Railway line along the Costa del Sol gets go-ahead – what will this mean for Sotogrande?

Ave high speed train SpainIn spite of Spain’s tough public expenditure cutbacks it looks like the Costa del Sol’s long-awaited coastal rail line is going to be a reality. Though cutting back heavily on infrastructure for the coming year, the government has confirmed that the further development of what it calls a ‘Mediterranean Corridor’ is considered a priority project, with elements in the Catalan region and Andalucía being earmarked for commencement in 2013.

The works will include two lines, one linking Granada and Antequera, and the other connecting the provinces of Málaga and Cádiz. Running along the A-7 motorway from Málaga along Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona, the line will veer inland at Manilva before reaching its new destination in Algeciras. Earlier discussions and studies involved mention of monorails and so-called tram rails, but the authorities are now speaking of a fast-track railway line.

This means that while it is unlikely that we’ll be whizzing along the Costa del Sol in a high-speed AVE train in a few years time, we will enjoy the considerable comfort of a modern intercity line linking this region’s coastal towns and resort areas – a major shot in the arm for business, tourism and indeed homeowners in the area.

The leafy streets of SotograndeFor Sotogrande it will mean easy access by train in addition to an excellent network of roads that already connects our community to Marbella and other towns on the Costa del Sol, the city of Málaga and its international airport, and even the port of Algeciras. The 126 kilometres of rail line between Algeciras and Málaga will therefore add another highly convenient option for local residents when travelling to local cities and airports, and it will also link up with lines running up to Almería, Córdoba, Granada, Madrid and other parts of the country.

Our nearest station has not yet been named, but it is likely to be within a short drive from Sotogrande itself, so since it will have none of the bother but all of the advantages it can be called a truly win-win situation for Sotogrande and its immediate surroundings. The area will become easily accessible by rail from all the major cities in Spain and there will be no more long drives needed to enjoy your holiday home in Sotogrande, whether for weekend and bank holiday breaks to play golf, go sailing, play some tennis or catch up with the polo. Best of all Sotogrande residents will be able to enjoy all that Marbella has to offer without worrying about having to drive home  or pay for expensive taxis after a boozy lunch in Puerto Banus and other hot spots in Marbella.

 

 

By · October 25th 2012