Estepona is a still-working Andalucian fishing village on the Costa del Sol that has started to embrace the tourist industry yet still preserves its unique Spanish atmosphere.
The town is located 25km from Marbella and is approximately 45 minutes from Malaga airport, with a direct motorway linking the two.
The main A7 (N340) coastal road and the new AP7 toll road motorway give easy access to the town. Most staff at shops, restaurants and bars speak English, German and French.
The town is sheltered to the north by the Sierra Bermeja mountains. Los Reales, their highest point, reaches 1,449m. This gives Estepona a unique warm micro-climate which can be completely different from towns just a few kilometres away.
This climate is a big attraction for it has an average temperature of 18.7º over the year. Golf is also very popular here as there are over ten courses in this area alone out of over 50 on the Costa del Sol. Estepona also has a renowned Equestrian centre, should horses be your thing.
If you take some time to explore Estepona you will discover many quiet and interesting resting places. Right in the town centre you will find the Plaza de las Flores (right). Here you can relax by the fountain, take your pick of the many quaint bars, and have a coffee, a beer or an al-fresco meal surrounded by flowers and orange trees.
On the outskirts of the town, heading west, is the town bullring. This white-washed building has a unique architectural style. As well as the usual bullfights, the bullring regularly offers a selection of live concerts. Whatever your tastes you'll find something here to excite you - from Carmen to Flamenco to Rock'n'Roll!
Estepona's clock tower (below), which you will find in the Plaza del Reloj, was built by Henry V and dates from the 15th century. It still chimes out the hours in perfect time.
On Wednesdays there is a large outdoor market (one of the biggest on the coast) where you will find all manner of local produce as well as a good selection of African and Morrocan wares.
Estepona has a good local bus system and an ample supply of local taxis. The hotels are mainly low-rise and quite unobtrusive.
The beaches are very clean and well cared for and all have bars on them. In total there are over 20km of beaches, many of them proudly displaying the Blue Flag Award.
Estepona is ideally located to explore many places in Andalucia and the Costa del Sol.
All within easy reach.
Gibraltar, with its famous 'Rock', British lifestyles, Mediterranean climate and duty free prices is only 35 minutes away.
Sevilla is one of the largest towns in Andalucia with an envious history.
For the Atlantic coast consider historic Tarifa, only an hour away and a mecca for wind and watersports. From here you can also book a day trip to Morocco – get to see a bit of Africa!
North-east of Estepona and about two hours away is the beautiful town of Granada with its ever-popular Alhambra Palace.
A day trip to the mountains of Sierra Nevada, the skiing centre of Andalucia, is easily possible. You can leave the house and be on the slopes within two and a half hours.
Nearby you also have the beautiful white villages of Casares and Ronda, with its famous Roman bridge across the gorge.
