Estepona is one of the most charming villages in Andalusia. The former fishing village is well known for its year round sunshine and it’s charming old city centre with colourful flowerpots adorning the whitewashed houses. The town also has many lovely beaches that stretch along its 20 kilometre coastline. Holidays in Estepona offer that little something for everyone: a fabulous choice of tapas bars and restaurants; a lively nightlife, and plenty of fun activities for the family.
Here are a few places worth a visit:
Plaza de las Flores is Estepona’s main square. This is where you’ll get to enjoy the beloved Estepona vibe and café and tapas culture. You will find very nice boutique shops surrounding this square and great places for having a delicious cup of coffee, a lovely lunch or some tapas.
The Ruta de los Murales Artistico’s (Mural Route)
All around the town of Estepona you’ll find massive artistic murals adorning the walls of apartment blocks and buildings. In total, you can find sixty murals in Estepona. By following the Ruta de los Murales you’ll ensure you see every one of them. You can pick up a map on where to find all the murals in the tourism office on the Plaza de las Floras (open from 9.00 – 15.00)
The Estepona Orchid House, El Orquidario, is a popular attraction to visit in the middle of the town’s historic centre along the Calle Terraza. The building itself is a surprising piece of modern architecture. Inside you’ll find one of the largest collections of orchids in Europe, with 1300 species displayed on a circuitous, self-guided route that also takes you behind the attraction’s 30 metre (98 feet) high waterfall. Entry is €3
The bullring / plaza de toros.
Though more controversial than ever, bullfighting is still an integral part of Andalusian culture. Acquaint yourself with this tradition by visiting the bullring in Estepona and the adjoining bullfighting museum. The bullring now only hosts one or two bullfights a year, next to that it is used frequently as a concert venue, it houses three museums and is the site of a craft market every Sunday morning.
Estepona Marina: Puerto Deportivo de Estepona
The Puerto Deportivo de Estepona is a short walk from the Old Town. There are many cafes, bars and restaurants here, and it’s the place to be for a lovely night out. Restaurants at the Puerto Deportivo de Estepona serve some of the tastiest and freshest seafood in town. With the bars here staying open well into the wee hours, the area is very popular with locals for a night out. A great day to go here is on Sunday morning, because then you can also stroll along the stalls at the popular Tourist Market, which is held right in the harbour.
Playa Rada
Playa Rada is Estepona’s main beach. Owing to the greater fame of the town’s coastal neighbours – in particular Marbella – Rada is likely to be less crowded than nearby beaches, but its clean dark yellow sand and bright blue waters are every bit as inviting. Rada backs on to a row of cool little chiringuito bars, so a cool beer and a plate of fresh, fried sardines is never more than a few feet away.
Selwo Aventura Wildlife Park (Safari Park)
Just outside of Estepona you’ll find the Selwo Aventura park which offers an exciting safari experience for young and old. A visit to Selwo Aventura lets you see around 2,000 exotic animals in an expansive plot of land. Located in the hills above Estepona, the 100-hectare park is just 15 minutes from Estepona town by car.
There are many attractions to keep you entertained throughout your visit, including hanging bridges, a zipline, trampoline, and archery. Selwo Aventura Wildlife Park also offers a couple of restaurants and an ice cream shop to keep you fed and watered.
