

A fishing trip is also a brilliant day out. You’re right at the mouth of the Mediterranean, where it meets the Atlantic, and the variety of fish you can catch ranges from swordfish and tuna to mackerel and even conger eel. Dean’s Charter Fishing (Deansfishingholidaysinspain.com) runs a tight ship and conforms to the required ‘catch and release’ regulations.

If that seems a little bit too much like hard work, you can charter a yacht for the day with Yachting Sotogrande (Yachtingsotogrande.com).

The absolute best way to see the Sotogrande resort is by a Mini Moke beach buggy. There’s a great company called The Jolly Mile (Thejollymile.com) where you can hire a cooler-than-cool Mini Moke and drive around visiting all the hot spots.

When to Go

As with the rest of the Costa del Sol, while it may be at its liveliest during the summer months Sotogrande’s very much a year-round destination. The weather is superb, with an average of +300 days of sunshine per year and winter temperatures that rarely drop much below the high teens or early twenties celsius.

A couple of dates do stand out, though. First: the polo. Sotogrande’s ‘other’ sport after golf is a big deal. The polo season runs from June to early September and takes place at the exclusive Santa Maria Polo Club adding a real dash of international glamour to the high summer months. (You can find out more with our Sotogrande polo guide.)

Another great time to be in Sotogrande is when the Sunset Valley Weekend festival (Sunsetvalleyweekend.com) is on. Taking place from 10-12 August in the Santa Maria Polo Club, the line-up tends to be 80s Spanish old favourites and 60-70s retro classics.

Where to Stay

There are undoubtedly some decent Sotogrande hotels to stay at. But we’re the Luxury Villa Collection, and we’re going to stick our neck out here and say that they’re not a patch on our handpicked selection of villas.

Villa Artea is a sleek, modern design villa that’s all clean lines, white-on-white minimalism and chic open-plan living spaces. Villa Karima (pictured above) is something else. A 16-bedroom pleasure palace of staggering proportions and a dizzying list of facilities, it’s more like its own self-contained luxury resort than anything resembling a standard ‘villa’.

---

Ben Cooper

A head-over-heels hispanophile, Ben is a one-time travel editor at Rough Guides, DK Travel, ELLEuk and Red Online.

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            [post_date] => 2021-06-14 14:08:24
            [post_date_gmt] => 2021-06-14 14:08:24
            [post_content] => Of all Marbella's many assets, one probably stands out above all others: the weather. This enclave of the Costa del Sol originally attracted the world's jet set because of its year-round good temperatures.

During the off-season months it's got its own little microclimate of warm weather. When it’s at its hottest - during July and August - there’s often a light breeze from the Mediterranean to take the edge off… perfect.

So, month by month what should you do - and wear - on a trip to Marbella?
January


Temperatures: The deepest darkest winter and perma-grey is what northern Europeans are used to during January. But bright blue skies and moderate temperatures of 17°C highs are the norm down in Marbella. January is the coldest of the months and has an average of 5 days of rainfall, but it definitely beats dark winter days up in northern Europe.
What to pack: It’s still winter, so either side of midday there’s a chill. If you’re visiting in January you might be wanting to take in some of the incredible historic sights southern Spain has to offer. Make sure you pack comfortable shoes as a whole day strolling round a fort complex like the Alcazaba in Malaga or the Albaycin area of Granada is punishing on the soles of your feet. Layers are key and a coat is necessary for January visits.
Great for… Golfers and culture vultures.
February


Temperatures: Average temperate highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C February can feel cold, certainly during the evening and early morning. When the sun rises, the sheer amount of light and largely blue skies is a tonic in itself.
What to pack: Much the same as January. Worth packing waterproof shoes as when it rains it really does rain. Rarely, though, does it rain for days and days in a row. But you might be unlucky enough to experience some rain during a stay in February.
Great for... Active travellers. Wind surfing, kite surfing, cyclists, hikers, cavers and even canyoning for those brave enough.
March


Temperatures: March in Marbella starts to touch on 20°C and high teens are reliable. Spring is in the air with flowers blooming.
What to pack: The big blue sky is there and lunch al fresco is possible. But you’re still in trousers and a coat.
Great for... Winter sun and those who want to get active. The coast is quieter but doesn't have an out-of-season vibe at all. If you want to hike the many mountainous routes, November to March is a great time to challenge yourself.
April
Temperatures: There are days in April where it feels almost warm enough to sunbathe. Temperatures can reach 21°C and drop to an average of 11°C. Often April showers do put in an appearance.
What to pack: Still pack layers and a mac is ideal for the chillier nights or the occasional rain shower. You'll find yourself pealing off the layers while sitting in the sun during lunch.
Great for… Culture. April sees Easter celebrations all around Spain; these huge processions are particularly famous in southern Spain. It's one of the 'Andalucian' experiences.
May


Temperatures: The temperatures certainly reach sunbathing heat, but the sea is still a little chilly – although that doesn’t stop many going for a swim. The mountains haven’t been scorched by the summer sun yet, so they’re lush and green. May is very much like October with temperatures hovering around 24°C.
What to pack: Time to wear summer dresses and shorts, but take a cover-up for the evenings.
Great for… Culture vultures, early summer birders and botanists. May in Marbella is a riot of colour and a wonderful month to explore Malaga province as a whole. The beaches are quiet and the sights are still not at capacity. May marks the start of the summer season for the beach clubs as their opening parties are held during this month.
June
Temperatures: Summer is here: June can see temperatures reach above 30°C and hit an average of 28°C.
What to pack: Your best beach attire, swimwear and cooler than cool evening dress. It’s summer clothes from now on until October.
Great for… Young families and empty-nesters. It’s hot but not too hot, so you’ll still have enough energy to do fun things, too. Pools and the sea can be enjoyed but earlier in the month they'll be chilly. San Juan is celebrated at the end of June with the longest day of the year. Coastal towns such as Marbella have parties on the beach and it’s the official start to the summer.
July & August


Temperatures: When July and August hits it’s easy to see why the siesta exists. The heat can be punishing and the best place for anyone is in a pool or on the beach.
Great for… Total rest and relaxation. If you’re wanting to flop and drop the height of summer is fabulous plus there’s nothing better than the feel of a Spanish town when the sun goes down in the summertime.
If FOMO gets the better of you and you want to sight-see or be active, very early mornings are an absolute must.
September


Temperatures: Average highs of 28°C mean that it's still beach and pool weather. The schools in Marbella tend to go back between the first and second week of September, so water parks close around this time but other theme parks stay open into the autumn.
What to pack: Summer threads still. It’s hot.
Great for… Families with preschool children. After the height of summer the residual heat flows into September and beach days, late nights and general summertime vibes still reign supreme.
October


Temperatures: Much like May the temperature drops in October to around 24°C. October often sees a bit of rain - not a lot, but there is rainfall. October is a great month for active tourism. You’d definitely want a villa with a heated pool from now until June.
What to pack: Clothes-wise you’re likely to be out of the height of summer attire. Pack shorts and light trousers, as well as layers and a light jacket as the evenings can start to become chilly.
Great for… Multi-gen families, golfers, hikers and culture vultures.
November & December
Temperatures: November sees average temperatures of 20°C, and December a little lower at 17°C.
What to pack: Winter clothes and an umbrella. The sky will likely be blue but until midday it can feel cool. A light-weight jumper can be worn during the day especially if you’re lunching in the sun. The umbrella is just in case.
Great for… Golfers, sightseers and northern Europeans who are wanting to escape the perma-grey.

Still can't decide which month is perfect for you? Check out our When to Visit Andalucia post for more tips on what to do during each month. If you'd like to look for availability, our Marbella villa pages can help you.
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            [post_content] => Looking to get off the beaten track in Andalucia? We’ve scratched beneath the surface of this exciting, historic area of Spain, asked local experts and come up with a list of little-known things to see and do for our guide to hidden Andalucia...
Malaga Province

 	

Visit Malaga Cathedral's Roof




If the bird's eye view of the inside of the cathedral looks spectacular, then to cap it off you emerge outside with 360-degree rooftop views of Malaga.

[email protected]

 

 	

RELAX IN A HAMMAM




The top tip of Lindsay Gregory, Director of The Luxury Villa Collection: “Stroll around Malaga historic centre, take a hammam at Mammam Al Andalus and finish with cocktails at a rooftop bar.”

https://malaga.hammamalandalus.com/en/

 	

Meander in Antequera




A rather lovely town with a Moorish fortress complex and no fewer than 30 churches. Don’t miss having tapas in the impressive Plaza de los Escribanos.

 

 	

Visit Three 5000-year-old Dolmens




Just outside Antequera, these are some of the largest and most complete megalithic structures in Europe.

Museosdeandalucia.es

 	

Wonder at a 9TH Century Church – Bobastro




The ruins of a 9th-century church carved out of rock are the highlights of a larger fortified town complex. Anything 9th century and still standing is incredible in our books.

 
Granada Province

 	

Nose Around the Carmens of Granada's Albayzin




A house with a garden in the Albayzin (the oldest part of Granada city) is known as a Carmen. These Carmens look out towards the Alhambra Palace, often have wooden balconies, plant-filled patios, babbling water features and decorative tiles.

 

 	

Visit the Abbey of Sacromonte, Granada




This 17th-century abbey and college comes complete with holy caves/ancient catacombs. The view of Granada alone is worth the walk.

 

 	

Take a day trip to Alhama de Granada and its Natural Hot Springs


This village has stately houses gripping onto the edge of a gorge, cobbled streets and spa credentials. Our top tip is to escape the summer heat in Granada and visit Alhama – it has a unique microclimate where summer nights cool to a comfortable level.

 
Cadiz Province

 	

Find Out the Mysteries of the Island of Sancti Petri, San Fernando, Cadiz




Once part of several fortifications, the castle that sits on this tiny island dates back to the 13th century.

 

 	

Experience the Beautiful Light in Vejer de la Frontera




This pristine white village, sitting high on a rocky hilltop, really comes into its own at sunrise and dusk. Aside from the dramatic light, there are lovely boutique shops, great restaurants and, during the summer, look out for their candlelight festival.

 

 	

Surf and Sip in El Palmar




While it's got a great beach with some decent Atlantic surf, it’s the laidback-hip bar vibe in El Palmar that makes it stand out from other stretches of southern Spain's coast.

 

 	

HIRE A Private Chef




David, chef at De Tako's top tip is, “One of the best ways to experience a country is through its food and an even better way is to enjoy perfectly cooked food is in an incredible setting surrounded by friends".  We entirely agree – hire a private chef at your villa for the ultimate in convenience.

 

 	

Taste Riotinto Beef


One of our top hidden foodie treats in Andalucia is delicious Retinto beef from Cadiz. Much is spoken about fried fish, olives and olive oil, jamón ibérico and Sherry but this meaty option is also a real gastro-standout.

 

 	

Take to the Sea – Dolphin Watch


Hire a boat and hit the sea - you’ll almost inevitably come across a pod of dolphins in the Mediterranean.

 
Seville Province

 	

Puerta de Macarena/Walls of Seville




This forgotten about 12th-century arched gateway and wall was the main entrance into Seville, and is certainly off the beaten path.

 

 	

Drink at a Bar Dedicated to Easter in Sevilla


You'll never have experienced a bar like Garlochí, a homage to Easter in Spain. All year round there's incense burning and procession music playing – they call it the cathedral of bars. Don’t miss their signature cocktail: Grenadine, whisky and Cava.

 

 	

Wild Swimming at Cascadas de Hueznar in Seville Province


There’s a succession of beautiful waterfalls running over some interesting limestone formations in Sierra Norte de Sevilla Nature Park.

 

 	

SEE LIVE MUSIC IN THE ALCAZAR PALACE




Fiona Flores Watson, Telegraph Travel Writer and Seville resident recommends: “The summer outdoor concerts held in the Alcazar Palace… a magical setting for live jazz, flamenco or classical music by moonlight.”

Alcazarsevilla.org
Cordoba Province

 	

Visit Highgarden, the Tyrell’s House in Game of Thrones




The castle of Castillo de Almodovar del Rio was built in 740. You can join theatrical tours, do some medieval combat training or spooky storytelling.

Castillodealmodovar.com

 

 	

TRAVEL TO EAT AT TRES CULTURAS




Manni Coe of Toma & Coe Tours' top tip is: “One of the most consistently excellent restaurants I know in Andalucia is located on a little-known street, in the little-known town of Lucena. It's called Tres Culturas and it's also a handy stop off en-route to Cordoba."

Tresculturasrestaurante.com

 
Jaen Province

 	

Marvel at the Castle of Iruela, Jaen


In the Sierra de Cazorla natural park this castle was built at the start of the 16th century. A beautiful monument in an even more beautiful part of the world.

 
Huelva Province

 	

Reconnect with Nature and See Autumn in Aracena




The colours of autumn over the vast landscape of rural Huelva is the perfect way to disconnect. Local people flock here to experience the change of the season.

 
Almeria Province

 	

Genoveses beacH in Cabo de Gata, Almeria




This breath-taking beach near the charming village of San Jose feels like another world.

 
A bit of a cheat but do a tour…

 	

See Andalucia through its Bullrings




Our top 5 are: Most unusual is in Segura de la Sierra in Jaen province: this square bullring is the old courtyard of a castle and was built in the 18th century. Ronda bullring is the second oldest and the biggest. Seville bullring is the oldest; Antequera's is famed for appearing in Madonna’s Take a Bow video; Mijas has spectacular views and is simply charming. Archidona usually erects a bullring inside its eight-sided main square during the summer season.

Like this and want to know more about visiting southern Spain? Check out our 50 things to do in Andalucia and our guide to the five best cities to visit in Andalucia
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