Sotogrande Cruising Guide
Best Places to Visit By Boat In South-West Spain
Ever dreamed of basing your boat somewhere where the air feels warm all year round, the marinas are bustling yet peaceful, and the delicious local food is really something to write home about? Well, this needn’t be a dream anymore. Let us introduce you to a hidden nook on the south coast of Spain that is often missed on the passage from Gibraltar to Puerto Banús. Take a closer look along this less well-known coastline, and you’ll find abundant understated luxury, scenic marinas, high-class restaurants and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Welcome to the home of Ancasta’s newest brokerage location, Sotogrande.
Read on for top tips on where to go sailing in Sotogrande and what to see and do in the area from the team at Ancasta Sotogrande…
Laid Back Luxury
The lesser-known luxury resort of Sotogrande is a tranquil paradise hidden away from the crowds on the coast of Andalucía, Spain. Tree-lined avenues, luxurious villas, designer boutiques, swanky beach clubs and well-manicured golf courses are common-place in this largely undiscovered location. Sotogrande is often frequented by celebrities, pop-stars and royalty. Yet, it is opulent in an understated and unpretentious way, and the atmosphere is welcoming and friendly. This is the perfect place to switch off and is a world apart from the more brazen spirit of other near-by premium resorts.
Full-Service Marina
The marina at Puerto Sotogrande holds 1350 berths and can accommodate vessels up to 50 metres in length. Berth holders benefit from a range of water-side bars, restaurants and boutiques, and the onshore facilities are outstanding. Boatyard and concierge services include a 200-ton hoist, 24-hour security, a large chandlery and maintenance trades, as well as onboard catering, a gym and even a heliport. Berthing costs are reasonable and Ancasta Sotogrande will always be happy to talk to the marina on your behalf.
Excellent Cuisine
The choice of high-quality restaurants in Sotogrande is plentiful. From fresh seafood and traditional tapas to tender steaks and exquisite fine dining, there will be something to whet your appetite.
KE Sotogrande
Over the years, the well renowned KE bar has become the go-to social hub of Sotogrande Marina. Head here for exquisite food any time of day - breakfast, lunch or dinner - or kick back and watch the world go by with a large gin and tonic on the cosy terrace overlooking the water.
Polo One
Inspired by Sotogrande’s strong polo heritage and opulent surroundings, Polo One’s premium lounge bar and beer garden is a friendly and sociable place to meet friends and enjoy great food. Fresh seafood and succulent steaks are the dishes of choice, as well as a fine selection of wines and delicious cocktails.
Unspoilt Natural Scenery
From the plethora of pristine golden sand beaches and gently lapping azure-blue waters to the verdant wetlands of the Estuario del Río Guadiaro, Sotogrande is home to many beautiful landscapes. It is a far cry from the over-developed resorts of Costa Del Sol’s tourist hot-spots.
Sporting Activities
Home to the Santa Maria Polo Club, Sotogrande has a strong Polo heritage and matches are sociable events that everyone can enjoy. If golf is your game, take a swing at no less than five championship courses including the world-renowned Royal Valderrama.
Easy Travel
With Malaga airport only 1.5 hours away, Gibraltar airport just 20 minutes down the road, and frequent scheduled flights from major UK hubs including London, Bristol, Exeter, Edinburgh, Cardiff and many international locations, travel to Sotogrande is a breeze. Flights are readily available all-year round.
Finca Cortesin
Treat yourself to a day of ultimate relaxation at the 5-star Finca Cortesin Hotel and Resort. With multiple well-being pools, premium spa treatments and exquisite dining, all set within pristine manicured gardens and overlooking the azure-blue sea of the Mediterranean, this is a place to escape the stresses of everyday life and completely switch off from reality. Inspired by traditional Andalusian architecture, but with all the luxuries you’d expect from a modern retreat, everything about this unique hideaway has been carefully designed to help you unwind with ease. Enjoy a round of golf at one of Europe’s top courses or simply relax at the chic beach club.
Casares Village
Head 16km inland from Estepona to discover the charming town of Casares with its cluster of white-washed buildings with terracotta roofs clinging to the hillside. Walk to the castle ruins at the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding verdant countryside and mighty mountain ranges and top up the energy reserves on the way back down with a bite to eat in one of the many fine-dining restaurants; our favourites include Sarmiento and Arroyo Hondo where the three-course set-lunch offers simply delicious food at outstanding value.
Estepona
Wander along the palm-fringed promenade of Estepona and navigate the old town’s labyrinth of quaint cobblestone streets, before relaxing in the sunshine with an ice-cold beverage in one of the authentic Spanish tapas bars. The stylish marina boasts vessels of all sizes but is quiet enough to remain peaceful. Visitor berths are plentiful and access to a working boatyard and hoist is available on site.
Duquesa
The picturesque marina of Puerto de la Duquesa is at the heart of the town and offers plenty of restaurants and bars as well as boat maintenance services. Quench your thirst with sundowners in a friendly water-side tavern, indulge in some fabulous Spanish tapas, or take a stroll along the promenade to soak up the cheerful atmosphere of this friendly harbour.
International Listings
When you list your boat with Ancasta Sotogrande, it will be promoted and made available to buyers across the entire international Ancasta brokerage network, including a listing on the globally accessed Ancasta website.
Local Knowledge
Buying and selling a boat in the Mediterranean can be complex, but our experienced team have all of the expertise required to help your deal go through smoothly. We can also offer local knowledge and advice on the best places to visit in the region of Andalucía.
Experienced Staff
Selling or buying a boat in Spain is made more straightforward with the Sotogrande team. Offering a good breadth of international sales experience in both sail and power, the team are well placed to guide you through the process and get you the best deal.
Commissioning & After Sales
new boat or take delivery of brokerage vessels. With a worldwide network of contacts, we’ll make sure you get out on the water as soon as possible, and our comprehensive parts service can assist you in finding replacement boat parts, wherever in the world you happen to be.
Meet the Team - Roger Bailey
Originally from the UK, Roger has carved a successful career in overseas boat sales. Having lived and worked in Florida for ten years, Roger has opened multiple yacht brokerage offices and is fully licensed as a Senior Employing Broker. Roger has been based in Spain for the past nine years, and he has plenty of local knowledge to help you with your brokerage requirements in Andalucía and across the wider Mediterranean region.
