Estepona is a lovely fishing town and holiday resort on the Costa del Sol, situated on the southern coast of Spain, about 80 kilometres from the centre of Malaga. Estepona is a lively resort situated on long beach promenade and is famous for its cobbled, narrow streets leading off the sea front, cafes and Spanish tapas bars, pleasant squares, wellness tourism and beaches. Holidaymakers may find numerous quality hotels, apartments and holiday accommodations in Estepona.
Things to Do & See in Estepona…
Things to do and see in Estepona are endless. The colorful squares with its cobbled, narrow streets leading off the sea front, cafes and restaurants and the Plaza de Las Flores square offers all the tourist services for the holidaymakers.
The Plaza de Las Flores is one of the loveliest squares situated in the heart of Estepona where holidaymakers may find the many bars.
Popular attractions and sights in Estepona include;
- A great day out at the colorful Plaza de Las Flores square,
- the 15th century clock tower in the Plaza del Reloj,
- the marina,
- Selwo Aventura Zoo,
- the playground along the Paseo Maritimo Pedro Manique for kids,
- open-air sculptures by renowned artists,
- watersports,
- daily boat trips,
- the beautiful beaches.
As for shopping in Estepona; the outdoor market located in Avda. De San Juan Carlos is held on Wednesdays, the second hand market is held in Estepona Port on Sunday morning and the indoor fresh produce market held between Monday-Saturday are the popular markets in Estepona.
As for golf in Estepona; there are great clubs that include; Valle Romano Golf, El Paraiso Golf Club, Atalaya Golf, El Campanario Golf, El Coto Golf and Estepona Golf Club.
Estepona is also home to the School of Equestrian Art Costa del Sol which is the one of the best equestrian centres in Spain and offers beautiful exhibitions with horses.
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Top Attractions & Sights in Estepona for you…
Best Places to Visit & See…
Plaza de Las Flores square
Plaza de Las Flores is one of the most charming and picturesque squares in the town. It is a small square that is full of colorful flowers and is surrounded by a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The square is located in the heart of the old town of Estepona and is a perfect place to relax and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this traditional Andalusian town. The buildings that surround the square are typically Andalusian in style, with whitewashed walls and wrought iron balconies overflowing with flowers.
In the center of the square, there is a beautiful fountain which adds to the charm of the area. The fountain is surrounded by benches where visitors can sit and enjoy the surroundings while watching the world go by.
There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants surrounding the square, offering a wide range of products and services to visitors. From traditional Spanish cuisine to international dishes, there is something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Plaza de Las Flores is also a popular spot for markets and events, with regular flea markets and craft fairs held in the square throughout the year. These events are a great opportunity to experience the local culture and pick up some unique souvenirs.
15th century Clock Tower in the Plaza del Reloj
The 15th century Clock Tower in the Plaza del Reloj is a must-visit landmark in Estepona, located in the heart of the old town. This tower, which was once part of the castle walls, has stood the test of time and serves as a reminder of the city’s rich history.
Visitors can admire the intricate details of the clock tower’s architecture, which blends medieval and Moorish influences. The clock itself is a work of art, with its intricate mechanisms and chimes that have kept time for centuries.
A climb to the top of the tower offers stunning panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains. It’s a great opportunity for visitors to capture some stunning photos and get a sense of Estepona’s layout.
The Clock Tower is also a hub for community events, such as music concerts and cultural performances. It’s a great place to mingle with locals and soak up the lively atmosphere of Estepona.
Marina of Estepona
The Marina of Estepona is a beautiful port and a popular tourist attraction that boasts stunning views, a variety of restaurants, shops, and cafes. The marina has a capacity for 447 boats, making it one of the largest in the region.
The Marina of Estepona offers a range of water activities such as boat rentals, fishing trips, and even dolphin watching tours. It is also an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a romantic evening walk, with its picturesque surroundings and colorful boats.
There are a variety of restaurants and cafes located in the Marina of Estepona, offering both local and international cuisine. From seafood to Spanish tapas, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The marina is also a popular spot for nightlife, with many bars and clubs staying open until late.
Estepona Sea Front
Estepona Sea Front is one of the most beautiful and picturesque areas in the region. It stretches for several kilometers and offers visitors breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The seafront promenade is lined with palm trees, flowers, and fountains, making it a lovely spot for a stroll, jog or bike ride.
Visitors can enjoy the sandy beaches along the seafront, including the popular Playa del Cristo and Playa de la Rada. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. There are also many beach bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a meal while taking in the sea views.
The seafront is also home to many beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Orchidarium, a botanical garden dedicated to orchids, and the Parque de la Constitución, a green space with a lake, playgrounds, and sculptures.
The seafront is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, especially during the summer months when the area comes alive with street performers, live music, and outdoor events. It’s a great place to soak up the sun, enjoy the sea breeze, and experience the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of Estepona.
Selwo Aventura Estepona
Selwo Aventura Estepona is a wonderful wildlife park situated in Estepona. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of nature up close and personal. Spread over an area of 100 hectares, this park is home to over 2,000 animals from different continents.
Selwo Aventura Estepona is an amazing place to visit for people of all ages, especially nature lovers. The park is divided into several zones, each representing a different geographical area and housing different animals. From the African savannah to the Asian forests, visitors can see a wide variety of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses, elephants, and many more.
Apart from the wildlife, Selwo Aventura Estepona offers a range of exciting activities and attractions. Visitors can take part in various activities like zip-lining, archery, and safari tours to explore the park in a unique way. There are also several restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops located throughout the park for visitors to enjoy.
The School of Equestrian Art Costa del Sol
The School of Equestrian Art Costa del Sol is a prestigious institution dedicated to promoting and preserving the art of traditional Andalusian horsemanship. Located in the heart of the Costa del Sol, the school offers visitors the opportunity to witness this ancient equestrian tradition firsthand.
Founded in 2002, the school boasts a team of highly skilled trainers and horses trained in the art of dressage, or high-level horse training. Visitors can attend one of the school’s daily performances to witness the beauty and grace of the horses and riders as they execute precise and intricate movements.
In addition to the performances, the school offers a variety of programs for those interested in learning the art of horsemanship themselves. From introductory lessons to advanced training, the school provides a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes both the technical aspects of horse riding and the importance of developing a strong bond between horse and rider.
Best Estepona Beaches…
Top beaches in Estepona include; the Playa de la Rada which is the main beach of Estepona overlooking a beautiful tree lined promenade with gardens and children’s play areas with many restaurants and bars and the sandy cove beach of Playa El Cristo beaches.
Playa de la Rada Beach
Playa de la Rada Beach is a stunning beach located in Estepona. With its beautiful golden sand and crystal-clear water, it is one of the most popular beaches in the area. It is approximately 2 km long and 30 m wide, making it a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
The beach also offers plenty of facilities such as showers, toilets, beach bars, restaurants, sunbed and umbrella rentals, and parking. It has been awarded the Blue Flag for its cleanliness and environmental management.
The beach is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers who want to enjoy a relaxing day by the sea or take part in various water activities such as paddleboarding, windsurfing, and jet skiing. It is also an excellent place to watch the stunning sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
Playa de la Rada Beach is easily accessible by foot, car, or public transport. It is situated right in the heart of Estepona, and there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars nearby.
Playa El Cristo Beach
Playa El Cristo Beach is a beautiful and secluded beach in Estepona. With its crystal clear waters and soft golden sands, this beach is an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The beach is surrounded by a natural cove, which helps to create calm and sheltered waters, making it ideal for families with young children.
In addition to its natural beauty, Playa El Cristo also boasts a range of facilities, including beach bars and restaurants, sun loungers and parasols, and water sports equipment rental. The beach is also known for its stunning sunsets, making it a popular spot for evening strolls and romantic picnics.
Food & Drink
Estepona offers a wide range of culinary options with many restaurants and bars to choose from. Whether you’re looking for traditional Spanish cuisine, fresh seafood, or international dishes, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your taste buds.
Shopping
The town center of Estepona offers a variety of shops and boutiques, from small artisan shops to larger chain stores. You’ll find everything from clothing and jewelry to souvenirs and local products.
Nightlife
Estepona has a vibrant nightlife scene with many bars, clubs, and pubs offering live music, DJ sets, and entertainment throughout the night. You can enjoy a drink or two while taking in the lively atmosphere of the town.
Lodging
There are many accommodation options in Estepona, ranging from luxury hotels and resorts to more affordable options such as apartments and hostels. Many of these offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and are conveniently located close to the town center and the beach.
How to Get to Estepona?
Estepona is a town located on the western end of the Costa del Sol, in the province of Malaga, Spain. It is well-connected by both public and private transportation options.
By plane, the closest airport to Estepona is Malaga Airport, located approximately 80 kilometers away. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Estepona, or rent a car and drive themselves. The journey by car takes approximately 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
By train, Estepona does not have a train station, but visitors can take the train to nearby cities such as Malaga or Fuengirola, and then take a bus or a taxi to Estepona. The train journey from Malaga to Fuengirola takes approximately 45 minutes, and from Fuengirola to Estepona takes approximately 35 minutes by car.
By bus, there are regular bus services connecting Estepona to other towns and cities on the Costa del Sol, as well as to Malaga Airport. The journey by bus from Malaga to Estepona takes approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic.
By car, visitors can drive to Estepona using the A-7 coastal highway, which runs along the length of the Costa del Sol. Estepona is approximately 25 kilometers west of Marbella and 85 kilometers east of Gibraltar.
