SAN PEDRO DE ALCANTARA

San Pedro de Alcantara has undergone a facelift in recent years, with pleasing results. A development programme incorporating a new coastal promenade and beach improvements, stretching from Puerto Banus to Guadalmina, has given it a boost as an increasingly popular resort.

On the northern side of the coastal road is the small town itself, which has a neat, pleasant appearance. The Calle Marques del Duero, attractively shaded by orange trees and palms, and lined with shops and cafes, leads up the hill to the small square of Plaza de la Iglesia adorned by a fountain. Adjacent to the town hall is San Pedro's parish church. Its white facade, framed by two palm trees makes an attractive picture. San Pedro is the first centre in Spain to have introduced the sport of cable skiing, which involves the water skier being towed by cable for long distances.

Three archaeological sites in the vicinity are worth exploring: the 6^th century Visigoth Basilica de Vega del Mar, the Villa Romana de Rio Verde, remnants of a Roman villa from the 1st century, and Las Bovedas, where the remains of old Roman thermal baths can be seen.