Sotogrande is the most western holiday resort on the Costa del Sol in south Spain. Being a purpose constructed development, known for the excellent golf courses, beautiful marina and even a polo club, was the brainchild of the American property developer, Joseph McMicking. He wished to create a residential resort complete with first class visitor facilities. In the sixties, he purchased 5 farms in this beautiful region, and then set about building his dream. Hr named the new resort Sotogrande after one of the old farms. The result of this was a luxurious resort, set among the landscaped and wide, palm lined roads. A few of the modern villas in Sotogrande have been listed due to their high architectural style.

Sotogrande has about 12 miles (or 20 km) of coast, with many of the towns beaches there are good vistas of Gibraltar several miles up the coast. Between the estuary of the Guadiaro River and the yacht marina is the El Octogono Beach Club, which first opened in 1980, El Octogono has a restaurant, pool, large garden and a childs playground. The club has a wide choice of water sports, such as yacht sailing, skiing and jet biking, plus canooeing is available closeby.

Sotogrande has yet another club named El Cucurucho, which has 4 pools, a sauna, gardens and a beach bar. El Cucurucho also has a quality restaurant offering local and international fare, plus a hectic program of activities, like childs face painting, treasure hunts, volleyball, juggling which helps to keep the kids busy.

Sotogrande Marina was built in 1987, and round the dock side are lots of bars and pavement restaurants where you can dine and watch the luxury boats. It has over 600 berths and can accommodate boats over 200 feet long. There are also plans to add to the size of the marina in the very near future. All the moorings have access to first class facilities like satellite television, fresh water, electricity and phone. Plus there is also a sail training school with courses for beginners and advanced sailing.

Sotogrande golf courses include, Valderrama plus the Sotogrande Old Course, both designed by the famous Robert Trent Jones. Valderrama became the focal point of world attention in 1997, when it hosted the Ryder Cup and it has also been the site of the Volvo Masters in more recent times. Just along the coastline from Sotogrande is the Alcaidesa, the only links style course along the Costa del Sol. From its green fairways there are fantastic views of the rock of Gibraltar, just a short drive away. Other well known golf clubs within an easy drive of Sotogrande include the Almenara and La Reserva de Sotogrande, each of which offer great course and well maintained tees, fairways and fast greens.

For lots more advice, tips and tourism information about Sotogrande please visit Sotogrande