Where it is

Sotogrande Alto occupies the hills on the inland side of the A-7, above Sotogrande Costa. As the resort grew beyond its original area, this is where it expanded, and where most of its golf was built.

Real Club Valderrama, which hosted the Ryder Cup in 1997, is here, together with Almenara and La Reserva Club. La Reserva is the most recent part of Sotogrande Alto: an area of gated communities and large villas around its own golf course and club.

What the homes are like

The typical property is a villa on a generous plot. Because the land rises, many houses have open views over the golf courses and the cork oak countryside, and some as far as the sea. You will find traditional Andalusian-style houses alongside contemporary villas built in recent years.

There are also apartment and townhouse communities, several of them beside the golf courses, which are an easier way into the area. In La Reserva, properties are larger and newer, and many are inside gated communities with their own security.

Daily life

Sotogrande International School is in Sotogrande Alto, which is the main reason many families with children choose this side of the resort. The golf clubs are minutes away, and La Reserva Club adds tennis, padel and its own inland beach club.

You need a car here. The beach, the Marina and the shops of Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro are all a short drive down the hill. In exchange, the area is quiet and private, with more space between houses than anywhere else in Sotogrande.

Who it suits

Sotogrande Alto suits families who want to be close to the school, golfers, and buyers looking for space, privacy and views. La Reserva is for those who want a recently built house in a gated setting.

If walking to the beach or to restaurants is important to you, Sotogrande Costa or the Marina will be a better fit.