San Pedro · San Pedro
San Pedro Alcántara, the farming colony by the sea: the back story
The back story
About San Pedro Alcántara, the farming colony by the sea: the back story
San Pedro Alcántara grew from an agricultural colony founded in 1860 into a relaxed town within Marbella.
A farming colony
San Pedro Alcántara is part of the municipality of Marbella, but it has its own character. It was founded in 1860 as an agricultural colony by the Marqués del Duero, who grew sugar cane and other crops on the plain between the mountains and the sea. The town that grew around it is still more local and family-minded than the glamorous coast next door.
Roman remains
Long before the colony, the Romans lived here. Near the coast you can see the Roman villa of Río Verde, with its mosaic floors, the Las Bóvedas baths and the early Christian basilica of Vega del Mar. Check opening times with the town’s tourist office, as visits are limited.
San Pedro is where Marbella goes to live: local bars, family beaches and Roman mosaics.
The boulevard
The old coast road through the centre was moved underground, and the space above was turned into a long boulevard with gardens, playgrounds and walking paths: a favourite place for families in the evening.
Guadalmina
To the west lies Guadalmina, an older residential area with the Real Club de Golf Guadalmina, quiet beaches and restaurants spread among the villas.
Our advice: come for an evening on the boulevard and tapas in the town centre, or a long beach lunch at Linda Vista or Guadalmina, and pair it with a round at Guadalmina.
Why it's on our list
- The farming colony
- Roman remains
- The boulevard
- Guadalmina
- Eating out
- Our advice
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with San Pedro Alcántara, the farming colony by the sea: the back story before you go.