So many of us are so accustomed to the notion of the Costa del Sol as the archetypal region for tourists to soak up the sun, that we might almost forget there is another side to this acclaimed region: the one that evokes a more ‘olde-worlde’, unspoilt, and traditional Spain.
Yes, if that’s the Spain you wish to experience during your time in this part of Andalucia, you will have the opportunity to experience plenty of it in San Pedro de Alcántara.
San Pedro is located on the main Costa del Sol coastal road, some 60 kilometres – or an approximately 50-minute drive away – from Málaga Airport. This surprisingly untouched pueblo can be found just 10 kilometres west from glamorous Marbella, and you will also be just a few minutes away by car from the jaw-dropping Sierra de Ronda mountain range when you visit here.
However, it is by no means just a convenient location and a more ‘old-timey’ feel that make San Pedro de Alcántara a must-experience part of the Costa del Sol! So, let’s take a look at some of the fulfilling activities you can immerse yourself in when you take advantage of our Málaga Airport transfers to San Pedro here at Simply Shuttles.
Whiling away the hours along the beach and promenade
Well, we just had to mention the seaside first, didn’t we? And the palm-backed coastal strip known as Playa de San Pedro de Alcántara is well worth travelling for, whether you want to feel the sand between your toes, go swimming in the crystal waters, make the most of the cycle paths along the roads, or even just ‘people watch’ for a while.
Not only is the beach itself renowned for its cleanliness and facilities, but it stretches some 1,400 metres in length, so you can easily spend hours upon hours here. There are also numerous beach bars dotted around to further aid your relaxation here, as you survey the stunning scenery and horizon.
Taking in the beautiful Los Tres Jardines park
In common with so many other settlements around the Costa del Sol, San Pedro has some fabulous greenery to discover. Parque de los Tres Jardines – otherwise known as Three Gardens Park – opened to the east of the town in October 2012, and offers an abundance of trees and vegetation across its nine hectares.
Sampling wide-ranging and delectable cuisine
Although – as we referenced above – San Pedro has an unspoilt feel aesthetically, it is a more than popular enough tourist destination to have developed a strong complement of restaurants and eateries, catering to people of every taste.
Whether you are drawn to somewhere like the fun and unpretentious I Noodle for its, well, noodles, or you are most interested in the Mediterranean cuisine at the well-established El Cortijo de Ramiro, or are even curious about Alabardero Beach Club on account of its black rice, monkfish, and pies, you won’t be disappointed by the gastronomic offerings in San Pedro.
Enjoying a spot of retail therapy
Shopping might not exactly be the very first thing you associate San Pedro with, but if you head to the charming Plaza de la Iglesia area with its fountain, trees and bandstand, we certainly recommend some time exploring the nearby narrow streets. When you do, you are sure to come across intriguing small shops, bars, and cafes.
Thursday, meanwhile, is the day of San Pedro’s ever-popular street market, where you are sure to spot a bargain or several among the handmade crafts, jewellery, and clothes on sale. It’s just one more aspect of San Pedro that serves as evidence of its ‘throwback’ charm.
Of course, we only have so much space in a blog post to talk about all the things that make San Pedro de Alcántara so captivating. So, why not organise a trip here that would enable you to experience all these fascinating elements at first hand?
Send an email to the Simply Shuttles team today via info@simply-shuttles.com, and we would be pleased to give you the benefit of our excellent-value Málaga Airport transfers to San Pedro, on board our comfortable air-conditioned vehicles.
