Located between the charming municipalities of Marbella, Manilva and Estepona is a hidden gem in the heart of the Costa del Sol. This tourist destination, which shines especially in summer, is the perfect place for an unforgettable holiday. With its stunning beaches, enviable climate and a wide range of accommodations, Estepona awaits you to offer a unique experience.
Estepona is not only a coastal paradise, but also a vibrant cultural centre and a refuge of pristine nature. The city prides itself on its rich cultural offering and its commitment to environmental conservation. In addition, the variety of apartments and hotels in Estepona ensures a comfortable and pleasant stay for all visitors.
Want to know more? Keep reading to discover the fascinating history of Estepona, explore its places of interest, immerse yourself in its exciting activities and experience its popular festivals. We promise you that Estepona will captivate you!
Estepona, a jewel on the Costa del Sol, has been a melting pot of civilisations since prehistoric times. Archaeological sites reveal the presence of Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs, each leaving their mark on the rich history of the city.
The foundation of Estepona can be traced back to Phoenician colonisation under the name of Astapa. However, it is during the Roman era when Estepona truly flourishes. The most important settlement of this era is the area of the Guadalmansa river, where remains of baths can be found that could belong to the Roman city of Salduba.
With the arrival of the Muslims in the eighth century, Estepona transforms once again. Fortresses such as the Castillo del Nicio and Estebunna are built, and the city becomes an important seaport.
The Arab domination ends in 1456, when the city is conquered by King Enrique Fourth of Castile. From then on, Estepona enters a new era of prosperity, which is reflected in the reconstruction of the castle and the expansion of the city.
Estepona, a charming town on the Costa del Sol, is a destination that offers a wide variety of activities and places of interest. From its rich history and culture, to its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, Estepona has something for everyone.
The Old Town of Estepona, also known as the Barrio de la Villa, is a place you cannot miss. With its narrow and cobbled streets, and its white houses adorned with colourful flower pots, this place will transport you to another era, allowing you to breathe in the essence of traditional Andalusian architecture.
This neighbourhood is the oldest in Estepona and houses a large number of historical monuments, each offering a window into the city's rich past:
In addition to its historical heritage, the Old Town of Estepona is famous for its artistic murals that decorate the streets, adding a touch of colour and creativity to the environment. These murals, along with the flowers that adorn the houses, have turned Estepona into a true "Garden of the Costa del Sol".
The Orchidarium Estepona is a greenhouse specialising in orchids and is one of the most important in Europe. With over 1300 species of orchids, this place is a true paradise for plant lovers. The Orchidarium is a modern and spectacular building that houses an impressive collection of orchids from around the world, including some of the rarest and most exotic species.
In addition to the orchids, the Orchidarium also features a 15-metre waterfall and three glass domes, the largest of which rises to about 30 metres in height, providing stunning views. This place is more than just a simple greenhouse, it is a sensory experience that allows you to explore the beauty and diversity of the world of orchids.
The Orchidarium is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 13:30, and then from 15:00 to 18:00. On Sundays, you can visit it from 10:00 to 14:00. It remains closed on Mondays.
The entrance fee for adults is €3, while for children the price is €1.
Selwo Adventure is a unique adventure park in Estepona that allows you to enjoy nature and wildlife in a unique way. With about 2000 different species of animals, this place is perfect for a family outing. Here you can enjoy a real expedition around the world without leaving Spain, accessing areas restricted to other visitors and learning about species conservation work.
The park Selwo Adventure is open every day from 10:00 until 18:00. Online ticket prices start from €19.90.
Pedregales Park, also known as San Isidro Labrador Park, is an oasis of tranquillity and natural beauty located just 5 km from the urban centre of Estepona. This 30-hectare park is located in the first foothills of Sierra Bermeja, offering stunning views of the coast and Gibraltar.
The park is ideal for sports and nature lovers, with a network of paths that are perfect for cycling, horse riding and hiking. In addition, the park has several barbecue and table areas, water points, services, parking and a children's park.
Pedregales Park is more than a place to do sports and enjoy nature. It is also a meeting place for many families, who travel here to enjoy a day in the countryside during weekends.
The beaches of Estepona are famous for their fine sand and crystal clear waters. Here we present a list of the most outstanding beaches:
The Holy Week in Estepona is one of the most important and emotional festivities of the city. During this week, the streets of Estepona are filled with processions that represent the Passion of Christ. Holy Week is celebrated in March or April, depending on the year.
The Fair and Major Festivities are celebrated in the month of July, usually during the first week. For a week, the city is filled with colour and joy with numerous events, live music, dances and the traditional bullfighting.
On May 15, the feast of San Isidro Labrador, patron saint of farmers, is celebrated. The inhabitants of Estepona and visitors go on a pilgrimage to the Pedregales Park to spend a day in the countryside.
The feast of the Virgin of Carmen, patron saint of sailors, is celebrated on July 16. The image of the Virgin is carried in a maritime procession while the decorated boats accompany her, sounding their sirens.
There are 82 kilometres between Malaga and Estepona, which is equivalent to a car journey of approximately 50 minutes. Buses to San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella, Benalmadena, Torremolinos and Malaga will help you get around the Costa del Sol. There is even a bus line from Estepona that will take you to La Línea de la Concepción and Gibraltar.
The municipality is somewhat far from other tourist spots in the province, and spending our holidays using public transport can stress us enough not to enjoy. We recommend renting a car in Malaga, you can reserve it from our page without obligations or penalty for cancellation, you just have to use the links on the left menu to start the simple process and your car will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the Malaga airport.
If you do not need to rent a car you can check the price of a taxi to Estepona.
In the map below you can see the road route to get from Malaga airport to Estepona.
If you need more information or assistance during your visit to Estepona, you can contact or visit the Municipal Tourist Office. The friendly and expert staff will be delighted to help you plan your stay and answer any questions you may have about Estepona.
Address: Plaza de las Flores, s/n, Estepona, Málaga, Spain.
Phone: +34 952 80 20 02. Do not hesitate to call if you need help or have any questions.
Official website: For more information about Estepona, including events, attractions and services, visit the official website of the Municipal Tourist Office.
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