The finest facilities to be found in Southern Spain and unmatched services are available for the residents of ‘Perlas del Mar’. The delights of ‘Paseo Maritimo de San Pedro’ are among them … and literally just minutes away.
The extremely attractive 12 km seafront promenade goes alongside the beach from San Pedro to Puerto Banus and further, all the way to Marbella town centre and Bajadilla fishing port. Actually, it is a part of the fabulous Senda Litoral de Malaga (Malaga Coastal Path which we’ll speak about later), a unique projected 163 km path providing a scenic walking route along the entire coast of Malaga province, from the emblematic “Balcon de Europa” in Nerja to Punta Chullera, the provincial border with Cadiz.
Away from the traffic, providing both sunny and shady sites for sitting and walking, palm-lined Paseo Maritimoit is a delight! Forget the Canaries or Torremolinos, this is a different world, less commercialized, much calmer and more peaceful. But still very convenient, with market stalls and beach kiosks selling ice-creams, drinks and toys, with bars and beach clubs, ample clean and modern toilet facilities, free exercise apparatuses, shaded wooden decks for picnics, free parking and of course, the Blue-flagged San Pedro beaches that are never over crowded. A modern, well-considered aspect is the recently erected plinths with solar-powered USB chargers on the esplanade.
Typical weekly “Mercadillo” in the San Pedro Promenade.
People cycling in the San Pedro Promenade.
Bordering well-tended gardens, wide pavements are ideal for a truly lovely walk. Biking is also permitted, by the way. An enormous amount of greenery hides the road which isn’t all that busy. Several vibrant, upmarket ‘chirungitos’ and atmospheric seafood restaurants are considered among the best on the coast. Due to the pandemic, some of them might be permanently closed, however, some new ones will welcome you soon.
A pavement cafe is the best place to sit and watch the world go by. Slowly sip an iconic ‘café con leche’ embracing Andalusian charm and enjoying absolutely stunning sea views. The time stands still here and becomes thick, as a drop of honey from the nectar of rosemary flowers that blossom in the mountains just 10-15 minutes’ drive from ‘Perlas del Mar’. The morning air is full of the most wonderful, hypnotizing aroma of coffee and toasted bread. Later, it brings the tantalising smells of a freshly caught fish fried with garlic and oregano, piping hot garlic shrimp smothered in olive oil with a slightly spicy kick (gambas al ajillo), baked smoked paprika chicken wings (alitas de pollo al pimentón ahumado) and roasted Galician peppers, the Spanish food sensation and culinary star of traditional Spanish tapas (pimientos de padrón).
Typical Chiringuito, Kala Kalua.
You can continue the walk and end up in legendary Puerto Banus. Have meals ‘in style’ in a chic café of one of Europe’s most exciting marinas overlooking the luxury yachts and African coast. It’s a way of life!
Sunset is the most romantic time of the day. Especially, the world-famous Mediterranean sunset. Picture the scene. You’re sitting with a loved one admiring the amazing colours dance, refract, melting away the cares of the day… Paseo Maritimo is a perfect place for watching beautiful sunsets! As with almost all things in life, a good sunset can be made even better with the right glass of wine to commemorate the occasion. Let’s say, a refreshing sparkling cava which is so much more than ‘Spanish Champagne’!
A thriving community makes the very best of the seaside area of San Pedro. The promenade is so much more than a long pedestrian pathway following the sea. It provides a scenic platform for community amenities and quirky landmarks, and hosts a variety of different activities. You can see energetic people using outdoor gym equipment, groups practising yoga, salsa or Zumba, paddle boarders and kite surfers, gliders circling in the air above, martial arts instructors imparting special skills. Designated children’s areas offer educational activities and games.
Yoga Session in San Pedro Promenade.
Typical “Espetos of Sardinas” in San Pedro Beach.
Experience much more than a delightful stroll, sports and excellent food! You are in Spain, stylish, talented and creative. Expect “unexpected” mammals (we wrote about the elephants amidst the palm) and unusual wooden carvings. What would most towns do with trees that have suffered weather damage or disease? In San Pedro they become part of an initiative, where stumps and trunks are chiselled into bird and animal sculptures that create a small oasis of outdoor art. Heart-warming, nice and ecologically-correct!
‘Arte Sano Festival’, the biggest alternative festival on the Costa del Sol, takes place along San Pedro’s Paseo Marítimo. It has established itself as a contemporary showcase for natural health, artistic expression, personal development and crossbreeding of cultures. During the festival, Paseo offers performances, concerts, dance classes, capoeira, acro-yoga, handicrafts markets, workshops showing how to improve massage skills, meditation, eco-holistic healing arts and much more. ’Arte Sano – 2020’ has been cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic, but will be back next year.
No wonder, San Pedro’s Paseo Marítimo is popular with locals and holiday-makers, runners, dog walkers, beach-enthusiasts, families with kids and, of course, among investors. It is officially considered one of the very best seafront promenades on the Costa del Sol, while its neighbourhood is the best area in San Pedro de Alcántara and one of the most appealing in Marbella.
SOCIAL MEDIA VERSION
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