The Best Beaches in Estepona
Estepona is an attractive coastal town, with golden, sandy beaches stretching 21 km from east to west. While it’s fast becoming a tourist hot spot, it’s still not quite as popular as Malaga or…
Beach clubs are how people ‘do’ the beach these days.
Gone are the days when you just rocked up at a strip of sand you liked the look of (which hopefully had some sort of restaurant attached for refreshment), hired a sunbed and a parasol and then gathered the soggy, dirty towels up at the end of the day. No, no, NO. Now it’s full service, extensive wine, champagne and cocktail menus, top-class international food, live entertainment and swimming pools. Oh, thank goodness.
Move over Miami, step aside Ibiza, there’s a new home to hedonistic pool parties and beach clubs: Marbella. And from the deep-down decadent and crazy to more relaxed and elegant affairs, here’s our pick of the very best…
Nikki Beach
The beach club that basically started it all, Nikki Beach is still the venue that sets the standards. The restaurant delivers quality dish after dish across a ‘global favourites’ menu with a few local Spanish flourishes. The sushi is fresh, the seafood platter is one of the best in Marbella (with or without the outrageous theatre that accompanies it to your table or poolside bed) and their key offerings are rotisserie-style chicken, lamb or suckling pig.
Food aside, the partying reputation of this hugely successful chain of beach clubs needs little or no introduction. It’s difficult to convey just how fabulous the parties are. The entertainment is BIG – think Cirque du Soleil and you wouldn’t be far from some of the events. The whole place has an air of extravagance about it. There are ample beds poolside, easy access to the beach, covered dining and a seriously well stocked bar. The tagline is ‘Tell only your best friends’. The secret is well and truly out, but it never disappoints.
Don’t miss their Amazing Sundays, Full Moon Parties, White Parties, and… well, any of their events, actually.
Opening party date: 14th April 2023.
Closing party date: The closing season Red Party approx. 2nd October 2023.
Address: Playa Hotel Don Carlos, Carretera de Cadiz, Km 192, 29600 Marbella, Malaga; 952 83 62 39; Nikkibeach.com.
Puerto Banus & to the West
Ocean Club Marbella
Ocean Club in Puerto Banus is a dazzling vision of white and light blue. It’s beside the beach but not on it – so if you’re a sand-hater, it’s the one for you – while the decked terrace is adorned with circular beds that mirror the shape of the pool.
The party atmosphere ramps up and up throughout the day into the early hours of the morning. The atmosphere is relaxed during the afternoon until the sun sets when the no-holds-barred pool parties, complete with theatrical performances, begin and the music blasts out over the Med. On the themed nights nothing is too over the top to thrill the crowds who queue to enter – these parties are legendary. On specific nights the pool is transformed into a stage where entertainers (including plenty of famous names) whip the crowd into an outdoor, amphitheatre-like frenzy.
The cocktail list has a great selection of mojitos as well as the usual suspects. As for the lunchtime restaurant, it serves the likes of sushi, pizzas, pasta, salads, kebabs, club sandwiches, burgers and other food for party-goers. The choice of alfresco or indoor eating is a welcome extra for those needing a bit of respite from the midday sun.
Opening party date: 28th April 2023
Champagne parties: TBC
Closing Party: Approx. 1st of October 2023
Address: Avenida Lola Flores, S/N, 29660 Marbella, Malaga; 952 90 81 37; Oceanclub.es.
La Sala by the Sea
La Sala by the Sea certainly scores well on the convenience front: it has its own designated parking and valet service in the centre of Puerto Banus, so you can park up and be out of your car stretched out on a bed, drink in hand, in the blink of an eye.
This relatively small beach club has its own circular-shaped pool (not as large as many others’), a restaurant, treatment rooms and its fair share of party action during the summer. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner with an emphasis on seafood with the odd Asian twist. The drinks menu is average, serving the usual suspects – it’s neither surprising nor disappointing either. If you want to hire a beach bed around the club, towels and fresh fruit come in the hire price. However, if you’d like to sunbathe on the beds on the beach they charge extra for the towels. Weekly parties are held, often you need to book in advance.
Opening party date: From May to September they will be open Friday to Sunday from 11am – 7pm
Date for the diary: TBC
Address: Av Jose Banus, 29660 Marbella, Malaga; 952 81 38 82; Lasalabythesea.com.
THE ORIGIN BEACH SOUL MARBELLA
Ok, ok! This isn’t a beach club per se, more a beach restaurant with pool. But over towards Puerto Banus, The Origin Beach Soul may not be the liveliest of our selection but it’s first-line beach location is great and you may have visited it’s older sister in Mallorca. The lagoon shaped pool is an inviting change to the sea. The vibe is relaxed and family friendly. The menu is said to be 0km with Asian notes running through it. There’s tapas to sharing plates and a raw menu too. Sunbathing-wise you can book beds, nests or balibeds. This is a good option for a brunch to dinner beach day.
Open: Sunday to Thursday 11am to 7pm, Friday & Saturday 11am to 12am
Address: Urbanización Coral Beach, N-340, km 176, 29602 Marbella, Málaga
Further West – San Pedro to Estepona
Club del Mar
Club del Mar is part of the five-star Villa Padierna Palace Hotel complex. They don’t offer entertainment in the evenings. It’s a wonderfully relaxing place in which to hang out during the day, though, whether you’re stretched out on the beach enjoying the full waiter service or eating high quality food in the light and airy beach house. (Top LVC tip: check out their caviar menu – it’s to-die-for. We also love the paella)
Opening dates: all year round. Monday to Sunday from 11am to 7pm. Brunch only on Sundays. From Tuesdays to Saturdays it’s open from 7pm to 1am for dinner.
Address: Av. Bulevar Principe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, 29602 Marbella, Malaga; 952 82 09 00 ext. 22189; Villapadiernapalacehotel.com.
East of Marbella
Orange Beach Club by Hotel Don Carlos
This incredibly stylish Marbella beach club is part of the five-star Don Carlos resort. Open to non-hotel guests, it’s impeccably designed with beautiful furniture and excellent service. The strip of beach in front is very much part of the club and you can expect the same level of service there, along with a choice of sun loungers and fabulous Balinese beds.
After dark there’s live music throughout the summer in the form of female vocalists, jazz bands and swing groups. The entertainment (which usually starts around 8pm) is very much at the refined end of the spectrum. If you fancy a spot of spa pampering – in the form of a high-class treatment or two at the Don Carlos spa – followed by sun-downers at the Orange Beach Club, it’s hard to top.
Opening dates 2023: from Easter until October: 11am to 8pm
Address: Avenida Zurita s/n, 29604 Marbella, Malaga; 952 76 88 00; Doncarlosresort.expohotels.com.
Beach Club Estrella del Mar
The beach club at Hotel Vincci Estrella del Mar is more of a daytime casual affair than party central – somewhere to lie back on a Bali bed and relax, rather than dance till dawn. Because of the close proximity of the hotel there are great spa facilities, including an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, gym and treatment rooms. The club itself is on the beach, with wonderful lawned areas and a fantastic infinity pool around which they hold live music events and fashion shows.
Opening dates: all year round – it’s a good place to have a leisurely lunch in the winter sun.
Address: A/, km 190.5 Urbanizacion Estrella del Mar, desvio Urbanizacion Golden Beach, 29604 Marbella, Malaga; 951 05 39 90; Beachclubestrelladelmar.com.
La Cabane Beach Club
Part of Hotel Los Monteros, this impeccable Marbella beach club is a pristine wash of blue and white. Clean-lined sunbeds and shades line a very welcoming pool indeed – this is a daytime-only club so there are no crazy parties or dancers, just a relaxed place to lounge by the sea. The welcome package you receive when you hire a lounger includes fruit skewers, towels and personalised waiter service. On weekends the restaurant lays on a seafood buffet which, OK, might sound a bit cheap and nasty, but in actual fact the food is fantastic with the freshest of fresh produce being served up.
Opening times: from approx. 8th April 2023, May: from Friday to Sunday, from 11am to 7pm. June, July, August and September: open daily from 11am to 7pm.
Closes from approx. 12 October.
Address: Calle Jabali, 29603 Marbella, Malaga; 952 76 27 20; Monteros.com – Stay just a stone’s throw away at family-friendly Villa Malibu, or the exquisite Villa Las Artes.
NOSSO Summer Club Marbella
So this place didn’t originally get into our list, because a luxury beach club to us includes a pool however, Nosso has such a summery good times vibe that we thought we’d sneak it in. There’s regular live Djs and music along with single and double beds to hire as well as lounge seating (towels are included in the bed rental). This beachside restaurant as with all beach clubs in Marbella gets busy so if you want to spend the day here, book early. The food isn’t as good as others in our list but for a light bite it’s absolutely fine. There’s even a little shop for some beachy holiday momentos too.
Opening times: Monday to Sunday 11am to 8pm.
Address: Av. del Limonar, 124, 29604 Marbella, Málaga Nosso.com
And a little further afield…
Finca Cortesin
Yes, we know Finca Cortesin isn’t in Marbella but so classy is its beach club that we just couldn’t leave it out. It’s an elegant and sophisticated affair where you relax immediately upon arrival, want for nothing and feel thoroughly loved throughout your stay and leave feeling utterly serene. The tasteful seating and sunbeds are either clustered around the infinity pool or facing out to sea on this attractive, and less developed stretch of coast. The restaurant serves up casual seafood and rice dishes, but to Finca Cortesin’s five-star standard.
Opening times: It’s open Wednesday till Sunday during April, May, June and September. During July and August it’s open 7 days a week.
Address: Bahia de Casares, Malaga; Fincacortesin.com.
Planning a party-filled summer break on the Costa del Sol with friends? Check out our collection of luxury Marbella villas to rent.
Want to book a bed or get VIP entrance at one of the best Marbella beach clubs? Our concierge will happily arrange it for you.
Lindsay Gregory
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[post_content] => Estepona is an attractive coastal town, with golden, sandy beaches stretching 21 km from east to west. While it’s fast becoming a tourist hot spot, it’s still not quite as popular as Malaga or Marbella – which is all part of its charm. Beaches are spacious, you won’t have to fight for a lounger, and there’s always room at a local chiringuito for a quick cerveza (beer) or a cocktail.
Whether you’re looking for a secluded cove, a beach with watersports, a beach-side daybed or even a nudist beach, Estepona beaches offer something for everyone. And if you fancy a stroll, the beach promenade runs all the way to Marbella.
Playa del Saladillo
Just a 15-minute drive away from Estepona town centre, Playa del Saladillo is the perfect family day out, with a long sandy beach for playing games and building sandcastles, facilities such as toilets and showers, and even a place to hire jet skis. For a bite to eat head to Pepe’s Chiringuito, a local favourite or for something a little more indulgent, try La Antigua, set slightly away from the beach.
Length: 3km
Location: Playa de El Saladillo Estepona, 29680
Resturant tips: Pepesbeach.es & La Antigua Google Map
Playa Guadalmansa
If you’re looking for a more quiet, urban beach – even in summer – Playa Guadalmansa offers just that. A long, thin beach, about a 10-minute drive from central Estepona, with a mixture of sand and a little stone, it’s ideal for long walks or relaxing with a book. Barraka Beach Club is at the east end of the beach, and has day beds, should you wish to be a little closer to refreshments.
Length: 2.5km
Location: Playa de Playabella – Guadalmansa Estepona, 29680
Restaurant tip: Barrakabeach.com
Playa de Guadalmina
If you want to embrace a little local culture on your trip to the beach, visit Playa de Guadalmina, famous for its Roman ruins known as Las Bóvedas, an archaeological site sitting next to the beach from the 3rd century AD, and a defensive watchtower from the 16th century. A popular site, this isn’t the quietest beach but there are plenty of facilities and a few chiringuitos like Senora Beach, or head into the urbanisation behind the beach where you’ll find Restaurant PlayaBella.
Length: 1.5km
Location: Guadalmina Beach Marbella, 29670
Restaurant tip: Restauranteplayabella.com
Playa Arroyo de las Cañas - Playa del Velerín
This 1km beach is one of the quietest to the east of Estepona, as there’s only one chiringuito. Hotels such as Andalucia Beach are at the far end of the beach, so often it’s only hotel guests who you’ll see in this area. Towards the west end, Playa del Velerin, there’s a nice chiringuito (Chiringuito Torre Velerín), with tables on the sand and a few beds, too. There’s also another watchtower, from the 16th if you wanted to take a stroll to the look-out point.
Length: 1km
Location: Arroyo las Cañas Beach – Velerin, Estepona, 29680
Playa del Castor
Similar to Playa del Velerín, this is a more secluded, urban beach, with just one place to grab a bite to each or drink – Dominion Beach. There are no water sports and only a few facilities but it’s ideal if you want to escape the crowds for a little while and relax in the sunshine.
Length: 880m
Location: Playa del Castor, Estepona, 29680
Playa del Padrón
Playa del Padrón used to be incredibly popular, with its blue flag-rated beach, soft sand, and the shopping centre and cafés of Laguna Beach. Unfortunately, Laguna Beach burnt down in a fire a few years ago, but the council is working to bring it back by the end of 2023. That said, there are still a few beach clubs and several elegant hotels nearby, such as Spíler Beach Club and the Kempinski 5-star hotel, which bring plenty of visitors.
Length: 1.4km
Location: Playa de El Padrón Estepona, 29689
Playa de Punta Plata
In the eastern part of Estepona, Punta de la Plata is a long, narrow beach with a mix of stones and dark sand. Even though there’s a large urbanisation behind the beach, it's relatively quiet and a great place to watch the many cyclists and runners enjoying the new boardwalk. Plata Beach Restaurante is a lovely place for lunch or dinner, or if you walk a little further, Wild Cafe is a very popular brunch and lunch spot, with lots of healthy and vegan options, too.
Length: 2.3km
Location: Playa de Punta de la Plata Estepona, 29689
Restaurant tip: Wildrestaurante.com
Playa de la Rada
One of Estepona’s busiest beaches, expect fun for the whole family, from watersports to playgrounds, and long, sandy beaches. This iconic beach has many chiringuitos and beach clubs, with plenty of daybeds and atmosphere, too. A few favourites are Palm Beach and El Madero. If you want to get away from the beach, you’re right by the town centre too, which has a brilliant restaurant scene, with places like Restaurant el Pescador offering views of the promenade and incredibly fresh seafood.
Length: 2.6km
Location: Playa de la Rada Estepona, 29689
Restaurant tip: Palmbeachestepona.com, Chiringuitoelmadero.com, Elpescadorestepona.com
Playa del Cristo
A small, sandy blue flag-rated cove, to the west of Estepona Port, Playa del Cristo is popular with locals and tourists alike. The waters are warm, it’s slightly protected from the wind, and there’s plenty of parking, too. For a quick bite to eat, visit Lolailo Beach Bar or head to the port, where there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, whether you fancy Spanish, French, Italian or Asian Cuisine. If you walk to the far west of the beach you’ll reach Playa Seghers, which is often quieter and there’s a fun restaurant/bar overlooking the sea called Restaurante Ancla Sea Bridge.
Length: 700m
Location: Playa de El Cristo Estepona, 29680
Playa de Guadalobón
Another narrow, dark sand/stoney beach, Playa de Guadalobón stretches out west, and is the back garden to many of the guests who live in the apartments closeby. Quite out of the way, it never gets too busy, although you’ll have to walk to another beach for refreshments.
Length: 850m
Location: Arroyo Vaquero Beach, Guadalobón Estepona, 29680
Playa de Costa Natura
One of the first naturist beaches on the Costa del Sol, and the only one in Estepona, Playa de Costa Natura is a small, private nudist beach. You can wear clothes if you like but be aware that many people don’t. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere, and certainly an experience.
Length: 100-200m
Location: Carretera de Cádiz Km 151, 29680 Estepona
Playa de Arroyo Vaquero
This wide stretch of sand, located just in front of the Vaquero stream, is bathed by rocky waters that are popular for snorkelling and scuba diving. The beach itself is a little rocky but there are watersports available, as well as the popular Nido Estepona beach club, where you can grab a bed by the pool, overlooking the sea.
Length: 700m
Location: Playa de Arroyo Vaquero, 29680 Estepona
Restaurant tip: Nidoplayaestepona.com
Playa Bahía Dorada
The quiet Bahía Dorada Beach is a tranquil spot, loved by locals and tourists who want to escape the busier beaches. The rocky seabed is great for snorkelling and there’s enough sand you can find a comfortable spot to relax, too. Again, you’ll need to bring some snacks along with you as there aren’t any chiringuitos around, although there are a few hotels.
Length: 10m
Location: Playa Bahía Dorada, 29680 Estepona
Playa de la Galera
Although Estepona’s westernmost beaches, it’s still very popular with tourists and locals who want a little more seclusion – there’s also a lot of space if you have children who want to run around. While mostly sandy, the beach is peppered with a few rocks, but if you walk along a bit, you’ll find a soft spot to set up camp. As before, a packed lunch is required as there aren’t any bars and cafes, with just apartments and a few hotels behind the beach.
Length: 2km
Location: Playa de La Galera Estepona, 29693
Estepona is a coastal town full of character and history, with flower-lined streets and a beautiful old town, which you can wander around in for hours. Check out our guides to Estepona restaurants and top things to do in Estepona.
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[post_content] => Nestled in the Western corner of the Malaga province, Estepona is one of the most appealing holiday destinations on the Costa del Sol. Its chilled beach vibe and proximity to Malaga airport make it the perfect choice for a family getaway.
Back in the 1970s, Estepona was little more than a sleepy fishing village. Despite undergoing significant development over the intervening years, it has lost none of its small-town charm. With its flower-filled parks, spacious promenade and pristine old quarter, it remains one of the most picturesque towns on the coast.
But Estepona is more than a pretty face. It also provides culture in spades, with museums, art galleries and ancient ruins all contained within the town. Known as the “Garden of the Costa del Sol”, it doesn’t feel like a typical urban setting, either: the town is home to numerous parks and even a spectacular, glass-domed orchid house.
Then there’s the coastline to consider: 21km of clean, sandy beaches fringed with soaring palm trees. There’s also a working fishing port and an upscale leisure marina where it’s often possible to spy a glittering super-yacht or two.
Estepona is also a dream location for any foodie, with a diverse range of tapas bars and restaurants on offer – many of them blessed with fabulous sea views.
1. Visit the orchid house
After just 5-minutes spent wandering the streets of Estepona, visitors will realise that it’s a town full of flowers. From its colourful parks to the lovingly tended window boxes of its residents, there are no shortage of beautiful blooms on display.
So great is Estepona’s love affair with flora that it’s devoted an entire building to orchids. El Orquidario de Estepona is 160,00 square foot botanic garden housed beneath three glass domes in the town centre.
Inside, the tropical park is spread over 2 floors and nurtures over 2,000 species of orchid in a myriad of colours, along with vertical gardens and an impressive 17-metre waterfall. Visitors can admire the stunning array of plants from a walkway angled behind the cascading water, which arches a series of pools beneath.
Entrance fees start at €3 for adults €1 for children aged 4-11 years, with children under 4 going free.
C. Terraza, 86, 29680 Estepona, Málaga. Orchidariumestepona.com Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday 10.00 – 13.00 & 15.00 – 18.00 hours. Sunday: 10.00 – 14.00 Mondays closed
2. Take a walk on the wild side at Selwo Aventura
The sprawling safari park, Selwo Aventura, is located a 15-minute drive outside Estepona en-route to Marbella. Covering over one million square metres and containing upwards of 2,000 animals, this park prides itself on closely replicating the natural environment of its furred and feathered residents.
White rhinos, Bengal tigers, zebras and giraffes are just a few of the creatures which call Selwo home – along with birds such as the hornbill, ibis stork and crane. The best way to spot these animals is in one of the park’s camouflaged off-road trucks, which will allow you to get up close to a magnificent beast or two as they roam their vast enclosures.
As things to do with children go it's a hit for all age groups. There’s also a petting zoo for the younger children, along with trampolining and archery activities. For adrenaline junkies, there’s also the longest zip-line in Europe, which runs for 116 metres above the park’s central lake.
Autovía del Mediterráneo, Km. 162, 5, 29680 Estepona, Málaga. Selwo.es Opening Times: 10.00 – 18.00
3. Explore the picturesque old town
Estepona’s historic centre – or casco antiguo – offers visitors a slice of quintessential Andalucia. White townhouses line narrow cobbled streets, their walls splashed with bougainvillaea vines and pots of tumbling geraniums.
There’s also a range of tapas bars where visitors can stop to quench their thirst and enjoy a local delicacy or two. Casa del Ray is located in the heart of the old town and is known for its fabulous tapas and extensive wine list. Diners can choose to eat on the terrace or the interior courtyard, which is particularly charming at night.
Don’t leave without trying a portion of the mouth-watering shrimp croquettes or the fresh tuna tartare with creamy dill mayonnaise.
C. Raphael, 7, 29680 Estepona, Málaga. Lacasadelreyestepona.com Opening times: 12.00 – 00.00 daily
4. Take a wander in Parque del Calvario
The Calvario Park is the largest public garden in Estepona. Located a five-minute walk from the orchard house, it is a tranquil and verdant space populated with numerous water features, including a lake, jet fountain and waterfalls.
Along a series of lavender-edged pathways, visitors will also find a children’s playground, shaded benches and glorious blooming wisteria bushes in the spring. In the summer months, the area encircling the lake provides a stage for numerous open-air concerts.
The park also contains a restored Hermitage building – Erimta del Calvario – which dates back to 1829. The chapel was destroyed in the civil war and later rebuilt in 1936. Although it’s mostly kept locked, visitors are welcome to wander up and admire it from the outside, or peek through its windows to catch a glimpse of the interior.
Av. Andalucía, 41, 29680 Estepona, Málaga. Opening hours: 09.00 – 00.00
5. Hire a boat
With its silky-smooth Mediterranean waters and excellent year-round climate, Estepona is an ideal location for a spot of sailing.
Whether you fancy exploring hidden coves, indulging in some open-sea swimming or visiting neighbouring towns such as Marbella and Sotogrande, hiring a boat provides a stylish way to get from A to B.
Chartering a boat also allows you glimpse the vibrant marine life typical to this corner of Spain. Sail from Estepona into the seas between Gibraltar and Ceuta – the Spanish enclave in North Africa – and you may be lucky enough to glimpse pilot whales, dolphins and even orcas.
Local companies such as Sotoboats offer a range of vessels – from fishing boats to luxury yachts – for both half-day and full-day charters. Many come equipped with sea toys such as paddle boards, snorkels and sea bobs, and catering and refreshments can also be arranged on board.
Real Club Nautico, Puerto Deportivo de Estepona, 29680 Estepona – Málaga. Sotoboats.com
6. Hike in the Natural Park – Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja
There’s more to Estepona than its beautiful coastline; the surrounding area also contains the Sierra Bermeja natural park. Dominated by the Sierra Bermeja mountain range, this area of rugged natural beauty is located an hour’s drive beyond Estepona and is crisscrossed with hiking trails for walkers of all fitness levels.
Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja is one of the most popular routes for families or those looking for a casual stroll. This 2.1-mile loop stays fairly flat throughout and offers stunning views of the Med and surrounding mountains.
The best way to access the park is by car. Follow the Avenida de Andalucia in the direction of Genalguacil (MA 557). Turn left at the Peñas Blancas sign about half an hour outside of Estepona, then left at the sign for Los Reales.
7. Go for a stroll along the promenade
The recently completed Paseo Marítimo runs along the length of Estepona from La Rada beach to the fishing port. A 2.6-million-euro project commissioned by the mayor in 2020, the promenade means that visitors can now stroll from one end of town to the other along the scenic seafront.
The promenade is often at its busiest early evening, when locals and visitors alike step out to enjoy the sunset. This is best seen from a clifftop wooden walkway on the coastal path leading to Marbella. From here, it’s even possible to glimpse the Strait of Gibraltar on a clear day.
There’s no shortage of bars and restaurants populating the promenade, so should you fancy walking its entire length, there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for a refreshment along the way.
8. Stop for a coffee on Plaza de las Flores
One of Estepona’s most popular meeting spots, Plaza de las Flores is an idyllic square framed by fragrant orange trees and beds of bright geraniums. Fanning out from the stone fountain at its centre are a selection of cafes and tapas bars, making it the perfect spot to kick off the day with a coffee.
Plaza de las Flores, 29680 Estepona, Málaga
9. Casa de las Tejerinas
The square above is also home to Casa de las Tejerinas. This handsome building was once owned by the Tejerina sisters, who later donated it as a charity hospital for the poor. From the 1970s until 2010, the 18th-century building served as Estepona’s Cultural Centre, before being converted to its current purpose as a Tourist Office and art gallery.
The art gallery features contemporary work by predominately local artists such as Dadi Dreucol, Enrique Brinkmann, Chema Lumbreras and José Carlos Casado. Admission to the public is free.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday 9.00 – 20.00. Saturday: 10.00 – 14.00 / 16.00 – 20.00. Sunday & Monday: Closed
10. Soak up the sun on Playa DE LA Rada beach
Estepona is a beach lover’s paradise, with over 13 miles of coastline to enjoy. One of the most popular beaches, Playa de la Rada, is only a short walk from the town centre and is a firm favourite with families.
A wide swathe of sand fringed with towering palm trees, Playa de la Rada is also populated with a variety of beach bars – or chiringuitos – where you can seek refuge from the summer sun and enjoy a cold beer and some fresh seafood.
Playa Rada can get busy in high season, but as the largest beach in Estepona, there is always plenty of space to spread out. Public toilets and wash stations mean you can comfortably spend the entire day here. There are also sun loungers for hire with parasols to provide some welcome shade.
11. Check out some Urban Art
Although the houses of Estepona’s historic centre are known for their pristine paintwork, you will find the walls of other buildings decorated with unique and colourful street art.
Various vast murals can be seen around the town, the work of local artists such as Ana Cecila Salinas. At last count, there were 23 murals dotted throughout Estepona, but new art is constantly appearing as more artists are commissioned. One of the most eye-catching pieces is a highly realistic trompe-l’oeil image covering six apartment blocks, making it the largest mural in Spain.
Art enthusiasts wishing to check out the full range of Estepona’s murals should head to the tourist office on Plaza de las Flores. Here you will be provided with a detailed itinerary pinpointing where to locate each of the works.
12. Have a cocktail in the Marina
Estepona’s stylish marina is located between La Rada and El Cristo beach. Built on what was the original fishing harbour, it is now home to several bars and restaurants and has a buzzing atmosphere.
It’s a great spot to head in the evenings, where you can settle down for a cocktail at a waterside bar such as Reinaldo’s (which has Happy Hour from 20.00 – 21.00 every day) and admire the gleaming super yachts moored nearby.
There’s also a market to check out on Sunday, where various stalls are set up in the marina selling handicrafts and leather goods.
Reinaldo Café Bar, Urb Puerto Deportivo, 24 29680, Estepona. Cafebarreinaldo.gruporeinaldo.com
Open Hours: Mon – Sat 10.00-02.00. Sundays Closed
13. Visit the Prehistoric Dolmens
There’s plenty on offer for history buffs in Estepona, including the Prehistorica de Corominas museum – which contains the carefully conserved remains of an ancient burial site.
Venture underground at this futuristic museum and you will find five small dolmens (standing stones) dating from 3,000 BC. Displayed beneath a domed ceiling with fibre optic lighting, visitors can also see pottery vessels, stone tools, arrow heads, axes, personal ornaments, necklace beads and perforated seashells.
The majority of artefacts in the museum were actually unearthed nearby at Cero de Corominas when AP7 toll motorway was being constructed in 2011. They were then carefully transported to Estepona and reconstructed for public display.
The museum offers guided tours in English at 10.00 Tuesday – Sunday. The tour lasts approximately 1hr 15 minutes and must be booked in advance, either by WhatsApp on +34 675 942 975 or via email at info@dolmensestepona.com. Prices start at €5 for children and €12 for adults.
Parque San Isidro, Pedregales, 29680 Estepona, Málaga. Dolmenesestepona.com Opening hours: Open every day 11.00-13.00
14. SAMPLE SOME FRESH SEAFOOD
Estepona is known for its seafood, and many of the town’s restaurants have menus dedicated exclusively to its fabulous fresh produce. Local dishes include espeto de sardinas – sardines cooked over fire on cane sticks – and boquerones en vinagere – pickled anchovies doused in lashings of olive oil and garlic.
From Playa Rada to the marina, visitors will be spoiled for choice when it comes to seafood restaurants, but El Pescador is considered one of the best by discerning locals.
Everybody knows that seafood tastes better by the sea, and there’s no finer way to enjoy it than on this stylish restaurant’s beachside terrace with its dreamy sea view.
Inside, crisp white tablecloths and an understated colour palette create a soothing vibe. The menu is similarly simple and focusses on letting the star ingredients shine. Diners can choose between grilled king prawns, steamed mussels and fresh clams, along with crowd pleasers such as fried fish platters and oven-baked seabass.
Paseo Marítimo Pedro Manrique 129680. Estepona. Málaga. Elpescadorestepona.com Opening hours: Open every day 13.00-16.30 / 19.00-00.00
15. SNAP A SELFIE ON THE RAINBOW STEPS
One of the most colourful yet overlooked attractions in Estepona is the set of rainbow steps located just off Avenida del Mar.
Known as the Escalera Arco Iris, these 90 steps were originally built to link Estepona town to the country road above. Over the years, this quiet rural community has burgeoned into a large housing estate, which can be seen from the top of the steps along with views of the Sierra Bermeja mountain and the northern quarter of Estepona.
Traversing the steep staircase is sure to get your heart racing, but the climb is worth it for the views from the top.
Want to explore Estepona for yourself? Check out our collection of Estepona based villas here.
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15 Things to do in Estepona
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