A Guide to Estepona
With a population of more than 77,000, Estepona ranks as the 24th largest city in Andalucía. In contrast to many resorts along the Costa del Sol, Estepona has successfully managed to preserve its authentic fishing village roots and quintessential Andalucían charm – all with the added luxury of modern life. Estepona’s moniker as the ‘Garden of the Costa del Sol’ speaks volumes about its lush greenery and abundant floral displays, which embellish its streets and public spaces with vibrant colours all year round. From its picturesque old town adorned with colourful flower pots to its modern promenades and amenities, Estepona embodies the perfect balance between heritage preservation and progressive development, making it a truly unique destination on the Costa del Sol.
The narrow back streets in the old part of town are full of excellent bars and restaurants, serving both Spanish and International cuisine. You will also find an abundance of chiringuitos (beach bars) and restaurants scattered along the beachfront, providing the perfect place to enjoy a cool drink or dine with friends and family overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
The palm tree-lined Paseo Maritimo promenade runs from east to west virtually along the whole beachfront and is one of the few areas that has managed to avoid high-rise development. This has recently been made completely pedestrianized, offering a safe and secure environment in which to enjoy cycling, walking and running by the sea and families can entertain their kids at new and improved play parks offering a multitude of fun activities.
The new Mirador del Carmen tower, close to the marina, also offers spectacular 360º views of the city and the Mediterranean. This modern and avant-garde cultural centre also has an art gallery, auditorium, music conservatory and public facility that will house a large library.
The town also boasts many beautiful “plazas” or squares, many adorned with orange trees, fountains and cafés and bars. It also boasts an Orchidarium, with more than 4,000 different species of orchids, waterfalls that light up with a large dome and vegetation brought from all the corners of the world. An impressive place you will adore. The town is also renowned for its “Ruta de los Murales”(Mural Road). Beautiful murals can be found all around the town, painted by various artists. The Felipe IV auditorium theatre puts on all kinds of shows, musicals and concerts and the new athletics stadium provides a plethora of sports facilities and will allow Estepona to host various competitions, thus energizing the city’s tourism sector.
The Estepona Town Council is perhaps one of the most progressive and forward-thinking councils on the Costa del Sol, bringing a wide variety of innovative and eco-friendly schemes to the town. Such projects include urban beautification schemes, the expansion and development of green spaces, as well as significant improvements to local infrastructure.
Estepona’s Location
By rail, travellers can embark on journeys throughout the Iberian Peninsula from Málaga’s recently refurbished María Zambrano or Algeciras railway stations, each reachable in under an hour by car. With Spain boasting the largest number of high-speed trains in Europe, travellers can enjoy swift and comfortable trips from Málaga to several destinations such as Seville, Granada, Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia.
Local train lines seamlessly connect the western Costa del Sol with the heart of Málaga, with planned expansions set to enhance this scenic mode of travel even further.
Estepona’s bus station, located west of the town centre, serves as a gateway to many exciting destinations on the coast, and the town’s excellent infrastructure means that buses are frequent and often more convenient than driving.
Estepona and the entire Costa del Sol are well-connected by modern motorways, including both toll and public roads such as the AP-7 and the more scenic N-340 (A-7), which hugs the coastline.
Estepona’s History
In the 20th century, Estepona transformed from a village of farmers and fishermen to a bustling town with diverse professions, including weavers, manufacturers, tailors, and more. From the 1960s, Estepona evolved and developed into one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular resorts, attracting tourists from around the world.
The town is still home to a traditional bullring, built in 1972 with an unusual asymmetric design, where about 16 bullfights are held each year. The building also houses the Municipal Museum of Bullfighting and a Museum of Agriculture, Fossils and Archaeology, and during the summer months, the venue hosts a number of events and concerts for both tourists and residents.
Areas in Estepona
Estepona Town
With its quaint alleys and picturesque squares, you’ll find a great mix of properties here. Whilst there are fewer apartments to be found in this area, there are plenty of traditional houses in a range of sizes and formats.
The area is more traditional architecturally, but this hasn’t stopped others from taking on full renovations in many of the properties here, bringing them up to date with contemporary interiors, whilst maintaining the traditional look on the exterior.
Estepona Marina
Whilst it may not have yachts as big as those moored in Puerto Banús, this quaint marina has lots going on, from bars and restaurants serving both local and international cuisine, as well as a buzzing nightlife scene. Pop down to the Sunday morning market, held here between 10am and 2pm and take in the blissful blue waters of the port, whilst shopping for a few bargains.
In Estepona Marina, you’ll find a good mix of modest and luxurious apartments on offer, many of which boast frontline views towards the port. If you prefer villas over apartments, the area of Seghers, a well-established residential area positioned just next to the marina, has a wider range of private villas and townhouses and is just a short walk from the marina itself.
Estepona East
Within Estepona East, you’ll find a number of residential areas, each offering something different:
Selwo: Selwo features a mix of well-established communities including apartments, townhouses and villas to suit a range of budgets. Just 5 minutes by car from San Pedro de Alcántara, Selwo is home to La Resina Golf & Country Club and Selwo Safari Park and is nestled amongst plenty of gorgeous greenery, making it perfect for nature lovers. Starlite is also set to make this area its home. The Starlite festival, known for its distinctive events at the Nagüeles quarry in Marbella, is expanding to Estepona with an impressive new venue. The planned complex in La Panera, adjacent to Selwo Adventure Park, will feature a 15,000-capacity auditorium, a hotel, and a multifunctional conference centre.
Cancelada & Belair: Positioned between San Pedro de Alcántara and Estepona, Cancelada features a delightful blend of traditional Andalusian charm and modern amenities. Belair, Cancelada’s close neighbour, offers plenty of space and natural surroundings too, making it a great area for those looking for a retreat in the sun. Both areas feature a hearty mix of villas, townhouses and apartments, including a number of new build developments.
El Paraíso: If you’re looking for an area with the most amount of variety when it comes to property, you’ll want to consider looking at El Paraíso. This idyllic neighbourhood offers a mix of well-established properties, as well as spacious plots for standalone residences and upscale residential complexes. It’s also home to the famous El Paraíso golf course, as well as the Paraíso and Benavista Country Clubs.
Atalaya: Situated on the eastern end of the municipality, Atalaya has something for everyone in this smaller locale. Nestled amidst serene streets, Atalaya is a haven of tranquillity, offering residents privacy and peace in a prime location. Situated near San Pedro Alcántara and Puerto Banús, this idyllic neighbourhood is just a stone’s throw away from the beach, prestigious golf courses, vibrant shopping districts, fine dining establishments, top-rated schools, and various other amenities.
Benamara: The New Golden Mile is widely acclaimed as one of the most prestigious areas on the Costa del Sol, but nestled within this vibrant stretch lies Benamara, a residential area renowned for its classic beachfront villas in the outskirts of Estepona. Benamara boasts not only captivating beachfront villas but also charming apartment complexes and townhouses. Characterized by quiet streets, this residential area offers a secluded retreat within easy reach of local beaches, perfect for those seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle.
Estepona west
Estepona West enjoys more privacy and nature than other areas, all whilst boasting the amenities of larger areas, including restaurants, cafes, shops, hotels and golf courses.
There is a large selection of properties to choose from in Estepona West, including apartments, townhouses and villas. If you’re looking for something more high-end, there are also a number of new high-end developments within the area, many featuring frontline sea views.
To find out more about Estepona and frequently asked questions about Estepona,
head over to our Why Buy in Estepona page.
Why buy with Winkworth?
As your local experts in Estepona, Winkworth is your trusted partner for all your property needs in this vibrant coastal town. With our extensive knowledge of the area and years of experience in the real estate market, we are dedicated to helping you find the perfect property or sell your existing one with ease. Whether you’re drawn to Estepona’s picturesque old town, stunning beaches, or flourishing real estate opportunities, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact our local experts today to start your journey towards owning a piece of paradise in Estepona.