The Garden of the Costa del Sol
Estepona is known as the “Jardín de la Costa del Sol” thanks to it’s year round abundance of flowers displayed throughout the town, especially in the narrow, pretty streets of the historic Old Town. However there is much more to this charming Spanish town which is surrounded by the Mediterranean one one side and the Sierra Bermeja mountain range on the other.
Far away from it’s noisy neighbours in Marbella and Puerto Banus, Estepona aims to offer a different experience and way of life; long sandy beaches dominate the coastline, it’s old town invites you to get lost in it’s flowerpot lined streets, the avenues and plazas are filled as equally with bars, cafes and restaurants as they are with flowers and the friendly and relaxed people of the town.
Take a look below at some of Stay At Estepona’s top choices, including where to eat, drink and sleep in Estepona or click below for to view our blog for the complete guide to the prettiest town on the Costa del Sol.
Enjoy freshly grilled fish on the beach or try some traditional tapas in a local plaza, lunch on international cuisine overlooking the yachts in the port or enjoy a romantic dinner with our choice of Estepona restaurants.
From traditional breakfasts, healthy juices or some “churros con chocolate”, to Sports bars, late night bars offering live concerts or charming small local bars there’s a bar or cafe for everybody in Estepona.
Charming boutique hotels, spa hotels, family hotels or apartments and private villas with pools to rent, quality accommodation options are numerous in Estepona. Read our guide for some of the best and reserve online.
Casco Antiguo de Estepona
Many an hour can be spent happily wandering through the colourful labyrinth of flower filled streets of Estepona’s Old Town or “Casco Antiguo”. Discover charming highlights such as the “Route of the Poets”, the Iglesia de los Remedios, the 15th century Castillo de San Luis, the beautiful and aptly named Plaza de Los Flores as well as the Plaza del Reloj – home to the town’s clock tower.
Puerto Deportivo de Estepona
At it’s heart, Estepona is a fishing village and nowhere is this more obvious than the town’s fishing port and the neighbouring fisherman’s cottages.
Just a short walk from the town centre along the wide “Paseo Maritimo” next to the beach. Estepona’s port offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars & cafes as well as shops and services. It’s also home to Estepona’s popular Sunday Market as well as the heart of Estepona’s bustling late night scene.
The area before the lighthouse is home to charming old Fisherman’s cottages, adorned with flower pots and also home to the beautiful Nuestra Señora del Carmen, home to the statue of the Virgen del Carmen the town’s patron saint, which every year is taken out to the sea in one of Andalucia’s most iconic ceremonies.
Ruta de Los Murales
The “Ruta de Murales Artísticos” has converted Estepona into a open-air gallery and museum by converting facades of buildings into giant creative and diverse paintings. There are over 50 murals in the town and the tourism department produces a map with an enjoyable walking route around various neighbourhoods of the town.
Las Playas
Estepona counts on 21km of coastline, most of which is lined with beautiful beaches. The main beaches in town and the most popular are
Playa de la Rada and Playa del Cristo. La Rada runs along the beachfront promenade and is a wide beach with stunning views over to Gibraltar and Morocco, whilst the Playa del Cristo is located at the far side of the fishing port and it’s sheltered bay and shallow water make it the perfect family beach.
The other beaches stretch along the coastline in the direction of Marbella and include some of the area’s most popular beach restaurants or “Chiringuitos” where many an hour can be idylled or partied away right on the beach front whether in Summer or Winter.
With 320 days of sunshine a year, Estepona is a watersports lovers paradise and there are no shortage of rentals for Kayaks and Stand-up-Paddles as well as Kitesurf and Surf schools.
A Natural Paradise
The proximity of Sierra Bermeja mountain range and it’s rivers offer a wealth of outdoor activities for those looking for a more energetic visit
The Rio Padron and Rio Castor make excellent spots to cool off in the rivers crystal clear water during the summer months. The area’s around the rivers are home to numerous Horse Riding schools and Stables . The trails into the mountains offer excellent opportunities for hiking and mountain biking and for the really adventurous buggy tours and paintball centres.
Sierra Bermeja
The 1,449m high Sierra Bermeja provides a dramatic backdrop to the Estepona landscape with it’s red rocks that give it it’s name. The mountain is home to the rare and ancient “Pinsapo” or Spanish fir, found only in a handful of places in Spain and Morocco and an emblem of the area.
It’s very rare for mountains to reach this height, so close to the sea and the breathtaking views from the summit are truly some of the best on the whole Costa del Sol. There are numerous hiking trails in the area, ranging in difficulty and most are easily accessible .
Senda Litoral / Paseo Maritimo
Estepona’s beachfront promenade, the “Paseo de Maritimo” goes from the Port of Estepona at the western end of town and runs east for 3km alongside the beach. Lined with beautiful and varied displays of flower and plants and overlooking the beach, it makes it the favourite spot for a Sunday afternoon stroll and for joggers.
Many of the towns most popular bars & restaurants line the route which also runs right past the main entrance to the Old Town and the main shopping streets.
The Paseo also compromises part of the “Senda Litoral” or Coastal Path which is a magnificent plant to connect 14 municipalities along the coast, from Manilva to Nerja and running for approx. 160km. For Estepona’s part, the Path is continuously being extended in both directions with beautiful wooden bridges crossing the many stream and river mouths.
Orquidario Estepona
This wonderful Glass domed building which is home to the Orchid House or “Orquidario de Estepona” offers visitors the opportunity to visit the biggest Orchid Houses in Europe and enjoy the colours, smells of thousands of varieties of orchids and tropical plants.
Dólmenes de Coromínas
The Dolmens and Prehistoric Necropolis museum is located just outside Estepona. These ancient artefacts where actually discovered nearby during the building of the nearby toll road and where moved to safety in this well presented and informative exhibition.
Selwo Aventura
Selwo Aventura is a very popular, family orientated animal park located to the east of Estepona. Covering a sprawling expanse of land the park is complete with hiking and vehicle tours to view it’s thousands of species of animals from Flamingos to Lions.
The Complete Guide to Everything Estepona
October 21, 2020
Cafetería Don Capuchino is located in the heart of the Estepona on Avenida Juan Carlos, and offers not only excellent prices but great service and delicious food. Extremely popular with locals and tourists alike, this 50’s style diner / cafe has a lovely and sunny terrace making it a wonderful spot to sit and watch […]
December 8, 2020
Why are some of the best restaurant finds always hidden away? This is certainly the case with El Patio, a delightfully Andalucian gem tucked away behind the Plaza Antonia Guerrero or as it’s known locally the Plaza del Huevo. Set in a quiet, little flower filled street but with a large, beautifully decorated Andalucian style […]
February 10, 2021
Playa del Angel Park / El Parque del Ángel. One of the most popular hiking routes in the area, known as the Paseo de Los Pinsapos, passes right in front of the Venta’s door, making it a perfect spot for some warm food or drink after a good hike. Many people however simply choose to […]
October 21, 2020
Restaurante La Escollera is a popular seafood restaurant located in the heart of Estepona’s fishing port and next to “La Lonja” where the day’s catch and hence the freshest fish in Estepona are sold. La Escollera is far from initimate as it is almost always, completely packed, especially at weekends (it’s closed on Mondays) however […]
August 6, 2020
Palm Beach is located right on the sand of La Rada beach in Estepona, shortly after the large Carrefour supermarket. Thanks to its location, with very easy parking nearby and just a short walk from the centre of Estepona as well as being metres away from the sea, Palm Beach is the perfect place to […]
October 21, 2020
La Cocina is a superb restaurant, located in a beautiful old building in the Old Town of Estepona. La Cocina has a wide selection of wines, tapas as well as main courses. They have a lovely terrace outside with views of the Los Remedios Church as well as a beautiful Andalucían style, flower filled patio […]
July 30, 2020
Convenientally located on one of Estepona’s main boulevards, the Avenida Juan Carlos and just next door to Cafe Don Capuchino, Pizzeria Di Piu offers some of the best home made pizzas in town. Serving Pasta, pizzas, burgers, crepes, desserts etc… as well as live football matches. Pizza Di Piu has a spacious terrace outside and […]
July 13, 2020
Siopa is one of the most unique little bars in Estepona. Situated right in the heart of the Old Town, Siopa is little on the inside but has a beautifully decorated terrace, perfect at candle light for enjoying one of their not little at all menu of drinks. Nearly always full, especially during the weekends, […]
July 13, 2020
Located at the western side of Estepona’s Port, the Playa del Cristo is by far the most kid friendly beach in Estepona, but it’s also a great spot for adults too. Stretching for around 700 metres, this semi-circle shaped beach means it has very shallow, clear water which only gets deeper very gradually and is […]
July 18, 2020
Costa Natura has the distinction of being the first official naturist resort in Spain, and is located a short walk from the nudist beach to which it gives it’s name. It’s located at the far western boundary of Estepona and next to the Gran Elba Hotel. The resort has nearly 200 studios and apartments as […]
July 15, 2020
Situated in Estepona’s historic old town in a collection of reformed historic buildings, complete with an Andalucian style patio with fountain. The Casa Veracruz is one of the most charming boutique hotels in Estepona and is located a mere 5-minute walk to main La Rada beach. In the heart of the old town, off Calle […]
July 13, 2020
One of the best Paintball parks on the Costa del Sol, Paintball Estepona offers several different Paintball circuits and is just 20 minutes away from Puerto Banus and Marbella. With a large outside rest area including space for Barbeques it’s a firm favourite for celebrating birthdays, stag and hen parties, birthday parties and corporate events […]
July 18, 2020
Sonora Beach Bar is one of Estepona’s most famous beach bars and restaurants, famous for its bohemian, funky and chilled out feel and with regular live music and DJ sets, it’s definitely one of the coolest places to be and is regularly packed. Tarifa meets Bali and located right on the beachfront promenade, with cushioned […]
August 5, 2020
Selwo Aventura located between Estepona and San Pedro de Alcatara, is a unique park on the Costa del Sol where an African adventure awaits, with species such as lions, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, lemurs and many more. A firm family favourite especially with Children, Selwo is the ideal place to spend a whole day with […]
August 6, 2020
Chiringuito El Madero is another of Estepona’s chiringuitos or beach restaurant that has recently undergone renovation, creating a spacious, moderns and beautiful place right on the beach, to drink or eat, whether for lunch or a romantic dinner at sunset. Serving fresh fish in the typical Málaga style, from fried fish to the famous “Espetos” […]
August 6, 2020
The 2km long La Rada Beach runs alongside the beach promenade passing thorough the town from the Port in the west to the eastern entrance to Estepona town. La Rada Beach is the most visited by both locals and visitors to the, with fine, grey sand, fantastic views over to Gibraltar and plenty of services […]
August 5, 2020
A small and intimate Chinese restaurant located off the main shopping street of Calle Terraza in the heart of Estepona’s Old Town. One of Estepona’s best kept local secrets, Arroz bar offers a cozy atmosphere, with fresh and delicious food at wonderfully reasonable prices. The service is famously welcoming and familiar and don’t let the […]
August 20, 2020
An authentic and long time fixture in Estepona, Fergusson’s fronts onto beach promenade but also backs on to one of the Estepona’s main shopping streets. For those missing home, Healy’s offers all the traditional pub grub you could want, from Fish and Chips to Curry. With plenty of live sports to watch, Healy’s is a […]
July 17, 2020
Plan B Restaurant & Cafe has established itself as one of the most popular places to eat amongst the foreign residents and visitors to Estepona Port and are regularly in the Top 5 ranked restaurants in Estepona on Tripadvisor. Situated in a great location just above the port, with plenty of nearby parking, the service […]
October 21, 2020
Another one of Estepona’s more unique tourist attractions and certainly one it’s less known, the excellent Corominas interpretation centre is located in the Pedregales area, at the foot of the Sierra Bermeja mountain and just a short drive away from Estepona town centre. During archaeological explorations surrounding the construction of the nearby AP-7 toll road, […]
July 19, 2020
One of the top and most luxurious hotels in Estepona, the 5 star Elba Estepona Gran Hotel & Thalasso Spa is the perfect hotel for those looking luxury whilst in Estepona. With direct access to the beach from the gardens, the hotel offers adult and children’s swimming pools, landscaped gardens, Mediterranean views, various restaurants as […]
August 20, 2020
This great Gastrobar that also serves tradionationl classics is located on the top level of Estepona Port. A perfect place to have homemade fish and chips or a Sunday roast after browsing the Sunday market in Estepona Port or any other day or night too! As well as the traditional classics they also serve burgers, […]
July 18, 2020
Red Mountain Ecuestre is a beautiful equestrian centre set at the foot of the Sierra Bermeja, that is also home to the hugely popular Happy Horse Riding Academy and is the ideal place to enjoy nature on horseback. With daily and weekly activities throughout the year, Red Mountain caters for everyone and all levels from […]
August 6, 2020
Located on the main Old Town street of Calle Real, Taberna Diez is a modern restaurant offering traditional rices and fish with a modern gastronomic touch. A new venture that is already garnering fame and attention, Taberna Diez offers great food, great service, a beautiful setting and all for very modest pricing. Perfectly located for […]
August 13, 2020
A yearly favourite, the Fun Beach floating water park, set at the port end of La Rada beach has everything to keep all ages entertained. With slides, jumping beds, climbing areas, trampolines, etc … very fun for all ages from 6 to 100 years old! An hour of fun garanteed for families and groups of […]
July 13, 2020
Freedom Watersports is a popular watersports school located at the Eastern entrance to Estepona and offering rental of a wide variety of equipment. They also offer individual and group courses, camps, lessons and activities for Surf, Paddlesurf, Big SUP, Kayak and they also rent electric and mountain bikes. Find out more about Freedom Watersports through […]
October 21, 2020
Inaugurated in March 2015, the Orchidarium of Estepona with it’s 3 impressive glass domes has become a symbol of innovation and a unique and important tourist attraction in Estepona, fulfilling it’s goal of offering a different and unique type of tourism and of course reinforcing it’s reputation as the “Garden of the Costa del Sol”. […]
July 18, 2020
There are two main markets in Estepona (as well as several smaller ones), a market on Wednesday which is more local focused and sells much more local fruit and produce. The other main market is held on Sundays in the Port of Estepona, between 1000 until 1430 approximately and is big hit with tourists and […]
July 18, 2020
Turismo Marinero Costa del Sol is one of our favourite boat tour and excursion companies in Estepona. Their customer service and the experiences they offer to their clients are first class. They offer a wide range of boat tours from Sunset tours, romantic dinners, celebrations etc as well as providing fishing trips, if you’re lucky […]
October 21, 2020
The first Escape Room to open in Estepona, Signum is a fantastic fun experience and great for families or friends. If you’ve never experienced an escape room game before, the basic premise is that teams of players cooperate to discover puzzles and clues in order to well, escape the room (or rooms) within a defined […]
July 18, 2020
ADANA (Association for the Rights of Abandoned Animals) is a charity based Dog Shelter tucked away on the slopes of the Sierra Bermeja mountain behind Estepona town. The dogs are very well looked after and cared for and the staff very friendly and dedicated and will help and guide you through the dog adoption process. […]
August 5, 2020
Overlooking the boats and marina of Estepona port, Healy Mac’s is a favourite Irish bar amongst visitors and locals alike thanks to it’s good food, beer and more importantly, lots of live sports. For those missing home, Healy’s offers all the traditional pub grub you could want, from Burgers and BBQ Ribs to Curry and […]
December 8, 2020
The sister bar one of Estepona’s most famous, but now closed nightclubs, La Pepa Centro is located at the top of Calle Real, just off the very busy Plazoleta Oritz and a short walk from Ricks Café Centro and Bar Don Reinaldo, another two bars with sister nightclubs and cocktail bars in Estepona Port. With […]
August 20, 2020
Located just off the Plaza de Los Flores right in the heart of the Old Town of Estepona, Restaurante La Esquina del Arte offers a interesting, creative, modern and absolutely delicious menu and at very reasonable prices for the quality and the location. La Esquina del Arte has a wide selection of wines, tapas, pintxos […]
October 21, 2020
A long standing favourite in Estepona Old Town is the Italian restaurant, El Rincon Toscano. Fresh home made pasta and pizzas, amongst other Italian and especially Tuscan inspired dishes, excellent service and a lovely terrace on the bustling Calle Real, have all combined to make El Rincon Toscano a favourite for locals and for tourists […]
July 13, 2020
Located right to the Playa de la Reda, Costa Bike offers some of the best bike and equipment rentals in Estepona. From Bikes, E-bikes, Scooters, Electric Scooters, Kids Cars to Kayaks and Stand Up Paddle boards, whatever your adventure, Costa Bike can help you enjoy the best of Estepona. Costa Bike provides some of the […]
October 21, 2020
Sem’s cafe is a lovely and relexing beachfront cafe located in the centre of Estepona and is a very popular spot for breakfasts as well as snacks and lunch. With beautiful views over the beach and the sea, Sem’s offers an excellent and very friendly service, in English, Spanish and Dutch (amongst others). They of […]
December 8, 2020
In terms of a restaurant with a view, they don’t come better than the Venta el Refugio. Situated almost at the summit of the Pico de Reales and within the Sierra Bermeja national park, this old hiking refuge, now converted into a rustic restaurant offers stunning views; from La Conca and Marbella to the East […]
July 19, 2020
The Kempinski Hotel Bahía Beach Resort & Spa is located at the eastern entrance to Estepona town just 50 metres away from the beach and is one of the top picks for hotels in the area. It contains 128 spacious rooms and 17 luxury suites, a newly renovated spa, a fitness studio offering free fitness […]
October 6, 2020
De La Mar is located on the top level of Estepona Port and offers something for everyone, whether it be a good English breakfast, a hearty Sunday Roast or Spanish-style Tapas and all served in a friendly and pleasant atmosphere. As well as their extensive menu they often have daily and deliciously varied specials on […]
July 30, 2020
La Casa del Rey is one of of the jewels of all the restaurants in the Old Town of Estepona, a beautiful restaurant in a beautiful location just off the Plaza de Las Flores. Occupying a house with over 200 years of history and with a traditional Andalucian patio inside, the Casa del Rey is […]