The smallest natural area in Andalucia with a mere 27ha, the Guadiaro river estuary is nevertheless an important wetland site, since it is one of the few left on the Costa del Sol. It is also the only wetland site for 100km between the estuaries of the Guadalhorce river near Malaga and the Palmones river just north of Algeciras.
This modern course meandering through two picturesque valleys was opened in 2004, and since then has become recognised as one of the area's most prestigious golf clubs. It perfectly complements other top clubs in Sotogrande, including Valderrama, and offers golfers magnificent views all the way down to the Mediterranean Sea.
Home to Volvo Masters (1988 to 1996), the Ryder Cup (1997), the World Golf Championships (1999 - 2000), Volvo Masters (2002 to 2008), the Andalucía Masters (2010 and 2011), Open de España (2016), Andalucia Valderrama Masters (2017 and 2018), Estrella Daam N.A. Andalucia Masters (2019 to 2022) and LIV Andalucia (2023 to 2026).
This course was opened in 1964, but regularly features in Europe’s top 10 courses. It is situated close to the beach next to the River Guadiaro and Sotogrande marina. It is a private club, although green fee paying visitors are welcome and advised to book in advance.
La Cañada is a fitting tribute to the people of Guadiaro who became golf addicts overnight with the emergence of Sotogrande. The full length Trent Jones course is located in the hills adjacent to Valderrama and is open to some wind. The long first hole sets the tone for a tough round of golf and the 4th is a trek into the unknown with no view of the green until the third shot.
Almenara, which opened in 1998, has three nine-hole loops, each of which is the brainchild of local architect Dave Thomas, and also provides very extensive practice and teaching facilities. A top class hotel, professionals shop and restaurant complete the amenities at one of the Coast's up-and-coming golfing venues.
Sotogrande Marina is considered by some to be a part of Sotogrande Costa (formerly Sotogrande Baja) and by others to be a separate entity. It is located to the east of the River Guadiaro.
In the up-market areas of Andalucia, a growing trend has evolved for a beach life quite different from the simple pleasures of buckets and spades, cool boxes and fold-away deck chairs. Many simple, traditional "chiringuitos" or beach bars still exist dotted along the coast where you can enjoy local cuisine and get an ice cream.
Located in Sotogrande the Troacdero Sotogrande Beach Club boasts beautiful green lawns typical of the area and sun loungers placed steps away from the beach. Buffet lunches are on offer and it is a favourite meeting place for the Sotogrande set while they enjoy many facilities.
Sotogrande beaches (Cadiz province), from west to east - continued from Alcaidesa beaches. Playa Guadalquiton is the 5km beach in front of a private estate between Sotogrande and Alcaidesa. This beach is very isolated and one of the quietest in Andalucia, and is almost deserted even in the summer.
It is hard to imagine how different the land looked back in the early 1960s when Joseph McMicking (Joseph Rafael McMicking y Ynchausti, 1908-1990), a naturalised American with a Scottish and Philippines family background, had the foresight to create what is now the Sotogrande resort.
This commercial zone is located just off the A-7 motorway, just outside Sotogrande Costa. It comprises five main buildings on the service road next to the A-7 towards Marbella. It is located on the Sotogrande Costa side of Pueblo Nuevo village. It is close to Avenida de Paniagua and provides easy access to essential services, boutique shops, and professional businesses.
The Centro Comercial Paniagua is located next to the original Cortijo Paniagua. McMicking purchased the Cortijo in 1964, using it as the centre of operations for the construction of the Sotogrande Estate.
The Santa María Equestrian Club is the natural evolution of the Polo Club, born from a deep-rooted vocation for equestrianism. The new club is based on a concept of exclusivity and excellence, offering its clients services and facilities that meet the highest standards of functionality and quality.
Dubai polo team won the 2022 Copa de Oro in the six team High-handicap, beating Marqués de Riscal by 12 to 9. This was a double win for team Dubai (promoted by the Emirates family Albwardy) who also won the Silver Cup.
Dubai Team won the 2023 Copa de Oro (High Handicap) for the second year in a row. In another thrilling final at Los Pinos, Dubai were crowned winners of the Electrolit Gold Cup after beating MB Polo 9-8.
The last and third edition of the Sotogrande Music Festival summer concert series took place in the grounds of the Santa Maria Polo Club Los Pinos fields in July and August 2024.
Located in Sotogrande the Trocadero Sotogrande Beach Club boasts beautiful green lawns typical of the area and sun loungers placed steps away from the beach. Buffet lunches are on offer and it is a favourite meeting place for the Sotogrande set while they enjoy many facilities.
