San Pedro Alcántara: Charming Coastal Town

San Pedro Alcántara, located in the heart of Spain’s celebrated Costa del Sol, is a charming coastal town that offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern amenities. Known for its picturesque streets, beaches, and lively cultural scene, San Pedro Alcántara is a favoured destination for both tourists and locals. Unlike its more glamorous neighbours Marbella and Puerto Banús, San Pedro provides a more relaxed and authentic Spanish experience.

 

The town’s prime location, just a few kilometres west of Marbella, ensures that it benefits from the same sunny Mediterranean climate while offering a quieter, more family-friendly atmosphere.

 

The Boulevard and Paseo Marítimo

San Pedro Alcántara’s social and recreational life is centred around two key areas: the Boulevard and the Paseo Marítimo. These vibrant public spaces offer a range of activities and are essential to the town’s community spirit.

 

  • The Boulevard:
    Officially known as Boulevard San Pedro Alcántara, this expansive area was opened in 2014 and has since become a hub of activity for all ages. The Boulevard features a long pedestrian walkway lined with trees and benches, making it a perfect spot for a stroll or enjoying a leisurely afternoon. It includes several children’s play areas, a skate park, and an amphitheatre that hosts concerts and events throughout the year. The area is dotted with charming cafes and restaurants where locals and visitors can enjoy outdoor dining while taking in the lively atmosphere.
  • Paseo Marítimo:
    Running along the beautiful beachfront, the Paseo Marítimo is a scenic promenade that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. At most times of day and night you will find locals and visitors walking, cycling, jogging or just taking in the beautiful views. Along the way, there are numerous beach bars (chiringuitos) and restaurants where you can sample local seafood dishes or simply enjoy a drink while watching the sunset. The Paseo also features access to San Pedro’s beaches, which are less crowded than those in nearby tourist hotspots.

 

Residential Appeal

San Pedro Alcántara boasts a wide variety of residential options, making it an attractive place to live for families, retirees, and young professionals alike. The town offers everything from luxury villas and beachfront apartments to more traditional townhouses in the old centre. Each neighbourhood has its own character and advantages:

 

  • Beachside Properties:
    Located near the Paseo Marítimo, these properties offer easy beach access and walking distance to the sea or town, appealing to those who dream of a beachfront lifestyle.
  • Town Centre Apartments:
    For those who prefer to be in the heart of the action, the central areas of San Pedro provide apartments and penthouses close to shops, restaurants, and cultural venues.
  • Gated Communities:
    Just outside the town centre, several high-end gated communities offer security, privacy, and communal amenities such as pools, gyms, and landscaped gardens.

Family-Friendly Environment

San Pedro Alcántara is an excellent choice for families due to its safe environment and abundance of schools and children’s activities. The town is home to several well-regarded international schools that offer British and American curricula, along with bilingual Spanish education. These institutions are known for their diverse student bodies and commitment to high academic standards.

 

Children in San Pedro can also take advantage of various sports and recreational clubs, including football, tennis, and swimming, all of which provide excellent opportunities for physical activity and social interaction. The local library and cultural centre offer workshops and events specifically geared towards younger residents, making it easy for families to get involved in the community.

 

Sports and Leisure Activities

In San Pedro Alcántara, residents and visitors can enjoy a vibrant sports and leisure scene, characterised by a blend of both public and private facilities that cater to a wide array of interests.

 

  • Public Sports Centers:
    The town is proud of its public sports centres that serve as vital community hubs. The established sports centre provides essential amenities, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and areas for football and basketball. It’s a favourite for families and individuals of all ages looking to engage in traditional sports. Meanwhile, the anticipation around the soon-to-open modern sports centre is high. This facility is expected to feature cutting-edge equipment, varied fitness classes, and versatile sports courts designed to accommodate a range of activities including handball, basketball, indoor football and volleyball as well as three basketball and volleyball courts.
  • Private Gyms and Fitness Studios:
    Complementing the public facilities are numerous private gyms and specialised fitness studios throughout San Pedro. These venues often offer more personalised fitness experiences, including tailored workout sessions, high-intensity interval training classes, and wellness programs. Many gyms also provide specialised classes like yoga, Pilates, and spinning, helping residents find the right fit activity for their fitness needs.
  • Diverse Activities and Classes:
    Beyond the gyms and sports centres, San Pedro is a place where diverse interests are nurtured. The town hosts a variety of classes and clubs for activities like taekwondo, dance, and martial arts, appealing to all age groups. Dance studios in the area offer everything from ballet to contemporary dance, while martial arts schools provide classes for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. These activities not only promote physical health but also provide valuable social interaction and community engagement.
  • Proximity to Premier Golf Courses:
    Golf enthusiasts are not neglected, as San Pedro’s proximity to top-notch courses like those in Nueva Andalucía’s Golf Valley and nearby Guadalmina and La Quinta ensures that golfers of all skill levels have access to beautiful and challenging greens for all levels. These facilities enhance the town’s appeal as a destination for sports enthusiasts.
  • Outdoor and Water Sports:
    The natural surroundings of San Pedro also encourage outdoor activities. The local beaches and coastal areas are perfect for water sports such as paddleboarding and windsurfing, with kite surfing also popular when the conditions allow. Additionally, the nearby trails and parks invite hiking and cycling enthusiasts to explore the scenic landscapes of the Costa del Sol.

 

San Pedro Alcántara’s comprehensive approach to sports and leisure facilities ensures that residents and visitors can enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle with a dazzling array of options. Whether it’s joining a sports team, participating in a fitness class, or enjoying a round of golf, the town supports and enhances the well-being of its community through a wide range of accessible and enjoyable activities.

 

The town represents a perfect mix of traditional Spanish living with the comforts and conveniences of a modern conurbation. It offers a less hurried lifestyle compared to its more famous neighbours but without sacrificing amenities and cultural attractions. San Pedro Alcántara is truly an excellent choice for a fulfilling life on the Costa del Sol.

Nueva Andalucía: Marbella’s Premier Residential Haven

If you are seeking a quiet suburb with a wealth of amenities, yet still close to the thriving resort town of Marbella, Nueva Andalucía is the ideal location. The largest of Marbella’s suburbs, it is a tranquil neighbourhood of tree-lined streets with the picturesque backdrop of the foothills of the Sierra Blanca mountain range and La Concha mountain framing the horizon.

 

Known locally as the ‘Golf Valley,’ this charming suburb is renowned for its lush landscapes, upscale properties, and high quality of life. Its proximity to the chic Puerto Banús yachting marina and the golden beaches of the Mediterranean Sea adds to its appeal, making it one of the most coveted residential areas on the coast. It’s a community that offers a perfect blend of privacy and accessibility, providing a peaceful retreat and offering something for everyone.

 

Golf Valley: Nueva Andalucía’s Heart and Soul

The prestigious Golf Valley is a paradise for golfing enthusiasts. The valley is home to some of the finest golf courses in Europe, each with its own unique history and charm.

 

  • Las Brisas Golf Club: Known formally as Real Club de Golf Las Brisas, this course is a masterpiece designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. It has hosted several international tournaments and is famed for its strategic use of water hazards and elevation changes. The course’s meticulous landscaping and challenging layout make it a favourite among seasoned golfers.
  • Aloha Golf Club: Designed by Javier Arana, Aloha Golf Club has hosted the PGA Tour three times and is one of the top courses in Spain. It is notable for its beautiful views and demanding holes. The club prides itself on its friendly atmosphere, immaculate conditions, and inviting and welcoming member community.
  • Los Naranjos Golf Club: This course is a blend of American and British design styles, created by Robert Trent Jones Sr. With wide fairways and strategically placed obstacles, it offers a challenging yet fair game for golfers of all skill levels. Los Naranjos is also known for its superb clubhouse and high-quality facilities.

There’s also a nine-hole course at Magna Marbella, as well as many more courses within easy reach. They each not only provide excellent play but also contribute to the area’s reputation as a top golf destination, enhancing property values and the local economy.

 

Residential Appeal – A Home for Everyone

Beyond the greens, Nueva Andalucía offers a welcoming and multi-cultural community. The area is predominantly residential, offering quiet, leafy streets and a selection of luxury villas and apartments. Despite its peaceful environment, it is incredibly well-connected, lying just a stone’s throw from Marbella’s town centre and the glamorous marina of Puerto Banús.

 

Residents enjoy easy access to a wide array of amenities, including shopping centres, gourmet restaurants, and organic markets. The blend of tranquillity and convenience makes it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy the best of both worlds.

 

Nueva Andalucía is known for its varied and luxurious residential options that cater to a diverse range of preferences and lifestyles. The neighbourhood’s architectural styles blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, offering a peaceful yet upscale living environment. The wide variety of properties on offer include:

 

  • Luxury Villas: Nueva Andalucía has a wide choice of luxury villas, often featuring expansive gardens, private pools, and spacious interiors with high-end finishes. The villas in Nueva Andalucía are designed to offer maximum privacy and comfort, making them ideal for families and individuals who cherish their own space. Architecturally, they range from modern minimalist to traditional Andalucian styles, allowing potential homeowners to choose according to their aesthetic preferences.
  • Apartments and Penthouses: For those looking for a community living arrangement without sacrificing luxury, the apartments and penthouses in Nueva Andalucía are perfect. These units often come with spectacular views of the Mediterranean or the mountainous backdrop. Many are part of gated communities that offer amenities such as 24-hour security, communal swimming pools, and gym facilities. The penthouses, especially, offer expansive terraces that are perfect for outdoor dining and entertaining.
  • Townhouses: Combining elements of both villas and apartments, townhouses in Nueva Andalucía offer a balance of spaciousness and community. These properties typically feature multiple levels, with shared walls between neighbours but separate entrances and often private small yards. They are ideal for those who seek a sense of community while maintaining a degree of privacy.
  • New Developments: Given the increasing demand for residences in Nueva Andalucía, several new developments have sprung up, offering state-of-the-art facilities and modern designs. These often feature sustainable and eco-friendly technologies, smart home systems, and contemporary aesthetics. They may cater to a younger demographic and are perfect for investors looking for properties that appeal to both renters and future buyers.

 

Each type of property in Nueva Andalucía is designed with an emphasis on quality and luxury, ensuring that all residents experience a high standard of living. Additionally, many of these properties offer attractive rental opportunities, making them excellent investments in a region that sees significant tourist and expat residents living here year-round.

 

The neighbourhood’s strategic location near Marbella and Puerto Banús provides easy access to a wide array of amenities, including international schools, shopping centres, fine dining, and the vibrant nightlife of the Costa del Sol. The combination of tranquillity, accessibility, and a variety of property types makes Nueva Andalucía an exceptional choice for anyone looking to make a home on Spain’s beautiful southern coast.

 

 

Family-Friendly Environment

Nueva Andalucía is perfect for families, particularly in terms of education and extracurricular activities. The locality is home to several international schools offering British, American, and Swedish curricula, which attract international families from around the globe. These schools are known for their high academic standards, multicultural environments, and extensive after-school programs.

 

Children and teens have ample opportunities to join various clubs and activities, including football, tennis, and dance, which foster personal and social development. The community’s safe environment and family-oriented activities make it a popular and nurturing place for young families and an ideal location for children to grow and thrive.

 

Sports and Activities

Sports enthusiasts will find Nueva Andalucía a haven with a huge choice of activities. Aside from golf, the area offers excellent tennis, paddle tennis, and fitness facilities, many of which are housed in local sports clubs catering to all ages and skill levels. The nearby mountains and coastal paths also provide perfect settings for hiking and cycling, making it easy to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

 

Nueva Andalucía is not just a place to live; it’s a community and a lifestyle offering an unbeatable combination of leisure, luxury, and comfort. Its well-rounded offerings ensure that every member of the family is catered to, making it a truly ideal spot to call home. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone who appreciates the finer things in life, Nueva Andalucía has something to offer everyone.

Exciting Developments for Serneholt Estate in Fuengirola

Fuengirola, Spain – Serneholt Estate is pleased to announce that Johan Thorsell will take over as the new CEO of its Fuengirola franchise, effective April 30, 2024. Johan brings extensive experience from the property industry, having operated a successful construction and development firm in Stockholm for over 30 years.

 

His deep knowledge of the real estate sector includes significant projects such as the development of Högfjällshotellet i Sälen a prominent Swedish ski resort. Now transitioning from the snow of Sweden to the sun and beaches of the Costa del Sol, Johan is prepared to lead the Fuengirola office into its next phase of growth. Relishing the new challenge and the chance for an exciting lifestyle change, Johan will be joined by his wife Malin who will take on office administration duties.

 

Our loyal customers will be delighted to learn that continuity will be assured, as the existing team will remain in place to support Johan and Malin as they step up to the challenge of their new roles.

 

 Johan already has impressive plans for the future, with a mooted expansion of the Fuengirola franchise on the horizon, although the first task at hand is to build on the success of the current office.

 

“We are confident that Johan’s leadership will greatly benefit our Fuengirola presence. His track record in real estate and his proactive approach to business are assets that will enhance our service delivery and client satisfaction,” said Fredrik, CEO of Serneholt Estate.

 

Johan is enthusiastic about his new role, stating, “My wife and I are excited about this new challenge and the opportunity to contribute to Serneholt Estate’s reputable operations. We are impressed by the company’s ethos, family roots and the solid foundation laid by its leadership.”

 

About Serneholt Estate

Serneholt Estate is a prominent real estate agency with offices on the Costa del Sol, Gran Canaria and the Costa Blanca and is renowned for its commitment to high standards and client-focused services.

Golden Visa Updates: Act Now for Your Dream Property in Spain!

At Serneholt Estate, we understand that buying property abroad can be both exciting and daunting. For those considering the sunny shores of Spain, there’s an important update you need to be aware of regarding the Spanish Golden Visa – a change that might accelerate your buying decision.

 

What’s Changing with the Golden Visa?

Spain’s Golden Visa program has been a great advantage for non-EU citizens, offering them a residency permit in exchange for a significant real estate investment. Recently, however, the Spanish government has begun the process of eliminating the scheme. As a result, if you’ve been pondering a property investment in Spain to qualify for this visa, now is the time to act! At Serneholt Estate, we recommend securing your investment before the changes come into effect.

 

Why Act Now?

  1. Secure Your Investment at Current Rates: By acting now, you can lock in your property purchase under the current investment requirements, ensuring your pathway to Spanish residency remains straightforward and as anticipated.
  2. Capitalise on Market Conditions: Spain’s real estate market continues to offer compelling opportunities. By moving swiftly, you can take advantage of the current market conditions before any changes potentially alter the landscape.
  3. Plan for the Future with Confidence: With your Golden Visa, you not only secure a beautiful property in Spain but also gain the freedom to travel within the Schengen Zone, which can be an invaluable asset for both personal and professional reasons.

 

How We Can Help

At Serneholt Estate, we’re not just about selling properties; we’re about making your dreams of living in Spain a reality. Here’s how we can assist you:

  • Wide Range of Properties: From stunning beachfront homes to charming villas in peaceful locations, our portfolio includes properties that meet diverse needs and investment levels. Browse our selections at Serneholt Estate and find your dream Spanish home today!
  • Personalised Service: We believe every client’s needs are unique. We take the time to understand your preferences and requirements, ensuring that we find a property that perfectly matches your aspirations.

Some Interesting Golden Visa Statistics

According to a Spanish government press release issued in April, they say the reason for abolishing the Golden Visa Scheme is due to a massive spike in applications.

 

 

The housing minister said “A speculation that, as we have seen, has increased these visas exponentially for a couple of years: x2,017 visas in 2022, x3,273 in 2023 and x424 in February of this 2024. That is when the alarm went off for us. In the last two years, Golden Visa concessions and foreign investment have doubled.”

 

She also went on to say that by abolishing the scheme they should then be able to achieve affordable housing for people in Spain, which seems to contradict the price point of general sales versus Golden Visa purchased properties.

 

From the start of the scheme in 2013 until 2023 a total of 14,576 Golden Visas were issued in Spain. The main nationalities who were granted visas were China, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ukraine, Iran, Venezuela and Mexico.

 

In Marbella in 2023, the press release stated that 7.1% of all sales were for Golden Visas, which is not an insignificant number.

 

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Policy changes, such as those affecting the Golden Visa, occur regularly. It’s important to stay informed about these developments to navigate potential shifts successfully. We’re committed to keeping up-to-date with the latest updates to help ensure your property investment journey in Spain remains positive.

 

Remember, our team at Serneholt Estate is here to help you, from initial inquiry to handing over the keys to your new property. Contact us today to start your journey to owning a home in Spain.