Estepona: The Costa del Sol Town Where Spaniards Go on Holiday

West of Marbella, the Costa del Sol's high-rises give way to something more traditional. Estepona has kept the feel of an Andalusian pueblo blanco: whitewashed lanes hung with hundreds of flowerpots, plazas shaded by orange trees and a seafront where Spanish families stroll in the evening. It's nicknamed "the Garden of the Costa del Sol" – and it's easy to see why.

Things to do

1. Get lost in the old town

The historic centre is a maze of narrow streets painted white, with each street's flowerpots in a different colour. Start at Plaza de las Flores, the main square, and wander towards the Church of Los Remedios and the remains of the castle.

2. Walk the Paseo Marítimo

A long promenade runs beside La Rada beach, lined with palm trees, cafés and fish restaurants. It's at its best in the early evening, when locals come out for their paseo.

3. Follow the mural route

Dozens of huge murals cover the sides of apartment blocks around the town, turning a walk into an open-air gallery. The tourist office has a map of the route.

4. Visit the Orchid House

A striking glass dome in the town centre houses thousands of orchids, a waterfall and tropical plants – a peaceful escape on a hot afternoon.

5. Relax on the beaches

La Rada is the main town beach, with sunbeds and gentle water. El Cristo, a small sheltered cove to the west, is popular with families, and the long beaches towards Casares are quieter.

6. Eat at the port

Estepona's working port has a fish market and a row of restaurants serving fried fish, grilled sardines and seafood rice. On Sunday mornings there's a large market nearby.

Day trips

7. Gibraltar

The Rock is around 45 minutes away by road. Take the cable car or a tour to see the Barbary macaques and the views over the strait. Bring your passport.

8. Ronda and the white villages

A winding mountain road leads to Ronda and its dramatic gorge, passing white villages such as Casares and Gaucín along the way.

9. Marbella and Puerto Banús

Just 20–30 minutes east, Marbella's old town and Puerto Banús marina make an easy evening out.

Getting there

Most visitors fly into Málaga Airport, about an hour away. Buses run from Málaga and Marbella, but a hire car or a pre-booked airport transfer is the easiest way to reach your hotel, especially with luggage. In town, everything in the centre is walkable.