ALCAIDESA AND SURROUNDING AREA:
The coast from Marbella towards Algeciras has been more sensitively developed than the Eastern part of this coastline. The communities are less densely populated and the environment is well looked after. Alcaidesa is the hidden gem on this coastline. Our house is just a couple of minutes walk from the brand new luxurious clubhouse of Alcaidesa...and a couple of minutes drive down the hill takes you to the local beach, a 4km stretch of unspoilt beach with a blue flag award. There are two lovely beach bars (chiringitas) situated on the beach with stunning views of the Rock of Gibraltar and the African Coastline. Ask us for more information on local restaurants and facilities. Just 5 minutes away is the famous resort of Sotogrande. Vist the marina and relax with a drink while watching the beautiful yachts. There are several excellent restaurants in the port and around. Also nearby is the beautiful hilltop town of San Roque perfect for an evening of visiting 'tapas' bars.
FURTHER AFIELD:
Just off the N340 highway, Gibraltar, is only 10 minutes drive and is full of interesting things to do. You can go up the Rock for the views and see the apes, or visit the incredible caves dug by the military. One of the little known pleasures is the Dolphin Safaris running out of Gibraltar Marina. They are excellent value for money. The boat trips are relatively inexpensive and you'll always get a result with the Dolphins. In fact if you don't see one you get your money back!
A short distance from Gibraltar is the port town of Algeciras where you can hop on a ferry to Morocco for the day. There is also a good water park for those visiting with children.
Continue along the coast to Tarifa, a wonderfully interesting walled town full of shops, cafes and boutiques, and then visit the miles of beautiful white sandy beaches of the Costa de La Luz.
INLAND:
Catch the mountain train up to Ronda. You travel on a single line track designed by a British Engineer 102 years ago. There are many little villages en route, with their delightful Victorian stations. Alternatively, drive up, the views as you climb throughout he mountains are truly stunning, an ever-changing landscape of lakes, waterfalls and cork forests....or visit one of the many beautiful 'white villages' in the mountains.
You are only an hour and a half's drive from the famous town of Jerez. Visit a bodega and sample some great wines and sherry or watch the amazing horses dancing.
A little further are the beautiful cities of Seville and Cordoba, steeped in history and grandeur. And Granada is only a two hour drive.
Golf:
Alcaidesa Golf Course retains its status as the only genuine links golf course in Spain. The 13th hole was recently voted one of the top 5 holes in the world on account of it's breathtaking views of the Rock of Gibraltar and the coast line of North Africa in the distance. The New Course Alcaidesa will open at the end of this year and boasts similar stunning views along the coastline.
Just 5 min drive away are the two world class courses at San Roque (The Old and New Courses).
Also minutes away are the renown courses of Sotogrande; The Royal Sotogrande Course, Almenara, La Reserva and, of course the famous Valderrama. Royal Sotogrande is one of the best courses in Europe and is always a pleasure to play. The variety of vegetation gives this course a very special feeling, as it is covered by cork trees, pines and eucalyptus which when combined with the big lakes can make for quite a tricky round of golf.
Valderrama is ranked among the top 100 courses in the world, one of the top 10 in Europe and 1st in Spain.
Lush tree lined fairways and immaculate elevated greens give this course the recognition it so deserves. The best players in the world have played it, and it has also been host to the 1997 Ryder cup.
Just outside the Sotogrande development is the local course of La Canada which offers one of the best value rounds of golf in the area.
Further afield are a host of other beautiful courses.
