The best things to do in Estepona, Spain

Are you planning a trip to southern Spain and wondering what the best things to do in Estepona are?

Located on Spain’s Costa del Sol, Estepona is a traditional Andalusian town that blends culture, beaches, and outdoor activities with a relaxed vibe.  It has managed to hold on to its charm, while still offering plenty to see and do.

I visited Estepona while staying with a friend who lives there, giving me the chance to explore the town through a local’s eyes.  Alongside the main attractions, we discovered quieter streets and spots popular with the Spanish.

This guide brings together the best things to do in Estepona, from must-see sights and outdoor adventures to local experiences.  It will help you plan your visit, whether you’re going for a day trip, weekend break, or longer beach holiday.

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Estepona is well-connected and easy to reach from many European cities.

By air: The nearest airports to Estepona are Málaga and Gibraltar.  Gibraltar is only accessible from the UK, while Málaga offers far more international connections.

From Málaga airport, Estepona is about an hour’s drive along the scenic A-7 coastal road (with both toll and free motorway options).  The journey from Gibraltar Airport takes about 40 minutes in the opposite direction.  It’s extremely small, so doesn’t take long at all to get through customs.

From either airport, the easiest way to reach Estepona from the airport is by car hire or taxi.  Not only is it a scenic drive, but it also allows flexibility once you arrive.  You can compare car hire prices with Discover Cars.

By train:  There is no train station in Estepona.  The closest option is to take a train to Fuengirola, then continue by bus.  Fuengirola is about 66km away, on the far side of Marbella.

By bus:  Autocares Portillo operates the main bus routes to Estepona, connecting it with destinations across the Costa del Sol.

Once you arrive, the best way to explore Estepona is on foot.  Since much of the Old Town is pedestrianised, it’s easy to wander through the narrow streets at a relaxed pace.  This way, you can discover hidden plazas and stop for tapas or drinks along the way!

If you are staying in the outskirts of Estepona, taxis are readily available and are reasonably priced for short journeys into town.

Estepona offers accommodation for every budget, from boutique hotels to family-friendly resorts and self-catering apartments.

For a luxury stay, Hotel Silken El Pilar or Hotel Estepona Plaza are excellent choices near La Rada Beach.  Families may prefer Globales Playa Estepona, a large resort with multiple swimming pools and water slides.

If you prefer self-catering, Casa del Patio and Casa Azul are popular apartment options located right in the heart of the Old Town.

Estepona enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters.  July is the hottest month in Estepona, with average daily temperatures of around 28°.

Peak season runs from June to August, when beaches and attractions are at their busiest.  Visiting during the shoulder months (spring and autumn) often means warm, sunny weather with fewer crowds, making Estepona a good destination for winter sun.  Do note that it can be windy at times.

Estepona is an excellent option for a weekend getaway.  It’s easy to reach from Málaga or Gibraltar airports, has a wide range of accommodation, and its historic centre is compact and walkable.

Despite being quite a large town, everything you’ll want to see is close together, and with it’s relaxed atmosphere and variety of attractions, Estepona packs a lot into a short stay.

So, if you are thinking of booking, here are the must-see attractions and things to do in Estepona.

The palm-lined Paseo Maritimo stretches for around three miles along the coast and is perfect for a leisurely walk, cycle or jog.

Along the way, stop at one of the many chiringuitos (traditional Spanish beach bars).  These serve fresh seafood, paella, and grilled fish at reasonable prices, alongside sangria and cocktails.

Popular options include Chiringuito Guayaba Beach, Bahía Beach, Africa Beach, and Chiringuito Paco, which offers fantastic sea views.

Estepona Marina, located on the western side of town, is another great spot for a waterside stroll.  The modern port is home to fishing boats or yachts, and it’s also where you can book fishing trips and excursions.

The marina comes alive in the evening, with a lively mix of bars, cafés, and restaurants.  On Sundays, it hosts a popular market selling local goods and handicrafts.

The Orchid House (Orquidario de Estepona) is one of the Estepona’s top attractions.  Located in the centre, it contains a collection of over 1300 species of orchid from around the world.  Divided into three levels, the Orchid House is set beneath glass domes with waterfalls to recreate the different microclimates to support the plants.

Estepona’s Orchid House is a great place to visit on a rainy day, and the entrance fees are very cheap.

Art lovers shouldn’t miss La Ruta de Murales Artíscticos, a trail of more than 50 large-scale murals painted on buildings throughout Estepona.

The murals are spread across different neighbourhoods, so it’s worth downloading a map in advance.  Along the way, you’ll also spot sculptures and tiled plaques featuring famous poetry translated into Spanish.

For a change of scenery, head inland to the Sierra Bermeja mountains, which dominate the landscape behind Estepona.

It is a steep drive up the mountain and takes about an hour.  Once there, you can follow hiking trails or just enjoy the panoramic views over the Andalusian countryside.  Bring an extra layer, as it’s noticeably cooler than by the coast.

Adventure seekers can try a canyoning adventure in the Guadalmina River or a guided mountain bike trip in La Sierra Bermeja Natural Park.  The canyoning adventure involves navigating down the mountain using a series of ropes, rappels, water slides, and pools.  It’s a fun and active way to enjoy the area’s natural landscape.

One of the most memorable things to do in Estepona is a dolphin watching cruise. These two-hour sailboat trips explore the stunning Estepona Bay, where dolphins are often spotted.

If you bring snorkelling gear, you can also explore the marine life beneath the turquoise waters.

Sampling Spanish food is a must in Estepona.  The town offers everything from traditional Andalusian dishes to modern Mediterranean cuisine, with plenty of fresh seafood.

On of our favourite spots was La Bulla on the Avenida España, which serves excellent Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed setting.

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