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SURROUNDINGS

PST

PST Puerto Sotogrande is situated on the southern most part of the peninsular and of Andalucia. In the south east of the Cádiz province, on the line which joins Malaga province, in an area known as the Campo de Gibraltar, where amongst others, the municipal areas of; Algeciras, La Linea de la Concepcion, Tarifa, together with San Roque, in which Sotogrande is to be found, are situated.

It is a really singular environment as it is the nearest point of Europe to Africa. It is also the spot where the Mediterranean sea meets the Atlantic ocean, which then makes one of the most strategic positions of the continent with a very high level of shipping movement through one of the most important straits of global merchant shipping traffic routes.

UNIQUE POSITION

Situated between the natural parks of Alcornocales and the Straits, next to the River Guadiaro estuary and running on from the Natural reserve of the wetlands of the river Palmones, the ecological diversity is very important. Its valuable historical and monumental legacy, the gentle climate, beaches and active leisure activities, complete the attractions of this globally unique tourist destination.

HERITAGE

PST Puerto Sotogrande is to be found is an area of historical relevance, precisely because the history of the area is identified by its strategic position, being the key to the Straits of Gibraltar, which through the ages has been a settlement point for different cultures.

Through the “Great Avenue of the World” as this area has been named down the ages, there is evidence of human presence since the Palaeolithic age. Then came the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, who left behind the tuna fishing art and the fish salting industry, techniques that are still practiced today. In Roman times it acquired great splendor and the many ruins of the cities that were founded at that time bear witness to this, such as the ruins of Carteia or Baelo Claudia.

After the Byzantines and Visigoths, the Muslims arrived to the region, and it is this civilization that would leave its firm imprint on the land and its people. Multiple beacon towers and fortifications remain from the passage of the Arabs. After the Re-conquest, many examples of religious architecture proliferated, together with palaces and stately homes.

NATURE

The Campo de Gibraltar coast, where PST Puerto Sotogrande can be found, at the point of convergence between the Atlantic ocean and the Mediterranean sea, posses immense, beautiful and quality beaches. Variety is a key characteristic for the visitor to explore, small bays and lonely virgin beaches, in pure nature. It is clear that although Sotogrande is part of the Costa del Sol, it is surrounded by protected nature, which makes it a unique and magical place.

Due to it climate and ecological diversity, the Campo de Gibraltar posses a unique richness of floral and fauna. It enjoys the two natural enclaves of the Parque Natural de los Alcornocales y Parque Natural del Estrecho. To which can be added the adjacent wetlands of the Palmones river, Los Lances beach, the monumental sand dune of Bolonia or the Pinar del Rey.

An indispensible bird migration point between the European and African continents, which is shaped around the underwater karstic formations, the potholes of Punta Camarinal, the Quaternary dunes and the coastal beaches. Due to the position of the Straits of Gibraltar and its complex system of winds and currents, there is an abundant underwater archaeological heritage made up of different types of remains of sunken ships or wrecks. It is a privileged place for bird and whale watching.

CULTURE

PST Puerto Sotogrande is also culture. The extraordinary cultural heritage of the Campo de Gibraltar is represented in various museums and archives with important archaeological, historical and pictorial bases. These include the municipal museum of Algeciras or the museum of natural history of Los Barrios.

Throughout the year there are an uncountable amount of displays and cultural events such as poetry and storytelling, painters and sculptures encounters, painting competitions, historical and archeological exhibitions and so much more. Numerous summer concerts that join flamenco and traditional Andalucian singing, have a strong tradition in the area.

The culture of the Bull has strong roots in the Campo de Gibraltar. The areas of Los Barrios, Castellar de la Frontera, Jimena de la Frontera, San Roque and Tarifa, all form part of the famous Ruta del Toro, literally Route of the Bull. In these immense meadows it is possible to admire this brave animal “in the wild”, its majesty understood just from looking at it.

GASTRONOMY

The Campo de Gibraltar, where PST Puerto Sotogrande can be found, has a varied and exquisite gastronomical selection that is supplied and nourished by primary materials of great quality and diverse original supply. The real Mediterranean cuisine for the most demanding palates.

On the coast the undeniable stars are fish and shellfish. Breams, red mullet, dog fish, john dory, cuttlefish, and groupers can be enjoyed grilled, barbequed, fried or in rich seamans stews. Not forgetting of course tuna. Amongst the shellfish the king prawns, crabs, winkles, shrimps and razor shells, carpet shells and clams stand out.

Moving inland the gastronomy is based on the wild products of the countryside, which include asparagus and snails. These are used to produce succulent soups and stews. However, the star of the kitchen is game and includes, venison, rabbit and partridge used to make stews, casseroles and rice dishes.

The tasty local beef and Iberian pork, goat or the by-products offer new culinary possibilities with the delicious cured meats and sausages, recipes such as larded loin, or pork scratchings.

So sea and mountain unite in the kitchen at PST Puerto Sotogrande and the surroundings, to satisfy the visitors, offering the best products, dishes and recipes from kilometer 0: from the soil to the plate, always based on quality and “real food”.

GOLF 

In close proximity to PST Puerto Sotogrande we can find an attractive offer of golf courses, among which are some of the major and most prestigious in Spain, Europe and the World. These include the Club de Golf Valderrama, which since 1988 has held the title of the best course of continental Europe. Likewise, the Royal Sotogrande Golf Club, La Reserva and San Roque Club. Almenara, La Cañada, Alcaidesa golf resort, Finca Cortesin installations are also clubs of reference, standing out, each with their excellent installations and design, respecting the natural beauty of the surroundings, sea views and the rock of Gibraltar as a backdrop.

Consequently, Sotogrande and its strategic position in the Campo de Gibraltar, continues to parade as the destination; Costa del Sol – Costa del Golf, as it has become the preferred destination of golf lovers who wish to practice their best swing in an idyllic place like this.

Sotogrande has up to nine different golf courses in its area. Choice and quality unite with the history of this sport, given that in 1997 the Valderrama Golf Course was the first continental European Golf Course to host the Ryder Cup. On this occasion the tournament celebrated its 32nd edition and a very young Tiger Woods competed for the first time. Events such as the Volvo Masters or the Andalucian Valderrama Masters amplify the list of tournaments celebrated at the club which has rightfully won the title of Mecca for Golf, from all lovers of this sport.

POLO 

Sotogrande also boasts one of the best quality polo clubs in the world; Santa Maria Polo Club. Here the users and visitors can enjoy international tournaments which are held on perfect fields and where the best teams and players on the planet compete.

As such, the Santa María Polo Club has become one of the most important clubs in the world and on its fields some of the most important social and sporting events of the Costa del Sol are to be seen. The Sotogrande International Polo Tournament is known as the Mansion International Polo Tournament, as it is already a tradition for the summer afternoons in the area for half a century.

This event brings together thousands of people during the month of August for a globally unique show of horses and glamour, sport and spectacle, the party and the social event. For this there is without doubt the name of Sotogrande and polo. The first pitch for this elite sport in Sotogrande, was made in 1965.