9 Best Things to Do and See in Estepona

Discover the best things to do and see in Estepona and why the attractive seaside town is the ideal holiday destination! Its privileged location between the Mediterranean Sea and mountains makes Estepona a popular holiday spot at the Costa del Sol.

Here, you can relax at its 2.5-kilometer-long sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, offering water activities, all the necessary beach facilities, and various beach bars. In addition to this, you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the spotless seafront promenade with endless flowers, green areas, and numerous bars and restaurants.

Stroll through typical Andalusian-style alleys in the old town decorated with countless beautiful flowers in clay pots. Then, immerse yourself into the country’s vivid tapas culture by exploring charming bars while listening to the harmonious sounds of Spanish guitar music and making long-lasting memories!

Best Things to Do and See in Estepona

#1 Relax at Endless Beaches

La Rada Beach on a sunny day with turquoise waters, golden sand, and blue sky in Estepona, Province of Malaga, Andalusia, Spain.

The well-maintained sandy beaches of Playa del Cristo and Playa de la Rada are perfect for sun-seekers and sea lovers! From here, you can see Gibraltar and Morocco on a clear day and marvel at the picturesque landscape.

Playa del Cristo, situated in a calm bay, is a beach with shallow waters, making it the ideal location for families and their children to relax. Playa de la Rada, on the other hand, is an expansive beach of 2.5 kilometers and, therefore, the perfect place for anyone looking for water sports or simply walking along the shore.

You will find several beach bars (chiringuitos) on both beaches, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, tapas, and drinks. An absolute highlight in Malaga province, and recommended, is “espetos” (sardine skewers), which you will spot in every beach bar!

Moreover, Estepona’s beaches boast excellent facilities such as open-air showers, beach chairs, parasols, and public toilets, ensuring an enjoyable and relaxing experience for all visitors!

Top Food Places at the Beach: Cocktail bar La Buena Vida / Chiringuito Palm Beach / Restaurant IKIGAI

Find All-Inclusive Accommodations in Estepona

#2 Have a Pleasant Stroll along the Promenade

People having a pleasant walk on a sunny day along the seafront promenade in Estepona, Andalusia, Spain.

Taking a leisurely walk along the pedestrianized seafront promenade (Spanish: Paseo Marítimo) is another fantastic thing to do in Estepona!

It is unquestionably a delightful activity, no matter the time of the day, to enjoy the outdoors in an environment characterized by countless well-kept flowers and green areas! Moreover, there are plenty of bars and restaurants where you can stop for a break and have a drink or something to eat.

TIP: Take a walk late in the evening to experience a magical sunset above Africa and Gibraltar!

Top Food Places at the Promenade: Restaurant IKIGAI / Sem’s Cafeteria / La Bulla Gastrobar / Cocktail bar La Buena Vida

Parking Garage: Parking Paseo Maritimo Estepona

#3 Explore the Historic Center

Charming square Plaza de las Flores decorated with colorful flowers, whitewashed buildings, cafés, and a fountain in Estepona, Andalusia, Spain.

The historic center of Estepona (Spanish: Casco Antiguo) is one of the most beautiful old towns in the Costa del Sol area, representing the essence of a typical Andalusian town!

Discover a network of narrow streets of whitewashed houses with orange trees and beautifully decorated flower pots. In addition, explore historic buildings, charming squares, and countless tapas bars offering excellent Andalusian cuisine.

Walking through Estepona’s old town is, without any doubt, a visual journey for the senses and a harmonious combination of history, culture, and everyday life!

Places of Interest: Plaza de Las Flores / Plaza del Reloj / Castle of San Luis / Church of our Lady of the Remedies (Spanish: Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios)

Top Food Places in the Old Town: Restaurant El Cortijo / Tapas bar Darcy’s delicatessen / Tapas bar El Tipico Andaluz / MOM Brunch & Coffee

#4 Visit Estepona Orchid House

Orchid flower from the Orchid House in Estepona, Malaga. Andalusia, Spain

The Estepona Orchid House (Spanish: Orquidario de Estepona) is the most significant in Europe and well worth a visit!

Under three glass domes, you can admire an exceptional collection of more than 1,300 species of tropical orchids. Besides this, the botanical garden features 5,000 different plants, including various tropical and subtropical plant species!

It’s a beautiful space allowing visitors to enjoy a quiet walk among flowers and plants, accompanied by the sound of water from its fountains and waterfalls.

TIP: Make sure you also visit the miniature orchid garden, unique in Europe, where you will be surprised by the blooms of species barely exceeding 10cm!

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 – 13:30 and 15:00 – 18:00 / Sundays from 10:00 – 14:00 / Closed on Mondays

Top Food Places nearby: Bar & grill El Patio del Macarena / Bar Take a Wine

#5 Discover the Route of Artistic Murals

One of many artistic murals in the coastal town of Estepona, Costa del Sol, Andalusia, Spain.

Another activity worth checking out is the Route of Artistic Murals! Estepona is known for its magnificent collection of artistic murals decorating the facades of buildings.

Local and international artists created this excellent open-air museum, perfect for experiencing a new way of art and culture.

Check out the urban art route inviting street art lovers to explore 45 enormous murals throughout the coastal town, reflecting Estepona’s history, culture, and daily life.

#6 Check out the Marina of Estepona

View of yachts and high buildings in the background at the port of Estepona, Andalusia, Spain.

Soaking up the maritime atmosphere is one of the best things to do and see in Estepona!
Located between Playa del Cristo and Playa de la Rada, you can enjoy the coastal town’s fishing neighborhood and watch boats and yachts come and go.

Top Food Places at the Port: Plan B Restaurant / Tavern Mar de Alboran / Restaurant De La Mar

#7 Experience an Authentic Flamenco Show

Enjoy the country’s national dance in an entertaining 1.5-hour-long show at Mi Caseta Flamenco Night’s theater during your stay in Estepona!

Experience an authentic performance and feel the essence of Spanish flamenco dancers and musicians showing off their skills. Lose yourself in this timeless tradition’s passionate rhythms and sensual dance moves for an unforgettable moment!

#8 Dolphin Watching

Dolphin Watching in the Mediterranean Sea in Estepona, Malaga, Andalusia, Spain.

Create lasting memories on a sailboat cruise in search of dolphins and take a chance to watch the majestic creatures swim free in their natural environment.

Turn an unforgettable experience into a magical moment on this Dolphin Watching Sailboat Cruise! Relax with a free drink while sailing through the beautiful Estepona Bay! And if the weather allows, stop for a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean Sea!

#9 Enjoy Drinks at the Beach

Drinks at the beach with sunset background in Spain.

After a long day, nothing is better than sitting at the beach with a drink and some tapas (small appetizers) while listening to the sound of the Mediterranean Sea and watching the sunset.

Estepona is a paradise for food and wine lovers and has various beach bars (Spanish: Chiringuitos) where you can enjoy fantastic cocktails and Andalusian wine! Some of them even have live flamenco performances!

Top Beach bars: Chiringuito Paco / Chiringuito Palm Beach / Blue Dolphin

Another great way to experience an unforgettable sunset is by embarking on a sunset sailboat in the bays of Estepona! Admire the coastline, help yourself at the open bar, and watch how beautifully the sun goes down on the horizon.