Estepona What to do ? Activities and must-sees
Best things to do and see in Estepona
In this article, you will find essential information about what to see and do in Estepona:
- A few words about Estepona and its origins
- Where is Estepona located on the map?
- What to see in Estepona?
- What to do in Estepona?
- Booking accommodation
- Where to have lunch in Estepona?
- Map of Estepona with places to see
- The Estepona Fair
- Which white village to visit from Estepona?
- Some useful links
- Latest articles on Andalusia
A few words about Estepona and its origins
Estepona is a renowned seaside resort on the Costa del Sol. The town is 85 km from Malaga.
The municipality also offers 23 km of coastline from which you can easily see the Rock of Gibraltar and Africa.
Estepona is nicknamed ‘The Garden of the Costa del Sol’ because of its parks, flower-filled streets and typical Andalusian historic centre.
The origins of Estepona
Historically, it was the Phoenicians who first settled here, giving it the name Astapa. Then, during the Roman and Byzantine periods, the site took the name Salduba.
Later, during the Al-Andalus period, the first castle was built, known as Castillo del Nicio. During the Caliphate period, Abderraman II had a fortress built called Estebunna. This is what gave the city its name: Medina Istibūna.
One of the characteristic features of this period is its maze of narrow streets, which provide shade and coolness during the summer months. You will find this when you stroll through the historic centre of Estepona.
Note: from 1344 to 1456, it served as the border for the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. It was incorporated into the kingdom of the Catholic Monarchs in 1457.
Where is Estepona on the map?
What to see in Estepona?
1 – The narrow streets of the historic centre
2 – Plaza de las Flores and Casa de las Tejerinas
3 – Torre del Reloj
4 – Iglesia Santa María de los Remedios
5 – Castillo de San Luis
6 – Pasaje F Campuzano
7 – Ruta de la poesía
8 – Ruta de los murales
9 – El orquidario de Estepona
10 – Selwo aventura
11 – The beaches of Estepona
12 – Puerto deportivo Marina de Estepona
Note: all the places mentioned can be found on a map of Estepona at the end of the article.
1 -The narrow streets of the historic centre
The Villa district, located in the historic centre of Estepona, covers the layout of the old medina of Estepona. This is undoubtedly my favourite thing to do in Estepona: get lost in the narrow streets of this district.
Don’t hesitate to stroll around Calle Villa, Calle Aurora and Calle Sevilla, where a delightful little journey awaits you.
This neighbourhood is also home to the Casa de los Aljibes, which is now an archaeological museum. This building was constructed on the site of an ancient tower of the Muslim fortress.
It is called Casa de los Aljibes because inside you can see an ancient aljibe – a water reservoir – from the Al-Andalus period.
2 – Plaza de las Flores and Casa de las Tejerinas
Plaza de las Flores is in the heart of the historic centre. It is notable for its fountain and orange trees.
On this square, you will also find a beautiful hotel (more on that below) and the Casa de la Cultura.
There are often exhibitions in this house, which is called Casa de las Tejerinas.
3 – Torre del Reloj
This square is home to the beautiful clock tower. There used to be a church attached to this tower. It was built on the site of an old mosque, which suggests that the clock tower is also a former minaret.
Strolling through the old town of Estepona is undoubtedly my favourite thing to do in Estepona!
4 – Iglesia Santa María de los Remedios
This church is located in Plaza San Francisco. It dates back to the 18th century.
5 – Castillo de San Luis
The Castle of Saint Louis was built at the very beginning of the 16th century, on the orders of the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. It stands on the site of the former fortress from the Al-Andalus period.
Today, only a small part of this castle remains.
6 – Pasaje F Campuzano
In the centre of Estepona, there are some very pretty passageways. The one in F. Campuzano is my favourite.
7 – Ruta de la poesía
In the historic centre, you can also follow the poetry trail. The numerous poetic excerpts that can be read in these streets also offer a pleasant moment. I would like to take this opportunity to show you one of the ceramics featuring poetry, and it is by one of my favourite poets.
Rainer Maria Rilke fell in love with the city of Ronda during his stay in Andalusia. He gave it the name Ciudad soñada (Dream City).
El Rincón de la Saeta
There is also a lovely spot that pays tribute to the famous poet Antonio Machado, called El Rincón de la Saeta.
8 – Ruta de los murales
Estepona has dozens of murals and street art.
It is a real pleasure to walk through the streets lined with these murals.
The largest mural in Spain can be found on a residential building in Calle Terraza. It is called Día de Pesca (Fishing Day) and covers six consecutive buildings.
It was created by José Fernández Ríos.
9 – El orquidario de Estepona
The Estepona Orchidarium is a botanical park that opened in 2015. It is home to 5,000 plants, including 1,300 orchids from all over the world.
The Estepona Orchidarium is also a unique building with a 30-metre-high dome and a series of waterfalls up to 17 metres high. It is the work of the Huete architects.
10 – Selwo Aventura
Selwo Aventura is both a theme park and a zoo, covering more than 100 hectares. It is home to over 1,000 animals living in semi-freedom in different ecosystems (from different continents).
It is a rather unique experience that allows visitors to observe the Iberian lynx. You can also take a 116-metre-long zip line. Booking a ticket to Selwo Aventura is a guarantee of a great time.
11 – The beaches of Estepona
Here are the main beaches in Estepona.
Playa de la Rada
Playa de la Rada is Estepona’s most iconic beach.
It is approximately 2.6 km long and runs from the paseo maritimo to the marina and fishing port.
Playa del Cristo
This is a beautiful little beach just after Estepona marina. It is also the locals’ favourite beach.
There are also three other beautiful beaches:
- Playa de La Galera
- Costa Natura, an 850-metre-long nudist beach.
- Playa del Saladillo, which is almost 6 km long!
12 – Puerto deportivo Marina de Estepona
The port of Estepona is divided into two parts: the fishing port
And the marina with its yachts and boats and water sports activities.
In the evening, the marina is very pleasant with its many bars and restaurants.
The Punta Doncella lighthouse
This lighthouse at the entrance to the port plays a very important role. Together with the Punta Almina lighthouse in Ceuta, it guides ships through the Strait of Gibraltar.
What to do in Estepona?
Below you will find a number of ideas for activities to do in Fuengirola. You can book them online today.
Bonus : toutes les activités peuvent être annulées jusqu’à 24 heures avant la date prévue.
Book accommodation
Below, you will find all the hotels and accommodation available in Estepona, after selecting your dates:
Where to have lunch in Estepona?
Here are two good places to go.
El Típico andaluz
A restaurant which, as its name suggests, serves delicious traditional Andalusian dishes.
La Casa del Rey
This restaurant is more upmarket and is located right next to the Plaza de las Flores. Chef David García is in charge of the kitchen.
Map of Estepona with places to see mentioned in the article
The Estepona Fair
Which white village to visit from Estepona?
There is an incredible white village to discover in the vicinity of Estepona. It is called Genalguacil.
This village is listed among the ‘Pueblos más bonitos de España’ (most beautiful villages in Spain) and defines itself as the world’s first museum village.
Indeed, dozens of works of art are on permanent display in the streets of the village. Very surprising!
Some useful links
- A map of Andalusia. It is an interactive map; simply click on each city to see the best places to visit.
- For those staying on the Costa del Sol and wishing to visit Andalusia, here are 9 wonderful excursions from Malaga, Torremolinos, Fuengirola or Benalmadena.
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