A pretty Spanish town boasts a jaw-dropping coastline and beaches, but far fewer tourists than some of the country’s better known holiday hotspots. Estepona is a resort town in southern Spain’s Costa del Sol region, and looks out onto the Mediterranean.
The Andalusian settlement, which has a population approaching 80,000, began life as a small village, and some still describe it as such. That’s due in part to the area’s traditional fishing trade (which is still going strong), as well as it having a more quiet and relaxed atmosphere than the likes of Benidorm and Majorca, for example. Though there doesn’t appear to be reliable official tallies of total annual visitors, it’s often described as something of a hidden gem.
Travel guide and associated small tour operator The Culture Trip says one of the joys of a first trip to the town is “the feeling of having discovered an ‘underdog’ destination – in this case, a town frequently passed over in favour of more famous and glitzy coastal neighbours such as Marbella and (to a lesser extent) Fuengirola and Torremolinos”.
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “Majorca is very overcrowded at times and Estapona was almost a relief. The town is full of life but you can also find quiet places there. Would highly recommend”.
Estepona is known as a great option for a winter getaway, due to its temperate climate throughout the year. Temperatures are slightly cooler in winter but remain in double figures, ranging from between 12C and 18C, as per Tui.
Spring temperatures range from 17C to 25C, while in summer “temperatures can soar to the higher 20s and lower 30s °C,” the site says. Autumn remains warm too (between 18C and 24C).
One of the major pulls is the town’s many beaches, which are dotted along 14 miles of coastline.
Playa de la Rada and Playa del Cristo are often named among the best Estepona has to offer. Both have Blue Flag status which is given to beaches that meet various environmental criteria, such as water quality and waste management.
Walking around Estepona is also a treat due the charming narrow, cobblestone streets, impressive Old Town and the abundance of flowers, planted and hung from balconies as part of a major beautification project.
Unsurprisingly given Estepona’s location and history, you’ll find a wealth of superb seafood restaurants to enjoy.
Direct flights from UK airports to Malaga only take between 2.5 to three hours, and from there it’s around an hour’s drive to Estepona.
Gibraltar International Airport is also short drive from Estepona though you may find fewer flight options.