Sotogrande

Sotogrande is the largest resort and residential development in Andalusia, Spain, southern Europe. Its 4,500 acres stretch from the Mediterranean Sea 25km east of Gibraltar, back into the foothills of Sierra Almenara, providing contrasting views of sea, hills, cork forests and green fairways, including the Rock of Gibraltar and Morocco.

History

Sotogrande was the brainchild of Joseph McMicking who, in 1962, bought five farms together, with the idea of creating a luxurious residential development by the Mediterranean. The appeal of Sotogrande, to many nationalities, lies in the natural beauty of the site, enhanced by the early landscaping, the planting of avenues of palm and conifer trees, underground infrastructure and wide, two-lane roads.Today Sotogrande is run by the Zobels, Spanish Filipino aristocrats related to McMicking.

Sports

Today, Sotogrande is renowned for its varied sporting facilities. It has five of the most beautiful golf courses in Europe, Valderrama Golf Club host to the 1997 Ryder Cup, The Club Real de Golf, Almenara, La Reserva, La Cañada and a Golf Academy; two world famous Polo fields; two Tennis, Paddle tennis and Fronton Clubs; two Beach Clubs; a Bridge Club, Riding stables and a busy marina, the first on entering the Mediterranean.

Nature

River Guadiaro and Estuary, Sotogrande, a natural area of 27 hectares and the only marshland on this part of the coast, has been designated as an Andalusian National Park, Wildlife and Nature Reserve. A series of pathways has been constructed, with information boards explaining the natural area, enabling nature lovers unobstructed views of the estuary, its wildlife and in particular the migratory birds, on their route to and from Africa.