Local area

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Overview – your local amenities at Casa Roble

Casa Roble, San Roque Club is in the province of Cadiz, Andalucia, on the Costa del Sol in Southern Spain.

San Roque Club is an exclusive gated golfing community, with 2 championship golf courses (San Roque Old and San Roque New), Clubhouse and practice centre, all just a short walk from the villa. It is a short drive to the golf courses, polo fields and beaches of Sotogrande and less than half an hour from Gibraltar International Airport.

Walking distance from the villa

Golf and golfing facilities

Golf on your doorstep …

Turn right out of the villa and turn right through the parking area to walk to the pro shop in the Clubhouse, passing the caddy master and practice ground en route

Golf services at Casa roble …

For advice and help in booking your golf itineraries check out the Golf Concierge Services we offer at Casa Roble, San Roque Club.

Equestrian centre

Turn left out of the villa and take an easy 10-15 minute walk, following the road (Paseo Mesas del Diente) anticlockwise around.

A small commercial centre

The Suites café, a small supermarket (perfect for day to day essentials) and Bucintoro Italian restaurant (with a takeaway option). Located on the left immediately after the entrance in to the San Roque Club from the main road or a 10 minute walk from the villa past the guard hut downhill towards the club exit.

Supermarkets

Direction of Malaga:

Direction of Algeciras:

Tip: If you like to ‘buy local’ then look out for the town food market – “mercado de abastos” – even if you are not interested in buying any of the goods they often offer a feast for the eyes – there are particularly good ones in Jerez, Cadiz & Malaga. Perch at the tables provided and sample some of the local produce for a light lunch.

Shopping

You will find a good selection of local everyday shops, specialist food and drink outlets, cafes, bars & restaurants at the local nearby towns of:

For a shopping excursion:

Tip: Town Markets – some towns often have several each week, servicing different audiences. Depending on the time of year and type the markets can be very busy, times and places can change so search on line to find the most up to date commentaries.
– Puerto Banus (40min drive) Google map
– Estepona – several but one of the best for general shopping is on Sunday
– Sotogrande marina – variety of seasonal markets such as Mercardo del Levante that runs in the evening during the summer or the Sunday market that runs throughout the year. All offering a range of artisan stalls and entertainment Google map

Casino & Entertainment

‘Casino Admiral, San Roque’, newly refurbished and located in the nearby town of San Roque, less than a 10 minute drive away. google map

Gaming tables open at 8pm and the Casino and Slots are open from midday. A daily buffet is served at lunch and evenings (from 13:00pm to 01:30am), and Tapas is available from 18:00pm through to 04:00am.

Please note: Entry to the Casino is strictly for 18+ only.

Casino facilities

In addition to the Gaming Tables, Slots and Bingo the venue provides a range of music and stage entertainment and a variety of food and drink.

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Eating & drinking

Unlike many of the hotels and apartments available in this popular area of Andalucia in Southern Spain, Casa Roble allows you the freedom to choose between a variety of dining options – in house, on foot and by car.

Enjoy convivial evenings at home dining informally outside by the pool, a barbeque in the enclosed courtyard, in the ‘glass curtain’ conservatory, the fully equipped family kitchen or in the formal surroundings of the dining room.

You can also take a short walk to eat out at the Clubhouse or you can venture out to sample the many local restaurants and bars in nearby Sotogrande, Guadiaro and San Roque.

Cafes, lunch & ‘light bites’

Tip:Café con Leche is coffee served with equal parts espresso and milk, Café Solo is a small cup of strong, black espresso and Café Cortado is a small cup of espresso with just a touch of milk.

Tip: The golf club bar and restaurants are generally open to the public and offer a good lunch option, often with lovely views. Try your local San Roque clubhouse or La Reserva Google map and Almenara Google map.

Restaurants

As you would expect, there are many restaurants in the area, from luxurious high dining experiences to the simple bars offering ‘cervezas y tapas’. Nearby you can walk to Bucintoro Italian restaurant (with a takeaway option) – a 10 minute walk from the villa.

Or, these are a selection of local favourites, a short drive or taxi ride away:

Tip: For a ‘Sundowner’ On a warm evening try the Clubhouse just a stroll from the villa or instead of going to the often overcrowded marina at Puerto Banus take a short drive to the nearby Sotogrande Port with a selection of sophisticated waterside bars and restaurants.

Tip: Vegetarian food Eating vegetarian can feel a challenge at times but options beyond tortilla and patatas bravas are offered at La Finca, PuraTapa, Pane & Cioccolato (branches in Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro and Sotogrande Port), Sunshine vegan cafe in Torreguadiaro and EcoTapería El Cortijo at Castillo de Castellar.

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Golf

Casa Roble, San Roque Club is perfectly positioned between San Roque Old and New championship golf courses, with views over both and an easy walk to the Clubhouse and the 1st tee of both the San Roque Old and New Courses.

Sotogrande – offers 5 golf courses: La Reserva (18 holes), Almenara (27 holes & Golf Academy with driving range & 3 practice holes), The Royal Sotogrande Golf Club (18 holes + 9 short holes), Valderrama (18 holes + 9 short holes), and La Cañada (18 holes), thus giving Sotogrande a total of 138 holes. There is a wide choice of golf courses to suit every age and level.

For advice and help in booking your golf itineraries check out the Golf Concierge Services offered at Casa Roble, San Roque Club.

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Exploring the area

Casa Roble is perfectly located for many varied and interesting Andalucian excursions, some on your doorstep, some just a short drive away, and others that make a perfect day out, or perhaps an overnight stay, to explore the beautiful Costa del Sol and the surrounding Andalucian region.
On-line resources to help you explore the region are many and varied. What suits you best is mainly dependent on your own interests and priorities. Here are just a few suggestions:

Cadiz, Jerez, Arcos de la Frontera & the coastal towns

Cadiz
Spain’s first Constitution was declared here in 1812 and driving over La Pepa Bridge almost makes the journey worthwhile in its own right.

Tip: See the main sites of this historic city by following the walking route laid out by the “1812 A Stroll Through The Cadiz of La Pepe”

Tip: Seek out ‘Mercado Central’ – the large covered town food market Google map to see the wonderful range of local produce and perch on a stool with your selection of freshly prepared bites from the many and varied small plates on offer.

Jerez de la Frontera
Famed for sherry and brandy production, fine horses as well as Flamenco music and dance. The sherry production houses, bodegas, are located in the town centre and you can take guided tours – for example Tio Pepe, Gonzalez Byass, Pedro Domecq and Sandeman. Google map
Arcos de la Fontera
If you have time then you can take a diversion to one of Andalucia’s most strikingly positioned pueblos blancos (white villages), about 30 minute drive from Jerez. The old town is a warren of cobbled streets, leading up to the Castillo de los Arcos with tumbling views to the town and plain below. Google map

The surrounding area

Casa Roble is perfectly located for many varied and interesting Andalucian excursions.

Coastal towns & national parks
Whether you drive on the coast road or the main road between Cadiz and Algeciras the views are beautiful. Drive through the impressive national park areas of Parque Natural Los Alcornocales and Parque Natural Del Estrecho and take the opportunity for a walk, or take your time and meander among the coastal towns of Barbate, Zahara de los Atunes, Bolonia & Tarifa.

TIP:Bolonia is a small isolated ex fishing village on the Costa de la Luz, 20km north of Tarifa. It is the site of one of the most important Roman archaeological excavations in Andalucía and has a lovely beach where the ‘great sand dune of Bolonia’ stands, 30 meters high, in one of the least altered landscapes of the Costa de la Luz. Google map

TIP:Tarifa is the kitesurfing capital of Europe and with a truly cosmopolitan atmosphere. Try the Hurricane Hotel there and visit its wooden beach bar with sea views overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar and the African continent. Google map

Historic / Andalucian towns in the hills

While it is only a 3 hour round trip drive, it well worth allowing a day to explore the nearby historic towns of –

Historic nearby towns

Head for the hills and explore the beautiful surrounding towns to experience a little of the ´real´Andalucia

Whichever direction you decide to drive, this circular trip offers breathtaking views and the intricate streets of these cobbled towns afford a great introduction to the famous ‘pueblo blanco’ towns of the Andalucian area.

Tip: There are many walks to showcase this beautiful area. Try the 3-4 hr / 7-8 mile walk at Gaucin – The Walk of Melanie & the Tiger. Or park up near the Venta Jarandilla restaurant and walk up the historic pebbled path to Castillo de Castellar (less than 3 miles there and back) rather than driving up the winding road. Try the organic restaurant on your left just as you reach the entrance to the Castillo – EcoTapería El Cortijo – for a selection of home baked tapas, stews and pastries.

Tip: Stop off on your way back to the port of La Duquesa for a ‘sundowner’ by the waterside. Google map

Sotogrande

This nearby luxurious sports and residential development encompasses all the amenities you could imagine – polo fields, top flight golf courses, beach & beach club, marina, bars & restaurants and shopping. Google map

Gibraltar

Less than half an hour drive from Casa Roble, Gibraltar makes a perfect family day out.
Remember to take your passports and be aware there can be queues at certain times of day to pass over the border. Alternatively you could park the Spanish side (or take public transport) and walk over.
World War II tunnels
The Rock is honeycombed with a 32 mile-long network of tunnels, mainly excavated during 1939-44 when British military leaders believed that an attack on Gibraltar was imminent.
Wildlife & Dolphin watching
With its mild Mediterranean climate, Gibraltar plays host to a variety of rare species of birds, dolphins, whales, fish and turtles, as well being home to the only wild primates in Europe, the famous Barbary Macaques.
Cable car
A visit to Gibraltar would not be complete without a trip to the top of the rock – located 412m above sea level. The views are spectacular and it takes only 6 minutes to get to the top in the cable car. There is also a walking path leading down to the Nature Reserve.

Malaga

Often neglected as an ‘airport only’ destination, this city offers a wide range of museums, parks and areas of historical interest, with its own ‘Mile of art’. Check out:

Malaga – so much more than an airport

An hour 1/4hr drive, Malaga is a thriving city catering for those wanting to enjoy some history, traditional Spanish cobbled streets, restaurants & shops as well as those seeking the new, modern & artistic.

And for eating –

Estepona

Just a 30 minute drive away, or bus on the local M-240 service.

While many of the popular coastal towns have beachside areas, with palm trees, promenades & restaurants, they are often newly (sometimes overly) developed. Some have old, historic or traditional areas often just a few minutes walk into town and usually much quieter than the popular beach areas, offering a more interesting and ‘local’ selection of cafes, restaurants and ice cream parlours (heladeria). Estepona is a great example of this with its lovely pebbled streets, brightly coloured flower pots and market square.

Tip: Don’t miss the new Parque Botánico-Orquidario Estepona (Estepona orchid house ) – Google map

Tip: There is a thriving street market every Sunday morning at the port area of Estepona

Seville

While only a 2 hr drive away Seville offers such variety and diversity you may decide that an overnight stay is a very worthwhile option. Look out for:

Seville

A stunning city offering something for everyone. Only 2 hrs drive away and definitely worth a stay over if you have the time. Why not consider Seville airport as your arrival / departure airport?

Tangiers, Morocco

There are several daily ferry services from Tarifa to Tangiers with timings to allow a day trip to explore this north African city, either with your car or as a foot passenger. You will need your passport. The journey takes around 50 minutes, leaving from the port in Tarifa about a 45min drive away. Google map
There are various organised trips, with overnight stays available if required, to help you explore this area.

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ACTIVITIES

With the kids

Bahia Park
Great fun for all the family. Bahia Park is located on the road to Algeciras exiting at junction 106. With lots of waterslides of all shapes and sizes to be enjoyed. There’s plenty of sunbeds and seating available.

About 20mins drive Google map

Castellar Zoo
The zoo is more like an animal rescue centre that offers a second chance for the animals. Visitors may feed the animals and interact directly with them.

15 – 20min drive Google map

Selwo
A great adventure park with an African theme. There is lots of wildlife to be seen, birds, mammals and reptiles. Adventure activities, meet the keepers as well as a safari tour. Check out the website for further details.

About 30mins drive Google map

Tivoli World
Enjoy a day at the Costa del Sol’s show and amusement park – a place that the whole family will enjoy. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, illuminated fountains and a variety of restaurants you will find plenty of exciting attractions. Enjoy the thrill of the many rides, get swept up in the fun of the shows at the different squares and delight your appetite in the themed bars and restaurants. See the website for more details.

About 1hr 10mins drive Google map

Funny beach
Located in Marbella, you can go karting with your friends or family. And all kinds of water activities such as jet skis, flyboard, banana and much more are available.

40-45 mins drive Google map

Isla Magica
Situated in Seville. A great theme park with a wide variety of rides, shows, themed areas, restaurants and a waterpark. Just to say it will be hot in the summer months but water sprayers are located all around the park to keep you cool. Not Disney, but it’s not too far off!

About 2hr drive Google map

Casino & Entertainment for the over 18s

‘Casino Admiral, San Roque’, newly refurbished and located in the nearby town of San Roque, less than a 10 minute drive away. google map

Full details can be found here.

Equestrian

San Roque Club Equestrian Centre
Offers group or private lessons and trail rides. The centre is an easy 10-15 minute walk from Casa Roble or contact them on 956 108 800 or 672 466 663
E3 Endurance Equestrian Experience – Google map
Riding for all levels of experience.

Other Activities

La Finca La Alcaidesa – Google map
This farm is an Environmental Education Complex and has more than 1300 hectares of Mediterranean forest and offers a wide range of activities –

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Getting around – local transport

Buses

A car is invaluable to fully explore the area and travel further afield but the local M-240 bus from the main road just outside the entrance to the main drive to the Club has a regular and well priced service to the nearby towns of:

Trains

For a longer trip try letting ‘the train take the strain’:

Check timetables at :
RENFE
The Trainline Europe

Tip: Your local station is ‘San Roque-La Linea’ Google map There is ample free parking available at the station.