San Pedro de Alcantara | Spain’s Chic Beach Town

Andalusia
Written By Lesley Stewart

Looking to visit San Pedro de Alcantara near Marbella this year? We spent a week-long, sun-soaked trip in the chic beach town, and in this travel guide, we share where to stay, the best beach bars, a few restaurants, and things to do in San Pedro.

By: Lesley Stewart | 9 March 2025

Every time I visit San Pedro de Alcantara, I’m reminded that Spain’s southern coast is a treasure trove of chic beach towns and bona fide gems. A laidback coastal town, San Pedro de Alcantara flies under the radar of visitors who flock to nearby hot spot Marbella.

Yet those in the know love this relaxed coastal haven. And it’s easy to see why.

At its heart, San Pedro de Alcántara is a beach destination for the well-heeled, and life very much revolves around the upscale promenade and its assortment of boujee beach bars. That’s not to say it's quiet; quite the opposite.

San Pedro is a lively beachside town, but its drinks and DJs are done with a particular polish.

Safe to say, this little beach town happily swaps big nightlife for Med-side brunch and afternoon cocktails al fresco.

Then there’s the charming old town that offers another side: traditional Spanish-style leafy plazas and white-washed facades covered with potted plants and bougainvillaea.

For glitzy nightlife, neighbour Puerto Banus ticks the box. Or further along the coast, jet-set Marbella and its infamous beach bars.

After visiting San Pedro de Alcantara on a day trip from picturesque Estepona, I vowed to return and stay longer - and so this year, after a busy city break in Malaga, we did precisely that and stayed for a week. A rather glorious week of strolling on the beachside promenade, relaxing poolside and sampling local cava at a beach bar. 

That is to say, there’s something for everyone in San Pedro, and it’s very much worth visiting on a trip around Southern Spain.

In this guide, I’ll share the best hotels, favourite boujee beach bars, restaurant recommendations, and things to do in San Pedro de Alcántara, Spain. 

CONTENTS

  • Where to stay

  • Best things to do

  • Restaurants and cafes

  • How to visit

Boutique Getaways Near San Pedro de Alcantara

For me, San Pedro is synonymous with boutique small stays and lux apartments or villas. You’ll find more accommodation in nearby Puerto Banus, a 45-minute very picturesque walk along the promenade. And luxury beachfront resorts are only a short drive/taxi along the coast in Estepona and Marbella, which are nearby.

SAN PEDRO

PUERTO BANUS

BEACHFRONT LUX

/

SAN PEDRO TRAVEL GUIDE

Things to do in San Pedro de Alcantara

1. Stroll the promenade

Of course, the coastline is the biggest draw, and Playa de San Pedro de Alcántara is the best beach. One of the top things to do in San Pedro de Alcantara is a leisurely stroll along the promenade, and the well-kept walkway runs for miles along the coast (linking San Pedro with Marbella).

Lined with swaying palm trees and little drinks kiosks, I recommend planning your walk during the cooler parts of the day. First thing in the morning is especially fun when dog walkers and runners take advantage of the lower mercury and fewer crowds.

2. Chic beach bars

San Pedro’s promenade is also home to a fair amount of sleek beach bars. Stylish spots with shaded sofas, shabby-chic decor, and a great soundtrack, these beachfront bars offer, amongst other things, excellent people-watching, drinks, and food.

My absolute favourite is buzzy ÁMMO. Expect out-of-this-world cocktails, beachside hammocks, a boujee pool with loungers, and attentive staff. There’s an outdoor terrace, too, which was a constant temptation on our trip and perfect for a glass of bubbles.

The menu consists of fairly standard Spanish dishes like Jamón ibérico and boquerones, but it's all so well done and delicious, and giant dishes of paella go down exceptionally well at lunch.

Next door, Alabardero combines beach bar vibes with serious gastronomy. Their stylish terrace, lit at night by a thousand fairy lights, is the ideal spot for sun-downers. We didn’t have a chance to eat here but the plates swishing out of the kitchen looked (and smelt) delicious.

Along the promenade, Kala Kalua brings serious chiringuito vibes; laidback and relaxed, it's a little more rustic, but with tables right on the playa, this is the place for a face of sunshine, cold beers, and fresh plates like salad and sardines.

3. Visit the Old Town

After you get your fill of the beach, head to the town centre to see the traditional Andalusian architecture and the charming plazas. The walk towards the old town is a short one, lined with palms, orange trees, and cafes.

Plaza de la Iglesia is the heart of old San Pedro. You can’t miss this plaza when visiting San Pedro de Alcantara. Around the perimeter, you’ll find San Pedro’s town hall, many cafes, tapa bars, and outdoor seating spilling onto the sunny square.

The white church on the corner, Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, adds a historical note. There’s also plenty of shaded benches right in front.

Between the beach and old town, you’ll find a maze of streets, with plenty of cafes, tapas bars, wine bars, and churro spots to enjoy a drink or bite to eat.

4. Brunch & Coffee

Few places in Spain do coffee and brunch as well as San Pedro; it’s one of the best things to do, and while you’ll find delicious menus in the above-mentioned beach bars (and we highly recommend these), there are some really excellent options on the main boulevard in the town centre.

I have a soft spot for Hustle & Flow, a seriously excellent little cafe with the friendliest staff, chic interiors, and a focus on well-being. Their top-notch food is freshly made, delicious, and healthy, and a contemporary Mediterranean menu offers a change from traditional Spanish breakfast and lunch options.

I devoured, and highly recommend, their Morning Glory brunch - sweet potato rösti served with smashed avocado, two poached eggs, chilli flakes and a generous dollop of homemade hollandaise sauce.

For coffee, it has to be ROASTED. This speciality coffee shop is minimalist and modern and serves really, really excellent flat whites. Their cinnamon buns are dangerously moreish, and I suggest ordering at least two…

5. Yachts & Glitz in Puerto Banus

An easy 45-minute walk along the promenade leads to Puerto Banus - a marina filled with luxury yachts and heaps of jet-set glamour. Giving Rodeo Drive energy, you’ll find designer shops aplenty: YSL, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi…

However, if you’re not interested in shopping, this is a good place for people and super car-watching; I’m a big fan of Leone Brasserie and Lalala for brunch, lunch, and coffee. Both have a vibe that is buzzy and friendly, delicious food, and qualify as good vantage points for the marina.

The sunset here is stunning. However, I suggest leaving by early evening unless you’re prepared for the rowdy after-dark scene. You have been warned!

6. Day trips

  • Marbella: From San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella is the most leisurely day trip, and you can either take a taxi, bus, walk, or cycle to the glitzy town. If you visit, I suggest heading to the Old Town for the best cafes, historic gems, and charming streets.

  • Estepona: Equally lovely, although much quieter, is the beach town of Estepona, and San Pedro to Estepona is an easy 20-minute drive. In Estepona, wander the promenade, visit Plaza de Flores, and the flower-filled streets of the historic quarter.

  • Ronda: If you have a car, the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park mountains are beautiful, with easy walking trails and more challenging hikes. While there, visit nearby Ronda and its iconic Roman bridge, and the iconic cave village Setenil de las Bodegas.

  • Malaga: But if you love a cosmopolitan city, then a trip along the coast to wonderfully buzzy and historic Malaga is a must. From San Pedro, it’s around a 50-minute drive (and driving is the easiest option). Discover the historic old town with its Moorish palace, Spanish cathedral, and Roman amphitheatre. Plus, there are fabulous eateries and bars amongst the winding streets.

    /

ABOUT THE AREA | PRACTICAL TIPS

San Pedro de Alcantara

HOW MANY DAYS IN SAN PEDRO?

We’ve visited San Pedro twice now. Once on a day trip while on a Southern Spain road trip and the second time for a week-long beach break. Both were fantastic experiences.

If you have a day in San Pedro, you’ll easily see the highlights in the morning and have plenty of time in the afternoon for a beach bar and dinner. San Pedro is an easy day trip from nearby Marbella and Estepona.

But, if you want to stay longer, you’ll easily fill your days with pool time, beachside strolls, day trips, and evening cocktails.

WHEN TO VISIT

My favourite time to visit Southern Spain is in the shoulder seasons - May, June, and September have a buzzy vibe with long, sun-drenched days and just enough of a crowd.

However, we have a soft spot for November to April; there are fewer crowds, the vibe chilled, and the winter temperature in Southern Spain rarely drops below 20 degrees. On the flip side, the energy and anticipation that comes with summer travel guarantees a memorable vacation.

Whatever time of year, San Pedro de Alcantara is a memorable place. 

HOW TO VISIT SAN PEDRO

The closest airport to San Pedro is Malaga; there are frequent flights from all major UK airports, and transfers take around an hour.

The easiest way to explore Southern Spain is by driving yourself, and you can rent a car from the airport. We use Discover Cars to rent our car in Malaga. Alternatively, a taxi transfer from San Pedro to Malaga costs around €90 (for up to four passengers).

 

READ NEXT:

Lesley Stewart

Lesley is a travel writer, content creator, and blogger who splits her time between her native Scotland and her adopted home, Spain. She specialises in slow travel stories and road trips and is constantly on the hunt for really great places to stay, eat, and visit.

https://www.wandersomewhere.com/
Previous

Travel Guide To Cambrils, Spain
Next

The Complete Guide To Salou, Spain