Sotogrande is one of the most luxurious sports and residential developments in Europe. Its 2,500 hectares (6,178 acres) encompass all the amenities you could imagine to complement the Polo, Golf and beach clubs, world class marina and incredible bars and restaurants. All this makes Sotogrande a unique experience for residents and visitors alike. Here ten things you should do in Sotogrande:

1. Play Golf: Sotogrande is renowned for its world-class golf courses, such as Valderrama Golf Club and La Reserva Club. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy challenging rounds in beautiful surroundings.

2. Explore the Marina: Visit the vibrant Sotogrande Marina, where you can stroll along the waterfront, admire luxury yachts, and dine at waterfront restaurants offering picturesque views.

3. Relax on the Beaches: Sotogrande boasts stunning beaches like Playa Paseo del Mar and Playa Sotogrande, where visitors can relax, soak up the sun, and swim in the Mediterranean Sea.

4. Horseback Riding: Experience the equestrian heritage of Sotogrande by going horseback riding. There are several riding schools and trails available to explore the scenic countryside.

5. Visit the Polo Fields: Sotogrande is known for its prestigious polo tournaments. Head to the Santa María Polo Club to watch exciting matches or take polo lessons if you're feeling adventurous.

6. Enjoy Water Sports: Engage in water sports activities like sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing along the coast of Sotogrande. There are rental facilities and schools available for beginners.

7. Explore the Nature Reserve: Discover the natural beauty of Sotogrande by visiting the nearby Alcornocales Natural Park. Hike through forests, observe wildlife, and enjoy panoramic views.

8. Visit Gibraltar: Take a short trip to nearby Gibraltar, where you can explore the famous Rock of Gibraltar, visit the Barbary macaques, and experience the unique British and Spanish blend of cultures.

9. Indulge in Gastronomy: Savor the diverse culinary offerings in Sotogrande. Enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine, fresh seafood, and international dishes at the numerous restaurants and tapas bars.

10. Shop at the Sunday Market: Don't miss the Sunday market in Sotogrande, where you can browse through a variety of stalls selling crafts, clothing, fresh produce, and more.Remember to check local guidelines and availability before planning your activities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Sotogrande is a great town for families and it offers a diverse selection of child-friendly attractions. Here are our top 10 picks for you:

The Beach at La Reserva Club 

With a host of activities and events on offer, as well as the opportunity to relax and unwind, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy as they take in the sun-soaked atmosphere over the coming months at The Beach. With both half and full day options available kids can play from golf and tennis, to riding and water sports, they have a dedicated teaching team to run this unique camp. 

Playground over water!

CostaWaterPark offers aquatic waterparks with the latest in design and technology. Afloat on the sea a few yards from the best beaches on the Costa del Sol you will find CostaWaterPark, with a great variety of attractions for the whole family. Guaranteed FUN for all ages! You can pay for 1 hour or buy a ticket for the whole day.  

Take a catamaran tour

Are you looking for a maritime activity to do with children? Well, there are several companies that will bring you the best boat trips in Sotogrande. Both children and adults will have a great time with a most entertaining guided tour. You will enjoy spectacular views accompanied by explanations about the town and curiosities that you surely did not know. Most of these activities start in the port of Sotogrande, next to the control tower.

Get your Polo on!

Sotogrande also hosts Polo competitions, being one of the most important Polo places in the world both for the quality of the facilities available and for the level of international competitions taking place. Among these competitions stands out the International Polo Tournament, organized by the Santa María Polo Club, which has six fields in the urbanization. It is one of the three most important Polo clubs in Europe, where you can play this equestrian sport 365 days a year. There are also several classes available for kids. Several clubs offer classes. 

Castellar Zoo

Situated just outside of the village of Castellar de la Frontera, about ten minutes inland from Sotogrande and not far from the Sotogrande International School, the zoo borders the beautiful Los Alcornocales Natural Park. The ‘zoo’ de Castellar is not your typical zoo. It was started as a private rescue sanctuary back in 1998 and was finally opened to the public in 2002.For years it remained relatively unknown and unvisited. Word of mouth ensuring its survival. Bit-by-bit things are beginning to change. All of the animals have been rescued by the customs or police. Its location is of no coincidence, conveniently located near the border; most of the residents were victims of illegal animal smuggling between Europe and Africa.

The Hipica Park in La Reserva 

This is an outdoor area where children can enjoy the bouncy castle, climbing wall, archery games, trampoline, zip lines, slides and much more. Additionally, adults and children can learn to ride a pony or horse. Hipica also have some chicken and a turkey that children can see. There is also a snack bar that serves food and refreshments. 

Day Visit to Gibraltar

The Rock of Gibraltar (a 20-minute drive from Sotogrande until the border) is also a great place to visit with children. In Gibraltar you find St. Michael’s Cave, Pillars of Hercules, and can go explore the Great Siege Tunnels. But best of all are the monkeys that wander around. You can go by car all the way up to the monkeys or take the cable car. The monkeys are free and wild so please be careful with your belongings. Also, don’t forget your passports.

Bahia Water Park

Get a buzz on the eight rides, including Gran Niagara and Rio Salvaje, plus kamikaze and black hole; there's also an activity pool with a zipline, and another pool with a 1000-litre bucket of water which gets tipped over swimmers. There is also a relatively new (2013)  new children's area with mini-versions of three rides (for up to 1.55m tall) and the largest jacuzzi in Andalucia. This park is in the nearby Algeciras. All perfect for a family day out, the water park also puts on children's entertainment for the whole afternoon everyday, in addition to other occasional shows and performances. As well as restaurants, there's a shady picnic area.

Arcade, Bowling and Laser

Plaza BahiaBowling Bahía is a family leisure center located in the Bahía Plaza shopping center. It has 10 bowling alleys as well as 4 junior alleys adapted for all ages. Various activities such as virtual reality, laser tag, game area, climbing wall, playground and over 85 arcade machines and cafeteria. They have the best laser tag in the area with a 230 square meter maze for up to 16 players with the most advanced technology.

Day trip to learn kitesurfing!

If you have been looking for a sport to share with your children, we invite you to visit Tarifa and get into the world of kitesurfing together. In addition to being a physical activity that will stimulate their psychomotor skills, they will learn to respect the power of nature and to relate to the sea. Kitesurf school in Tarifa offer two types of courses oriented and designed especially for children: private and semi-private. In both modalities, one or two children respectively, will be accompanied by an instructor at all times.The evolution of your children in this sport will depend on the duration of the course you hire. You can be sure that they will surprise you: children’s learning curve is usually very fast.After the hard work, don’t leave the area without visiting the Valdevaquero dunes. A magical place where your kids will be able to run up and down giant sand dunes with incredible views over the dunes, fine sand beach and crystal clear water. You can’t miss it!

• Spain is a very safe place to live in. The crime rate is low and you can walk through the streets safely any time of the day or night.
• The Spanish are known for being very healthy, thanks to their  Mediterranean diet and outdoor lifestyle. Spain is ranked the healthiest country in the World. Spain also has one of the highest life expectancy in the World. 
• Spain has great healthcare and you’re rarely more than 15 minutes away from a hospital or clinic. The healthcare system is in the top 10 around the World, above the healthcare systems of Italy, France, Greece, Germany, the UK and Portugal.
• Living up to its name, Costa del Sol is actually the sunniest area in Spain, with shining rays beating down on the region for almost the entire year. South of Spain has the warmest winters in Europe and over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and up to 15 hours of light in a day.
• Spanish culture is very relaxed and hassle-free.
• Spain has a secure banking system and dependable infrastructure. With 3,100km of rail track the Spanish high-speed AVE trains operate on the longest high-speed network in Europe.
• Spain has a large expat community in Costa Del Sol.
• Once you've the visa to live in Spain or your permanent residency, you can easily travel within the Schengen area.Spain is located on the west side of Europe, making traveling to the American continent fast and efficient. A flight from Spain to New York is barely 8 hours. 
• It's important to note that retirement life in Sotogrande can be costly due to its high-end reputation. Housing, healthcare, and recreational expenses may be higher compared to other locations. It's recommended to thoroughly research the cost of living and plan your finances accordingly.Overall, Sotogrande offers a desirable retirement lifestyle with its pleasant climate, natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a sense of community. However, it's essential to consider the financial aspect and ensure that it aligns with your retirement budget and plans.

Shopping in Sotogrande is full of variety. There are many shops in and around Sotogrande. There are also several key shopping areas and shopping malls. Whether it is for your daily groceries or fashion, home ware or specialist tools, there are countless shops that offer it all. Every Sunday, throughout the year, there is a market in the Blue Sotogrande commercial area of Ribera del Marlin in Sotogrande Marina. Therefore, this is usally very busy and the perfect time to visit if you like the vibe. Blue Sotogrande is a pedestrianised shopping destination in the Sotogrande Marina. During the month of July and August the Blue Sotogrande is host to the market ‘El Mercado de Levante’ attracting thousands of tourists and residents. 

The three main supermarkets in Sotogrande are Supermercado El Corte Ingles, Mercadona and LIDL. In Pueblo Nuevo, you will find the Bazar, a ‘Chinese’ convenience store, the Ruiz Galan Supermarket and the Iceland (Overseas) supermarket. In nearby San Roque Club, there is also a Coviran supermarket. The El Corte Ingles mall in Marbella is 30 minutes away and the one in Algeciras just 20 minutes drive.