Estepona has grown to be one of the most well-liked towns on the Costa del Sol. However, it manages to keep its old Andalusian charm and is more Spanish than other prominent tourist towns closer to Malaga, such as Fuengirola and Marbella. With 17 beaches along its 21-km-long coastline, it is one of the most family-friendly vacation spots in Spain. We have selected the 10 reasons why you should visit Estepona.

1. Weather

With more than 300 days of sunlight annually, this region of the Costa del Sol is well-liked by tourists seeking a break in the sun in southern Spain. A mild year-round environment with scorching summers and subtropical Mediterranean winters. Temperatures in the summer average 32 degrees Celsius. But sea breezes provide relief from the heat. This is why it is almost never too hot in Estepona. Furthermore, the average temperature in the winter is 17 degrees Celcius. This is the reason why you can visit Estepona during the whole year.

sun

2. Old Town

The beautiful old town of Estepona features a number of traffic-free lanes, making it simple and secure to explore on foot. The San Luis Castle from the fifteenth century and the Plaza del Reloj town clock are two must-sees. Furthermore, there are whitewashed walls of the city's homes, tapas bars, bodegas, and restaurants are covered in colorful planters.

Furthermore, the Old Town is a maze of cobblestone streets and shaded squares lined with whitewashed houses and filled with colorful potted flowers. Much of the area that stretches back from the Paseo Maritimo and Playa de la Rada has changed in the last decade. Many streets are now pedestrianized, allowing bars and restaurants to expand their dining terrace areas and new stores to open their doors to passersby.

3. Garden of Costa del Sol

Due to the renovation work done in the city's center, wherein the streets and squares have been decorated with an Andalusian air and are framed by a significant number of flowers, Estepona is known as "The Garden of the Costa del Sol."

Particularly, the Plaza de las Flores is situated in the ancient town and features a flower garden, as suggested by its name. The square hasn't always been referred to as that, though. It has also been known as Plaza Nueva, Plaza del Rey, Plaza de José Antonio, and Plaza de la Cárcel over the years. Today, it is a sizable pedestrian square with numerous 19th-century homes, a beautifully decorated center fountain, and the hubbub of city life. There are bars and restaurants where you may have a refreshing drink or a tasty tapa.

4. Beaches

beach

The coastal promenade in Estepona is 100 metres long and is flanked by bars and restaurants only on one side. In addition, the other side is covered in flowers, more flowers, and benches where people may sit and enjoy the view of the beach.

Some of its best beaches are:

  • La Rada: This Blue Flag beach is located just a few feet from Estepona's town centre. It is long and completely backed by the coastal promenade (2.6km). There are numerous chiringuito beach bars in La Rada that provide cocktails and fresh fish. It also offers better accessibility for people with disabilities than some of Estepona's other beaches. The beach is great for families because of the outstanding lifeguard service and the abundance of sun loungers.
  • Playa del Cristo: This beach is a top choice for families with kids and is located in a lovely, protected cove. The beach is a haven for sunbathers and has two chiringuitos. Younger children can safely play here because the cove makes the water warmer and the beach gently slopes into the water. It also features a station for lifeguards. The beach bars' lively ambiance is enhanced by live music, and summer weekends may be fairly packed.
  • Playa Bahía Dorada: This beach is situated in front of the Baha Dorada urbanisation, west of Estepona town. The beach is 40 metres wide and 700 metres long. There is a promenade presently, but no cars are allowed on the beach.

5. Restaurants

gambas pil pil

It's a pleasure to eat out at some of the most reasonably priced seafood restaurants and ridiculously inexpensive tapas bars, where you can get some of the freshest and best-cooked fish and seafood in the Mediterranean. In addition, there are numerous fine-dining restaurants.

One of the best seafood restaurants in Estepona is La Escollera. Since this welcoming restaurant has been serving fish for more than 80 years, they are well-versed in the subject. There are several daily specials on the menu at this hidden gem in Estepona Port, along with all the regional specialties like gambas pil-pil and pescato (little fried fish). Crab, octopus, and other uncommon shellfish like barnacles, however, are their specialties.

Locals go to Estepona's La Escollera on the weekends, and reservations are not accepted. So, to be certain of yours, arrive early or plan on a little wait - it will be worth it!

Learn more about the best restaurants in Estepona on our blog:

6. Hotels

Compared to Marbella, Estepona has more rooms in 5-star hotels. The Old Town also has cozy boutique hotels.

One of those 5-star hotels is Ikos Andalucia. This hotel introduces Spain's beautiful southern coastlines to a new world of luxury and Mediterranean hospitality. This unmatched beachfront location on the serene sands of Playa de Guadalmansa provides kilometres of sand, bathed in mild waves, as well as more than 21 acres of planted gardens and recreational amenities. Your stay with us will be opulent, laid-back, and completely unforgettable because of our award-winning Infinite Lifestyle, which guarantees that nearly every aspect of your holiday is included in the initial payment.

7. Golf

golf

People who like playing golf should visit Estepona. There are many golf courses in Estepona. The Paraiso Golf Club, which is situated between Estepona and Marbella and is one of the oldest courses on the Costa del Sol. In addition, this is a tranquil course with a lovely mountain backdrop.
The PGA is held at the renowned Valderrama Golf Club, which is close by in Sotogrande. Furthermore, Finca Cortesin, Estepona Golf, El Campanario Golf, La Duquesa Golf, and Atalaya Golf & Country Club are some of the additional golf facilities in and near Estepona.

8. Culture

The village is covered in more than 50 exquisite murals. They have emerged as a major talking point and are painted on the bare sides of buildings. They are not in the Old Town since they are located on the sides of high-rise buildings, which are not found there.

Another magnificent attraction right in the middle of the town is the 16,000 square metre Botanical Garden where The Orchid House is located. This is a must-visit in Estepona.

9. Transport

bus

The distance between Estepona and Malaga Airport, which offers daily direct flights to most major European destinations, is about 50 minutes by vehicle. Furthermore, buses are available from Malaga Airport to Estepona. There are also many local buses available in Estepona. This makes it convenient to visit Estepona.

10. Buy a property in Estepona

Estepona is more expensive than its well-known neighbor Marbella and is in the top 5 Spanish cities for property price growth. Given the rising demand from consumers in Northern Europe, price increases are anticipated to continue. The majority of buyers prefer to purchase brand-new, contemporary apartments with an open-concept living and dining area, lots of glass, spacious terraces, views, and convenient access to amenities. There are numerous new developments being built. Due to Estepona's popularity as a tourist destination, its rental yields are some of the highest in Spain.

Find your new home


€299,000
R3397687
Estepona Ground Floor Apartment Renovation needed spacious and bright apartment in Puerto Alto, Estepona. This apartment has got 2 big unfu ...
2 2 87 m2 15 m2
€364,000
R4101694
Estepona Middle Floor Apartment This light and spacious 3 bedroom apartment is located right next to Estepona port within walking distance to ...
3 2 106 m2 9 m2
€399,000
R4320355
Estepona Middle Floor Apartment We are proud to offer this wonderful apartment to our clients, located in the popular and sought-after communi ...
2 2 79 m2 25 m2
€695,000
R4310440
Estepona Duplex This bright and spacious 3-bedroom duplex penthouse is located in Puerto Alto, one of Estepona's best urb ...
3 3 168 m2 101 m2
€215,000
R4216975
Estepona Middle Floor Apartment We are happy to offer to our clients the opportunity to purchase this very spacious, very well located, reside ...
4 2 114 m2 12 m2
€309,000
R4303561
Estepona Ground Floor Apartment Location, location, location! We are proud to present this light and spacious apartment with a good size kit ...
2 2 109 m2 13 m2
€585,000
R4290562
Estepona Middle Floor Apartment This beautiful and modern ready to move in three bedroom apartment in a brand new development called One 80 bo ...
3 2 155 m2 55 m2
€495,000
R4307965
Estepona Penthouse We are proud to present this magnificent frontline penthouse in Playa del Moral. This dream apartment has two ...
2 2 80 m2 75 m2
€360,000
R4308313
Estepona Penthouse This beautiful and modern ready to move in two bedroom penthouse is located in a brand new development called ...
2 2 79 m2 17 m2
€450,500
R4266718
Estepona Residential Plot This one of the last remaining residential plots of nearly 600m2 with buildable area of 329m2 is located in Es ...
0 0 0 m2 0 m2
€15,000
R3586327
Estepona Parking Space This parking space is located in the urbanization of Puerto Alto, Block 4 in the Port of Estepona. Avenida ...
0 0 13 m2 0 m2
€749,000
R4287967
Estepona Duplex We are proud to offer this ready to move in five bedroom apartment in the font line beach complex of Riviera A ...
5 3 148 m2 60 m2
€540,000
R4243783
Estepona Detached Villa This superb detached one level villa is located in the well sought after area of Valle Romano Golf Estepona. L ...
3 3 194 m2 115 m2
€695,000
R4131256
Estepona Finca - Cortijo We are delighted to present this unique country property for sale in the beautiful mountainside area of Los Re ...
2 2 110 m2 60 m2
€425,000
R4239673
Estepona Middle Floor Apartment Beautiful apartment with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with magnificent open views. Unbeatable location, as it is ...
4 2 153 m2 15 m2
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