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Estepona is a popular Costa del Sol tourist resort that has kept its old-world Andalusian charms intact. You’ll find pretty beaches, boutique shops and laid-back nightlife in this traditional fishing village. Family facilities abound here, and there are plenty of quiet spots for a romantic couples’ break on this part of Spain’s Sunshine Coast too.
Good to Know
☀️ Expect 320+ days of sunshine a year, with summer temps hitting 26°C and the sea warming up to a gorgeous 23°C by August
💶 A pint'll set you back around €3-4, and you can grab a proper meal for €10-15 – much easier on the wallet than glitzier neighbours like Marbella
🌸 Fun fact: Estepona's nicknamed the "Garden of the Costa del Sol" thanks to its 70+ murals and thousands of plant pots lining the streets – it's properly photogenic
Beaches
Estepona’s main draw for sun seekers is undoubtedly the sandy La Rada Beach. This 3km long stretch of paradise is the pride of the resort, and is kept sparkling clean throughout the year. With plenty of parking nearby, as well as lifeguards, playgrounds and places to eat and drink, this beach is perfect for some fun in the sun. You can also check out the sheltered cove of Del Cristo Beach for an even more family-centric seaside experience.
Food & Drink
Old Town Estepona is a treasure trove of tapas bars - follow your nose down a cobbled street and you’ll more often than not be rewarded with a hidden gem. On the menu are Spanish staples such as manchego cheese, albondigas (meatballs) and Iberico ham. If you prefer dinner with a view, head to a chiringuito for laid-back beachside dining. At the bar, order like a local and ask for a cerveza (beer) or tinto de verano (red wine sweetened with lemonade).
Culture
Social wining and dining is a big part of the local lifestyle in Estepona. The phrase ‘no pasa nada’ is also a cultural essential here. It means ‘no worries’ or ‘take it easy’ – this Spanish equivalent to hakuna matata is the unofficial motto of Estepona.
Nightlife
Estepona after dark is more chilled cocktails than club bangers, and that's exactly why people love it. The Old Town comes alive in the evenings with live music drifting out of intimate bars – La Pepa Centro near Plaza Ortiz is a good shout for cocktails in a stylish setting. Down at the marina, you've got spots like Louie Louie for live rock and blues, Healy Mac's for watching the football, and Mykonos Music Club if you fancy a dance in summer. It's got life but it's not Benalmadena – and that's the point.
Important Information
Flight Time: 3hrsTime Difference: +1hrCurrency: EuroOfficial Language: Spanish
Vaccinations
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Visa
British and Irish Passport holders don’t need a visa to visit Estepona. Holders of other passports are advised to check with their national embassy for any visa requirements.
Popular Estepona hotels
More Estepona hotelsWeather in Estepona
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Expect warm summers and mild winters in Estepona – average temperatures range from 23°C in August to 13°C in January. Seawater temperatures reach a balmy average of 23°C in August too, perfect for a summery swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Visiting outside of peak season is always an option too; in May and June the thermometer will usually stay around the respectable 18°C mark.
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FAQs
How do I get to Estepona from the airport?
How do I get to Estepona from the airport?
Estepona is about 80km from Malaga Airport – roughly an hour's drive along the coastal AP-7 motorway. We can pre-book a private transfer for you when you book your holiday with us, for maximum convenience or if you're travelling light there's a direct bus service (Avanza) that runs throughout the day and takes around 70 minutes. A taxi from the rank will set you back around €90-120.
When's the best time to visit Estepona?
When's the best time to visit Estepona?
Estepona enjoys over 320 days of sunshine a year, so you're pretty safe whenever you go. For proper beach weather, June to September delivers temps in the high 20s to low 30s and the sea warms up to a lovely 23°C by August. If you'd rather avoid the crowds (and the heat), May, June and September are brilliant – warm enough for the beach but quieter and often cheaper. Even winter stays mild at around 15-18°C, which is perfect for exploring without breaking a sweat.
Is Estepona good for families?
Is Estepona good for families?
Absolutely. La Rada Beach has lifeguards, playgrounds and gentle waters, while Del Cristo Beach is a sheltered cove that's ideal for younger kids. The Old Town is compact and walkable, there's the Orchidarium if the kids fancy something different, and Selwo Aventura safari park is just up the road. It's also far less hectic than some of the bigger Costa del Sol resorts.
How far is Estepona from Marbella?
How far is Estepona from Marbella?
About 25km – roughly 20-25 minutes by car or only 35 minutes on the bus. The L-79 bus runs hourly between the two, so it's easy to pop over for a day trip to Marbella or Puerto Banus if you fancy a bit of glamour.
What's the nightlife like in Estepona?
What's the nightlife like in Estepona?
More laid-back cocktails than big club nights – and that's exactly why people love it. The Old Town has atmospheric bars with live music, and the marina area picks up in summer with spots like Louie Louie (live rock and blues), Healy Mac's (sports and pints), and Mykonos Music Club if you're after a dance. For full-on clubbing, Benalmadena or Marbella are your best bet – both an easy taxi ride away.
What should I eat in Estepona?
What should I eat in Estepona?
You're in tapas heaven here. The Old Town is packed with traditional bars serving manchego cheese, albondigas (meatballs), jamón ibérico and fresh seafood. For something more relaxed, hit up a chiringuito (beach bar) along the promenade – espetos (sardines grilled on a stick) are a Costa del Sol classic. Wash it all down with a tinto de verano (red wine with lemonade) or a cold cerveza.
