Andalusian Charm
Estepona
Estepona is full of old Andalusian charm. It is an idyllic enclave surrounded by both the Mediterranean and the mountains. The name Estepona originates from its Moorish occupation, when it was named Astabbuna. Like most of the Iberian Penisula, Estepona was fought over by the Moors and Christians and reoccupied by Enrique IV Castile in 1457 who ordered a church to be built over the old Mosque, and it’s this church that became the centre of the community that we would finally know as Estepona. It is located on the western end of the Costa del Sol.
Estepona’s cobbled narrow streets, fishing port, Spanish cafes and bars spilling out higgledy piggledy on the pavements, and the quaint shops and bodegas, all combine with the modern Puerto Deportivo (leisure port) and marina, the tourist facilities and golden sandy beaches, to make this a comfortable and interesting place to stay for holidaymakers.
Things to do in Estepona
Orchidarium
A delight for amateur botanists, the Orchidarium has only been around since 2015 but has already become both a landmark and one of the western Costa del Sol’s top attractions. You can’t miss the modern building’s three glass domes ; the tallest has an striking elliptical shape and reaches a height of 30 metres. Underneath are three waterfalls that flow in unison during a special show every hour.
Playa del Cristo
Playa del Cristo is one of the most voted beaches in Estepona. With its picture postcard views and delicate sandy beach. The waters are warm and transparent. There’s a breakwater on the east side and along with the natural curve of the bay and the beach’s east-facing orientation, this helps protect the beach from breezes and sea currents.
Old Town
Estepona’s old town is one of the loveliest on the Costa del Sol, and is a slice of life in a typical Andalusian town. Walk down serene cobblestone streets decorated with geraniums and lovely orange trees. You can investigate the Castillo de San Luis, a fortress constructed by Spain’s Catholic Monarchs at the end of the 15th century, and Plaza del Reloj (Clock). This delightful little square has a bell-tower that is the last remaining part of the original Iglesias de los Remedios, destroyed in an earthquake in the mid-18th century.
Estepona Marina
Nestled between El Cristo and La Rada is the resort’s upscale marina.The waterside has a sociable atmosphere in the evenings with its bars and restaurants. Stroll around the trendy marina and see the opulent yachts in all their glory. On Sundays they have a popular Tourist Market, which is held right in the harbour, selling handicrafts and leather goods.