San Pedro Holidays

Just ten minutes from glitzy Marbella but with a proper Spanish soul – San Pedro is the Costa del Sol's best-kept secret. 🌴

Good to Know

• ☀️ Over 320 days of sunshine yearly with summer highs of 29-30°C and mild winters rarely dipping below 15°C

• 💶 Proper good value – expect €2-4 for a pint in local bars, €10-15 for a menu del día (prices climb a bit in Puerto Banús, but that's the glam tax)

• 🏭 Founded in 1860 as Spain's largest sugar cane colony by the Marqués del Duero – the original factory chimney still stands in El Ingenio

✨ Top Reasons to Visit San Pedro

• 🏖️ Mile-and-a-half of golden beach with calm waters, chiringuitos serving fresh fish, and none of Marbella's crowds

• 🚶 The Boulevard – pedestrianised park built over the old coast road with fountains, playgrounds, skate park, and evening paseo vibes

• 🏛️ Roman and Byzantine ruins including 4th-century Basílica de Vega del Mar and 2nd-century thermal baths – usually all to yourself

• 🎉 Feria de San Pedro (mid-October) – a full week of flamenco, free concerts, horse parades, and proper Andalusian celebration

• 🍹 Puerto Banús on your doorstep – 15-minute promenade stroll to the glitz when you fancy it, quiet authenticity when you don't

🏨 Where to Stay in San Pedro

For Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

You can see all of our San Pedro hotels here, or two of our favs are below....

• Globales Cortijo Blanco Brilliant for families with outdoor pools, kids' activities, and a relaxed vibe. Just a short walk from the beach and close to all the Boulevard's playgrounds and splash fountains. The buffet restaurant keeps fussy eaters happy.

• Globales Pueblo Andaluz Traditional whitewashed Andalusian style with red-tiled roofs and lush gardens around a central pool. All rooms have balconies or terraces with views. Only 4km from Puerto Banús for day trips to the marina.

Need More Options? 🏨

San Pedro's a smaller resort, so if you want more options, check out nearby Marbella for more luxury choices or Estepona for laid-back alternatives – both just 15-20 minutes away.

🎯 What to Do in San Pedro

For Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• 🏖️ Playa de San Pedro – calm, shallow waters with lifeguards in summer, proper facilities, and chiringuitos doing excellent kids' portions

• 🌳 Parque de los Tres Jardines – nine hectares of green space with playgrounds, walking trails, and Cable Ski Marbella on the lake

• 🛹 Boulevard San Pedro – splash fountains, skate park, playgrounds, and an ice rink in winter – perfect for burning off energy after dinner

• 🛍️ Thursday market – the weekly street market keeps kids entertained with handmade crafts, fresh produce, and bargain hunting

For Couples 💑

• 🌅 Promenade stroll to Puerto Banús – the 12km beachfront walk (or cycle) past beach clubs and quiet coves, timed for sunset

• 🏛️ Basilica de Vega del Mar – atmospheric 4th-century ruins with free guided tours and none of the crowds you'd get at bigger sites

• 🍷 Plaza de la Iglesia evenings – tapas bars, the illuminated church, and that unmistakable Spanish buzz after dark

• 🍹 Beach club lounging – ÁMMO and Bora Bora offer upmarket vibes with cocktails and Mediterranean menus without Marbella prices

For Groups 🎉

• 🥂 Puerto Banús – 15-minute promenade walk (or quick taxi) to designer bars, superclubs, and celebrity-spotting

• 🎊 Feria de San Pedro (October) – casetas serving rebujitos, flamenco dancing, free concerts, and proper party atmosphere

• ⛳ Golf – San Pedro Golf Club tucked away nearby, plus Guadalmina's courses minutes away – over 70 courses within easy reach

• 🍺 Promenade chiringuitos – cold cerveza and fresh fish while watching the world go by

For Culture Vultures 🏛️

• 🏺 Roman Baths of Las Bóvedas – impressive 2nd-century thermal baths right by the coast with adjacent 16th-century watchtower

• 🏭 El Ingenio – the 1871 sugar mill now used for cultural events, surrounded by protected heritage workers' cottages

• ⛰️ Day trip to Ronda – dramatic clifftop town just 45 minutes inland via the scenic A-397, one of Andalucía's most spectacular pueblos blancos

• 🎨 Old town wandering – narrow streets packed with tapas bars, craft shops, and the beautiful Iglesia de San Pedro dating from 1866

📅 When to Visit San Pedro

☀️ Summer (June–August)

Highs of 29-30°C with barely a cloud in sight. Sea temperatures hit 23-24°C by August – proper swimming weather. Beach buzzes with families and the promenade's lively until late.

What's On:

• 🎵 OMA Fest (August) – major music festivals including Bella Festival at La Caridad fairground

• 🔥 Noche de San Juan (23rd June) – bonfires on the beach and midnight swimming for midsummer

• 🎤 Summer concerts at the Boulevard amphitheatre

🌸 Spring (March–May)

Temperatures climb from 17°C to a lovely 22°C – ideal for exploring without melting. Beaches are quiet, restaurants have tables, and shoulder season prices sweeten the deal.

What's On:

• ✝️ Semana Santa (Easter) – atmospheric processions through the old town with hooded penitents and elaborate floats

• 🛍️ Thursday market in full swing with spring produce

• 🌺 Almond blossom in the hills

🍂 Autumn (September–October)

September stays warm (25-26°C) while October brings the town's biggest party. Sea's still swimable at 21°C and crowds have thinned – except during Feria week.

What's On:

• 🎉 Feria de San Pedro (14th-20th October 2025) – the main event with casetas, sevillanas, horse parades, and free concerts at La Caridad

• 🍇 Grape harvest festivals at nearby bodegas

• 🇪🇸 Día de la Hispanidad (12th October) – national holiday celebrations

🌧️ Winter (November–February)

Pleasant 15-16°C days with plenty of sunshine. Too cool for beach lounging but perfect for hiking Sierra de Ronda or exploring Marbella's old town. Bargain accommodation rates.

What's On:

• 🎄 Christmas markets and nativity scenes around Plaza de la Iglesia

• 👑 Three Kings parade (5th January) – sweets thrown to children from elaborate floats

• 🎭 Carnaval (February) – colourful costumes and street parties

🏖️ Nearby Resorts

Fancy exploring more of the Costa del Sol? These spots are all within easy reach:

• 🌟 Marbella – the glamorous big sister, just 10 minutes east with Puerto Banús, the Golden Mile, and that famous old town

• ⛵ Puerto Banús – 15 minutes along the promenade, superyachts, designer shopping, and legendary nightlife

• 🎣 Estepona – 20 minutes west, traditional fishing town with gorgeous flowered streets and laid-back vibes

• 🎢 Benalmádena – 30 minutes towards Málaga, brilliant for families with the marina, cable car, and theme parks

• 🦁 Fuengirola – fantastic beaches, Bioparc zoo, and one of Spain's biggest Tuesday markets

• 🎶 Torremolinos – the classic Costa del Sol resort with excellent nightlife and water parks