As you drive out of San Pedro Alcántara in the direction of Estepona there is an area of town that you have to pass on your left before taking the road for Guadalmina. Just at the end of the fantastic boulevard and sitting proudly on its neighbouring roundabout, above the concealed underpass, you will see the white concrete lettering of ‘El Ingenio’.
The familiar looking Spanish signage here is a welcome to the suburb of El Ingenio that covers a few miles of land from the bottom of town, next to Nueva Alcántara and down to the sea towards Linda Vista.
This little district is one of the oldest parts of San Pedro and began life as the site of a sugar mill, which serviced the sugar cane industry in southern spain in the late 19th century. The building was the origin of the neighborhood now known as El Ingenio and the once industrial area also housed wineries and the alcohol factory La Alcholera, which today is a multi-purpose cultural centre.
Over the decades El Ingenio has developed into a little community with its own distinctive character and positive aspects. Being so close to the centre of town it is perfectly located to access everything in San Pedro from the pedestrianised central walkways, church square, shops, amenities and many parks.
In the small area of El Ingenio itself you will find several traditional Spanish bars and cafés and a few useful corner shops for everyday necessaries. Opposite to its entrance and across the roundabout is Centro Comercial La Colonia which houses some San Pedro landmarks like The Passion Cafe and a few (cough) essentials like McDonalds plus a large Día supermarket.
Finally it is perfectly placed to experience the community festivals and religious days of San Pedro that take place every year. From the moving ceremony of the Verbena Virgen del Carmen, the atmospheric June night of San Juan, to the town’s feria in October, which can be found on the fairground running parallel with El Ingenio down towards the beach and promenade.
El Ingenio is ideally situated to access every wonderful thing that takes place in San Pedro!
Image courtesy of Ayuntamiento de Marbella