Sotogrande is a housing development that belongs to San Roque municipality in the Campo de Gibraltar region. Slowly but surely it has become the favourite holiday destination for celebrities and the rich and famous who seek exclusiveness in an unbeatable setting. The location is no accident: Sotogrande is surrounded by the delights of Cádiz province, places where you can do sports, enjoy unspoilt nature and have fun on some of the most spectacular beaches around.
Say the name Sotogrande and you’re talking about sophistication and high society. But if you look beyond the scandals that keep gossip magazines in business, this resort has many hidden gems that are truly enchanting with countless entertainment options for all the family. It’s also worth highlighting that the Sotogrande housing development has been described as the best private resort in Europe. It was created in 1962 by Joseph McMicking and contains elite sports facilities and a wide range of hotels.
What to do in Sotogrande
Whether you’re going to stay in Sotogrande or are visiting for the day to soak up the atmosphere, you won’t be short of things to do. Would you like to learn about the most popular options? Then keep on reading!
A day at the inland beach: La Reserva de Sotogrande
La Reserva de Sotogrande is an exclusive and luxurious resort that spreads out over more than 400 hectares and is populated by spectacular homes set in unspoilt nature. It has a golf course and a private members’ club, but the biggest draw for visitors is definitely its remarkable inland beach lagoon: over 21,000 square metres of water and 2,800 square metres of sandy shore surrounded by palm trees imported from Sicily, no less!
In addition, its sports lagoon has a jetty offering a variety of water sports, such as kayaking, paddle boarding and water bicycle hire—boredom simply isn’t an option.
Polo and golf in Sotogrande
Polo is one of the jet set’s favourite sports in Sotogrande. It involves two teams of riders on horseback trying to score by hitting a small wooden or plastic ball with a mallet. This exclusive resort has facilities that enable you to play this sport at the highest level and each year it hosts important polo championships, which is why so many polo fans choose Sotogrande as a holiday destination.
Santa María Polo Club is one of the most select and famous clubs in the equestrian world; don’t worry if you’re still a beginner, its prestigious riding school is one of the best places in the world to take your first steps. The club also has a shopping zone and evening parties are usually held after tournaments to entertain players and spectators.
Golf is another hugely popular sport in Sotogrande. The celebrated Real Club de Golf Sotogrande (the royal title was granted in 1994 by former Spanish King Juan Carlos I) is located inside the residential development. Prestigious designer Robert Trent Jones personally chose the land where the course would be built. Here, golf lovers can enjoy exciting Spanish and international tournaments.
The marina
Sotogrande marina is one of the biggest attractions at the complex; it’s the perfect place to go sailing in summer and has mooring for private boats all year round. It was built to put the final touch to the resort and is one of the most beautiful and peaceful marinas on the Andalusian coast with an excellent range of shopping and leisure facilities.
The street market
Sotogrande street market is held every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the La Marina area and makes a great meeting point before spending a lovely morning browsing the stands. There are wonderful food stalls, shops, art galleries, beauty salons and wellness centres plus countless cosy spots for stopping off and taking a break. It’s the perfect place to savour the pleasures of life and make the most of the Mediterranean’s wonderful climate.
Sotogrande street market is famous for its colourful stalls in tents. You’ll discover a chic atmosphere here that is the very essence and hallmark of the resort with the added plus that the market also opens on Wednesdays and Thursdays at nightfall during the summer months.
The best restaurants in Sotogrande
Eating on the beach
You’ll find some of the region’s best restaurants in Sotogrande, but if you have a limited budget, fear not. Food trucks are an increasingly popular option—they set up stall on the beach and cook delicious, rapidly prepared food.
You won’t find any typical beach bars but the Food Market promises a unique culinary experience. If you’re not convinced by fast food, there is also a restaurant on the beach that serves Andalusian-inspired dishes. And the most dedicated foodies and Asian cooking fans will love Flame It, a weekly Korean barbecue show-cooking event.
La cabaña de Sotogrande
La cabaña de Sotogrande, located in the Valderrama estate, was the first house to be built in the resort and was the home of its creator, Joseph McMicking. It’s a historic building with an exclusive, romantic and peaceful atmosphere where you can enjoy first-class dishes at reasonably affordable prices (considering the location). The restaurant serves Mediterranean food and has a menu for vegetarians, vegans and those affected by coeliac disease.
Bokana
If you’re after a different type of restaurant, Bokana might be just what you’re looking for. Fusion cooking with genuine Mediterranean roots; traditional produce with an exotic touch served in a restaurant decorated with love and good taste. Everything is taken care of to ensure you enjoy every second of the slightly off-the-wall culinary delights on offer.
