In terms of geographic location, the distinction is straightforward: the two areas are neatly separated by the N340 national road, which in that area runs more or less parallel to the coast. Below this divide is “coastal” Sotogrande, occupying both sides of the mouth of the Guadiaro river. Above the N340 is the “high” area, featuring rolling hills and wooded areas. There are residences and key amenities in both areas, so residents routinely cross the divide.

In terms of properties, Sotogrande’s oldest private villas are in Sotogrande Costa, south of the Guadiaro. Many luxury apartment and townhouse complexes are on the other side of the river on, or close to, the marina. These residences present the advantage of being close to the sea and therefore are the logical choice for many families with children.

Sotogrande Alto also boasts a neighbourhood of older stately villas with mature gardens but many plots, newer villas, townhouses, or apartments are available here. The majority of Sotogrande Alto properties feature beautiful views as a result of the natural elevation of the area. The local topography is also why four outstanding golf courses are situated here and why the location has been the choice of many aficionados.

As for amenities, the International School, the stables and riding school, Hotel N.H. Almenara, and the golf courses of Valderrama, Almenara, and La Reserva One and Two, are all located in Sotogrande Alto. In Sotogrande Costa, you will find the Real Club de Golf de Sotogrande, the nautical club, the marina, and, of course, the beach. As for restaurants, these are to be found in both Sotogrande Alto and Costa, while the majority of shopping facilities are in Sotogrande Costa.

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In 1961 a certain Joseph McMicking received authorisation from Franco to purchase the area known today as Sotogrande, which included five traditional estates, to create a luxury residential complex with wide tree-lined avenues and a state of the art electrical infrastructure. As a measure of how undeveloped the general area was at the time, the N340 was years away from being built and the existing estates were linked to Gibraltar and Algeciras by a mere dirt track.

By design, Sotogrande, or the “large grove”, initially attracted wealthy foreigners who wanted a quiet and discreet experience enjoying golf, polo, and the natural surroundings. Franco’s closing of the border with Gibraltar in 1969 changed this, rendering access by foreigners far more difficult and heralding the arrival of the Spanish elite. More often madrileños than not, these original owners occupied many of the sumptuous villas that remain to this day in Sotogrande Costa.

Sotogrande S.A. eventually opened up the resort to a wider clientele, and the bridge was built over the Guadiaro as well as the first apartments on the river’s banks. In 1978, the celebrated bilingual International School opened. It eventually grew to over 600 students, having attracted not only Sotogrande residents but families from as far away as Marbella. The next major development was the Puerto Deportivo and surrounding apartments, which preceded the re-opening of the border with Gibraltar in 1985, the subsequent improvement of the road network, and the resulting public influx. The Sotogrande Yacht Club was built during this period. More facilities became available, including nightclubs and restaurants as well as shops such as those at Centro Commercial Sotogrande and Sotopaniagua, and bars such as the Cucurucho Beach Club and Cafetería KE.

Golf in Sotogrande was a major part of McMicking’s vision, and there are now nine courses in the Sotogrande perimeter and vicinity. The oldest courses are the Real Club de Golf de Sotogrande and the now word-famous Valderrama, both designed by Robert Trent Jones. Near Valderrama is the recently completed Club de Golf La Reserva de Sotogrande, which comprises two 18-hole courses designed by Cabell Robinson and Gary Player respectively. Last but not least among courses inside the resort is Club de Golf Almenara, by the hotel of the same name, designed by Dave Thomas and featuring stunning views to the sea and Gibraltar. Three important courses were also built adjacent to or very near Sotogrande: The San Roque Golf and Country Club, Alcaidesa Links, and La Cañada. All of these courses have acquired fame on their own, and Sotogrande S.A. is reportedly at work on another course.

Polo, the other luxury sport associated with Sotogrande, was introduced when the Santa María Polo Club was founded in 1965 at the beachside ground that remained in use for thirty years until the move was made to its present installations alongside the Guadiaro river. Hosting both national and international competitions every year, the club is well established on the World Polo circuit. Ponies continue to be bred and kept at the Equestrian Centre in Sotogrande Alto.

Recent years saw the construction of the new residential marina in Sotogrande, consisting of five islands topped by ultra-modern apartments featuring private docks and many other facilities. Today, the 2,000-hectares resort hosts a permanent population of about 6,000, increasing to about 20,000 each summer. Now owned by the NH Hotels group, Sotogrande S.A. always derived income from hotels, golf courses, and urban management activities. It expanded its remit some years ago to the development of leisure and tourism-related activities outside its traditional boundaries in locations such as the Dominican Republic, Italy, Mexico, and Valencia.

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You can find a host of excellent golf courses on the Costa del Sol surrounded by high quality property developments where families can spend great holidays, for renting or buying a second home.

From Sotogrande to Malaga, in Estepona, Marbella, Duquesa, etc… almost every location in the Coast you have a golf course near.  It’s heaven for golfers!

Just as two samples of excellent areas where golf enthusiasts perhaps could buy a second home and play golf all year around :

• Valgrande in Sotogrande where you can play like the pros in the renowned Valderrama but also Almenara, the Real Club de Golf de Sotogrande, La Reserva, Alcaidesa, La Cañada,… or
• Guadalmina Baja in San Pedro de Alcantara (Marbella) where you can enjoy The Marbella Club Golf Resort in Benahavís, the Monte Mayor Golf Club, Atalaya Golf and Country Club, Nueva Atalaya, and Club de Golf Guadalmina.

The choice is yours.

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Sotogrande Property Guide will be one of the most informative sites related to Sotogrande living and Sotogrande property.

Staff of Terra Meridiana will join professional journalists, all of them fully integrated in to the Sotogrande community and with local knowledge of the Sotogrande area, to update the site not only with property in Sotogrande information but also with useful information about Sotogrande Living.

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This school offers teaching to children between the ages of 3 and 18. It is a British style international school that offers both boarding and day school. The school teaches the IB system (International Baccalaureate) which will enable the child to gain a prestigious qualification come the end of their school career. The Sotogrande International School also offers a Summer School in which children can enjoy partaking in a number of activities and facilities provided by the school. Activities include professionally taught sports and intensive English and Spanish lessons.

For more information visit their website or call them on 956795902.

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Golf

Whatever your handicap and ability level, you will find a golf course to suit your needs. Sotogrande Golf Academy can provide lessons to the inexperienced and young, whereas 27 hole Almenara and 18 hole member club La Reserva are considered the best golf courses in Europe. Find all three of these course in the Almenara Hotel, Sotogrande at the following address:

Almenara Hotel
Avenida Almenara S/N
11310, San Roque
Tel: 956 582 000
E-mail: almenara@sotogrande.com

Sotogrande Golf Academy

This academy is recognised under the Andalusian High Performance Centre and offers different areas to practice all the different types of shots. For more information send an e-mail to golfacademy@sotogrande.com or contact them on 902181836.

Almenara

This course is a challenging 27 hole course created by Dave Thomas only five minutes from the beach. The clubhouse offers a piano bar and a formal restaurant overlooking a forested area. Almenara also has a shop selling clothes and varying accessories, this is also where you check in to rent a buggy, clubs or shoes. For reservations send an e-mail to info@sotogrande.com or contact: 902181836.

La Reserva

This course contains 18 holes and was designed by Cabell Robinson. It has played host to a number of competitions and its Clubhouse boasts an excellent social life. The clubhouse was opened in 2004 and contains a bar, 2 dining rooms, gym and TV room as well as terraces with outstanding views. La Reserva also offers a shop that is similar to that of Almenara selling clothes, accessories and rentals. For further information on becoming a member of La Reserva send an e-mail to lareserva@sotogrande.com or contact: 956785252.

Valderrama Golf Club

This course was deigned in the 70s by Robert Trent Jones Snr. and has been voted one of the best International golf courses and has been host of several championships. It is an 18 hole course that challenges even the more experienced of players. For more information visit their website or find the course at:

Valderrama Golf Club
11310, Sotogrande
Tel: 956 791 200

San Roque Golf and Country Club

One of the finest clubs in Sotogrande, if not in Spain, this club has two 18 hole courses, a driving range, practice holes and putting greens, practice bunkers, a pitching area, spa and much, much more. If you are an avid golfer, or just starting out, this is a course that you must not miss. Find out more about this club via their website, or visit them at:

San Roque Golf and Country Club
Carretera N-340, Km 127
11360, San Roque
Tel: 956 613 030
E-mail: info@sanroqueclub.com

Restaurants

There are many restaurants, cafés and bars in Sotogrande, some of which are part of hotels or golf clubs. Some restaurants and their details follow.

Gaia – Almenara Hotel

This restaurant is a part of the Almenara Hotel and is the hotel´s main restaurant. The menu is principally Mediterranean and offers a chance to dine with elegance and romance due to its panoramic windows offering stunning views. To reserve or to request further information call: 902181836.

VeinTeeOcho – Almenara Hotel

Another restaurant situated in the Almenara Hotel, this restaurant offers the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely, informal meal with friends whilst enjoying the beautiful views of the golf course. To reserve or request further information call: 902181836.

El Cucurucho – Almenara Hotel

This beach club offers beautiful views of the extensive swimming pools and the Mediterranean, ideal for family meals with an extensive buffet and excellent service. The club also offers excellent facilities for children and adults alike as there are activities such as wine tasting, cooking, bridge, sports activities, an ice cream parlour and much, much more. To reserve or request further information call: 956794097.

All three of the above restaurants can be found at the following address:

Almenara Hotel
Avenida Almenara S/N
11310, San Roque
Tel: 956 582 000
E-mail: almenara@sotogrande.com

Little Buddha

This is a Thai restaurant situated in Galerias Paniagua which is well known for its oriental, spicy flavours. It has a well priced menu and offers a take-away service. For more information visit it at:

Little Buddha
Calle Paniagua, S/N
Galerias Paniagua Local 2
11310 Sotogrande, Guadiaro
Tel: 956 796 217

Restaurante El Gaucho

This Argentinian restaurant has been open since the mid 1980s and offers a wonderful atmosphere with which to enjoy with your Argentinian meat grill. There is an option to be seated in smoking or non-smoking and often you will be serenaded by an Argentinian band. Visit El Gaucho at:

Restaurante El Gaucho
Galeria Paniagua, 4
11310, Sotogrande
Tel: 956795528

Lombardo´s

This is an Italian restaurant and pizzeria that is well priced and offers a lovely terrace and garden with which to enjoy your authentic Italian meal.

Lombardo´s
Galeria Paniagua
11310, Sotogrande
Tel: 956 795 924

Mytilus is situated in the Port of Sotogrande and serves very good Belgian food, its speciality being mussels.

Mytilus Resto
Puerto Deportivo Sotogrande
11310, Sotogrande
Tel: 956 790 212

NH Sotogrande is situated in the NH Sotogrande Hotel. The cuisine in Mediterranean and there is a variety of sandwiches and baguettes. The menu is well priced and there are options for children.

NH Sotogrande
Autovía A-7, Salida 130
11310, Sotogrande
Tel: 956 695 444

Nightlife

There is not much in the way of nightlife in Sotogrande as the location is preferred by those wishing to participate in relaxing spa treatments and golf. However, there are some bars around the marina or “Puerto Deportivo” that are good.

Shopping

The “Sotomarket” in Sotogrande is akin to El Corte Inglés elsewhere in Spain. This shopping mall contains virtually everything you could expect to find within a department store. For more information, visit their website. However, it would also be advisable to remember that Gibraltar is a mere 15 minutes away and most shopping can be done there, alternatively Guadiaro is also a great place to shop. There is also a Lidl and a Supercor in Sotogrande.

Beaches

Sotogrande enjoys 20 kilometres of coastline and similarly to the Costa del Sol, the views from these beaches on clear days show the coastline of Africa and Gibraltar. Some good beaches and beach clubs and their details follow:

El Cucurucho

This beach club, as stated above in “Restaurants” offers many facilities for both adults and children alike. Aswell as its many activities, there are also 4 swimming pools, including a splash for infants and a supervised pool for children. Within the beach club, as well as the restaurant there is also a chiringuito that serves drinks and snacks.

El Octogono

This beach club is close to the marina and Guadiaro river. Similarly to “El Cucurucho” there is a restaurant that sells snacks, drinks and seafood. There is also a swimming pool available for adults and another for children. This beach club offers many water sports such as jet skiing, sailing and water skiing and the tennis club offers lessons and tournaments upon its 11 courts.

Cala Manilva

This beach is a very small, sheltered beach. It is very calm and the waters a very rocky making it wonderful for snorkeling but watch out for your feet!

San Diego Beach

Another small beach, the seas are calm and the beach is sheltered by trees.

Torreguadiaro

This sandy beach offers a beautiful view of Sotogrande´s port. It is a large beach with calm waters and sandy shores, in the distance you will see the fishermen´s boats and a view of the rock of Gibraltar.

Cinema

The closest cinema to Sotogrande is the UGC Cine Cité which is located around 20 minutes away via car in Algericas. This is a multi-cinema that shows all the latest films. For more information visit their website.

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An EHC, (European Health Care) card is necessary to receive healthcare in Spain if you are just visiting, this is obtainable from the health service of your country of origin provided it is within the EU. Private doctors will not accept this card and either direct payment or an insurance policy is needed to cover these bills. Expats can receive healthcare for free provided that you are paying social security. The Centro Médico is a 24 hour facility and the details are as follows:

Centro Médico:
San Enrique de Guadiaro (24 h)
Tel. 956 615 199

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are the best place to find help for common complaints and the appropriate medication rather than having to make an appointment to see a doctor. They are generally open from 10:00-14:00 and 17:30-20:00 but times may vary according to the season and the individual pharmacy. Some pharmacies and their details follow:

Farmacia Galerias Paniagua
Tel. 956 794 961

Farmacia Guadiaro
Tel. 956 615 577

Farmacia S.Enrique de Guadiaro
Tel. 956 615 128

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San Roque also frequently hosts art exhibitions and galleries, lectures and theatre productions. For more information or advice on tourism call the tourist office at Plaza de Andalucía on 956694005.

Museums

Sotogrande has three museums, one which exhibits sculpture, one that hosts a large sculpture exhibition and an archaeological museum.

Carteya Archaeological Museum

This museum contains archaeological remains dating back 700 BC. A guide can take you around the original Carteyan area that contains the remains of the city walls, temple and streets. 5 kilometres away from this site, the museum can give you a detailed history on the many different civilisations that once inhabited Carteya. For more information visit the museum or call them at:

Carteya Archaeological Museum
Calle Rubin de Celis
San Roque
Tel: 956781587

Bullfighting Museum

Like most of Andalucía San Roque has a history of bullfighting. In 2002 the bullfighting museum was opened but the bullring itself was built in 1853. It is the oldest bullring in the area and the fourth oldest in Andalucía. For more information visit or call them at 956781587.

Luis Ortega Brú Sculptural Museum

Luis Ortega Brú was born in San Roque in 1916 and is one of Sotogrande´s most famous sculptors having sculpted pieces such as “The Most Holy Christ of a Happy Death”. The museum is located in the Governer´s Palace or “Palacio de Gobernadores” and is the host to one of the largest sculpture collections of pieces by this artist spanning from his earliest to his latest styles. For more information visit:

Luis Ortega Brú Sculptural Museum
Calle Rubin de Celis
San Roque
Tel: 956781587

Ferias and Holidays

Similarly to Bank holidays in England, Spain holds public holidays, ferias and fiestas throughout the year. A lot of the time these holidays fall on Sundays or the weekends but they do also fall during the week. It is advisable to note when these holidays are as everything closes and you need to be sure that you won´t get caught out. However, the fiestas are great fun and they are a wonderful way to experience the Spanish culture. For more information on when the holidays are and in which area visit this informative website.

Things to See

Aside from the museums already listed, and the Rock of Gibraltar containing St. Michael´s Cave, there are many other things available to do and see within the area of Sotogrande and San Roque. For example “La Alcaidesa Finca” is located within Sotogrande and contains 1300 hectares of Mediterranean forestry. La Alcaidesa has a wide variety of activites for adults and children alike, these activities include: Biking, riding, rock climbing, archery, swimming pools, 4×4 adventures and much, much more. For more information e-mail them at info@sotogrande.com or phone the Information and Reservations Centre on 902181836.

For other information on what´s on currently visit Sotogrande´s official website.

Markets

Markets are always a nice place to visit if you want to experience the feel of authentic Spanish culture. The wares sold vary from place to place but generally speaking every market sells clothes and handbags, fresh fruit and vegetable and varying tourist artifacts. On Sunday there is an antique market in Sotogrande located in the marina. For more information on the location and frequency of varying markets visit this informative website.

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Sotogrande is situated in the province of Cadíz and similar to the rest of the Costa del Sol enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year. Temperatures are also consistent with the Costa del Sol with highs in the summer months reaching 30 degrees Celsius and low in the winter months of a mild 17 degrees Celsius.

Useful Phone Numbers

Emergencies: 112

Local Police: 092

National Police: 091

Ambulance: 061

Fire Brigade: 080

Banks

There are a number of banks in Sotogrande most of which are located in the pain “Puerto Deportivo” or port, there are also cash points are located in a number of places 24 hours a day. If you would like to open a Spanish bank account, it is very simple and can done immediately if you are in Spain as the bank will ask only for your passport and for some contracts to be signed. Alternatively it can be done via correspondence.

Halifax Banco de España

Urb. La Marina Puerto Deportivo de Sotogrande
11310, Sotogrande
Tel: 902310100

Deutsche Bank

Puerto Deportivo de Sotogrande
11310, Sotogrande
Tel: 956790407

Bankinter

Puerto Deportivo de Sotogrande
11310, Sotogrande
Tel: 956790254

Banco Central Hispanoamericano

Block E, local 2, Puerto Deportivo Sotogrande
11310, Sotogrande
Tel: 956790336

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