Marbella, Benahavis and Estepona form a triangle of the most popular resorts on the Costa del Sol. The high popularity among tourists translates into an increased interest in properties in these resorts. Today we will tell you what attracts Estepona.
Estepona is a seaside resort, belonging to the Western Costa del Sol, whose origins date back to prehistoric times. Stone Age tools and dolmens have been discovered during excavations in and around the town. Its present-day name, on the other hand, probably derives from the Moorish Astabbuna or Al-extebunna.
A huge highlight of Estepona is its beaches, which stretch along some 21 kilometres of Spanish coastline and attract millions of tourists from all over the world to the Costa del Sol every year. In addition, you will find a modern sports marina with many tapas bars and restaurants, as well as interesting cultural and leisure facilities.
What is worth seeing in Estepona?
Estepona Orchidarium
One of the most interesting attractions in Estepona is the orchidarium, where we can admire the largest orchid farm in Spain with a diverse palette of colours. The huge number of flowers means that the incredible fragrance emitted by the plants accompanies us throughout our visit, further enhancing the visual experience of the tour. The Estepona Orchidarium building is divided into two levels, which are separated by a beautiful bamboo forest. The entire complex covers an area of 1,000 square metres. In addition to the magnificent display of lush vegetation, when visiting the facility we can admire the pond located in it and a waterfall over 15 metres high. The Orchidarium is undoubtedly a place you must visit while in Estepona!
Museums of Estepona
Near the Castillo de San Luís – the ruins of a castle dating from the 16th century. – there is a small square full of trees and flowers called Plaza Blas Infante. Right next to it is located the building of the old town hall, which has housed the Archaeological Museum since 2013. The exhibitions in the museum present some very interesting artefacts related to the history of the city. The most important of these is the statue of Venus of Estepona, which according to researchers is around 5,000 years old!
5 kilometres from Estepona is the Dólmenes de Coromínas, a museum that is the only one in Europe where you can see 5 dolmens from the European Neolithic period preserved in perfect condition, as well as other burial structures and traditional burial sites from that period. For more information on how to visit this museum, click here.
Sierra de las Nieves mountains near Estepona
The area around Estepona is home to the UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve, the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. The entire reserve covers an area of more than 20,000 hectares in mountainous terrain, criss-crossed by deep gorges and majestic cliffs.
With the exception of a few villages that make up the rural mountain community, this isolated area is largely uninhabited and has not been subjected to human influence or activities such as farming. As a result, it has an unusually rich diversity of flora (pine, fir, ash, chestnut, wild olive and oak, as well as juniper) and fauna (including mountain goats and mouflons), characteristic of the Iberian Peninsula.
Bullring arena
In Estepona, we can also admire the first asymmetrical bullfighting arena in Spain and in the world, which was opened to the public in 1972. It is the work of the architect Juan Mora Urbano, whose main objective in designing the building was to ensure maximum comfort for the spectators while watching the spectacle, by means of appropriate shading of the building. Hence, among other things, its unusual shape.
Urban routes filled with art
For those who like to walk, a special attraction will be the city trails created by the Estepona authorities, during which we can interact with art in the open air. The Ruta de poesia, Ruta de murales and Ruta de esculturas are thematic routes that take visitors in turn around:
- poetry painted on azulejos and spread on the walls of 33 buildings spread throughout the city,
- 50 murals painted on buildings,
- 51 sculptures located at various points around the city.
Selwo Aventura
As well as a wide range of sights, beaches and restaurants, the Costa del Sol also has facilities for the whole family. One of these is the Selwo Aventura Zoo, where you can see a multitude of wild animals found on the African continent, among others. As well as being able to see them, the park staff also offer individual guided tours, during which you will have the opportunity to feed the animals! For more information on fun activities for the whole family on the Costa del Sol, check out our blog.
Excellent gastronomic offer
Estepona is a popular holiday destination all year round, with an excellent and modern sports marina with many tapas bars and restaurants. If you would like to try sensational Andalusian and Mediterranean cuisine, there are several establishments we recommend to your attention:
- La casa del Rey – the establishment is located in the heart of the old town of Estepona, next to the Plaza de las Flores, in a building with more than 200 years of history. It features a wide range of dishes, combining innovative and traditional Mediterranean cuisine, and an extensive wine list not available in shops.
- Tikitano is a restaurant specialising in an unconventional interpretation of typical Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of French culinary style, known as “Nouvelle Cuisine”. Another great asset of the establishment is the panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Spiler Beach Club – a restaurant connected to the beach club, located in close proximity to the beach with a wide selection of dishes on the menu – from seafood to burgers to ‘superfoods’.
- Ancla Sea Bridge – at this establishment you will taste excellent seafood dishes all year round, all in a perfect setting with views of the sea and the Strait of Gibraltar.
- Trocadero – an all-encompassing venue, located on the Golden Mile, where you’ll sample excellent cocktails and dishes with the Mediterranean’s signature shellfish and other seafood as a staple.
A great advantage of Estepona is its location, allowing it to be a great starting point for other interesting areas of Andalusia. In one direction, it is not far from Tarifa, Gibraltar and Casares, while in the other direction, it is not far from Marbella and Malaga or the Costa del Sol neighbouring city of Granada.
If you are looking for a property for a well-deserved holiday, browse our database of listings from this city or contact us directly and we will certainly help you find the best property in Spain.
