This coastal town on Spain's Costa del Sol has 21 km of beaches, a historic old town with colorful flower-filled streets, and a 16th-century clock tower.
Estepona, a coastal town on Spain's Costa del Sol, is known for its 21 km of golden beaches, vibrant street art, and a historic old town. With over 325 days of sunshine yearly, you can explore flower-filled streets, relax at beachfront chiringuitos, or join locals for tapas in Plaza de las Flores any time of year. The town's microclimate makes it an ideal destination for both summer beach holidays and winter escapes.
Wandering Through Estepona's Old Town
As you walk through Estepona's old town, you'll find narrow, cobblestone streets lined with white houses adorned with colorful flower pots. The pedestrian-friendly area leads to Plaza de las Flores, where you can sit at outdoor cafes and watch local life unfold. Visit the 18th-century Church of Los Remedios with its ornate baroque facade, or climb the 15th-century Clock Tower for views over the town and sea.
Enjoying Estepona's Beaches
You have 17 beaches to choose from along Estepona's coastline. Playa de la Rada, the main town beach, stretches for 2.6 km and has lifeguards, showers, and beach bars. For a quieter experience, head to Playa del Cristo, a sheltered cove with calm waters that's popular with families. Many of Estepona's beaches have received Blue Flag certification for their cleanliness and facilities.
Exploring the Marina and Port
Walk along Estepona's marina, home to 447 boats and yachts. You'll find restaurants serving fresh seafood, bars with sea views, and shops selling local crafts. Visit the working fishing port to watch the daily fish auctions or taste the catch of the day at nearby restaurants.
Discovering Estepona's Street Art
Take a self-guided tour of Estepona's 40+ large-scale murals painted on building facades throughout the town. The Ruta de Murales ArtÃsticos (Artistic Mural Route) turns the town into an open-air gallery. You'll see works by both local and international artists, adding a contemporary touch to the traditional Andalusian architecture.
Learning About Local History and Culture
Visit the Archaeological Museum in the Casa del Aljibe to see artifacts from prehistoric, Roman, and Muslim periods. The Bullfighting Museum, dedicated to Antonio Ordóñez, displays costumes, posters, and other memorabilia related to this controversial Spanish tradition. For nature enthusiasts, the Orchidarium houses over 5,000 plants, including 1,300 orchid species from around the world.
Tasting Local Cuisine
Try Estepona's local specialty, espeto de sardinas (sardines on a skewer), grilled over an open fire on the beach. In the old town, you'll find numerous tapas bars serving small plates like gazpacho, tortilla española, and jamón ibérico. For a more upscale dining experience, head to the marina area where restaurants serve both international cuisine and local favorites like paella and fresh grilled fish.
Reaching and Moving Around Estepona
You can reach Estepona by car, driving about 80 km west from Málaga Airport on the A-7 coastal highway. The town also has a bus station with connections to other Costa del Sol destinations and major Spanish cities. Within Estepona, you can walk to most attractions in the old town. For longer trips, use local buses or taxis.
