Sotogrande – Off the Course

Sotogrande – a golfer’s guide to eating & drinking, shopping, local activities, places of interest and getting around the area.

Not just renowned for its golfing allure, Sotogrande is a popular tourist destination in its own right; as well as being an established destination for ‘second-homers’ looking to enjoy sunny climes and a quieter, less glitzy, way of life than Marbella, a little way down the coast.

Bars, restaurants and tourist attractions can get busy, especially during the key Summer months of July and August, so its always advisable to try to book in advance, especially if your group is large. Maybe try to eat dinner in the early part of the evening before the Spanish who tend to eat later.

English is widely spoken but you should not assume that everyone will understand you. Some basic knowledge of key Spanish words will benefit you.

Eating & drinking

Eating at the golf course before or after your round is a convenient and popular option. For example the Clubhouse at San Roque Club Google map, Ginger Beer’s base in Spain.

Other clubhouses open to the public are La Reserva Google map and Almenara Google map. But, with perhaps the best value of all, try the clubhouse at La Canada Google map.

Cafes, lunch & ‘light bites’

Restaurants

You don’t have to venture too far from your hotel to sample the local restaurants and bars in Sotogrande, Guadiaro, Torreguadiaro and San Roque. As you would expect, there are many restaurants in the area, from luxurious high dining experiences to the simple bars offering ‘cervezas y tapas’.

These are a selection of local favourites, a short drive or taxi ride away from Sotogrande’s hotels:

Shopping

Supermarkets

Local to Sotogrande:

Further afield:

Shopping

You will find a good selection of local everyday shops, specialist food and drink outlets, cafes, bars & restaurants at the local nearby towns of:

For a shopping excursion:

Exploring the area

Sotogrande is perfectly located for many varied and interesting Andalucian excursions, some on your doorstep, some just a short drive away, and others that make a perfect day out, or perhaps an overnight stay, to explore the beautiful Costa del Sol and the surrounding Andalucian region.
On-line resources to help you explore the region are many and varied. What suits you best is mainly dependent on your own interests and priorities. Here are just a few suggestions:

Cadiz, Jerez, Arcos de la Frontera & the coastal towns

Cadiz
Spain’s first Constitution was declared here in 1812 and driving over La Pepa Bridge almost makes the journey worthwhile in its own right.

Jerez de la Frontera
Famed for sherry and brandy production, fine horses as well as Flamenco music and dance. The sherry production houses, bodegas, are located in the town centre and you can take guided tours – for example Tio Pepe, Gonzalez Byass, Pedro Domecq and Sandeman. Google map
Arcos de la Fontera
If you have time then you can take a diversion to one of Andalucia’s most strikingly positioned pueblos blancos (white villages), about 30 minute drive from Jerez. The old town is a warren of cobbled streets, leading up to the Castillo de los Arcos with tumbling views to the town and plain below. Google map

Coastal towns & national parks
Whether you drive on the coast road or the main road between Cadiz and Algeciras the views are beautiful. Drive through the impressive national park areas of Parque Natural Los Alcornocales and Parque Natural Del Estrecho and take the opportunity for a walk, or take your time and meander among the coastal towns of Barbate, Zahara de los Atunes, Bolonia & Tarifa.

Historic / Andalucian towns in the hills

While it is only a 3 hour round trip drive, it well worth allowing a day to explore the nearby historic towns of –

Whichever direction you decide to drive, this circular trip offers breathtaking views and the intricate streets of these cobbled towns afford a great introduction to the famous ‘pueblo blanco’ towns of the Andalucian area.

Sotogrande

This luxurious sports and residential development encompasses all the amenities you could imagine – polo fields, top flight golf courses, beach & beach club, marina, bars & restaurants and shopping. Google map

Gibraltar

Less than half an hour drive from Sotogrande, Gibraltar makes a perfect family day out.
Remember to take your passports and be aware there can be queues at certain times of day to pass over the border. Alternatively you could park the Spanish side (or take public transport) and walk over.
World War II tunnels
The Rock is honeycombed with a 32 mile-long network of tunnels, mainly excavated during 1939-44 when British military leaders believed that an attack on Gibraltar was imminent.
Wildlife & Dolphin watching
With its mild Mediterranean climate, Gibraltar plays host to a variety of rare species of birds, dolphins, whales, fish and turtles, as well being home to the only wild primates in Europe, the famous Barbary Macaques.
Cable car
A visit to Gibraltar would not be complete without a trip to the top of the rock – located 412m above sea level. The views are spectacular and it takes only 6 minutes to get to the top in the cable car. There is also a walking path leading down to the Nature Reserve.

Malaga

Often neglected as an ‘airport only’ destination, this city offers a wide range of museums, parks and areas of historical interest, with its own ‘Mile of art’. Check out:

And for eating –

Estepona

Just a 30 minute drive away, or bus on the local M-240 service.

While many of the popular coastal towns have beachside areas, with palm trees, promenades & restaurants, they are often newly (sometimes overly) developed. Some have old, historic or traditional areas often just a few minutes walk into town and usually much quieter than the popular beach areas, offering a more interesting and ‘local’ selection of cafes, restaurants and ice cream parlours (heladeria). Estepona is a great example of this with its lovely pebbled streets, brightly coloured flower pots and market square.

Seville

While only a 2 hr drive away Seville offers such variety and diversity you may decide that an overnight stay is a very worthwhile option. Look out for:

Tangiers, Morocco

There are several daily ferry services from Tarifa to Tangiers with timings to allow a day trip to explore this north African city, either with your car or as a foot passenger. You will need your passport. The journey takes around 50 minutes, leaving from the port in Tarifa about a 45min drive away. Google map
There are various organised trips, with overnight stays available if required, to help you explore this area.

Activities

Casino & Entertainment

‘Casino Admiral, San Roque’, newly refurbished and located near the town of San Roque, a short drive or taxi away. Google map

In addition to the Gaming Tables, Slots and Bingo the venue provides a range of music and stage entertainment and a variety of food and drink.

Gaming tables open at 8pm and the Casino and Slots are open from midday. A daily buffet is served at lunch and evenings (from 13:00pm to 01:30am), and Tapas is available from 18:00pm through to 04:00am.

Please note: Entry to the Casino is strictly for 18+ only.

Equestrian

San Roque Club Equestrian Centre (run by Santa Maria Polo Foundation)
Offers group or private lessons and trail rides. The centre is located at San Roque Club; contact them on 956 108 800 or 672 466 663.
E3 Endurance Equestrian Experience – Google map
Riding for all levels of experience.

Other Activities

La Finca La Alcaidesa – Google map
This farm is an Environmental Education Complex and has more than 1300 hectares of Mediterranean forest and offers a wide range of activities –

With the kids

Bahia Park
Great fun for all the family. Bahia Park is located on the road to Algeciras exiting at junction 106. With lots of waterslides of all shapes and sizes to be enjoyed. There’s plenty of sunbeds and seating available.

About 20mins drive Google map

Castellar Zoo
The zoo is more like an animal rescue centre that offers a second chance for the animals. Visitors may feed the animals and interact directly with them.

15 – 20min drive Google map

Selwo
A great adventure park with an African theme. There is lots of wildlife to be seen, birds, mammals and reptiles. Adventure activities, meet the keepers as well as a safari tour. Check out the website for further details.

About 30mins drive Google map

Tivoli World
Enjoy a day at the Costa del Sol’s show and amusement park – a place that the whole family will enjoy. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, illuminated fountains and a variety of restaurants you will find plenty of exciting attractions. Enjoy the thrill of the many rides, get swept up in the fun of the shows at the different squares and delight your appetite in the themed bars and restaurants. See the website for more details.

About 1hr 10mins drive Google map

Funny beach
Located in Marbella, you can go karting with your friends or family. And all kinds of water activities such as jet skis, flyboard, banana and much more are available.

40-45 mins drive Google map

Isla Magica
Situated in Seville. A great theme park with a wide variety of rides, shows, themed areas, restaurants and a waterpark. Just to say it will be hot in the summer months but water sprayers are located all around the park to keep you cool. Not Disney, but it’s not too far off!

About 2hr drive Google map

Getting around – local transport

Buses

A car is invaluable to fully explore the area and travel further afield but the local M-240 bus a regular and well priced service through the nearby towns of:

Trains

For a longer trip try letting ‘the train take the strain’:

Check timetables at :
RENFE
The Trainline Europe