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, La Reserva and the SoCiety Clubhouse at The Alto Club. But, with perhaps the best value of all, try the clubhouse at La Canada Google map.
Cafes, lunch & ‘light bites’
Tip: Café con Leche is coffee served with equal parts espresso and milk, Café Solo is a small cup of strong, black espresso and Café Cortado is a small cup of espresso with just a touch of milk.
Tip: The golf club bar and restaurants are generally open to the public and offer a good lunch option, often with lovely views.
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’.
Or, these are a selection of local favourites, a short drive or taxi ride away:
Tip: For a ‘Sundowner’ On a warm evening visit Sotogrande Port with a selection of sophisticated waterside bars and restaurants.
Tip: Vegetarian food Eating vegetarian can feel a challenge at times but options beyond tortilla and patatas bravas are offered at La Finca and PuraTapa.
Supermarkets
Local to Sotogrande:
Further afield:
Tip: If you like to ‘buy local’ then look out for the town food market – “mercado de abastos” – even if you are not interested in buying any of the goods they often offer a feast for the eyes – there are particularly good ones in Jerez, Cadiz & Malaga. Perch at the tables provided and sample some of the local produce for a light lunch.
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:
Tip: Town Markets – some towns often have several each week, servicing different audiences. Depending on the time of year and type the markets can be very busy, times and places can change so search on line to find the most up to date commentaries.
– Puerto Banus (40min drive) Google map
– Estepona – several but one of the best for general shopping is on Sunday
– Sotogrande Marina – variety of seasonal markets such as Mercardo del Levante that runs in the evening during the summer or the Sunday market that runs throughout the year. All offering a range of artisan stalls and entertainment Google map
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.
Tip: See the main sites of this historic city by following the walking route laid out by the “1812 A Stroll Through The Cadiz of La Pepe”
Tip: Seek out ‘Mercado Central’ – the large covered town food market Google map to see the wonderful range of local produce and perch on a stool with your selection of freshly prepared bites from the many and varied small plates on offer.
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.
TIP: Bolonia is a small isolated ex fishing village on the Costa de la Luz, 20km north of Tarifa. It is the site of one of the most important Roman archaeological excavations in Andalucía and has a lovely beach where the ‘great sand dune of Bolonia’ stands, 30 meters high, in one of the least altered landscapes of the Costa de la Luz. Google map
TIP:Tarifa is the kitesurfing capital of Europe and with a truly cosmopolitan atmosphere. Try the Hurricane Hotel there and visit its wooden beach bar with sea views overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar and the African continent. Google map
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 –
Head for the hills and explore the beautiful surrounding towns to experience a little of the ´real´Andalucia. 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.
Tip: There are many walks to showcase this beautiful area. Try the 3-4 hr / 7-8 mile walk at Gaucin – The Walk of Melanie & the Tiger. Or park up near the Venta Jarandilla restaurant and walk up the historic pebbled path to Castillo de Castellar (less than 3 miles there and back) rather than driving up the winding road. Try the organic restaurant on your left just as you reach the entrance to the Castillo – EcoTapería El Cortijo – for a selection of home baked tapas, stews and pastries.
Tip: Stop off on your way back to the port of La Duquesa for a ‘sundowner’ by the waterside. Google map
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.
You no longer need to remember your passports – passport checks and physical controls have now been removed, so you can walk or drive across freely.
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:
So much more than an airport
An hour 1/4hr drive, Malaga is a thriving city catering for those wanting to enjoy some history, traditional Spanish cobbled streets, restaurants & shops as well as those seeking the new, modern & artistic.
Estepona, Marbella & Ronda
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 and Marbella are great examples of this – modern shopping centres but with lovely pebbled streets of the ‘Old Town’ areas, brightly coloured flower pots and market squares.
Estepona, just a 30 minute drive away, or by bus on the local M-240 service. Ronda is a scenic 1 1/2hr by car or can be accessed via the local train service. Marbella, better known for its upmarket shopping and top of the range cars is about 3/4hr drive away.
Tip: Don’t miss the Parque Botánico-Orquidario Estepona (Estepona orchid house ) – Google map
Tip: There is a thriving street market every Sunday morning at the port area of Estepona and on Saturday at Puerto Banús, 20 mins from Marbella
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:
Offering unusual and expansive views of the structure itself and the surrounding city landscape – a photographers delight
Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. Queues can be long, so book or get there early.
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 in the nearby town of San Roque, less than a 10 minute drive away. google map
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.
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.
Please note: Entry to the Casino is strictly for 18+ only.
San Roque Club Equestrian centre
Lessons for beginner, intermediate and advanced level riders.
The centre is located at San Roque Club (Paseo Mesas del Diente).
Polo
While playing polo is typically reserved for the well heeled, Sotogrande is known as the ‘Wimbledon’ of polo. While you may not aspire to play, it is fun and free to watch and there are several beautiful polo fields to choose from if you are visiting in the polo season. Find out more here.
With the kids
Beaches
There are miles of unspoilt beaches in the area. Some are quiet and perfect for walking and solitary bathing, others are family friendly with showers, local facilities and chiringuitos for food. You can find out more here.
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 and highly recommended to fully explore the area and travel further afield but the local M-240 bus has a regular and well priced service to the nearby towns of:
Trains
For a longer trip try letting ‘the train take the strain’:
Check timetables at :
RENFE
The Trainline Europe
Tip: Your local station is ‘San Roque-La Linea’ Google map There is ample free parking available at the station.