San Pedro de Alcantara

San Pedro de Alcántara, known as just San Pedro by locals, is a small town to the west of Marbella. Much younger historically than other resorts on the Costa del Sol, San Pedro has maintained its Spanish atmosphere and is less cosmopolitan in feel than Marbella. However, its family-friendly vibe and pleasant surroundings make it a popular place to live for both Spaniards and foreigners.

San Pedro is about 10km to the west of Marbella. It lies between two rivers and consists of the town centre in the north and the seafront promenade on the coast. A Boulevard Park links the two areas. The town is the gateway to Ronda from the Costa del Sol via one of the most spectacular mountain drives in the area.

San Pedro de Alcántara has a very different feel to it than other Costa del Sol resorts. It’s much younger for a start. While most towns and villages go back centuries, San Pedro’s foundations start in 1855 when the Marquis of Duero set up a farming community in the fertile river plains.

The main town isn’t on the beach, and this factor probably means that San Pedro has conserved its typically Andalusian feel without the dominating influence of tourism. The centre has a more Spanish atmosphere than Marbella, and this isn’t a resort where you’ll find the high-end luxury lifestyle that is so common in nearby Puerto Banús and Nueva Andalucía.

The beach and promenade area have an authentic vibe with traditional restaurants rather than beach clubs. Above all, it’s very much a family town, and there’s plenty to do for children.