Sightseeing in Estepona, the best 5 places to visit!
Estepona, a Spanish coastal town on the Costa del Sol,
is a relatively quiet seaside resort located in beautiful Andalusia. With about seventy thousand inhabitants and its proximity to other well-known places such as Marbella, it has an attractive charm. The city boasts a modern marina and enjoys a favorable mountain location adjacent to the coast, giving it a Mediterranean climate with as many as 325 sunny days a year.
Besides the vast 21 kilometers of white beaches that make Estepona a popular vacation destination and seaside resort in Spain, the city also has a rich history. Archaeological evidence shows that the town has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and there have been excavations indicating Roman occupation of the area.
Interestingly, aside from archaeological excavations of pots and ceramics, no other notable finds have been discovered. In addition to the Romans, the Moors also controlled the city for a period until the Christians reconquered it in the 14th century. This fascinating mix of different civilizations makes Estepona a place full of attractions.
In the old center, for example, you can find the remains of a castle built by Queen Isabella to protect the city from further Moorish attacks. In short, Estepona offers an ideal destination for a versatile vacation, where relaxation and an enriching cultural experience go hand in hand. If you want to learn more about the 13 best attractions in Estepona, read on.
The 5 best places to visit in Estepona:
1. Historic center of Estepona
The old center of Estepona has a calm atmosphere and stands out for its less commercial character compared to other seaside resorts in Spain, where you will find a store or restaurant on every corner. The old houses in the center were often devoid of plumbing and electricity until the 1950s, but they have since been modernized while retaining their picturesque appearance. While walking or sightseeing, you can take a break and enjoy a snack and drink in one of Estepona’s many squares. Some examples are Plaza de las Flores and Plaza Doctor Arce.
2. Selwo adventure
Estepona is also home to a zoo called Selwo Aventura. Even though Estepona is a small town, the zoo certainly has a lot to offer. For example, visit the African section where you can see rhinos. You can also opt for a combo ticket, which gives you access to the Marina with numerous aquariums. Besides admiring animals, at Selwo Aventura you can also enjoy food and drinks, and even stay overnight in one of the many lodges.
3. Paseo Maritimo, promenade of Estepona
The Paseo Maritimo de Estepona is the town’s beautiful boulevard. Thanks to Estepona’s southern location, on clear days you can even see Gibraltar and Morocco in the distance. Besides the sweeping views of Africa, you can also enjoy the soothing lapping waters of the Mediterranean Sea. On the middle part of the promenade you will find various stores, terraces and other cozy spots. It is the ideal location for a leisurely stroll and an enjoyable afternoon.
4. Day trip to Gibraltar (48 km)
Just a 48-kilometer drive from Estepona is the English peninsula of Gibraltar. Yes, you heard correctly: this peninsula, located at the southernmost tip of Spain, is under the jurisdiction of England. Less than 6.8 kilometers from the African continent, you can even see Morocco on a clear day. Gibraltar is also known for the presence of several monkeys on its rocks. This makes it one of the few places in Europe where you can admire wild primates.
5. Day trip to Ronda (67 km)
Ronda, an idyllic Spanish village, served for a time as home to American writers Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, who even wrote about it. Set amidst a lush green landscape, the village is characterized by several old bridges. If you are looking for ultimate tranquility and a chance to admire Spanish history up close, Ronda is the perfect place for you. Located 67 kilometers from Estepona, Ronda is also ideal for a short city break.
