Living in the old town of San Pedro de Alcántara
The old town of San Pedro is one of the few places left on this stretch of coast where you still live in a village. Streets around the church square, local shops, and neighbourhood life twelve months a year. If you are looking at where to live in San Pedro de Alcántara, start here.
Who lives in the area
Families and people who have been here all their lives, noticeably more Spanish than central Marbella. There are settled foreign residents too, but the feel is still that of a village.
Neighbours know each other, which in much of this coast has been lost.
What daily life is like
Village streets with plenty of local trade and movement all year round. There is no high season and low season: there is a neighbourhood.
Shops
Long-standing shops, bakeries, greengrocers and a market, plus large supermarkets a few minutes away. You can live here without taking the car to do the shopping.
Schools
San Pedro has state and state-assisted schools inside the town itself, and local families walk their children there. It is one of the real advantages over the surrounding developments, where everything is a drive.
The boulevard
The boulevard, built over the road that was put underground, is the town’s green space and has become where everyone walks. The beach is a stroll away.
Getting around, and parking
Well connected to Marbella, Estepona and the motorway. Inside the town you do almost everything on foot, which is exactly what sets it apart from the developments around it.
Parking is easier than in the old town of Marbella, but the streets are narrow and at peak times it is hard work. A garage space adds a lot.
Going out locally
Village bars and restaurants, at more reasonable prices than around the port, and plenty of terraces on the boulevard. Serious nightlife, not much: for that you go to Banús.
The best and the worst of it
The best: everything within walking distance, without paying Marbella prices. That is the clearest difference between buying or renting here and doing it four kilometres further east.
The worst: if you want a lot going on, the options are limited. And some houses in the old town are old and unrefurbished, so check the condition carefully before you buy.
