Estepona is a pretty town situated on the Costa del Sol in the province of Malaga, Spain. It is close to the resorts of San Pedro de Alcantara and Marbella. It is surrounded by sea and the mountain peaks of the Sierra Bermeja which peaks at Los Reales 1,452 metres above sea level. There are plenty of things to do in Estepona, from exploring its vast history to relaxing on its golden beaches, and everything in between.
History
The settlement of Estepona began with the Phoenicians 3,000 years ago. These people used the location as a fishing port and set up salting factories which enabled them to export the fish caught in the area.
The Phoenician era lasted until they were conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC. They carried on with the salting and exportation of fish and more people began to settle in the area. Evidence of Roman remains can be found in the Roman baths of the Torre del Rio Guadalmansa which are said to belong to the town of Estepona which was then called Salaba.
The 8th century saw the arrival of the Arabs who stayed in Estepona and its regions for seven centuries. The town was renamed Estebunna or alextebuna and they settled mostly in the El Nicio area of the town. It was here they built a castle in the centre and the remains can still be seen today.
In 1456 the town was conquered once again, and the town was ruled by King Henry IV of Castille in the jurisdiction of Marbella. But during the reign of Felipe V the town was given its independence. It was during this period the seven watchtowers along the coast of Estepona were built.
The watchtowers could signal warnings to the inhabitants of the town against Barbary pirates who came to shore to capture young people for the slave trade in the Ottoman Empire. You can still see the watchtowers in Estepona to this day. They have lasted because of their strong construction and the fact that they were maintained and in use up to the middle of the 20th century.
Beaches
No list of things to do in Estepona would be complete without mentioning the beautiful beaches. The sandy beach stretches along a length of 21 kilometres of gorgeous Spanish coastline. The main beaches are:
Playa El Saladillo This is Estepona’s largest beach at 3 kilometres long and 35 metres wide. It’s a great beach for the whole family. There’s free parking and its adapted for people with disabilities.
Playa El Cristo You’ll find this small beach next to the marina. There are play areas for the children and plenty of shade under the trees. Park in the designated car park and when you need refreshment, you’ll find a couople of beach bars close by.
Playa El Padron Playa El Padron is just outside Estepona, five kilometres along the coast. It’s a wide sandy beach 1.4 kilometres long. There’s parking, a café and restaurant and it’s adapted for people with disabilities. Perfect for families.
Playa Ancha Ancha, in Spanish means wide, and this beach is just that. It stretches more than 1,000 metres and is 50 metres wide. In 2019 it was awarded a blue flag for its crystal-clear waters. It’s divided into three sections: Playa de Sal, Playa Chica and Playa Ancha.
Playa de Arroyo las Cañas-Velerin This beach is located near the coastal road between Estepona nad Marbella. It’s perfect for younger people as it has a popular beach bar and restaurant.
Playa de Sabinillas This beach is between the resorts of Puerto de la Duquesa and Manilva river. It’s actually outside Estepona, but its close a worth a visit. It’s perfect for families because it has a blue flag and there are plenty of activities for children.
Playa de Casasola-Atalaya This large beach is perfect if you want to chill out and enjoy a swim in the calm crystal-clear waters of the sea. It’s got free parkig and its adapted for people with disabilities.
Playa de la Rada This is the beach you should use if you’re staying in the centre of Estepona. It’s more than two kilometres long with calm water. There are plenty of beach bars and restaurants. A great family beach with access for people with disabilities and free parking.
Sightseeing
There are plenty of things to see and do in Estepona for every person, whatever their interests. Some of our favourites include:
Flowers and Plants – Walking around the streets you’ll see an abundance of beautiful flowers and lush green plants all in colourful plants pots. Each street seems to have its own colour scheme.
The Marina – Take a stroll around the Marina and have a look at the yachts and boats or stop for a refreshing drink or something to eat at one of the marina’s bars and restaurants. Watch the fisherman drying their catch and mending the nets.
Outdoor Sculpture Museum – Find it next to the beach at Playa de Angel. The 12 sculptures are lit at night so it’s a nice time to take a walk and see the work of artist Santiago de Santiago.
Castle of San Luis – The ruins of the Castle de San Luis are in the centre of Estepona town. It was built on the orders of the catholic monarchs, Ferdinand, and Isabella in the sixteenth century and replaced the castle which was built on the same spot when Estepona was under Arab rule.
The Clock Tower – The clock tower is only a couple of minutes’ walk from the castle of San Luis. The tower belonged to a church which was destroyed in an earthquake. Rather than reconstruct the building the clock tower was left, and the church was rebuilt in another location. In the 18th century, a dome was added and in the 1940s a sundial was added to the southern face.
Iglesia de ls Remedios – This church was built to replace the church destroyed in 1755. It is located in the centre of Estepona. It used to be a Franciscan monastery and has also been used as a hospice.
Torre de Guadalmansa – The Tower is one of the seven watchtowers of Estepona. It is 14 metres high with a base diameter of 6.70 metres. You’ll find it in the Torre Bermeja complex.
Museums – There are various museums in Estepona all giving you an insight into how people lived. You can visit:
- Museo Arqueologico de Estepona
- Ethnographic Museum
- Paleontological Museum
- Bullfighting Museum
- Prehistoric Necropolis of Corominas
- Roman Villa of Las Torres
- Orchid Farm Botanic Park
You’ll see the distinctive three glass domes as you approach the park. Once inside you can view a stunning selection of plants. Outside take the winding path circuitous route for more flowers and two continuous waterfalls.
The Bullring - The bullring is located close to the marina. Unlike most bullrings in Spain, it has an oval shape rather than the traditional round shape.
Activities
Whether you want a relaxing long-stay winter break in Estepona, or you're one for actvities and excitement, there's plenty to do in Estepona:
Beach Strolls - Estepona boasts beautiful beaches with a promenade perfect for leisurely walks. Enjoy the fresh air, stunning views, and the sound of the waves.
Golf - The Costa del Sol is famous for its numerous golf courses. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner, you'll find options that cater to different skill levels.
Yoga and Wellness - Estepona has several wellness centers and yoga studios offering classes specifically tailored to older adults. Participating in these activities can improve flexibility, balance, and overall well-being.
Art and Culture - Explore Estepona's rich history and art scene by visiting local museums, galleries, and cultural events. The town's Old Town area is particularly charming and filled with character.
Wine Tasting - The region around Estepona has some excellent wineries. Consider taking a wine tour to sample local wines and learn about the winemaking process.
Hiking - There are beautiful nature trails and hiking routes around Estepona, offering scenic views of the coastline and mountains.
Cooking Classes - Embrace Spanish cuisine by taking a cooking class. Learn how to prepare traditional dishes and then enjoy the delicious results.
Dance Classes - Many dance schools in Estepona offer classes like flamenco or salsa. Dancing is a fun way to stay active and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Day Trips - Use Estepona as a base to explore nearby attractions such as Ronda, Gibraltar, or even take a ferry to visit the Moroccan city of Tangier.
Water Activities - Engage in water-based activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply swimming in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.
Local Markets - Visit the local markets, where you can find fresh produce, crafts, and unique souvenirs.
Social Clubs and Meetups - At Valle Romano, we will be able to provide a wide range of on site acivities and excursions.
Contact us
For more information call us today on +44 (0)1297 32118 or complete our contact form.