Living it up in San Pedro de Alcantara
Living it up in San Pedro de Alcantara, close to Marbella, on Spain´s Costa del Sol, is a favourite pastime of residents and holidaymakers who flock to this quirky town throughout the year.
San Pedro is a wonderful holiday destination that combines a traditional atmosphere with sophistication and elegance.
San Pedro de Alcantara represents a typical southern Spanish town, complete with whitewashed village houses, stunning beach restaurants, and a host of great things to see and do. Once a farming community famous for its sugar cane, San Pedro has evolved into a popular and relaxing holiday destination, and lies just a few kilometres west of Marbella and Puerto Banus.
The town remains largely unspoilt by tourism and still retains an old world charm around the main centre, where traditional whitewashed houses cluster prettily around old squares and cobbled streets.
Culture in San Pedro de Alcantara
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of San Pedro, visit the Paleo-Christian BasilicaChurch by the sea and the third century Roman Baths,Las Bovedas. The baths can be found close to the Basilica atVega del Mar. Historians are still unsure of the bath´s true origins, though most believe that they are all that remain of the Roman settlement of Silniana, which was wiped out by an earthquake in 365AD. TheVilla Romanais also well worth a visit.
San Pedro is a more traditional destination than Marbella or Puerto Banus but still offers visitors some of the best restaurants, beach bars and nightlife in the region. San Pedro´s sweeping sea front promenade offers stunning views over the Mediterranean, and a great choice ofchiringuitosserving fresh fish, tapas and huge jugs of chilled sangria. Enjoy a stroll from the Avenida del Marques del Duero, which is a particularly attractive wide avenue, lined with palm trees down to the beach.
Bars, restaurants and beaches in San Pedro de Alcantara
Many of San Pedro´s Bars can be found in Las Palmeras, the main street, where there are several great cafés, and the back streets of the town also feature a number of venues offering an excellent range of tapas. Alternatively, take a stroll down to the beach and enjoy dining al fresco with views over the Med.
Some of our favourite restaurants in San Pedro de Alcantara include:
The Passion Café – situated just west of the main town, at central commercial La Colonia, where Mcdonalds is.
Irishman Malcolm Spendlove (formerly of famous Irish eatery The Wicklow Arms) and his partner Caitriona Coates have owned and run Passion Cafe since January 2001 and is has become a well-known on the coast for its great tasting food, chilled out atmosphere and friendly, attentive service. This restaurant offers a wonderful dining experience for friends, families or alone for a quick lunch on the go. Located in San Pedro it is easy to get to and easy to park. Booking is not necessary and free WIFI is available for all diners.
As well as wraps, sandwiches and fajitas there are very substantial main dishes such as traditional fish and chips or sea bass fillets with chive mash and sundried tomato butter; the chicken burger and the passion royal burger; grilled Argentinean rib eye steak; and vegetarian, chicken or prawn wok available. Tel: 952 781 583.
El Rincon de la Salais a relatively new kid on the block, and is the sister restaurant of La Sala Restaurant in Puerto Banus. Situated in Calle Marques del Duero, El Rincon de La Sala is located in the heart of San Pedro and offers clients an alternative dining experience. Part of the La Sala group, the restaurant opened in October 2012 and is in an ideal location for a quick bite or a lazy lunch or dinner.
Open from 9am everyday until the early hours, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a snack menu and light bites. The extensive menu offers an array of dishes that include Chateaubriand; shrimps in a paper cone; crayfish with garlic and chilli; the El Rincon burger; and curried tempura chicken salad. . Tel: 951 506 249.
Bora Bora Beach Club is known for it’s traditional and innovative Italian cuisine with many seafood specialities for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Groups and parties are welcome to take a sun-bed and dine, drink and chill all day. The beds are available from 10€ and there is also a fabulous swimming pool for those who prefer to stay out of the Mediterranean waves!
Bora Bora is open every day throughout the summer. Tel: 952 789 100.
La Pesquerade San Pedro is located on the beach and offers diners a varied and sumptuous menu including sumptuous fish and shellfish. The staff are welcoming and the fish is fantastic .. this is a great place to come for a chilled out lunch in the sunshine. Tel: 952 787 721.
San Pedro de Alcantara Beaches
With some of the finest sandy beaches around, plus many small, rocky coves which are ideal for scuba diving, San Pedro is the envy of many smaller resorts. The new approach roads to the beach and coastal areas are easily accessible, and can handle plenty of traffic, even in the summer months. For visitors who want to sample the delights of Puerto Banus, this famous marina is only 10 minutes away by car and 15 minutes from Marbella Recommended beaches include: Guadalmina beach on the western end of San Pedro, close to Marbella -a long, golden beach popular with the jet-set. Pesquera de San Pedro is a smaller, more relaxed beach which can be reached on foot from the town centre. The clean sands and wide promenade have won this beach a blue flag for yet another year. Jet skiing and water sports are available at this beach.
Linda Vista Beach is 1km long, and this golden beach is incredibly popular with locals and visitors. The beach is home to a number of beach bars and restaurants, while the water sports offered here are among the best in San Pedro de Alcantara. You can take your pick from windsurfing, jet skiing and para-sailing or simply chill out and relax in the sun.
Shopping near San Pedro de Alcantara
Shopaholics can find plenty of small shops and supermarkets in the main town, and many a bargain can be found in the boutiques and antique shops hidden in the back streets. Larger commercial centres and shopping malls are within easy reach by car, includingLa Cañadanear Marbella, andEl Corte Inglesat Puerto Banus. Or check out the designer stores in Marbella and Puerto Banus.
Golf and tennis in San Pedro de Alcantara
Sports fans staying in San Pedro have some of Spain´s best courses close by, including the fabulous Aloha Golf, Los Naranjos, La Quinta and Los Arqueros on the Ronda road. Tee times can be booked in advance, and all of the courses have special promotions and deals throughout the year. The world famous Valderrama Course, which hosts the Volvo Masters in October/November every year, is only 30 minute´s drive along the coast.
If tennis is more your ´thing´ visit the Tennis Club Nueva Alcantara, which is a quality tennis and paddle club in San Pedro which often holds tournaments and attracts the professionals. For more information call: 952788315.
The Annual Feria de San Pedro
The last big feria of the year on the Costa del Sol takes place every October in San Pedro. Tradition dictates that this is one of the most popular events of the year, where visitors and locals take to the streets en masse in colourful costumes, with plenty of music, singing and dancing.
The first day of this massive celebration kicks off with church bells at 2pm, accompanied by several rockets being launched into the sky, which officially announce the feria open.
Lasting for five days, this annual event celebrates its Saint´s Day with street processions, parades, fireworks and copious amounts of local food and alcohol. In the evening, revellers gather at the beach for a breathtaking firework display.
The party continues at the feria ground nearby until the early hours of the morning, and there are plenty of bars and cafes to keep visitors refreshed, plus a host of rides and amusements. One day is specially designated for children where all rides from 5pm are half price.
Looking for the perfect getaway? Discover the finest luxury villas in Marbella for rent and indulge in a lavish vacation experience.
