One of the most popular places on the Costa del Sol of Spain that expats consider moving to is the small town of Sotogrande.
We interview locals and find out just what living in Sotogrande is REALLY like.
Are you questioning if you should you move to Sotogrande?
We attempt to answer all your most popular questions to help you decide whether Sotogrande is the right place for you or not.
For other related advice, see our popular move to Spain page or our tourist guide to Sotogrande.
Moving to Sotogrande
If you are thinking of moving to Sotogrande, then you must read our interview with Celeste Alonso of The Property Agent below.
Celeste is a real estate agent and inmobiliaria based in Estepona and Sotogrande and covers all nearby areas.
We are very grateful to her for this helpful local knowledge she has kindly provided exclusively to us:
What is Sotogrande best-known for?
Sotogrande is one of the most prestigious residential developments in Europe and is the chosen holiday destination of many well-known celebrities and sports personalities. Sotogrande is a hot spot for polo with the Santa Maria Polo Club being dubbed the ‘Wimbledon of polo’. People come from all over the world during the summer months to play polo here.
Sotogrande is also a mecca for Golf lovers. There are a remarkable five golf courses in the area, including:
- Real Club de Golf Sotogrande,
- Club de Golf la Cañada,
- Almenara Golf Club
- La Reserva Club
- The most famous of all – Real Club de Golf Valderrama which regularly hosts major international tournaments. The likes of the Andalucía Masters, the Volvo Masters and, most famously, the 1997 Ryder Cup, have all been hosted at this course.
The area also has a beautiful marina. The waterfront is like a little Venice with its bridges crossing the waterways. The Marina is best appreciated from the water by boat with its stunning canals weaving through the many luxurious residential complexes dotted around the waterfront. This waterside enclave is one of the most prestigious marinas in Spain and has an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars. The Marina has 1382 berths, but tying up your yacht here won’t come cheap with some of the most expensive mooring costs in Europe.
What would you say would be the advantages to living in Sotogrande compared to other towns on the Costa del Sol?
Sotogrande is the jewel of Southern Spain. A beautiful compact private coastal community, immaculately maintained surrounded by breath-taking scenery. It’s a fully gated and extremely secure resort, with round the clock security. Despite being one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in Spain, everything is low key and discreet as opposed to the bling and glitz of Marbella or Puerto Banus.
Life in Sotogrande moves at a lovely unhurried pace, and it’s the perfect location to live or to have second home in Spain, that’s of course if you can afford it.
Would the Sotogrande area not suit certain types of people, i.e. are there any possible downsides.
If you’re a young 20 somethings and looking for lively nightlife, then Sotogrande is not the place for you. Although there are several bars and beach clubs, it’s all very family-oriented an