Found at the foot of the Sierra Bermeja mountain range and next to the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, Estepona is much more than a sun and beach town on the Costa del Sol.
An idyllic enclave surrounded by both the Mediterranean and the mountains, Estepona sits on the edge of the Costa del Sol and the countryside of Gibraltar.
Its historic quarter is lined with colourful flower pots that blend exquisitely with its flower boxes and its Botanical Orchid Park. But it is not only its natural beauty, Estepona is committed to art and culture, to the quality sun and beach tourism and to a wide range of leisure activities, from kite surfing to visiting a corner of the African savannah, from horse riding to whale watching.
There are so many things to do in Estepona that there is never a dull moment. Now you may be wondering, what to do in Estepona? Don’t worry, because here we leave you the things to do in Estepona that you can’t miss in this beautiful coastal town.
The historic centre of Estepona is a cluster of intricate narrow streets full of flowers. The narrow streets are like corridors of orange trees that link together charming squares such as the Blas Infante, the Clock, which is the 16th-century tower, or the “de las Flores”.
Plaza de Blas Infante
We safely say that this is one of the most beautiful old quarters on the Costa del Sol. With a typical Andalusian style of whitewashed houses decorated with pots of multicoloured geraniums. A trip to Estepona is a great plan.
Highlights include the Church of Santa María de Los Remedios, which is as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside, as well as the ruins of the Castle of San Luis, built by the Catholic Monarchs in the 15th century.
Church of Los Remedios
The Best Beaches in Estepona: the urban beach of La Rada
This beach in the centre of Estepona makes it easy for locals and visitors alike. It’s very well equipped with showers, toilets, children’s games, volleyball nets, parasols and sun loungers for hire, and lifeguards
Although it doesn’t have the golden sand of Huelva, it’s not bad at all and its numerous palm trees will transport you to Santa Monica.
Another of the best beaches in Estepona is the popular beach of El Cristo.
Beach El Cristo
Between Playa de La Rada and Playa del Cristo is the fishermen’s quarter of Estepona with its 21-metre lighthouse of Punta Doncella from the 19th century, but also its marina. In the Marina, there are many cafes between luxury yachts and in the evenings it is particularly lively.
Boat Trip in Estepona
Don’t miss the opportunity to take a boat trip around the port after a guided tour, and get a sense of how the high-risers get to live. On Sundays, a craft market is held there.
Estepona Marina
Lose Yourself in its Historic Old Town
Prepare for typical Andalusian style, taken to its heightened version of beauty. The historic centre of Estepona is a network of narrow streets of white houses with hundreds of flowerpots hanging from the facades with the same style and colour in a unique homogenisation on the Costa del Sol. No doubt you will be completely enchanted by this place.
Embrace its Gorgeous Natural Landscape
The city has decided to make the most of its natural spaces and has launched a programme called “Estepona Natural” where you can go hiking, horse riding, cycling or walking with different levels of difficulty to choose from. A very sporty way of getting to know another facet of this enclave.
Pay a Visit to the Old Food Market
The old food market, now converted into a gourmet market, is a great spot to eat in Estepona.
A food market is a perfect place to really embrace the local delicacies of a particular town, and it shows how society is reflected in its people.
Here in Estepona, the locals hey have set up an elegant and contemporary market that instead of just offering meats and vegetables, also offers a wide variety of international and local cuisine, and has even won an international interior design award.
Explore the Culture of Malaga City
Thanks to the good road connections with Malaga, the capital of the province is an obligatory visit. The city preserves part of its history with emblematic monuments such as the Alcazaba which has been very well reserved, and at its feet, the Roman Theatre, being this combination a unique landmark.
Also worth visiting, is the beautiful cathedral known as ‘La Manquita’, as one of its towers is unfinished, and the Gibralfaro Castle crowns the city. It’s also home to two museums of great importance such as the Thyssen Museum with a large collection of Andalusian art and the Picasso Museum, with unpublished works by the international artist from Malaga. The busy Calle Larios, the Alameda and the Paseo del Parque complete the route.
