Estepona is the most westerly resort on the Costa del Sol, twenty five kilometres west of Marbella and seventy five kilometres from Malaga airport. Originally a small fishing village, Estepona has grown to accommodate the increasing numbers of tourists without the seemingly inevitable appearance of high rise hotels and apartments that are often found in other resorts in the region.
There are many reasons for taking an Estepona holiday. Not least of these is the promise of glorious sunshine each and every day. A combination of sandy beaches, warm seas, water sports, several golf courses, excellent restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere attract many visitors to Estepona every year.
Estepona is very popular with Spanish tourists, many of whom have holiday homes in the area. Estepona is essentially a family resort offering a relaxing break in the sun. The eight golf courses in the area attract many golfers.
Although Estepona on the Costa del Sol is a year round holiday venue, the summer holiday period is probably the most popular time to go, with guaranteed sunshine and warm seas. However, it is also a good place to go to escape from the damp British winter.
With the Sierra Bermeja as a backdrop, Estepona is an attractive town spreading from the sea up the hill towards the ruins of the Castillo de San Luis. Its narrow cobbled streets wind steeply from the port. Whitewashed houses, their balconies laden with pots of colourful flowers line the alleyways and squares.
The authentic flavour of Estepona is achieved in part by its popularity with Spanish visitors and the number of traditional tapas bars and restaurants is a reflection of this.
There are twenty three kilometres of beach in the Estepona area most of which are of fairly course sand. The main beach, La Rada, has a wide variety of water sports including jet skiing, parasailing and scuba diving. A modern promenade with palm trees and flower beds, borders the beach. The palms give shade to the many cafes and bars on the promenade and also to the children’s adventure playground.
Golfers have a wide choice of courses, there being eight in the area. Remember to take your handicap certificate with you as this is required at most courses.
Estepona has a bullring which hosts sixteen bullfights each year. The venue is used at other times for concerts.
Although there are numerous bars and restaurants, the nightlife in Estepona is very low key and much of it is hotel based. The area around the marina is the most lively with disco pubs and bars.
The old town has many quaint shops hidden down its narrow alleyways. The most modern shops are in the centre of town in the Calle Real and the Calle Terraza. The Sunday market in Estepona is the place to go for gifts and holiday mementoes. For serious shoppers Marbella with its Golden Mile is only twenty minutes ride away.
There are many excellent fish restaurants in Estepona especially in the old town where you can sample the local sardine speciality, esparto de sardines. The Plaza de la Flores has many pavement cafes and traditional tapas bars where you can sit and enjoy the beauty of the square. Local wines are pleasant and inexpensive. Children are always very welcome in Spanish restaurants.
