Sotogrande facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sotogrande
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Sotogrande aerial view, July 2011
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 Sotogrande
Location in Province of Cádiz
Sotogrande
Location in Andalusia
Sotogrande
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
| Autonomous community |  Andalusia |
| Province | Cádiz |
| Comarca | Campo de Gibraltar |
| Municipality | San Roque |
| Established | 1964 |
| Population
(2009)
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| • Total | 2,584 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code |
11310
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| Official language(s) | Spanish |
Sotogrande is a very large, private neighborhood in Andalusia, Spain. It's a special community with gates, found in the town of San Roque. Sotogrande is about 25 kilometers (15 miles) northeast of Gibraltar.
This area covers 25 square kilometers (about 9.6 square miles). It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea back into the hills of Sierra Almenara. This gives it amazing views of the sea, green hills, cork forests, and golf courses. You can even see the Rock of Gibraltar and Morocco from here!
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History of Sotogrande
Sotogrande was created by a couple from the Philippines, Joseph McMicking and Mercedes Zóbel. They were industrialists and wanted to build a place like Palm Springs in southern Europe. Their nephews, Jaime Zóbel and Enrique Zóbel, helped them.
In 1962, the McMickings saw the beautiful coast and decided to buy five farms next to each other. Their goal was to create a fancy neighborhood right by the Mediterranean Sea. The port in Sotogrande was built in 1988.
Unique Architecture and Design
Sotogrande is famous for its interesting buildings along the Costa del Sol. You can find many different styles here. Some homes look like traditional Andalusian houses. Others are more modern or have unique designs. You might even see houses built in the Moorish or Mudéjar style, or even a Swiss chalet!
In 2008, the local government decided to protect three special buildings. This means they cannot be changed or torn down. These buildings include the Biddle House, the Zóbel house, and the Real Club de Golf.
A new, man-made lagoon has also been built. It is part of the newest developments in Sotogrande, located in the La Reserva community in the hills.
Sports and Activities
Sotogrande has many different places for sports. It has five golf courses. One of them is the Valderrama Golf Club. This club has hosted big golf events like the European Tour's Volvo Masters and the 1997 Ryder Cup. It also hosts the LIV Golf tour.
Besides golf, there are three tennis and padel clubs. You can also find a rugby club, a diving club, and two beach clubs. There's a club for kayaking and sailing, too. The famous Santa Maria Polo Club is here, along with places for horse riding and a marina for boats.
Nature and Wildlife
The River Guadiaro and its Estuary in Sotogrande are a special natural area. It covers 27 hectares (about 67 acres). This is the only marshland on this part of the coast. It has been named an Andalusian national park, wildlife, and nature reserve.
This reserve is an important stop for migratory birds. They often visit here on their long journeys to and from Africa.
Famous Residents
Many wealthy families from Spain, Russia, and the United Kingdom live in Sotogrande. Some famous people who have homes here or visit often include:
- Peter Caruana, who used to be the Chief Minister of Gibraltar.
- Fabian Picardo, the current Chief Minister of Gibraltar.
- Tony Blair, a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
- Emilio Botín, a well-known Spanish banker.
- Ana Rosa Quintana, a famous Spanish journalist.
- Mike Gwilym, an actor from the Royal Shakespeare Company.
- Prince Louis Alphonse, Duke of Anjou, who is a claimant to the French throne.
