Estepona: A Charming Destination on the Costa del Sol
If you are looking for a holiday destination that combines sun, sea, and culture, you might want to consider Estepona, a seaside resort city of 67,000 people on the Costa del Sol in Spain. Estepona has more than 12 miles (20 kilometers) of palm-fringed coastline, a historic old town famously decorated with bright blooms, and a rich cultural heritage that dates back to prehistoric times. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best places to visit and things to do in Estepona.
The Old Town of Estepona
One of the main attractions of Estepona is its old town, which has preserved its Andalusian charm and character. The old town is full of whitewashed houses lining the narrow cobbled streets, adorned with colorful flower pots and murals. You can stroll around the old town and discover its many points of interest, such as:
- The Plaza de las Flores de Estepona, a lively square with a fountain and a variety of cafes and restaurants.
- The Centro Historico de Estepona, a museum that showcases the history and culture of Estepona through exhibits and audiovisual displays.
- The Orquidario de Estepona, a botanical garden that houses more than 5,000 orchids and other tropical plants in a stunning glass dome.
- The Nuestra Senora de Los Remedios, a 18th-century church with a Baroque facade and a beautiful altar.
- The Ruta de Murales Artisticos, a route that features more than 50 murals painted by local and international artists on the walls of the old town.
The Beaches of Estepona Costa del Sol
Estepona boasts some of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol, with golden sand, clear water, and a range of facilities and services. You can choose from more than 20 beaches in Estepona, depending on your preferences and mood. Some of the most popular beaches are:
- La Rada Beach, a long and wide beach located in front of the old town, with a promenade, showers, sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports.
- El Cristo Beach, a small and sheltered cove with calm water and fine sand, ideal for families with children.
- El Padron Beach, a lively beach with a beach club, restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment.
- El Saladillo Beach, a quiet and natural beach with dunes and vegetation, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.
The Cultural Activities of Estepona
Estepona is not only a place to enjoy the sun and the sea, but also a place to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Andalusia. You can find many cultural activities and events in Estepona throughout the year, such as:
- The Feria de San Isidro Labrador, a festival that celebrates the patron saint of farmers in May, with parades, music, dancing, food, and bullfights.
- The Festival Internacional de Arte de la Calle (FIAE), an international street art festival that takes place in June, with performances by artists from different disciplines and countries.
- The Noche de San Juan (St John’s Night), a celebration that marks the summer solstice on June 23rd, with bonfires on the beach and rituals to ward off evil spirits.
- The Virgen del Carmen Procession, a religious procession that honors the patron saint of fishermen on July 16th, with boats carrying an image of the Virgin along the coast.
- The Semana Flamenca (Flamenco Week), a cultural event that showcases the art of flamenco in August, with concerts by renowned artists and workshops for beginners.
How to Get to Estepona
Estepona is located about 83 km from Malaga Airport (AGP), which is the main gateway to the Costa del Sol. You can get to Estepona from Malaga Airport by:
- Car: You can rent a car at Malaga Airport and drive to Estepona via the AP-7 motorway or the A-7 coastal road. The journey takes about an hour.
- Bus: You can take a bus from Malaga Airport to Marbella Bus Station (Line A), and then change to another bus to Estepona (Line 27). The total journey takes about two hours.
- Taxi: You can take a taxi from Malaga Airport to Estepona, which costs about €100 and takes about an hour.
Estepona is a charming and cultural destination on the Costa del Sol that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the old town, or enjoy the culture and traditions of Andalusia, you will find it in Estepona. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this beautiful and vibrant city on your next holiday..