ESTEPONA

INFO & HISTORY
Estepona’s history is heavily marked by the presence of the Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs. The town was founded during the Phoenician colonization, when it was known as Astapa; however, it was in Roman times that it really flourished. The most significant settlement of the time stood near the River Guadalmansa, where remains of thermal baths that may have belonged top the Roman town of Salduba have been found.
With a sunny Mediterranean climate and 21 kilometers of coastline, Estepona offers beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Estepona has a vibrant food scene, with numerous restaurants and cafes offering a variety of local and international cuisines. It also hosts various cultural events, festivals, and concerts throughout the year, showcasing the town's rich heritage and cultural diversity. The town’s old traditions have not been allowed to die, and festivals such as San Isidro Labrador, which includes a popular pilgrimage, a cattle fair and an exhibition of agricultural produce and machinery, bear testimony to the importance of agriculture in Estepona, where citrus and tropical fruit are major products. Other celebrations, such as the Virgen del Carmen festival in mid July, are proof of the affection felt by the local fishermen for their virgin of the sea, to whom they offer gratitude for the protection she affords them. It is these same fishermen who enable the town to offer a range of excellent fish, the highlight being sardines, sand piper and red mullet. So, agriculture and fishing still play an important role in Estepona’s economy.
Of course, Estepona is also a tourist resort, so next to the fishing port we find the pleasure harbor. In addition, the town boasts a full range of other facilities normally associated with top-quality tourism, such as golf courses, luxury hotels and exclusive residential developments.The town is characterized by the peace and tranquillity that pervade its streets, squares and promenade. With a diverse and welcoming community, a moderate cost of living, historic sites to explore, and a relaxed lifestyle with ample opportunities for outdoor activities. All these, makes it the choice of many expatriates considering a visit or a move.
Estepona, located on the western side of Costa del Sol, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. Summers are characterized by long, sunny days with temperatures often reaching 30-35°C (86-95°F), perfect for enjoying the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. Winters are mild with average temperatures ranging from 10-18°C (50-64°F), making it a pleasant time to explore the region.
Estepona and the entire Costa del Sol are serviced by modern highways, both toll and public, like the AP-7 and the scenic N-340 that follows the coastline. These will take you anywhere you want to go, surrounded by stunning mountains and Mediterranean scenery.Málaga-Costa del Sol International Airport (AGP) is 80 kilometers (49 miles) east of Estepona, about 50 minutes by car. The Gibraltar International Airport (GIB) is 45 kilometers (28 miles) west of Estepona, about 40 minutes drive. Each airport is convenient for travel to and from the US, UK, and Europe, as well as for local hops within Spain.
These activities offer a mix of historical exploration, natural beauty, culinary delights, leisurely walks, and recreational opportunities in Estepona, providing visitors with a well-rounded experience of the town and its surroundings:
1. Explore the Old Town: Wander through Estepona's charming Old Town, known for its narrow streets adorned with colorful flower pots and adorned with beautiful murals. Discover quaint squares, cozy cafes, and traditional Andalusian architecture.
2. Relax on Estepona's Beaches: Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Estepona, such as Playa del Cristo and Playa de la Rada. Bask in the sun, swim in the azure waters, or indulge in water sports like paddleboarding or jet skiing.
3. Explore Orchidarium: Discover a vast collection of exotic orchids and tropical plants at Orchidarium de Estepona. This unique botanical garden offers a serene environment for nature enthusiasts.
4. Visit Estepona Marina: Take a leisurely stroll along Estepona Marina, lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. Admire the luxurious yachts and enjoy waterfront dining with stunning views.
5. Enjoy Gastronomy: Savor the local gastronomy of Estepona by indulging in delicious seafood dishes, tapas, and traditional Spanish cuisine. Visit the Mercado de Abastos, the local food market, to sample fresh produce and regional delicacies.
6. Discover Plaza de las Flores: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Plaza de las Flores, a bustling square filled with colorful flower stalls, cafes, and local shops. Enjoy a coffee or a meal while soaking in the lively ambiance.
7. Play Golf: Estepona is a haven for golf enthusiasts, with numerous golf courses in the area. Play a round at esteemed courses like Estepona Golf or Valle Romano Golf for an enjoyable golfing experience.
8. Promenade Walk: Take a leisurely stroll along the Promenade of Estepona, known as Paseo Marítimo. Enjoy scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea, charming beachside cafes, and public art installations along the promenade.
9. Estepona Clock Tower: Admire the iconic Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj) in the heart of Estepona's Old Town. This historic landmark is a symbol of the town and offers panoramic views from the top.
10. Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Church: Visit the beautiful Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Church, a historic church with stunning architecture and religious significance. Admire the intricate details and peaceful atmosphere inside. Right outside you can visit the new tower Mirador del Carmen facing the ocean.
Estepona is a great town for families and it offers a diverse selection of child-friendly attractions, and not all of them have to cost a lot of money. Here are our top 10 picks for you and your kids:
Selwo Aventura: A Safari Day in Estepona!
Selwo Aventura is a safari park like no other! From lions, elephants, rhinos and giraffes to lemurs, zebras, and various exotic birds and reptiles, over 2000 species from around the globe are enclosed in natural pristine habitats. Visitors can wander through tropical and subtropical regions of the park and get up close and personal to cheetahs, gibbons, flamingos, red pandas and meerkats and many more. They have an arcade/game area and a zip-line and trampolines for those brave enough! Follow the paths over the hanging bridges of the park to get spectacular panoramic views. Finally, be sure to book a “Serengeti Safari,” a drive through the heart of Africa in one of the park’s all-terrain vehicles for amazing close encounters with Africa’s most iconic animals.
Playa del Cristo: For a relaxing day at the beach.
This Estepona beach is a firm favorite with families, thanks to the fact it is a secluded cove and the shallower waters make it safer for younger children. There are tree-shaded areas, a small kids play area and 2 chiringuitos where you can rent sunbeds and enjoy lunch in front of the sea shore. There are live DJs and music during the weekend. Also, this is a spectacular location for a proper Estepona sunset with views of Gibraltar and Africa.
Paintball Estepona: Get your competitive spirit ready!
Paintball Estepona offers 6 themed playing fields spread out over 27,000 m2 of terrain. The Chill-Out and BBQ areas offer much needed shade after a high paced battle! You can bring a packed lunch or order a BBQ spread with advanced reservation. We recommend coming out in the morning as it does get hot and sweaty in all that protective gear! Staff is super nice and very friendly towards kids. Comfortable clothing and shoes are must! A great bonding experience for parents and older kids. 8 years old and up.
Mundo Mania: Make a splash.
If you are looking for a place where kids of all ages will have fun, then Mundo Mania is the place to go! This indoor and outdoor kids playgound provides year-round entertainment and it has a cafeteria-bar serving restaurant quality food, where parents can relax while the children play. The outdoor play area is a firm favorite with its water splash park, trampolines, multi sports pitches, small toddler play area and regular foam parties! There is also plenty of seating with shaded areas and outdoor bar serving drinks and food. If you wish to escape the sun then there are also indoor activities for kids including ball parks, soft play and table games. During the summer months Mundo Mania is also hosting lots of special events, so do keep an eye on their website, or follow them on social media for more information.
Water Fun Park: A fun family activity.
There are two fantastic inflatable sea parks on the beach. One is near Estepona Port by Playa La Rada, the other is at the beach across Laguna Village. Use of the various inflatables has an hourly cost, and children are supplied with life jackets. Get ready for a real work out and get in the water to win! 6 years old and up.
Beach Monkey JetSkiAt!
Beach Monkey you will find a wide range of water sports. Even if you don’t have experience, the instructors will be happy to guide you in your first steps with paddle surfing or wakeboarding. Have a great time while you exercise your body in the water! They offer paddle surf, wakeboard, kayak, dragging boats, pedal boats and more. Their activities take place on El Saladillo Beach, one of the best beaches in Estepona. It stands out for its spaciousness and for having shady areas for people with reduced mobility.
Take a walk to the woods!
Paseo de los Pinsapos is a popular walk that will immerse you in the only Spanish fir trees to grow in a peridotite landscape in the world. The linear trail is suitable for all the family and is a great choice if you’re keen to get out and about in the natural world. The Spanish firs constitute little pockets of biodiversity that attract countless plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the area.
Become a fisherman for a day.
If your children are interested in fishing and anything related to the sea, this Turismo Marinero experience is for them. Accompanied by experienced fishermen, you and your family will head out to sea on fishing boats where you will discover how fish are caught and learn to identify different species. Back on dry land, you will see the catch of the day be unloaded and then delivered to the fish market where it will be sold.
Kidz Kingdom: Fun for the little ones!
Their opened complex at Circus City is one of the largest indoor playgrounds in the Costa del Sol, and provides adventure play facilities for children from 0-11 years of age, always under parental supervision. They also have some very special friends who come in from time-to-time... including Mickey, Goofy, Minnie, Spiderman, Barney and Pluto.
Kart & Fun: Become a Formula 1 driver for the day!
The kart track in Estepona is specially designed for group races, you can get into the shoes of a real Formula 1 driver. Enjoy competing with the rivals or breaking your own record. All their sessions are timed. The little ones can ride their children’s track from the age of 6 or enjoy with the parents in their spectacular two-seater karts.
Estepona enjoys excellent air quality in addition to fine views. It ranks at the top of air quality indexes for Spain. Estepona has 17 different beaches along a 21-kilometre stretch of the Mediterranean Sea. All offer a peaceful atmosphere, hard to find in neighboring Costa del Sol destinations. The town’s main beach, Playa La Rada, runs for 2.6 kilometre along the seafront promenade. Estepona, with seven golf courses is a wonderful place to play and learn golf. Equestrians or anyone eager to learn will find a wide range of horseback riding choices in Estepona as well. Take riding lessons or participate in hacks and rides. The range of sporting facilities in Estepona continues to grow, with tennis and paddle clubs being extremely popular in town. You can also enroll in classes or practice yoga, surfing, sailing, diving, kitesurfing and porfessional paintball. Estepona has many sports centers as well. For those wanting to enjoy the outdoors, Estepona has several trails and the wonderful Sierra Bermeja to discover.
Estepona has a diverse population, with a mix of local Spanish residents and a large number of expats from various countries. The town has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, with a blend of traditional Spanish culture and international influences. It's estimated that almost 30% of people in Estepona are expats. English is widely spoken, making it easy for English-speaking visitors and expatriates to communicate and integrate into the local community. Estepona is a great city for retirees and many families choose Estepona as their home for everything that offers.
Here are the main reasons why you should retire in Spain:
- Spain is a very safe place to live in. The crime rate is low and you can walk through the streets safely any time of the day or night.
- The Spanish are known for being very healthy, thanks to their Mediterranean diet and outdoor lifestyle. Spain is ranked the healthiest country in the World. Spain also has one of the highest life expectancy in the World.
- Spain has great healthcare and you’re rarely more than 15 minutes away from a hospital or clinic. The healthcare system is in the top 10 around the World, above the healthcare systems of Italy, France, Greece, Germany, the UK and Portugal.
- Living up to its name, Costa del Sol is actually the sunniest area in Spain, with shining rays beating down on the region for almost the entire year. South of Spain has the warmest winters in Europe and over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and up to 15 hours of light in a day.
- Spanish culture is very relaxed and hassle-free.
- Spain has a secure banking system and dependable infrastructure. With 3,100km of rail track the Spanish high-speed AVE trains operate on the longest high-speed network in Europe.
- Spain has a large expat community in Costa Del Sol.
- Once you've the visa to live in Spain or your permanent residency, you can easily travel within the Schengen area.Spain is located on the west side of Europe, making traveling to the American continent fast and efficiant. A flight from Spain to New York is barely 8 hours.
- Retiring in Estepona invites you to embrace a coastal paradise where tranquil beaches, old-town charm, and a relaxed lifestyle intertwine. With its stunning natural beauty, mild climate, and welcoming expat community, Estepona offers the perfect backdrop for a fulfilling retirement. Whether you're drawn to the idyllic coastline, the captivating old town, or the active outdoor lifestyle, Estepona promises a retirement experience filled with relaxation, exploration, and contentment. Choose Estepona as your retirement destination and embark on a new chapter of life in this enchanting coastal haven.
Most of the shops are situated in the town centre on Calle Real or Calle Terraza. There is a wide variety, includingboutiques, souvenir shops, delicatessens, stationers and bakeries. Luxury shopping and designer brands are available from the Laguna beach village complex on the beach, east of the town centre near the Kimpinski Hotel. Burned down in 2019, will be replace by a beach club complex.
The larger supermarket is Carrefour and other smaller supermarkets available are Mercadona, Aldi, Lidl and Carrefour Express. On Sundays, from 09:00 to 14:00 hours you can find gifts, leather work, watches, arts and crafts, gifts, novelties...at the Marina Market. This market has been established for 30 years and is very popular. The town market is every Wednesday from 09.00 to 14.00 hours on Calle Eslovaquia, Calle Polonia and Calle Eslovenia in the Parque de Los Niños area.This is the traditional town market that has taken place for 50 years although it has moved locations a few times due to housing developments and permanent feria grounds. Good for fresh fruit and vegetables, clothes and house wares available.
The average cost of living per person in Estepona is $1079 per person. That is 25% cheaper than Madrid, 27% cheaper than Barcelona, 49% cheaper than Paris, 50% cheaper than Amsterdam, 52% cheaper than Dallas, 60% cheaper than Miami, 63% cheaper than Los Angeles, 65% cheaper than London and a whopping 70% cheaper than New York. It is even 25% cheaper than its more expensive neighbor Marbella. A fine bargain, considering that it offers many of the same amenities and lifestyle.
TOP BEACHES
PLAYA DEL CRISTO

Playa del Cristo is a picturesque beach with soft, golden sands, clear waters, and a dramatic backdrop of rocky cliffs. The tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make this a must-see beach while in Estepona. Playa del Cristo is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking. It also features beachside restaurants and amenities, making it a delightful destination for relaxation and leisure activities. This beach in Estepona has crystal clear waters and fine sand, and is protected from the wind, making it ideal for a day out with the family.
PLAYA LA RADA

Playa La Rada is a renowned beach that stretches across a long expanse of golden sand and crystal-clear waters in Estepona. It is well-equipped with facilities, including beachside bars, restaurants, and loungers for visitors convenience. Playa La Rada is popular among locals and tourists alike, attracting sunseekers, families, and water sports enthusiasts. Its lively atmosphere, scenic views, and proximity to the town center make it a sought-after destination for leisure and relaxation. It stands out for the convenience of having all the services at your disposal including outdoor gym and volley courts.
PLAYA COSTA NATURA

Playa Costa Natura is a unique beach that holds the distinction of being the first official family nudist beach in the country. The beach is known for its clean sandy shores, clear waters, and beautiful surrounding vegetation, which further add to the serenity and liberating environment for nudists and naturists. Visitors can enjoy the freedom of clothing-optional sunbathing and swimming, while also benefiting from facilities such as showers and a beach bar. Playa Costa Natura provides a distinct experience for those seeking a naturist-friendly beach destination.
TOP RESTAURANTS
LA TARANTELLA
La Tarantella is a highly-regarded Italian restaurant in Estepona. They’ve created a charming and cozy dining experience where visitors can enjoy the restaurant’s specialty- authentic Italian cuisine, across a variety of traditional dishes made with fresh ingredients. From pasta and risotto to pizza and seafood, La Tarantella offers a diverse menu to satisfy different tastes. With its warm atmosphere and delectable Italian flavors, La Tarantella is a popular choice for those seeking a delicious, Italian culinary experience in Estepona.
NAMIS

Namis is a newer addition to the culinary offerings in Estepona that has quickly gained in popularity for their chef’s fresh take on asian- fusion cuisine, incorporating traditional Japanese ingredients and techniques, while also experimenting with new flavors and combinations and sushi menu. They’ve also created a unique and exciting space for customers to enjoy a meal that delights all their senses, in a cozy, chic and elegant setting, perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with family and friends.
EL HATILLO

Arroceria El Hatillo is a small, woman-owned, women-run restaurant located just blocks from the beach in Estepona. Don’t be fooled by the small and humble space- reservations are a must, as its popularity and flavors are larger than the building can seat during their short, lunch-time only serving window. Specializing in Paellas, they serve a variety of rice dishes, and the menu that changes daily, so you’d be hard pressed to find a dish that isn’t delicious or repeated in a week. Make sure you try their dessert options every time too.
TOP BEACH CLUBS
SPILER BEACH CLUB

Spiler Beach Club is a popular beach club with a vibrant and luxurious beachside experience for visitors. The club features stylish loungers, umbrellas, and a pristine stretch of sandy beach. Guests can indulge in a variety of amenities, including a restaurant serving delectable cuisine, a beach bar offering refreshing drinks, and even a swimming pool for a relaxing dip. With its chic ambiance and beachfront setting, Spiler Beach Club is a favored destination for those seeking a sophisticated and enjoyable beach experience in Estepona.
TROCADERO

Trocadero Beach Club is a renowned beach club nestled in Estepona, known for its exquisite beachfront setting and elegant amenities. The club offers comfortable loungers, parasols, and direct access to a pristine sandy beach. Guests can indulge in a range of services, including a restaurant specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, a beachside bar serving refreshing drinks, and live entertainment. Trocadero Beach Club is a sought-after destination for those seeking a sophisticated beach experience, combining relaxation, dining, and entertainment in a stylish atmosphere.
NIDO BEACH CLUB

Nido Beach Club is a trendy beach club located in Estepona, Spain. It offers a contemporary and stylish beachside experience, comfortable loungers, umbrellas, and direct access to a picturesque sandy beach. Guests can savor a diverse menu at the restaurant, specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, and enjoy refreshing beverages from the beach bar. With its modern ambiance, Nido Beach Club attracts visitors looking for a chic and enjoyable beach atmosphere with a touch of sophistication.
TOP CHIRINGUITOS
SONORA BEACH

Sonora Beach is a popular chiringuito at the waters edge in Estepona, where they’re known for their relaxed, hippy-chic aesthetic and chill vibes. Enjoy comfortable sun loungers, parasols, and direct access to a sandy beach while you enjoy a refreshing drink pr snack. Visitors can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a beachfront restaurant serving delicious dishes, a lively beach bar, and occasional live music. Sonora Beach is favored by locals and tourists seeking a casual and enjoyable beach environment with a focus on good food, drinks, and a pleasant atmosphere.
SALDUNA BEACH

This charming chiringuito has curated a tranquil and picturesque setting for guests to enjoy their casual beachfront bar & restaurant that offers a laid-back and inviting atmosphere for visitors. Guests can savor delicious Mediterranean cuisine and refreshing beverages while enjoying the panoramic views of the sea. With its relaxed ambiance and delectable menu, Chiringuito Salduna Beach is a popular destination for those looking to unwind, dine, and soak up the coastal beauty of Estepona.
PALM BEACH

Situated on Palm Beach, this vibrant chiringuito offers a lively and energetic atmosphere for visitors. Chiringuito Palm Beach boasts a stylish beachfront locale, where guests can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes, refreshing drinks, and live music. With its upbeat ambiance and beachside charm, Chiringuito Palm Beach is a popular choice for those seeking a fun-filled beach experience, complete with great food, drinks, and entertainment in Estepona.
TOP COFFEE SHOPS
D'ALICIA

D'Alicia Cafe is a collection of boutique cafe’s in Costa del Sol, with a cute and cozy cafe in Estepona. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to take-home or to the office for a special occasion, a quick bite to eat, or tasty treat for your pantry they have options to satisfy. They serve French, Belgian, Deli, and Healthy cuisine, with vegetarian-friendly and vegan options. Customers can enjoy great coffee, fresh juices, butters, jams, pastries, breads, cakes, and cookies, with all pastries made in-house.
LA CORDOBESA

La Cordobesa is a beloved restaurant located in Estepona, specializing in traditional Andalusian cuisine, specifically dishes from the Cordoba region. The restaurant offers a menu for eats throughout the day, but are revered for their churros, breakfasts and desserts, and all can and should be enjoyed with a delicious, hot cup of coffee, chocolate or juice. With its warm ambiance and flavorsome culinary offerings, La Cordobesa is a favored destination for those seeking a taste of traditional Andalusian cuisine in Estepona.
HONORÉ BOULANGERIE

Honore Boulangerie is a charming, corner bakery offering a delightful selection of freshly baked bread, pastries, cakes, and other mesmerizing treats, coffee, cappuccino and espresso. The bakery takes pride in using high-quality ingredients and traditional baking techniques to deliver delicious and flavorful treats. Whether you're looking for a crusty baguette, a decadent croissant, or a sweet pastry, Honore Boulangerie provides a welcoming atmosphere where visitors can indulge in delectable baked delights with a cup of coffee or espresso in Estepona.
TOP HEALTHY / VEGAN
IKAGI FOOD

Ikagi Food is a health-conscious and vegan restaurant that caters to those seeking nutritious and plant-based culinary options. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring a range of flavorful and creative dishes made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. From salads and bowls to vegan burgers and smoothies, Ikagi Food provides a satisfying dining experience for vegans and health-conscious individuals in Estepona, promoting a sustainable and mindful approach to food.
LOVE BY NOYA

Love by Nala is another popular restaurant situated in Estepona that focuses on diners seeking nourishing and plant-based culinary options. The restaurant offers a diverse menu of delicious and wholesome dishes, including salads, wraps, smoothie bowls, and more. Love by Nala is committed to using fresh, organic ingredients and promoting a sustainable approach to food. With its inviting ambiance and flavorful plant-based offerings, it has become a beloved destination for health-conscious diners in Estepona.
WILD CAFE

Wild Cafe is a funky-chic vegan restaurant in Estepona that has quickly become a go-to spot for beautiful, delicious and wholesome vegan cuisine. It offers a diverse menu of healthy and plant-based dishes, including salads, sandwiches, wraps, smoothies and desserts. With a focus on fresh, organic ingredients, Wild Cafe delivers stunning food presentations to enjoy in a vibrant and inviting atmosphere for all health-conscious diners. Whether you're looking for a nutritious meal or a refreshing beverage, WILD should be on your short-list.
TOP BARS
FLAMENCO ROSA

Flamenco Rosa is a newer addition to the front row bar options in Estepona, with a hip and laid back atmosphere and charming decor to enjoy while sipping on a carefully crated cocktail. Open for the afternoon til the late hours of the night, you should add this to your list of bars to visit for a drink with a view, as it is just steps from the sandy beaches in Estepona. Friendly staff in a well lit space with a cute design will make this a regular for locals and tourists alike.
SIOPA BAR

Siopa is a cozy bar is known for its selection of local Spanish craft beers, whiskies, gins, rums, and vodkas. In addition to their friendly service, the create beautiful tapas that are delivered to you with a smile, to keep your evening going one drink or one snack after another. Siopa is a fantastic bar to try a new drink or special selection, as they are always bringing something new to the counter.
BERMEJA VIEWS

Bermeja Views Bar is a restaurant and bar with sky-high views, from the rooftop of Veranera Hostel. Known as ‘Estepona’s most exciting rooftop’ you will enjoy stunning views of old town Estepona below and Sierra Bermuda, while socializing with friends and great, live music or DJs to keep the vibe grooving late in to the night. The staff are attentive and help elevate the experience even higher. The bar serves hand crafted cocktails, beers, wine and food, including locally caught seafood and other Mediterranean cuisines such as Italian and French.
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