As a modestly sized municipality, San Pedro Alcántara punches well above its weight in the travel destination stakes. Above and beyond its perfect climate and picturesque scenery there are many reasons why so many people love to visit this Spanish town, and here are just six of them!
The Paseo
San Pedro’s seafront paseo is a lovely promenade that will lead you not only to the beach and Mediteranean Sea, but also to the town’s vibrant chiringuito beach bars and onwards to Puerto Banús. The walkway is framed by copses of palm trees and is also home to market stalls, down to earth beach clubs, life size elephant showers and shaded wooden deckings for picnics. At its eastern extreme the paseo crosses over the river Río Guadaiza and joins the Málaga Coastal Path (Senda Litoral) providing a scenic walking route to the famous marina and onwards along Spain’s southern coast.
The Boulevard
The boulevard of San Pedro (bulevar de San Pedro) is a recent and successful urban project that joins the town centre with the area of Nueva Alcántara, that leads down to the sea. Running east to west, it’s wooden wobbly bridge is set under the mountainous horizon, and above children’s playgrounds and other community amenities. Amongst the many businesses and attractions along the bustling walkway you will find modern tapas eateries, water features, walled gardens, a skating rink and amphitheatre.
The Restaurants
San Pedro Alcántara is now a destination for foodies on the Costa del Sol, rivalling the neighbouring resorts of Marbella and Estepona for its offer of Spanish and international restaurants. There are now several areas and parades around town where numerous eating establishments have been established that offer a great atmosphere and variety of cuisines. You will be spoilt for choice amongst the modern eateries in Nueva Alcántara, charming bistros in the pedestrianised centre, and more traditional bodegas in the narrow back streets of town.
The Community Events
No small municipality puts on a community event quite like San Pedro, and if you are planning to visit at some point this year then make sure you check when the best celebrations and entertainment are running. The varied annual programme includes the passionate parades of Easter, spectacular firework displays, musical concerts in the football stadium, art exhibitions, the midnight beach festival of San Juan and the town’s week long feria (festival).
The Shopping
San Pedro has a great selection of shops and on most occasions, all requirements are catered for and there is no need to visit nearby Puerto Banús and Marbella. The central streets host a variety of independent retail outlets that sell food, fashion, gifts, jewellery and crafts, and every Thursday morning there is a large and popular outdoor market situated at the top of town.
The People
The local residents of San Pedro Alcántara are a warm and welcoming bunch. Having been invaded by communities of various expatriate nationalities for many years they have developed an embracing attitude towards holidaymakers and offer great hospitality to the many people that visit each year. The likeable characteristics of the Spanish people and their interesting culture is one of the most appealing factors about San Pedro and why foreigners arrive, come back and settle down here.
Image courtesy of Disfruta San Pedro