Sotogrande is the westernmost resort on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain. This purpose-built development, known for its fine golf courses, stylish marina and polo club, was the brainchild of Joseph McMicking. An American property developer, McKicking wanted to create a residential complex complete with top-class leisure facilities. In 1962, he bought five farms in this idyllic area, and then set about realising his dream. McKicking named the new development Sotogrande after one of the farms. The result of his ambition is a luxurious urbanisation, set amongst landscaped grounds and wide, tree-lined avenues. Several of the modern properties in Sotogrande have been listed due to their architectural importance.



Sotogrande has around 12 miles (20km) of coastline. From many of the resort's beaches there are fine views of Gibraltar a few miles along the coast. Between the mouth of the River Guadiaro and the marina is the El Octogono Beach Club. Opened in 1980, El Octogono boasts a restaurant, swimming pool, large lawn and a children's play area. The club offers a wide selection of water sports, including sailing, water-skiing and jet skiing. Kayaking is also available on the River Guardiaro nearby.

Sotogrande has another beach club called El Cucurucho. This has four swimming pools, a sauna, landscaped gardens and a chiringuito (beach bar). El Cucurucho also boasts a restaurant offering regional and international cuisine. A busy program of activities, which includes face painting, treasure hunts, juggling and volleyball, helps to keep children occupied.

Sotogrande has a lovely marina which was constructed in 1987. Around its quayside are many fine bars and restaurants where you can sit and admire the luxury yachts. The marina has around 600 berths and can accommodate vessels up to 70 metres long. There are plans to increase the size of the marina in the near future. All the berths have access to top facilities such as satellite TV, water, electricity and telephone. The marina is also home to a sailing school with amenities for beginners through to advanced sailors.

Sotogrande is home to a couple of Europe's finest golf courses, Valderrama and the Sotogrande Old Course, both designed by the great Robert Trent Jones. Valderrama became the focus of worldwide attention when it hosted the Ryder Cup in 1997. It has also been the venue for the Volvo Masters in recent years. Just along the coast from Sotogrande is Alcaidesa, the only links course on the Costa del Sol. From its fairways there are magnificent views of Gibraltar, just a short distance away. Other well known golf courses within easy reach of Sotogrande include Almenara and La Reserva de Sotogrande. Both of these offer great scenery and beautifully maintained tees, fairways and greens.

Polo is another sport that is strongly associated with Sotogrande. The Santa Maria Polo Club, situated close to the River Guadiaro, boasts superb facilities including a couple of top-class polo fields. Every August the club hosts one of the sport's most prestigious trophies, El Torneo Internacional. Sotogrande also has a horse riding school and two tennis clubs.