On the western side of the Costa del Sol, Estepona is a both a working town with a large permanent population and an engaging seaside resort bringing you Blue Flag beaches, a stylish marina and loads of authentic restaurants and Spanish beach bars.
You’ll fall in love with Estepona’s centro historico, which is like an enchanting step back to how this region once looked. But this isn’t to say that Estepona lacks modern attractions; the brand new Orchidarium is a delight and its bold domes will be a symbol for the resort for years to come.
Lets explore the best things to do in Estepona:
1. Playa del Cristo
Source: flickrHiding just around the Punta de Doncella headland from Estepona’s marina, Playa del Cristo is the pick of the resort’s beaches.
There’s a breakwater on the east side and along with the natural curve of the bay and the beach’s east-facing orientation, this helps protect the beach from breezes and sea currents.
It all keeps the transparent, pool-like waters surprisingly warm too.
For parents this all brings peace of mind, as kids will be able to play in safety, and there are also two chiringuitos should you get peckish during your lazy day by the Mediterranean.
2. Centro Historico
Estepona’s old core is one of the loveliest on the Costa del Sol, and is a slice of life in a typical Andalsian town.
Down cobblestone streets decorated with geraniums you can investigate the Castillo de San Luis, a fortress constructed by Spain’s Catholic Monarchs at the end of the 15th century, and Plaza del Reloj (Clock). This endearing little square has a bell-tower that is the last remaining part of the original Iglesia de los Remedios, destroyed in an earthquake in the mid-18th century.
There are orange trees and Norfolk Island pines next to a graceful iron pavilion for outdoor concerts by Estepona’s official Concert Band.
3. Orchidarium Estepona
A delight for amateur botanists, the Orchidarium has only been around since 2015 but has already become both a landmark and one of the western Costa del Sol’s top attractions.
You can’t miss the modern building’s three glass domes ; the tallest has an striking elliptical shape and reaches a height of 30 metres.
Underneath are three waterfalls that flow in unison during a special show every hour.
The waterfalls are just one element that helps recreate the environment tropical forests of Southeast Asia and South America.
There are more than 5,000 plant species at the Orchidarium, and the largest collection of orchids in Europe, with 1,300 different species.
4. Paseo Marítimo
As the sun sets in summer locals and tourists emerge to take in the fresher air on walkways like this one next to the beach.
There are benches all the way, and lots of places to stop for a cold drink or coffee.
If you happen to be in the resort in winter then you have to get to Paseo Marítimo early to see the sunrise, and the unusual light created by the sea and any clouds in the sky.
Joggers and cyclists love it at any time of year, partly because of the flower beds that separate the promenade from the road at stages; they teem with palms, succulent plants and flowers, and all this thick vegetation blocks all sight of the road.
5. Plaza de las Flores
At this charming square in the old-town the apartment towers of the Costa del Sol will feel a long way away.
It’s a satisfying place to be at any time of day: Early in the morning you’ll have it almost to yourself and can bask in the tranquillity as the town just begins to stir.
In the afternoon you can retreat to the shaded benches below the orange trees and admire the fountain at the centre, encircled by a large flower bed.
And at night you’ll dine al fresco while the square hums with animated conversation and local children run around.
6. Playa La Rada
Estepona’s largest beach is also the closest to the old-town.
It’s a long and broad ribbon of soft pale sand with an urban feel due to the adjacent apartment blocks and wide array of chiringuitos and cafes either directly on the promenade or just the other side of Avenida España.
Palm trees have been planted all along all 2.6 kilometres of beachfront and there are play areas for kids and volleyball courts if you fancy a game.
In the summer you can choose from a multitude of sunshades and sun-loungers, so it’s the obvious destination if you want to fun in the sun and don’t mind the crowds.
7. Estepona Marina
Between La Rada and El Cristo is the resort’s upscale marina.
In this spot, opposite Avenida Luis Braille is a clutch of cafes, bars and restaurants, giving the waterside a sociable atmosphere in the evenings.
By day you could also come for a stroll and a refreshing drink, and see the marina’s opulent yachts in all their glory.
If you come on a Sunday you can also potter around the stalls at the popular Tourist Market, which is held right in the harbour, selling handicrafts and leather goods.
8. Outdoor Activities
As soon as you leave Estepona the terrain becomes mountainous, and if you like a good hike it may be difficult to resist the call of the Sierra Bermeja range.
From the coast these mountains, topping out at 1,500 metres, can look forbidding and barren, but as you work your way into the park you’ll enter untamed forests with pinaspos “Spanish firs”, a species that only grows in this part of Andalusia There’s also an equestrian centre on the outskirts of Estepona, organising treks for all ages and overnight adventures on which you’ll feel like a real cowboy, sitting round a campfire and even sleeping in a hammock.
9. Golf
If you’re a competitive player with a low handicap, or a casual golfer who needs a round or two to loosen up, you can be sure that Estepona will have the course for you: There are eight inside 20 minutes of the resort.
Valle Romano is one for the serious players, with a maximum handicap of 28 for gents and 36 for ladies.
It opened in 2010 and meets European Tour standards.
If this sounds a bit too heavy-going then there’s a municipal driving range to help you find your swing, and two nine-hole par-27s, at Coto de la Serena and El Campanario.
10. Corominas Necropolis
This archaeology museum inside a replica dolmen welcomes enthusiasts for occasional open days, but for the rest of the time you’ll have to arrange a tour in advance.
This is definitely worthwhile if you’re into archaeology, as the site is the best stone age burial site in the Costa del Sol area.
There are five tombs that still look pretty much as they did 5,000 years ago.
You can also take a close look at the artefacts discovered during the excavations, with jewellery, arrowheads, ceramics, stone tools and pierced seashells in display cabinets.
Estepona is one of the most popular destinations for both tourists and foreign residents alike on the Costa del Sol, yet even today it still manages to retain it’s old Andalusian charm. Located at the western end of the Costa del Sol at the foot of the Sierra Bermeja mountains.
Estepona’s cobbled narrow streets, fishing port, Spanish cafes and bars spilling out higgledy piggledy on the pavements, and the quaint shops and bodegas, all combine with the modern Puerto Deportivo (leisure port) and marina, the tourist facilities and golden sandy beaches, to make this a comfortable and interesting place to stay for holidaymakers.
For many years Estepona’s main economic industries were fishing, agriculture and cattle, and even today, remain an important income for many in the area. Nevertheless for over a decade now tourism has become an important economic factor, due to the town’s redevelopment, wonderful climate, well kept sandy beaches, such as La Rada and Cristo Beach, and an extraordinary touristic offer, which incorporates golf, a pleasure craft harbour, excellent dining options, and of course the development of urbanisations, apartments and villa complexes, which all in all makes Estepona the chosen city for thousands of tourists every year.
Estepona is located closer to Gibraltar airport, whose destinations are starting to open up now. There are a several flights from the UK and EasyJet fly into Gibraltar. However, Malaga is just 50 minutes to one hour’s drive away.
History
There are conflicting records that pinpoint the roman fishing and agricultural settlements of Salduba and Silniana to this area west of Marbella, however, it seems more likely that at least Silniana was positioned where today we have San Pedro de Alcántara. As it was destroyed by a seakquake in the 4 century AD and despite its obvious age, there are no real records that prove either way.
The name Estepona more likely derives from its Moorish occupation, when it was named Astabbuna. Like most of the Iberian Penisula, Estepona was fought over by the Moors and Christians and reoccupied by Enrique IV Castile in 1457 who ordered a church to be built over the old Mosque, and it’s this church that became the centre of the community that we would finally know as Estepona.
In 1729 the king gave Estepona its own charter and from there it began to grow its own identity, away from Marbella and develop its industrious nature.
Places to visit
Ten minutes from Estepona, direction San Roque, you find La Duquesa Yacht Harbour, which has many restaurants, bars and boutiques and the fantastic La Duquesa golf course is situated on mountain-side of the Carreterra (Coastal Road).
From Estepona you can go and visit some spectacular inland scenery and the typical towns of Casares, Jubrique, Genaguacil and Manilva, with its famous Roman bath of “La Hedionda”. Gibraltar is about 25 minutes drive away and the Bohemian beach paradise of Tarifa, around 45 minutes drive. If you are feeling adventurous in nearby Algeciras you can hop on a ferry to Morocco for a few days shopping and sightseeing.
If you are interested in monuments and archeological finds then you won’t be disappointed, as the area has many interesting historical points of interest, including the ruins of Castillo de Nicio, which can be found just past the urbanization Forest Hills, La Torre del Reloj (the watchtower), said to be one of the oldest ecclesiastical buildings on the Costa del Sol, Las Ruinas del Castillo de San Luis, an interesting visit to the ruins of a once great castle and Estepona town’s own Plaza de las Flores, the central square in itself is a historical focal point. There are many other historical sites in and around Estepona.
Beaches
Many of Estepona’s beaches have been awarded the blue flag status for their high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Most have good facilities, including children’s facilities, showers, beach restaurants and watersports.
In front of Estepona town is La Rada Beach, a long beach of golden sands, where you can enjoy activities such as Kayaking and windsurfing. The wonderful El Cristo beach is located to the west of the town and is an excellent beach for families and it is sheltered within a cove.
Other beaches located close by including Playa Costa Natura, Sabinillas, Puerto Duquesa and Sotogrande, plus just 50 minutes drive are the wonderful beaches of Tarifa and the Costa de la Luz.
Golf
Estepona is one of the most popular destinations for golf holidays in Spain; the area is packed with golf courses, for all levels and all budgets.
Estepona Golf Course is a popular, yet challenging course. One of the most established courses on the Costa del Sol is the Paraiso Golf Club, which is located between Estepona and Marbella; it’s a peaceful course with a stunning backdrop of mountains.
The famous Valderrama Golf Club, which plays host to the Volvo Masters each year, is located in nearby Sotogrande. Other courses in and around Estepona include: El Campanario Golf, La Duquesa Golf and Atalaya Golf & Country Club.
Eating out
Estepona is not short of a restaurant and whatever your taste, you will be satisfied with the choice. There are some excellent traditional tapas bars, Spanish restaurants and bodegas, if you want to enjoy typical Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Plus there are some excellent fish restaurants, both in the port and in the town, plus the beautiful beaches are home to a number of excellent Chiringuitos and beach bars.
As with most of the Costa del Sol, the importance of tourism, means that you will find a first class choice of restaurants and if you are not feeling like Spanish cuisine or seafood, well choose from Indian, Mexican, Italian, Chinese and much, much more.
Climate
Estepona enjoys a sub-tropical Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and warm winters. Cooling breezes from the sea make the summer heat manageable; temperatures average 32 ºC during the summer.