Living in Alcaidesa: A Family Lifestyle with Montessori Education Nearby
Just a few minutes from Sotogrande, the coastal community of Alcaidesa is fast becoming a favourite among international families relocating to southern Spain. Known for its natural beauty, calm pace of life, and increasingly vibrant infrastructure, it offers the perfect base for those seeking space, sunlight, and a world-class education nearby.
At IMS Sotogrande, we’re proud to welcome families from across the region — with more and more choosing to make their home in nearby Alcaidesa.
Montessori Education
At IMS, we follow the Montessori method — a globally respected approach that encourages independence, curiosity, and a deep respect for each child’s unique learning journey. Our bilingual learning environment (English and Spanish), small class sizes from toddler through primary, hands-on materials, and focus on emotional wellbeing create a warm, inclusive setting for every child to thrive. Many of our families have chosen IMS for its values-driven, child-led environment — one that fosters not just academic development, but life skills, social understanding, and self-belief.
Why Alcaidesa is a smart move for families
Whether you’re relocating from abroad or moving within Spain, Alcaidesa offers a rare blend of space, security, and stunning scenery — all just a short school run from IMS. Families can choose from a wide range of properties, including long-term rentals ideal for relocation, townhomes with community pools and gardens, beachfront apartments with uninterrupted sea views, and modern villas with private gardens. For those looking to build, urbanisable plots are also available.
New developments such as New Serenity, Infinity Alcaidesa, and The Links II are redefining the local landscape — combining family-friendly design with modern architecture and exceptional amenities. The area’s natural beauty is unmatched, with golden sandy beaches overlooking Gibraltar and Morocco, two championship golf courses (Alcaidesa Links and Heathland), and protected green zones surrounding the community.
Everything You need, right where you live
Alcaidesa is more than just beautiful — it’s practical for everyday family life. Residents enjoy a well-stocked supermarket (Ruiz Galán), local gym, hairdresser, and stylish beach bars including the popular One Eden. The area is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Gibraltar and under 10 minutes from Sotogrande. Upcoming luxury hotels such as Fairmont, OKU, and the Alcaidesa Boutique Hotel further enhance its appeal. With steady investment and new services opening up, Alcaidesa continues to grow while maintaining its peaceful, community-focused spirit.
Education that complements the lifestyle
For Alcaidesa-based families, the short drive to IMS Sotogrande brings more than convenience — it offers an education rooted in respect, independence, and curiosity. Our Montessori approach prepares children for life, not just for school, aligning perfectly with the balanced, international lifestyle families enjoy in this part of Andalusia.
Relocating? We’re here to support you
For families considering a move to the area, we understand how important it is to find not just the right school, but also the right home. In preparing this blog, we’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Margarita and Lorenzo from Serendip Properties — owners of the agency and long-time residents who bring deep local knowledge and a personalised approach to helping families settle in Alcaidesa and Sotogrande.
Their story — arriving in Spain with their two children in 2001 — reflects the journey many of our international families are making today. Over the years, they have built a trusted local business offering short- and long-term rentals as well as property sales and management services. With decades of experience in the area, they’ve helped many families feel truly at home here.
Interested in learning more about IMS Sotogrande?
We invite you to arrange a personalised visit and experience the difference of a Montessori-led education. During your visit, you’ll see our classrooms in action, meet our dedicated guides, and explore the calm, inspiring environment that shapes daily life at IMS. Whether you’re relocating or already living nearby, it’s an opportunity to see how we can support your child’s development — both academically and personally
