Of all the beautiful resorts dotted along the Costa del Sol, San Pedro de Alcantara best represents a typical southern Spanish town. Once a farming community famous for its sugar cane, San Pedro has evolved into a popular and relaxing holiday destination, and lies just a few kilometres west of Marbella and Puerto Banus.

Largely unspoiled by tourism and increased numbers of visitors, San Pedro still retains an old world charm around the main centre, where traditional whitewashed houses sit prettily around old squares and narrow streets.

San Pedro history and culture
History buffs will enjoy the Paleo-Christian Basilica Church by the sea and the third century Roman Baths, Las Bovedas.  The baths can be found close to the Basilica at Vega del Mar. Historians are still unsure of the bath´s true origins, though most believe that they are all that remain of the Roman settlement known as Cilniana (or Silniana) destroyed by an earthquake in 365 A.D. You can visit these baths along with the better conserved Villa Romana  (Roman villa).

More traditional than nearby Marbella or Puerto Banus, San Pedro still offers visitors a host of things to do. The beach side promenade boasts many stylish and elegant restaurants, bars and cafés that would not be out of place in the more exclusive resorts close by.  San Pedro´s sweeping promenade offers stunning views over the Mediterranean, and some of the freshest fish and seafood is served on the beach here.  pleasant walk is from the centre of town to the beachfront along the Avenida del Marques del Duero, which is a particularly attractive wide avenue,  lined with palm trees.

San Pedro bars, cafés and beaches
San Pedro´s bars can be found in a concentration of two areas in the village. The first is Las Palmeras, the main street, where there are several great cafés, and the back streets of the town also feature a number of venues offering an excellent range of tapas.

Boasting some of the finest sandy beaches around, plus many small, rocky coves which are ideal for scuba diving, San Pedro is the envy of many smaller resorts.  The new approach roads to the beach and coastal areas are easily accessible, and can handle plenty of traffic, even in the summer months. For visitors who want to sample the delights of Puerto Banus, this famous marina is only 10 minutes away by car and 15 minutes from Marbella.

The town is also just minutes away from the famous Sierra de Ronda Mountain Range, where holiday makers and locals go to picnic and relax in the countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger resort towns on the coast.
There are plenty of small shops and supermarkets in the main town, and many a bargain can be found in the boutiques and antique shops hidden in the back streets.  Larger commercial centres and shopping malls are within easy reach by car, including La Cañada near Marbella, and El Corte Ingles at Puerto Banus.

San Pedro Golf
Golf enthusiasts staying in San Pedro have some of Spain´s best courses close by, including the fabulous Aloha Golf, Los Naranjos, La Quinta and Los Arqueros on the Ronda road.  Tee times can be booked in advance, and all of the courses have special promotions and deals throughout the year.  The world famous Valderrama Course, which hosts the Volvo Masters in October/November every year,  is only 30 minute´s drive along the coast.

Accomodation is available to suit all budgets, and many traditional cottages and apartments can also be rented out on a self-catering basis.

The San Pedro Feria in October
One of the biggest and most colourful local ferias on the Costa Del Sol takes place every October in San Pedro de Alcantara.  This is the last main fiesta in Malaga before winter time, and tradition dictates that this is one of the most popular events of the year.
The first day of this massive celebration kicks off with church bells at 2pm, accompanied by several rockets being launched into the sky, which officially announce the feria open.

Lasting for five days, this annual event celebrates its Saint´s Day with plenty of music, dancing, and copious amounts of food and alcohol.  Processions fill the streets of this vibrant town with noise, colour and most of the locals proudly don their traditional costumes.  In the evening, revellers gather at the beach for a breathtaking firework display.

The party continues at the feria ground nearby until the early hours of the morning, and there are plenty of bars and cafes to keep visitors refreshed, plus a host of rides and amusements.  One day is specially designated for children where all rides from 5pm are half price.
Contact details: Marbella Tourist Office. Tel: 0034 95 282 3550/95 282 2818. Fax: 0034 95 277 3621.

When: October every year. (Dates vary).
Entrance:.Free.
Opening hours: Day and Night.
Getting there:  San Pedro is 5km west of Marbella and 3km West of Puerto Banus.

San Pedro is a wonderful holiday destination that combines a traditional atmosphere with sophistication and elegance.