Estepona is much more than a seaside resort. It is a town with character, a beautiful old centre, street art, a lively harbour and nature reaching all the way up into the mountains. We are there every day for viewings and are happy to share our favourite spots. Whether you are on holiday or thinking of living here, these twenty tips will help you really get to know Estepona.
The old town
1. Stroll through the centre
Estepona’s old town is one of the prettiest on the Costa del Sol. White houses, narrow lanes and thousands of flowerpots in every colour on the façades. Each street has its own colour of flowerpots, which makes a stroll even more fun.
2. Plaza de las Flores
The charming main square, surrounded by café terraces and historic buildings. This is also where you will find Casa de las Tejerinas, a seventeenth-century mansion hosting changing art exhibitions.
3. The murals
Estepona has more than sixty giant murals on the façades of apartment buildings. Together they form an open-air museum. One of the best known spans five neighbouring façades.
4. The sculpture trail
Dozens of sculptures are dotted around the town. Ask for a map at the tourist office and discover them on foot.
5. The Orchidarium
An impressive glass dome with more than a thousand orchids, waterfalls and tropical plants. One of the largest orchid collections in Europe, right in the middle of town.
Sea and harbour
6. The promenade
A wide promenade along La Rada, the town beach, ideal for walking, cycling or enjoying a drink on a terrace with sea views.
7. The coastal path
A coastal path of more than twenty kilometres runs the length of the municipality. Walk a stretch at sunrise or sunset.
8. The Sunday market at the harbour
Every Sunday morning from 9am there is a popular market in the marina, with crafts, flowers, fruit, clothing and bric-a-brac.
9. The fish auction
In the late afternoon you can watch the fishing boats come into the harbour and see the fresh catch being auctioned.
10. Espetos on the beach
Try sardines grilled on a skewer over a wood fire in a sand-filled boat. They are at their best from May to August.
11. The beaches
Besides La Rada, the coastline has plenty of quieter beaches, from lively beach clubs on the New Golden Mile to natural coves towards Casares.
12. The watchtowers
Several historic watchtowers still stand along the coast, some of them dating from the Moorish era.
Nature and sport
13. Sierra Bermeja
The red mountain behind Estepona has hiking trails past rare pinsapo firs, with views as far as Gibraltar and the Rif Mountains in Morocco.
14. Golf
Estepona has several golf courses, including El Paraíso, Valle Romano, Atalaya and Los Flamingos. Read more in Golf in Marbella.
15. Selwo Aventura
A large wildlife park with a safari, giraffes, rhinos and a long zip line. Highly recommended with children; allow a full day.
16. Water sports
Sailing, paddleboarding, diving or a boat trip from the harbour.
Culture and history
17. The megalithic necropolis
A burial site more than five thousand years old with dolmens, which you can visit in an underground museum.
18. Festivals and events
From the Feria in July to concerts and markets: there is something going on in Estepona all year round.
Day trips from Estepona
19. Casares and Gaucín
Two stunning white mountain villages half an hour’s drive away, with breathtaking views.
20. Marbella, Gibraltar and Ronda
Marbella and Puerto Banús are twenty minutes away, Gibraltar about forty-five minutes and Ronda just over an hour. See also What to do in Marbella?
From visitor to resident
Many of our clients got to know Estepona on holiday and came back to buy a home here. The combination of authentic atmosphere, sea, nature and a growing choice of modern homes makes Estepona particularly attractive. See also Living in Estepona, Buying a villa in Estepona and New developments in Estepona.
Combine your holiday with a viewing
Are you in the area? Plan a no-obligation viewing day. We will show you a few homes in and around Estepona, so you can see straight away what is possible within your budget. Take a look at our Prestige collection, our new developments or get in touch with us.
Practical tips for your visit
- Parking: there are several underground car parks in the centre. In summer it is wise to arrive early or take the bus.
- Best time: spring and autumn are ideal for walking. In July and August, explore the centre in the morning or the evening.
- Siesta: smaller shops often close between 2pm and 5pm. Restaurants serve lunch until about 4pm and dinner from 8pm.
- Booking: popular restaurants at the harbour and in the centre are often full at weekends. Book in good time.
- Combine: a morning in the old town, lunch by the sea and a walk along the coastal path at sunset make the perfect day.
Estepona through the seasons
In summer Estepona is buzzing, with beach parties, concerts and the Feria in July. In autumn the sea is still warm and the streets are quieter. In winter you can enjoy mild temperatures, sunny terraces and a town that carries on living, with local residents and winter visitors. In spring the flowers in the centre are at their finest. Every season has its charm, which is also what makes Estepona so attractive as a year-round home.
Eating and drinking in Estepona
Estepona has excellent local cuisine. Try fresh fish and seafood in the restaurants around the harbour, tapas in the lanes of the old town and espetos on the beach. More and more modern restaurants and wine bars are opening, making the town increasingly interesting for food lovers too.
Frequently asked questions
When is the market in Estepona?
On Sunday mornings from 9am there is a market at the harbour. There are also weekly markets in town.
What is the prettiest part of Estepona?
The old town, with its flower-filled lanes and the Plaza de las Flores.
Is Estepona good for children?
Yes, with beaches, Selwo Aventura, the Orchidarium and plenty of space to play outdoors.
Which is better, Estepona or Marbella?
Estepona is quieter and more authentic, Marbella livelier and more glamorous. They are twenty minutes apart, so it is easy to enjoy both.
