Where it is

The port and the Marina are at the eastern end of Sotogrande, on the far side of the river Guadiaro from the original resort and next to the village of Torreguadiaro. The port, Puerto Deportivo Sotogrande, opened in 1987. From the mid-1990s it was extended inland with new basins and canals, and that newer part is what most people now call the Marina.

The buildings take their names from their position. Those along the quays are the Riberas (Ribera del Marlin, Ribera del Emperador, Ribera del Delfín and others) and those built on small islands joined by bridges are the Islas (Isla Carey, Isla Tortuga, Isla del Pez Volador and others). Our office is in Ribera del Emperador.

What the homes are like

Almost everything here is an apartment: single-level apartments, duplexes and penthouses, plus a small number of townhouses with their own garden. Most have a terrace, and the difference between one property and another often comes down to that terrace: its size, whether it faces the open marina, a canal or the gardens, and how much sun it gets.

Communities usually have gardens, a shared pool and underground parking with storage. Some properties have a mooring in front, either included or available separately. Around the port itself and along Paseo del Mar there are older buildings closer to the beach.

Daily life

Ribera del Marlin, the building nearest the port, has shops and restaurants at quay level and is where the Sunday morning market is held, along with evening markets in summer. There are more restaurants and cafés around the port. The Real Club Marítimo de Sotogrande runs sailing courses and regattas from here.

The beach is next to the port, a short walk from most of the Marina. The golf courses, the polo fields and the international school are a few minutes away by car. Unlike a purely holiday area, the Marina has residents all year, so it does not close down in winter.

Who it suits

The Marina suits people who want a home that is easy to lock up and leave, boat owners, and anyone who would rather walk to dinner than drive. It is also the area with the most rental activity in Sotogrande, both long-term and holiday, which matters if you plan to let the property when you are not using it.

If you want a large garden, a private pool and no neighbours above or below, look at the villas of Sotogrande Costa or Sotogrande Alto instead.