If you are planning to spend your holidays in Estepona or nearby, here you will find everything you need to know.
Estepona is one of the most exclusive destinations on the Costa del Sol. Unlike Marbella, this pretty fishing village has managed to maintain much of its essence.
The municipality continually invests in beautifying the intricate streets of its old town.
As a result, in recent years it has acquired a name of its own: El Jardin de la Costa del Sol (The Garden of the Costa del Sol).
The town boasts a large number of 5-star hotels and some of the best golf courses. This makes it the ideal destination for an affluent clientele who prefer to keep a low profile and enjoy a relaxing holiday with the best facilities.
- No refuelling fee
- Free cancellation
- Hire without intermediaries
- Pay when you pick up your car
Table of Contents
Hotels in Estepona
Estepona has some of the best 5-star hotels on the Costa del Sol.
- Ikos Andalusia. All-inclusive hotel with 7 restaurants, several swimming pools and spa.
- Finca Cortesin Golf & Spa. Although located in the municipality of Casares, we include it because of its proximity to Estepona. There are 4 golf courses in the surrounding area.
- Gran Hotel Elba Estepona Thalasso & Spa. Located on the beachfront. Ideal for families with children, couples and groups of friends.
- Las Dunas Hotel Health & Spa. Situated close to the beach. There are 2 golf clubs nearby.
- METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella Estepona. Situated between Estepona and Marbella, on the beach next to the Golden Mile. It has 3 swimming pools, water slides and children’s club, as well as a large Spa.
- Senator Banús Spa Hotel – Adults Only. Adults only hotel located near Marbella. It has 2 swimming pools, fitness room and sauna.
- Here we have more adults only hotels in Estepona and Marbella for you.
- Kempinski Hotel Bahía. Located right on the beach, it has several large pools, lush gardens and a large spa.
- Looking for the best family hotels in Estepona?
Golf in Estepona
The municipality has 7 excellent golf courses, with 9, 18 and up to 36 holes, fantastic scenery and spectacular views.
Atalaya Golf & Country Club (36 holes). Situated in a beautiful setting near the sea, it is one of the most emblematic golf complexes on the Costa del Sol.
Azata Golf (18 holes). Course integrated in nature with spectacular views.
El Campanario Golf & Country House (9 holes). A 9-hole pitch & putt course and Driving Range in a beautiful setting.
El Paraíso Golf Club (18 holes). Large course surrounded by plants, streams and two lakes that presents various challenges for all levels.
Estepona Golf (18 holes). 18 holes surrounded by nature and with marvellous views of the sea and the mountains. For all levels.
Valle Romano Golf (18 holes). An 18-hole, 5 km course, prepared to host the most demanding and prestigious tournaments. Both an enjoyable course for amateurs and a challenge for professionals.
La Resina Golf (9 holes). Considered one of the best 9-hole courses in Andalusia for all levels. Situated in a wonderful setting.
Beaches in Estepona
Estepona has a large 2.5 km long wide beach, La Rada. The beach stretches along the promenade with numerous beach bars and the town centre.
One of the most popular beaches is Playa del Cristo in the west of the municipality.
It is a very well equipped and very popular with families as it is more protected from the waves.
The municipality also has one of the nudist beaches on the Costa del Sol.
Costa Natura is a small pebble cove next to the Costa Natura naturist complex.
Spas in Estepona
The town also has some of the best Spas on the Costa del Sol:
Elba Thalasso Spa – Hotel Elba Estepona, Exe Estepona Thalasso Spa, H10 Estepona Palace, Despacio Spa Center, Kempinski Spa, Natural&mente Urban Spa, Spaxion Estepona and the Senator Banús Spa Hotel – Spa & Wellness Acquaplaya halfway between Estepona and Marbella.
Discover them all in this link.
Estepona Old Town
The historic centre of Estepona is undoubtedly one of the most well-kept and best preserved on the Costa del Sol.
The continuous investment in the beautification of streets, squares and houses has given Estepona the nickname “Garden of the Costa del Sol“.
The main commercial artery of the city is Calle Terraza. From there you can wander through alleys and small squares on a visually opulent stroll and discover some charming spots.
A drink at the popular Plaza de las Flores is almost a must.
However, in the adjoining Plaza Dr. Arce, we personally recommend what is probably the best ice cream parlour on the Coast (and we have tried many!): La Italiana.
Activities in Estepona
Monuments and museums
In the centre of Estepona you can visit several monuments and museums in a few hours:
The church of the Virgen de los Remedios from the 18th century; the Clock Tower from the 15th century and the Castle of San Luis from the 16th century.
Visit the Palaeontological Museum, with replicas of dinosaurs, fossils or the Ethnographic Museum of Estepona, showing its traditional customs.
Watch Towers and the Lighthouse
The coastline of Estepona has 7 medieval watchtowers that we can visit on a tour. Or we walk along the promenade towards the port, where the Punta Doncella lighthouse is located.
There are several viewpoints to observe the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar and North Africa.
Orchidarium
In the old town is located this beautiful Orchidarium of 1.000 square metres, glass domes and a 10-metre waterfall, and more than 1.300 types of orchids.
The entrance fee to the Estepona Orchidarium is 3€ for adults and 1€ for children. Booking is not necessary.
Dolmens of Coromínas
On the outskirts of the city is the 5,000-year-old Necropolis of Cerro de Corominas. It has an interpretation centre, recreating megalithic funerary architecture.
San Isidro Labrador
On 15 May this festival takes place in the streets of the historic centre in honour of the patron saint of the municipality.
A joyful and charming festival, with an agricultural character, lots of music, dancing, gastronomy and good wines.
Fair
In July, from the first Tuesday until Sunday, the fair takes place. The event is so popular with the locals that many take holidays to live it to the full for 6 days and nights in the central streets and at the fairgrounds.
Try the chilled manzanilla wine and see if you can resist dancing!
Virgen del Carmen
On the 16th of July this very popular seafaring procession is celebrated in many coastal towns in honour of the Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen.
The procession in Estepona is one of the most special and emotional.
Street markets
Enjoy a stroll through the town’s colourful and varied street markets. Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables, buy some bargains or handicrafts.
- Street Market: Wednesday – Parque de Los Niños
- Harbour Market: Sundays – Puerto Deportivo (Marina)
- Agricultural Market: Sundays – ABC Square
- Bullring Flea Market: Sundays – Plaza de Toros
The Marina
The Marina of Estepona with its beautiful blue shades looks a bit like a distant Caribbean harbour.
There are a number of bars, cafes and restaurants as well as discotheques in the area.
Auditorium
The Auditorium regularly hosts musicals, plays, dance, operas and other performances.
Have a look at their website, there might be an event you are interested in seeing during your stay.
Escape Room Estepona
If you fancy a different kind of fun group activity, try the Chronos Escape Room Estepona. Check it out on their Facebook page!
Sierra Bermeja
Sierra Bermeja just a few kilometres from Estepona is ideal for a short break in the countryside.
There are several routes through the oldest Fir forests in the province.
If you feel like going further afield, you can visit the open-air museum village Genalguacil.
Or simply take the car to the Salvador Guerrero viewpoint and enjoy spectacular views over the coast, and the strait at an altitude of over 1,000 metres.
Coastal Path
The beautiful coastal path of the Costa del Sol links the coastal towns along 160 km. Ideal for enjoying a stroll by the sea.
Or you can plan your own personal Camino de Santiago by the sea, doing the whole route on foot over several days. Without a doubt, an unforgettable experience!
Selwo Adventure
There are 3 Selwo Parks on the Costa del Sol, one of them in Estepona. It is a huge open-air enclosure with more than 40 hectares.
It combines the immersive zoo concept with a wide range of activities and even the possibility of staying overnight in the park. Find out all about it here!
Leisure Activities
As a city by the sea, Estepona has a huge offer of “marine leisure”: Fishing charters and excursions, whale watching, scuba diving, paddle surfing, kite surfing.
On the playa del Padrón is set up every summer a floating water park.
The municipality has an Equestrian Art School, you can go parasailing, Buggy Tours, Paintball, and much more. Come on, if you get bored, it’s because you want to!
In this link you can find all the leisure activities in Estepona, enjoy!
Car hire at Malaga airport
Estepona has only one disadvantage: Getting there from Malaga airport by public transport is extremely complicated.
Therefore, it is best to opt directly for a rental car at the airport with your trusted company, Malagacar.com.
We have a large fleet; you are sure to find something that fits your ideas. Just don’t wait until the last minute to book if you’re coming this summer because you could be left without a car!
Transfer from Malaga airport
On the other hand, if you prefer to enjoy your holidays with all the comforts and you don’t intend to move around the province, a transfer from Malaga airport to your hotel or any other destination can be the perfect solution.
Our transfer fleet includes standard, executive, luxury, vans and minibuses with driver.
Our prices are very competitive and we will be waiting for you upon arrival. It couldn’t be easier.
If you need to make a reservation for the next 24 hours you can call directly to the following number: +34 952 962 710
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