ESTEPONA
Estepona is just far enough west to be out of the clutches of the main tourist routes, although its popularity is growing along with its foreign communities and new developments.
It is situated 62km west from Malaga airport and 37km east from Gibraltar airport and is easily reached by car, taxi or bus.
Archaeological remains found at Torre del Rio Guadalmansa and the more up to date ruins of the Castle of St. Louis date the town back as far as the Phoenicians with lots of Moorish and Roman discoveries too. From the 1500’s onwards Estepona has grown and become the fishing town that it is today.
Estepona is a wonderful town with fabulous shops and boutiques at very reasonable prices as well as beautiful squares packed with bars and restaurants serving the traditional tapas meals. The old town is very little changed and it is great to wander through the cobbled streets where there are many original boutiques and gift stores.
The marina area of town is still a thriving fishing port with many great restaurants offering the freshest fish of the day, but you can equally sit back in one of the many bars and admire the luxury boats and yachts moored up.
Estepona’s rich heritage includes the purest form of flamenco singing called ‘Cante Hondo’ where the rich Arabic influenced singing voice is accompanied by guitar, castanets and hand-clapping, there are still many restaurants throughout Estepona which provide this as entertainment.
One of the oldest Spanish pastimes bullfighting is still available to watch in the town’s asymmetrical bullring, although it doesn’t attract the foreign tourist too much nowadays. There is however a museum in the bullring building itself which is interesting with many original posters and costumes on display.
For further information call: 952 80 20 02.
Another museum located near the bullring is the Museo de Apros or Tool Museum where tools used in fishing and agricultural work past and present are displayed.
Call 952 80 57 09 for opening hours.
Estepona has a great indoor fresh produce market open daily from 7.00am - 3.00pm with first class selection of meat, fish, fruit and vegetables as well as the traditional Spanish street market, one held every Wednesday in Avenida Juan Carlos from 9.00am – 2.00pm and the other held every Sunday around the marina again from 9.00am – 2.00pm.
Accommodation is easy to find at every level in and around Estepona itself from 3 star Pensions to 5 star spa resorts there’s even a nudist resort for those at one with nature!
Estepona prides itself in having an unbroken stretch of 2.6km coastline with an amazing beach and paseo or promenade covering the whole length. The beauty of a beach this size is that even in the height of summer it is rarely packed out although the many chiringuito’s or beach bars dotted along the beach do become busy watering holes! At various times throughout the summer and autumn months there are windsurfing and jet-ski competitions run from the central area of the beach, local press provides details of anything going on.
Just beyond Estepona town is another lovely cove called Playa el Cristo. It provides a sheltered natural bay and is a big hit with families as the water stays fairly shallow quite a way out to sea. It has a great atmosphere in the summer sun although it has a tendency to get very crowded with limited parking facilities. As I mentioned earlier Costa Natura just 2km west of Estepona centre, is one of only a couple of nudist resorts on the Costa del Sol. It is a member’s only club, but day passes can be bought for those naturists here on holiday. The beach itself is open to the public as there are no private beaches in Spain, although it has been clarified as naturist.
Behind Estepona is the impressive Sierra Bermeja Mountain with thick forests and waterfalls amongst the stunning scenery which can be seen on the impressive drive up it. Looking back from the summit you will see great views of Estepona and the whole of the Marbella coastline down to Gibraltar and on a clear day Africa and the Riff mountains are very much on view. It’s not uncommon in the winter months for the top to be dusted in snow…quite a spectacle.
Also located a couple of kilometres from the centre of town is the Parque de Los Pedregales a lovely park and BBQ area situated at the base of the Sierra Bermeja Mountain
If lazing around all day on a beach is not your thing, there are many things to keep the family occupied on a visit to Estepona and the surrounding area. The tourist office is located in Avenida San Lorenzo in the west of town and will help with any queries needed.
Selwo Wildlife Park is a great experience for all the family and is a safari park, educational centre and environmental centre all rolled into one. It covers 100 hectares and houses more than 2000 species of animal and bird, large and small.
You can either walk through the park or if you are feeling adventurous hop aboard one of the safari trucks and have the ride of your life. Unknown by many, there is also a hotel within the park to make your stay even more special. The park is open from February through to December from 10.00am to 6.00pm daily.
The Blue Dolphin chiringuito beach bar situated on the east end of the beach is a fabulous funky place that also has a vast range of ‘Born to be Wild’ excursions from canoeing out to see the dolphins through to jeep safaris in the mountains. Once again, great fun for all the family.
Approaching Estepona from the west you will also pass the newly re-furbished Exhibition and Conference Centre. Throughout the year they have major exhibitions on show as well as live music events. The local press has up to date details of what’s on.
The Equestrian Art School or Escuela de Arte Ecuestre is on the approach to Estepona again from the west side at km 159 on the N-340, and as well as staging magnificent horse shows and dressage displays, they also offer horse trekking and lessons.
Further information can be acquired by calling 952 80 80 77.
Estepona wouldn’t be a Spanish town without its Feria or fair. There are a few throughout the year, with great spectacles to be held throughout Easter week and again around Christmas. But aside from these Estepona celebrates it’s carnival in the second week of February with floats touring the streets.
Although it's main feria is not until the first and second week of July with fun and merriment in the streets and a spectacular fun fair at the feria site to the rear of Estepona.
There is also a festival of St Isidro the farmer where there is a pilgrimage to the chapel in Los Pedregales Park to the rear of Estepona. This takes place on 15th May.
The burning of St. Johns moustache or El Noche de San Juan takes place all along the coast with bonfires being lit on the beaches and barbeques and parties held long into the night. This happens on 23rd June.
And finally the local fishermen celebrate the feast of the Virgen Del Carmen on the 16th July with processions through the streets.
For the golfer there is an amazing choice of golf courses available around Estepona; 15 to be exact!! They suit all budgets ands all levels of golfer. One of the cheapest and most popular municipal courses is Estepona golf just outside Estepona on the way to Duquesa.
Other useful information:
Tourist information Office: 952 80 20 02
Taxi: 952 807 786