Sotogrande Holidays

Sotogrande is the Costa del Sol's best-kept luxury secret – think polo ponies, championship golf courses and a marina that wouldn't look out of place in Monaco. Just 20 minutes from Gibraltar, it's got proper Spanish sunshine without the crowds, plus enough waterfront restaurants to keep you fed for a fortnight.

Good to Know

• ☀️ Summer highs of 28°C with 300+ days of sunshine a year

• 💰 This is an upmarket spot – marina restaurants start around €15-20 for mains, though nearby Algeciras offers better value tapas if you're on a budget.

• ⛳ Nine golf courses within 30 minutes, including Valderrama – host of the 1997 Ryder Cup

Highlights

• 🏌️ Tee off at some of Europe's finest courses – Valderrama, La Reserva and Real Club de Golf Sotogrande are all on your doorstep

• 🐴 Watch world-class polo at Santa María Polo Club – one of Europe's top three venues with free entry to most matches

• ⛵ Stroll the swish marina with its boutiques, yacht-lined canals and waterfront cocktail bars

• 🏖️ Stretch out on Playa de Sotogrande or head to Torreguadiaro Beach for chiringuitos and a more lively vibe

• 🇬🇮 Pop over to Gibraltar for duty-free shopping and those famous Barbary macaques – it's just 20 minutes down the road

Hotels in Sotogrande

Sotogrande keeps things exclusive. Whether you're after five-star luxury or a simple beachfront base, here are some of our favs.

For Couples & Golf Lovers

• Fairmont La Hacienda – A brand-new 5-star beauty right on the beach with a Michelin-starred restaurant and two championship golf courses. Infinity pool, spa, and just 15 minutes from the marina.

• SO/ Sotogrande Resort – A stylish 5-star with floor-to-ceiling countryside views, world-class spa with cryotherapy, and Almenara Golf Club on the doorstep. Quirky room names like "SO Comfy" and a proper grown-up vibe.

For Families & Budget-Friendly

• Inmood San Roque – A chilled-out 3.5-star right by San Roque Golf Club with a poolside bar, Mediterranean restaurant and yoga classes. Great rooftop bar for sundowners.

• Patricia Hotel – A no-frills 2-star with direct beach access at Torreguadiaro. Basic but brilliant if you'd rather spend your budget on golf and dining out.

What to Do in Sotogrande

For Families

• 🎢 Cool off at the beaches – Torreguadiaro has lifeguards and beach bars with kid-friendly menus

• ⛳ Book a family golf lesson at La Cañada or Almenara, both with options for beginners

• 🐒 Day trip to Gibraltar to see the Barbary macaques and take the cable car up the Rock

• 🍦 Wander the Sunday market at the marina for artisan ice cream and street food

For Couples

• 🍷 Sundowners at Ke Bar in the marina – the place to see and be seen

• 🐴 Catch a polo match at Santa María Polo Club – champagne optional, but recommended

• 🌅 Dinner at Cancha II beside the polo fields for Argentinian steak under the stars

• ⛵ Hire a boat from the marina and cruise along the coast with views of Africa on the horizon

For Groups

• 🍻 Bar-hop around the marina – start at Ke, then work your way around the waterfront

• 🏌️ Organise a golf day at Valderrama or San Roque Club for some friendly competition

• 🏖️ Book a day at Trocadero Beach Club for loungers, infinity pool and gourmet dining

• 🎉 Time your trip for polo season (July-August) when the after-parties are legendary

For Culture Vultures

• 🏰 Drive up to Castellar de la Frontera – a medieval village inside an ancient castle with cracking views

• 🎺 Catch the Castejazz festival in June for open-air jazz in the castle grounds

• 🏛️ Explore the Rock of Gibraltar's WWII tunnels and Moorish Castle

• 🚗 Day trip to Ronda – just over an hour for dramatic gorge views and one of Spain's oldest bullrings

When to Visit Sotogrande

☀️ Summer (June–August) – highs of 28°C

Peak season with hot, dry weather perfect for golf and beach days. The polo calendar is in full swing and the marina buzzes until late.

What's On:

• 🔥 Noche de San Juan (23-24 June) – bonfires blaze on Torreguadiaro beach with music, rituals and midnight dips in the sea

• ⛵ Virgen del Carmen (16 July) – maritime procession through Torreguadiaro as the fishing community honours their patron saint

• 🐴 International Polo Tournament (late July–August) – Bronze, Silver and Gold Cups at Santa María Polo Club with the world's best players

• 💃 San Roque Feria (12-17 August) – the nearby town erupts with flamenco, fireworks and late-night dancing

🌸 Spring (March–May) – highs of 18-23°C

Ideal for golf with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. The polo season kicks off and wildflowers cover the hills.

What's On:

• 🐴 Spring Polo Tournaments (March-April) – José Ignacio Domecq Cup and Baron de Strabrock Cup at the Ayala fields

• ✝️ Semana Santa (March/April) – Easter processions wind through nearby San Roque

• 🎺 Castejazz Festival (mid-June) – free jazz concerts at Castellar castle, paella and good vibes

🍂 Autumn (September–November) – highs of 19-27°C

Still warm enough for swimming in September, with shoulder-season prices and golden light for golf.

What's On:

• 🐴 Late Summer Polo (September) – Copa San Enrique and Copa Despedida close out the season

• 🎉 San Roque Patron Saint Festival (mid-August, spills into September) – religious processions with local food and drink

❄️ Winter (December–February) – highs of 12-16°C

Mild and sunny – perfect for golf. The expat community keeps the marina ticking along and you'll find great deals on accommodation.

What's On:

• 👑 Three Kings Parade (5 January) – Cabalgata de Reyes with floats and sweets for the kids in San Roque

• 🎭 Carnaval (February) – costume parades and street parties before Lent

Nearby Resorts

• Estepona – Just 30 minutes up the coast, this whitewashed town has a gorgeous old quarter, botanical murals on every corner, and a more traditional Costa del Sol feel.

• Manilva – A quieter option 20 minutes away with vineyard views, the pretty Puerto de la Duquesa marina and beaches that never feel crowded.

• Algeciras – If you're after something more budget-friendly, this busy port town is 20 minutes south with views across to Morocco, ferries to Tangier, and hotel prices that won't make your eyes water.