Estepona, essential places to visit and things to do

The coastal town of Estepona has maintained its charm of an old fishing village while it has cultivated an excellent tourist offer oriented towards the luxury sector, health, beauty and golf, with a wealthy clientele who does not seek the spotlight of attention or ostentation as in the neighbouring municipality of Marbella.

No wonder then that Estepona has a large number of 5-star hotels with nearly a dozen spas and as well as 8 golf courses.

Get to know Estepona

As we dive deeper into the history of Estepona, we discover the rich past that has shaped the cosmopolitan town we know today. From the Phoenicians to the Romans and Arabs, all have marked the culture and gastronomy of the region.

Its name has also evolved with the city, from Astapa as the Phoenicians called it, or Salduba as the Romans knew it, to Astabbuna during the time of the Arab reign.

Beaches

Its 21 kilometres of coastline make it an ideal destination to enjoy the beach, being also the municipality where we will find one of the first nudist beaches in Andalusia, Costa Natura, which is quite popular during the summer. Some of its beaches are urban, while others have a marked natural character and are further away from the centre of town.

In general, the beaches along the promenade on the Avenida de España are the most popular.

• Galera beach.
• Bahía Dorada.
• Arroyo Vaquero beach.
• Costa Natura.
• Gadalobón beach.
• Cristo beach.
• Estepona Marina beach.
• Rada beach.
• Punta Plata beach.
• Pinillos beach.
• Padron beach.
• Castor beach.
• Arroyo de las Cañas.
• Gaudalmansa beach.
• Saladillo beach.
• Casasola or Atalaya beach.

Golf in Estepona

If you are one of those who choose your holiday destination depending on the golf courses on offer, then Estepona may be one of your favourite places.  Golf courses that enjoy good reviews from those who visit them, and where you can also practice or learn to improve your technique.

If you like any of them, we recommend you visit their location and their website, available from the link provided. They often offer packs and other offers to customers that might be interesting.

If you are travelling with your golf equipment, you don’t need to pay any extra for transport with us. Otherwise, you can rent it at some of the following golf courses available in Estepona:

El Paraiso Golf Club

This golf course is known for its fantastic design by Gary Player in 1973. With prices starting from €70 in low season, it is an affordable golf course where you can also enjoy other services.

It is one of the few golf courses in the world that is owned and maintained by the members themselves.

Location: Urb. El Paraiso, Ctra de Cádiz, km 167 (Mapa: https://goo.gl/maps/fgen74bbnEcokBgQ8)

Valle Romano Golf & Resort

Located between the sea and the mountains, this is another golf course with a very affordable price and where you can play enjoyable holes. Visitors highlight the friendliness of the staff and the quality of the buffet.

There are offers and rates for accommodation and golf days if you want the full experience.

Location: https://g.page/valleromano?share

Atalaya Golf & Country Club

Whether you want to play golf or you are looking for private lessons to learn or improve your technique, at Atalaya Golf & Country Club, you can do it.

Location: https://g.page/AtalayaGolfClub?share

Estepona Golf

A good place to learn to play golf or improve your golf technique. It also has a children’s pool and beautiful views of the mountains, so if you are travelling with children and you like golf, this could be a good option.

There are different options to explore if you are interested in weekly packs or annual discounts.

Location: https://g.page/esteponagolf?share

Azata Golf

Recently built and very well maintained golf course, which also offers great views of the Costa del Sol. It is perhaps one of the cheapest golf courses in Estepona, where you can also rent the golf equipment you need or practice your technique on the new driving range.

Location: https://g.page/AzataGolf?share

Things to do in Estepona

Estepona is generally a quiet and relaxing place, although during the summer months it can triple its population. Originally a fishing village, today Estepona’s economy is based on tourism; those planning to spend their holidays here will find a wide range of accommodation and services on offer. In addition, thanks to its rich history, there are numerous monuments to visit; there is always something to do in Estepona, let’s discover it.

Visit Estepona Old Town

Recently, the old town of Estepona has been renovated, becoming one of the most beautiful in Andalusia. A full success to enjoy even more a leisurely stroll through its narrow streets of white houses adorned with flower pots. The heart of the old town is Plaza de las Flores, the ideal place for having a coffee and just enjoying the hustle and bustle at this beautiful square.

Visit a museum

If you would like to learn about Estepona’s extensive history, you can visit the archaeological museum located in the Plaza Blas Infante. It is very well classified by periods according to those who visit it; from remains found belonging to prehistoric times to the present day, not forgetting its Roman and Arabic past.

• Open from 8:30 to 13:30, closed on Sundays.
• Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vcvRWKnYZUusM3Ka9

Take a selfie next to the Clock Tower

The Clock Tower dates back to the 16th century, when it was part of the old Church of Los Remedios. After a major earthquake in the mid-18th century, the building had to be demolished, leaving only the skin of the tower. The bell tower is of later origin, being of neoclassical style.

Its proximity to the Plaza de las Flores makes it a recommended visit if you are in the area.

Stroll through typical streets

Do you want to discover typical Andalusian streets in Estepona? Visit the Garden of the Costa del Sol and discover its beautiful white streets with large flowerpots adorning the promenade.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/EX3LQXH9c579XXqL7

Another interesting place to stroll through is the Pasaje de María Cintrano.  A very picturesque corner of Estepona which is looked after by the locals themselves.

https://goo.gl/maps/i5KqGnK6sX5pK4Qt9

The Plaza Pozo Prado, is a pleasant typical square surrounded by typical Andalusian houses:  https://goo.gl/maps/4tCrbyC1KL3aTBRK9

Visit the Orchidarium

A few steps away in the heart of the city centre is the Orchidarium, a spectacular building with 3 glass domes, with 5,000 plants and 1,300 species of orchids. If you like orchids, this is the largest orchid collection in Europe and one of the largest in the world.

It is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the beauty that nature has to offer. In addition, in the vicinity of this botanical garden, you can find some bars and restaurants where you can eat.

• Opening hours: From 10:00 to 13:30 and from 15:00 to 18:00. Closed on Mondays.
• Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JqkyAXguP46G3Bp67
• Web: www.orchidariumestepona.com

Visit Estepona Marina

The Estepona Marina is reminiscent of a place you might find in the Caribbean, because of the vivid blue-white colour of the facilities. There you will not only find a wide range of bars, restaurants and cafés, but also a lot of nightlife, as well as a craft market on Sundays.

Whether you like fishing or you want to explore all the nooks and crannies of this beautiful marina, we recommend a visit to the Espigón. A quiet and relaxing place where the locals usually go fishing.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/SqQgbp5Ya5NnWCYS6

Promenade of Estepona

The promenade of Estepona is a fantastic place to stroll along at any time of the day, and even at night. It is a welcoming place where you will find numerous beach bars, where you can eat, or where you can sunbathe on hammocks. Along the promenade you will find other points of interest or things to do, do you feel like visiting the seafront area?

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ztzAHjMCQ89wgVht7

Viewpoint of Estepona

Very close to the Marina is the Punta Doncella Pier and the Viewpoint of the Costa del Sol, with great views of the coast. It is a truly spectacular place at sunset, from where you can take your best photographs of Estepona. On a clear, cloudless day you can see as far as Gibraltar and the coast of Africa.

Viewpoint location: https://goo.gl/maps/7XKW8vj4hN3qnh4K6

Play chess on the promenade

Do you want to play a game of giant chess? On the promenade you will find the Peseta Chess. Children will love it and grown-ups will challenge their parents to a game.

https://goo.gl/maps/WKKLzdss91Nj49LVA

Hiking in Sierra Bermeja

Nature lovers have only a few kilometres away the Natural Park of Sierra Bermeja with an altitude of 1.450 metres. This beautiful landscape offers not only fantastic views over the Mediterranean Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar but also beautiful forests of Spanish firs, unique in Europe. If you go a little further into the area you can discover beautiful white villages of Moorish heritage such as Casares or Genalguacil.

We are in an environment that can be enjoyed practically all year round. During the summer, the Padrón river provides some refreshing routes; during the winter, we can find incredible views from the top of this mountain range. We will certainly write more about this place.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/mTAWPCpZGm53V3mo7

Visit Selwo Aventura

For a family day out without going too far from the coast you can visit the Selwo Aventura theme park, a huge complex with more than 2,000 animals from the five continents living in semi-freedom.

This park is ideal for families, although you will also have a good time if you decide to go with friends. It has accommodation and places to eat, so if you want we can take you there in the morning and pick you up in the afternoon.

In addition to the animals, the park offers activities and events, such as photos with snakes or bird presentations. Hanging bridges are one of the park’s most popular attractions; you can see one in the picture above.

If you buy your ticket online it will be eaper; from €19.90 per person, and children under 3 get free entry.

• Opening times: Friday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00.
• Location: https://goo.gl/maps/huycSSo63dDf57MG8

Monuments in Estepona

Fancy visiting monuments in Estepona? There are several places we can recommend; remember that if you need transport we can take you wherever you need to go.

Castle of San Luis

The ruins of what was once an imposing castle are of Arab origin standing on the site of an ancient Roman mausoleum. After its reconstruction it was partially demolished by the French during the war.

Nowadays, together with its location, it is a highly recommended visit. Before or after your visit, you can enjoy the rich gastronomy in the different bars located near the market.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UusLM2cJQwzhdKje7

Bullring

Estepona’s bullring deserves a mention due to its peculiarity, being elliptical instead of round, with whitewashed walls. It is a nice place to enjoy a good concert in the open air in summer.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/wZkHo3SMh8ypfngR6

Punta Doncella lighthouse

Strolling along the beautiful promenade of Estepona we find, just before reaching the port, the Punta Doncella lighthouse, in the surroundings of which there are several viewpoints with views of the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar and the African coast.

Transfer from Malaga to Estepona

Whether you are arriving by air and are looking for a transfer from Malaga airport to Estepona, or you want to enjoy a day of sightseeing from the town; we can offer you a transport option to suit your needs.

Fancy going to Malaga, or maybe you want to visit La Herradura in Granada? We can also offer you transport to play golf or go skiing in Sierra Nevada, plus you don’t need to pay extra to bring any equipment you may need.