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…
It’s probably fair to say that Spain’s foodie credentials need little introduction. However, we know what it’s like to try and distinguish the good from the, well, not so good on holiday.
So to help you sort the wheat from the chaff, here’s a Luxury Villa Collection edit of the very best Marbella restaurants. Whether you love the informal sharing of a plate of Jamon Iberico or some El Buli-esque molecular gastronomy, there should be something here that gets your taste buds tingling…
Marbella
Best Gourmet
Skina
Despite its generally low-key vibe and unpretentious dining room Skina is an excellent restaurant. No bravado, no tricks, just the best produce cooked perfectly plate after plate. Barcelona born chef Jaume Puigdengolas keeps the menu enticing with new creations, so even regulars will never get bored. Booking is essential as the dining room is limited and with 2 Michelin stars it’s very popular. The sommelier has selected local wines that are from small bodegas as well as the larger, better known winemakers. One of our favourites, Bodegas Bentomiz, is among their chosen wines.
Closed Sunday & Monday
Address: Calle Aduar 12, Casco Antiguo, Marbella. Restauranteskina.com.
BEST LOCAL CHEF
Local boy Dani Garcia has two eateries in Marbella – BiBo and Lobito de Mar. The restaurants sit pretty much next door to each other, and offer cuisine to delight the eye and tackle even the most discerning of taste buds, which is innovative and intense at times but most definitely Spanish.
BiBo
For a quicker or lighter bite, BiBo is ideal. It’s a buzzy and bustling but relaxed bistro with four different areas: the terrace, Grandma’s table, the Raw and Oyster Bar and the Cocktail bar. While the food’s invariably delicious, the haute-ness has been dialled down a notch or two compared to traditional celebrity chef joints. There’s a choice of stone-baked pizzas, burgers (Garcia’s bull burger is a signature dish that has been copied all over Spain), stuffed whole chickens and slow-cooked lamb legs to share and sushi, along with tapas, steak and fried fish dishes. To cap it all off, the cocktails are quite simply the best in Marbella.
Address: Hotel Puente Romano, 29602 Marbella, Malaga. Bibodanigarcia.com.
Best YEAR ROUND SPOT
Cascada Cocina & Bar
Just outside town, in the hills above La Cañada shopping centre, Cascada Cocina & Bar is one of the freshest additions to the Marbella restaurant scene. Quite literally, in fact. The restaurant, which opened in early 2018, sits alongside a series of babbling pools and waterfalls surrounded by lush green gardens. Before we’d even ordered we were pretty much won over. It’s a lovely spot.
Inside, the space is just as welcoming. The interiors are a blend of old, foot-worn terracotta, teal coloured tiles, slouchy sofa space by the bar (where there’s a fire for chillier winter evenings) and Scandi-chic chairs that all comes together to understatedly stylish effect.
And the food? More than a match for the setting. The restaurant was opened by food-loving Dutch entrepreneurs Maryn Gerrits, Arjan van de Vrande and Jaap Schaafsma and there’s a real commitment to relaxed, unfussy dining with a focus on letting the local ingredients do the talking. The last time we dropped in for lunch, the grilled naan bread, beef carpaccio and delicately fried tempura vegetables were all superb, while the gleaming glass wine cellar also gets full marks.
Address: Urb. Montua 39, 29602 Marbella, Malaga. Cascadamarbella.com.
Best Light Bites & cocktails
Literal
This restaurant is part of a small successful chain in Spain. Although the address is Plaza de los Naranjos – the historic main square slap-bang in the middle of Marbella’s old town – the dining room has a mix of high and low seating. It’s light, modern, comfortable and unassuming. If you want bling and glitz then this isn’t the place for you. However, if it’s an catch-up meal with your girlfriends you’re after then it certainly hits the spot. The food is uncomplicated but delicious and there’s a good wine and cocktail menu. The restaurant takes over the whole building of a traditional Andalucian townhouse with central courtyard.
Address: Plaza de los Naranjos, 7, 29601 Marbella, Malaga. Lateral.com.
Best Traditional Tapas
Taberna la Niña del Pisto
Taberna La Niña Del Pisto
This tapas bar serves up a wide range of deliciously simple, home-spun classics from the province of Cordoba. Expect all the traditional dishes that Spanish food fans have come to know and love – salmorejo (a thick, cold soup served with jamon and boiled egg), berenjenas con miel (lightly fried aubergine drizzled with honey), snails in a spicy sauce, local cured cheese and bull’s tail stew. A must for anyone looking to adhere to a strict ‘carbs in Marbs’ policy.
Address: Calle de San Lazaro, 2, 29601 Marbella, Malaga.
Bar El Estrecho
This Marbella dining stalwart was founded in 1954 and is still family run to this day. It lives up to its name – ‘estrecho’ meaning narrow – and the space on offer can be at something of a premium on weekends, particularly. You can stand at the bar, or if you prefer a table for your assortment of mouth-watering tapas and a seat for you, too, then there’s a very informal dining area. This is more towards the spit and sawdust end of the Marbella restaurant spectrum than the gourmet, but it makes for an authentic and fun pit-stop in the historic old town. There are no surprises on the food front but a good selection of the likes of croquettes, seafood (think fresh clams, prawns, and octopus) and pork dishes.
Address: Calle de San Lazaro, 12, 29601 Marbella, Malaga. Barelestrecho.es.
Best for an Early Bite
The Spanish eat late. There’s no getting around it. If you haven’t been able to quite slip into the rhythm of Spanish dining times then here’s the best place to get some early dinner…
The Harbour Bar & Restaurant
Earlier seatings aside (it opens at 18.00hrs for dinner service), if you’re also longing for something home-from-home then The Habour is almost certainly the best restaurant in Marbella. Situated on the harbour with views of the sea it has terrace seating as well as indoor dining. There’s an early bird menu (before 6-8pm) at €29 per head. It’s famed for its steaks and its rib-eye, Angus fillets of beef are consistently top quality. It gets lively at the weekends with live music so if you’re wanting a quiet, romantic meal perhaps try one of our others. It’s great for a boisterous family meal, though, and can accommodate large groups.
Address: Club Maritimo Puerto Deportivo, Marbella. Theharbourmarbella.com
Paella y Mas
Located in the centre of Marbella, this is your go-to place for a real, authentic paella or fideua. These delicious Spanish staples – which are satisfying, soulful and quite simply the best comfort food – are prepared by Chef Javier Ponte. The fideua, which is similar to paella but made with thin pasta noodles rather than rice, is always cooked to perfection – moist but slightly crispy at the bottom. There are a good range of starters to like salmon tartare. If paella or fideua doesn’t appeal to everyone in your party then there’s a good selection of choice Iberian pork cuts which will satisfy any meat lover. It’s open for 12.30 for lunch and 19.30hrs for dinner.
Address: Calle Hermanos Salom, 3, 29601 Marbella, Malaga. Restaurantepaellasymas.com.
Best Small Restaurants
Restaurante Messina
The modern and contemporary dining room is comfortable and doesn’t interfere with the food. It might lack a bit of atmosphere if it’s quiet but more often than not it’s full with happy diners. We loved that the sommelier, who is truly passionate about Spanish wine, would recommend local wines when appropriate too. The food is excellent and easily Michelin Star-worthy. The kid with creamy Payoyo cheese is melt-in-the-mouth delicious.
Address: Av. Severo Ochoa, 12, 29603, Marbella. Restaurantemessina.com.
Best Non-Spanish
Nobu Marbella
All breathe a sigh of relief – your favourite Japanese restaurant can be indulged on holiday, too. Nobu has finally come to Spain. The international restaurateur and chef needs little introduction: Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, the master of Japanese food.
Sitting in La Plaza alongside the equally glamorous likes of Bibo, with its buzzing atmosphere and plant-filled terraces Nobu Marbella has pretty much the perfect setting. The dining room is contemporary with clean lines, wooden cladding and simple table settings – no fuss, just elegant design.
The team are working hard to reach the standards of the infamous Nobu Park Lane (the first European Nobu, and one of our favourite restaurants). If you’re new to the Nobu experience, start with a saké and go for their set menu, which is usually seasonal. This will give you the chance to try some of their household name dishes as well as others specific to Nobu Marbella. If we absolutely had to mention a negative it might be that the tables are booked in sittings so on busier nights you can’t while the night away after the meal with leisurely drinks.
Address: Boulevard Alfonzo H, s/n, 05200 Marbella, Malaga. Noburestaurants.com/marbella.
Best for MODERN FINE DINING
Lobito de Mar
The pavilion-style building of Dani Garcia’s most recent restaurant Lobito de Mar is chic and stylish. This is Dani’s take on a chiringuito – without the beach. The would-be rough and ready seaside shack however is replaced by white and black interiors warmed up by natural tones and green leafy plants, this makes for a relaxed and informal eating environment.
There are two menus: affordable tapas and light bites as well as a full menu. Both feature plenty of fish and seafood cooked according to simple, traditional methods from ‘espeto’ (skewered on a BBQ) to paellas. A favourite on our last visit was the dry noodle fideua paella, cooked to absolute perfection.
And you couldn’t mention Lobito without at least a passing mention to the wine cellar, a dizzyingly extensive collection chosen by Carlos García Mayoralas which caters to all palettes and plates. Also, the sangria menu – no, we hadn’t seen a sangria menu before either – has five different fusions of the traditional sangria to try, which certainly makes for a conversation stopper (or starter).
Address: Av. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, 178, 29602 Marbella, Malaga. Grupodanigarcia.com.
Best for Kids
It’s worth pointing out at this point that the Spanish love children and in the vast majority of establishments won’t even blink at the sight (and sound) of a large, unruly brood crossing the threshold. However, a restaurant being supremely relaxed about it is one thing; offering high-chairs, children’s menus and changing facilities is something completely different.
BONO BEACH
This has made the LVC cut of best Marbella restaurants because what is more ideal than a beach bar for a family lunch or supper? The beach keeps the kids happy with no end of games to play and the relaxed vibe of Bono Beach is casual dining bliss. There’s a kids menu, high chairs, baby changing facilities and relaxed beside-the-sea vibe. This stretch of beach is great for families too. It has valet parking available, sunbeds, Balinese futons and beanbags to hire too if you’d like to make a day of it.
Address: Av. Cervantes, 29604 Marbella, Málaga. Bonobeachmarbella.com
The Farm
In the centre of Marbella, this bohemian restaurant is in a historic townhouse with courtyard ‘secret garden’. The menu is short with simple dishes as there’s a focus on seasonal organic food and 0km. There’s a bohemian, street food feel to the whole place, this is not fine dining. Expect, yoga workshops, micro events, popup craft stalls and the main reason why it makes our best restaurants for kids in Marbella list… Flamenco shows at the reasonable time of 19.30hrs.
Address: Plaza Altamirano n2, 29601, Marbella Spain. Thefarm-marbella.com
Puerto Banus
Best for Post-Dining Atmosphere
Oak Garden & Grill
In Nueva Andalucia, away from the Puerto Banus port – but not so far away you can’t saunter from one to the other on foot – with its perfectly lit dining room and lively decking area outside, Oak Garden & Grill has a great atmosphere. A part of the locally well-known La Sala group, this new-ish venture falls squarely into the reasonable price bracket, while also being great for families or groups.
As the name suggests, meat and seafood dishes are the order of the day here, coming perfectly grilled and often served up to cook at the table to your desired taste. You’re here to eat their signature grilled meat so don’t fight it: order the ribeye or Galician fillet, and be done with it.
Next door to Oak is La Sala, which is a great place to end your evening with cocktails, some live music and people watching.
Address: Calle Belmonte, 29600 Nueva Andalucia, Marbella, Malaga. Oakgardenandgrill.com.
Best for Wine Lovers
D-Wine Restaurant
This concept restaurant to the west of Puerto Banus has an accompanying wine shop and a bodega of 5500 wines. Although quite a large restaurant, it doesn’t feel echo-y or cavernous and you don’t rattle around in the place when there are only a few other diners. The dining room is comfortable and relaxed with unassuming décor, while there’s also a terrace which is heated during the winter evenings. Service is attentive, and the menu is a real crowd-pleaser with something for everyone. The Galician scallops on our visit were excellent and the quarter of lamb was a great sharing dish cooked perfectly in their Josper. Make the most of their Sommelier as they can create pairing menus, thematic tastings and horizontal or vertical tastings for you.
They also offer intermediate and advanced wine courses – please contact our concierge to arrange. There’s parking outside the restaurant, but on some nights this can be busy and with such a fantastic bodega it would be a shame to not partake in some tasting.
Address: Centro Comercial Azalea, Calle Ana de Austria, 2, 29670 Marbella, Malaga. D-winecollection.com.
Best Frontline Golf Course Location
Magna Café
Opened in 2005, Magna Café offers a traditional restaurant and dining experience on the Magna Marbella Golf Course in Nueva Andalucia. Décor-wise it’s perhaps a little lost but the views out onto the golf course are more than enough to distract you.
This relatively stately restaurant is a long-established stalwart on the Marbella food scene so you must forgive it for the odd dish that you thought never saw this side of 1990. We love their lobster soup and roast lamb leg. It’s a good all-round crowd-pleaser and can accommodate groups with ease.
Address: Avenida Calderón de la Barca, 29660 Marbella, Malaga. Magnacafe.com.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of great places to eat – there are so many other mouth-watering options for you to discover in and around the town. For ideas and assistance with reserving the best tables, just ask our Concierge. Aproveche!
Appetite whetted? Try them all out from the comfort of one of our nearby luxury Marbella villas.
For more of the best dining on the Costa del Sol, check out our pick of top places to eat in Malaga.
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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