Estepona travel guide

A quiet, authentic coastal town on the Costa del Sol, with views towards Gibraltar and Morocco.

A flower-decked square in the old town of Estepona on the Costa del Sol.

Estepona is on the Costa del Sol in the province of Málaga, around 20 minutes from Marbella. The town has gone from fishing village to popular resort, but has kept a calm, authentic atmosphere. From the beach you can see Gibraltar and Morocco in the distance. Read why Estepona is worth a visit, and see the rest of the coast in our travel guide to the Costa del Sol.

Beaches and beach bars in Estepona

Playa del Cristo lies right by the harbour. The beach is shallow and easy to keep an eye on, and suits families with children well. Along the beach you will find chiringuitos, the Spanish beach bars, such as Chiringuito Paco and Lo Lailo, where seafood and gambas al pil pil are on the menu.

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Frequently asked questions about Estepona

Where is Estepona?

Estepona is on the Costa del Sol in the province of Málaga in southern Spain, around 20 minutes west of Marbella and just over an hour by car from Málaga airport. The town sits between the sea and the Sierra Bermeja mountains, and Gibraltar is under an hour away, so it works well as a base for day trips.

Is Estepona good for families with children?

Yes, Estepona suits families well. Playa del Cristo by the harbour is shallow and sheltered, the town beach is long with a promenade, and the town has a calmer feel than Marbella and Torremolinos. Several streets in the old town are car-free, and the distances are short enough to manage without a car.

What is Estepona known for?

Estepona is known for its old town with white houses and flower pots on the walls, long and quiet beaches and good chiringuitos, beach bars, with grilled seafood. The town also has large murals around the streets and a harbour with fishing boats and restaurants, and it is considered one of the most authentic towns on the Costa del Sol.

Where should I stay in Estepona?

Stay in the old town or along the seafront promenade, and you will have the flower-lined streets, the tapas bars and the town beach within walking distance. If you want a resort with a pool and golf, several hotels line the coast between Estepona and Marbella, but then you will often need a car or taxi. Málaga airport is around an hour away by car.