This relaxed coastal town on Spain's Costa del Sol has palm-lined boulevards, a 2km sandy beach, and traditional Andalusian architecture dating back to 1860.
San Pedro de Alcántara sits between Marbella and Estepona on Spain's Costa del Sol. Walk through its palm-lined Boulevard to find local families gathering at cafes, or spend an afternoon at the 1,400-meter Blue Flag beach. The town's streets lead you to 3rd-century Roman baths, weekly open-air markets, and small tapas bars where locals meet for evening drinks.
Getting Around San Pedro
San Pedro de Alcántara lies 10 kilometers west of Marbella and 20 kilometers from Estepona, making it an ideal base for exploring the Costa del Sol. The town connects to major destinations via the A7 coastal highway and AP7 toll road. Regular buses run from the central Boulevard to Marbella, Puerto Banús, and Málaga, with the journey to Málaga Airport taking approximately 40 minutes by car.
The Boulevard and Town Center
The San Pedro Boulevard, opened in 2014, serves as the town's main social space. You'll find an amphitheater hosting regular performances, three children's playgrounds, and dedicated cycling paths built over the main coastal highway. The Plaza de la Iglesia marks the center of the old town, where narrow streets branch out from the parish church, leading to small shops and cafes.
Beach Life and Promenade
The San Pedro beach extends for 1,400 meters and has held Blue Flag status since 1992. You can walk to Puerto Banús in 40 minutes along the wide promenade, stopping at the many chiringuitos (beach restaurants) on the way. Look for the elephant statue that marks the beach entrance. The beach spans 35 meters in width and maintains lower visitor numbers even during summer months.
Markets and Local Shopping
Every Thursday, vendors set up stalls throughout the town center, selling clothing, crafts, and fresh produce. The indoor market opens daily, where you can buy seasonal vegetables, fresh fish, and local specialties. In the old town, independent shops sell traditional Spanish goods and handmade items.
Historical Sites
At Las Bóvedas Roman Baths, built in the 3rd century, you can explore the remaining walls, arches, and water channels of this ancient bathing complex. The 4th-century Paleochristian Basilica contains mosaic floors and an ancient cemetery with stone tombs. Both sites open daily to visitors.
Events and Festivals
The Arte Sano Festival brings music and craft stalls to the seafront during the last weekend of July. During the San Pedro Feria in October, the town celebrates for a week with Andalusian music, flamenco performances, and food stalls. Throughout the year, religious celebrations like Semana Santa and Corpus Christi fill the streets with processions.
Climate and Weather
The Sierra de Ronda mountains shield the town from strong winds. Summer temperatures reach 32°C, with sea breezes cooling the afternoons. You can expect sunshine on about 320 days each year, and mild temperatures continue through winter.
