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Why visit Estepona?
Looking for the best things to do in Estepona? Between Marbella and Sotogrande lies a town that has quietly become one of the Costa del Sol’s most authentic destinations. Known as the Garden of the Costa del Sol, Estepona enjoys more than 320 days of sunshine each year, gentle winters, and a pace defined by Mediterranean calm. Here, Andalusian heritage meets contemporary design, creating a destination that feels both timeless and new.
Compact and easy to explore on foot or by bike, Estepona reveals its essence through art-filled streets, whitewashed houses, and sea views that stretch to the horizon.
What are the best things to do in Estepona in the morning?
Begin the day in the old town, where narrow cobbled streets overflow with bougainvillea and painted pots. Streets like Murillo, Aurora and Los Reyes capture the essence of Andalusian life. Here, time feels suspended, marked only by the bells of Los Remedios Church, an 18th-century landmark blending Baroque and Neoclassical styles.
Nearby, Plaza de las Flores offers one of the most photogenic scenes in southern Spain. Surrounded by traditional façades, boutiques and small hotels, it’s ideal for a first coffee. For a local breakfast, El Caliente and La Palma serve toasted bread with olive oil in true Andalusian style, while Café de Theresa and MOM Brunch & Coffee bring a creative touch.
Walking through the old quarter, you’ll discover Estepona’s Route of Poetry: fragments of Shakespeare, Antonio Machado and María Victoria Atencia painted on the walls. Bronze sculptures like Costaleros or El amor salva turn each street into an open-air gallery. It’s the perfect way to understand why Estepona is often described as a city where art lives outdoors.
What are the best things to do in Estepona at midday?
By late morning, the light turns golden, ideal for exploring the Art Mural Route, one of Spain’s largest outdoor art collections. Over sixty murals transform entire façades into monumental canvases. Don’t miss Día de Pesca by José Fernández Ríos, a tribute to the town’s fishing heritage, or Regando el jardín, a striking 3D illusion that brings a building to life.
Before continuing to the seafront promenade, , a landscaped walkway stretching for kilometres along the coast, make time for the Estepona Orchidarium. Its glass-domed botanical garden that reflects why the town is known as the Garden of the Costa del Sol. Home to more than 5,000 species and cascading waterfalls, it’s one of southern Spain’s most beautiful indoor gardens, a peaceful pause surrounded by light, scent and architecture.
For lunch, two contrasting experiences define Estepona’s culinary identity. Eva Beach, on Playa del Cristo, offers a relaxed Mediterranean menu and soft music beside the sea, perfect for lingering over a glass of rosé. In the fishing port, La Escollera is a local institution serving the freshest catch of the day. Both embody the same idea: simplicity done well.
Before the afternoon begins, visit the Mirador del Carmen, Estepona’s new cultural centre. Its modern architecture and panoramic terrace reveal how tradition and innovation coexist in the city. From above, you can see the old town’s white roofs blending into the horizon.
What are the best things to do in Estepona in the afternoon?
The afternoon light in Estepona invites slow discovery. Return along the promenade, where cyclists and walkers share the path surrounded by Mediterranean gardens. Back in town, explore the boutiques that showcase the new creative energy of the city.
Stores like Lolita, La Flaca, Ciruela, El Taller del Agua or Monamoon combine craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, from linen clothing to handmade ceramics. Shopping here feels personal, a dialogue with the artisans who define Estepona’s quiet elegance.
When it’s time for a break, stop at La Bulla Gastrobar or IKIGAI Food for Life. Both embody the local sense of wellbeing through good food, natural light and a calm rhythm. As the sun begins to fade, head to the Senda Litoral, a scenic coastal trail that connects Estepona with neighbouring towns. The view of the Sierra Bermeja mountains behind the sea creates one of the most memorable sunsets on the Costa del Sol.
Where to eat and what to do in Estepona at night?
Evenings in Estepona have their own rhythm. The air softens, the promenade lights reflect on the water, and the town’s relaxed energy returns. For dinner, Malva Beach —located by the sea just steps from Tyrian Residences— is the ideal finale. Its Mediterranean menu blends creativity and precision: fresh fish, rice dishes and grilled meats served with elegance and ease.
The setting makes the experience unforgettable. From your table, the horizon fades into the night, the sound of the waves becomes the soundtrack, and the atmosphere captures what Estepona does best: balance. Authenticity without excess. Sophistication without noise.
Can Estepona be enjoyed all year round?
Yes. And that’s one of its greatest strengths. With over 320 sunny days annually and mild temperatures even in winter, Estepona is a year-round destination. Autumn brings long walks and golden light, winter offers quiet streets and open terraces, and spring fills the gardens with colour.
Its urban plan, which has doubled the amount of green space compared with other coastal towns, makes it one of the most sustainable cities in southern Spain.
Why Estepona stays in your memory
Spending one day here is enough to understand why so many choose to stay longer. Estepona is not just a beach town; it’s a lifestyle built around beauty, balance and slow rhythm. Between the poetry on its walls, the art of its streets, and the light of the Mediterranean, it offers a sense of serenity that lingers.
Whether visited for a day or lived year-round, Estepona shows that true luxury lies in simplicity, and in knowing how to preserve it.
