Discovering the Hidden Gems: Things to See and Do in Estepona with Paraiso Real Estate
Welcome to Estepona, a picturesque coastal town nestled on the stunning Costa del Sol in southern Spain. Estepona is a true hidden gem, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a resident or a tourist exploring the area, there’s no shortage of exciting attractions and activities to enjoy in and around our beautiful municipality. Join us as we uncover the top things to see and do in Estepona, with insights from Paraiso Real Estate, your trusted partner in the region.
Explore the Old Town
If you want to experience a taste of traditional Spanish life, you must head to the Old Town of Estepona! Step back in time and wander through the charming streets, admire the traditional whitewashed buildings adorned with colourful flower pots, and discover hidden squares and quaint cafes tucked away in every corner. Don’t miss Plaza de las Flores, a bustling square filled with fragrant flowers and a lively atmosphere. Paraiso Real Estate recommends taking a stroll through this historic district to soak in the authentic Andalucían charm.
Visit the Selwo Aventura
For a day of family-friendly fun, head to Selwo Aventura, a thrilling wildlife park located just a short drive from Estepona. Home to over 2,000 animals from all corners of the globe, including lions, giraffes, and elephants, one of the highlights of Selwo Aventura is its exciting safari tours, where you can hop on board a safari truck and embark on an unforgettable journey through the park. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours offer up-close encounters with some of the world’s most fascinating creatures, providing insights into their behaviours and habitats.
Relax on Estepona’s Beaches
No visit to Estepona would be complete without spending a day soaking up the sun on its pristine beaches. With over 21 kilometres of coastline, Estepona boasts a variety of beaches to suit every preference. From family-friendly Playa del Cristo to the tranquil Playa de la Rada, there’s a stretch of sand for everyone to enjoy. Paraiso Real Estate highly recommends spending a day on the beach, complete with a visit to one of the many local chiringuitos (beach bars) for some traditional Spanish food and drinks.
Discover Estepona’s Botanical & Orchid Gardens
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take in the tranquillity of Estepona’s Orchidarium and Botanical Garden. Spanning over 50,000 square meters, this lush oasis is home to a huge collection of more than 5000 plants from around the world. Stroll through or take a tour of the themed gardens, admire exotic flora and fauna, and marvel at the incredible 17m high waterfall. Entry to this fantastic facility costs just €3 for adults, €1 for children between 4-11 years and under 4s go free!
Estepona’s Mural Route
If you’re looking for something different to do in Estepona, you’ll love the Murals Route! This incentive was implemented by Estepona Mayor Jose Maria Garcia Urbano in 2012, and today the route now has over 60 murals for locals and tourists to find around the town. In total, the route takes around 3 hours to complete, so we recommend a trip during a cooler time of the year or heading out early in the morning to beat the heat.
Take to the Sea
For the water lovers and thrill-seekers out there, you’ll find a myriad of water-based activities to enjoy in and around the area, including dolphin boat trips, watersports such as jet skis and pedalos, paddleboarding and kayaking, to name but a few! Take a trip down to the Estepona marina, hop on a boat trip and explore the beautiful bay of Estepona – but don’t forget to look out for the local dolphins! Dolphins are known to frequent the local waters and watching them in their natural habitat is a fantastic experience you’ll never forget.
Indulge in Local Cuisine
Experience the culinary delights of Estepona by sampling its huge range of mouthwatering local cuisine. From fresh seafood caught daily to traditional Andalucían tapas, Estepona offers a gastronomic adventure for food lovers. Head to the charming Paseo Maritimo or the bustling town centre to discover an array of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving up delicious dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. For those looking for a bite to eat or a drink with a view, head down to one of the many bars and restaurants in the marina and simply soak up the atmosphere with a drink in hand.
Reach New Heights with The Mirador del Carmen
This fantastic new addition to the area, is a fantastic facility that encompasses a library, music conservatory, auditorium and a viewing tower in which to enjoy stunning views of Estepona’s coastline. Having only opened in April 2023, this 12-storey tower on the Paseo Maritimo plays host to several exhibitions that cost around €6 to enter and make for a great afternoon of exploring. For more information on upcoming exhibitions, click here.
Parque de la Hermandad
Parque de la Hermandad, opened in late 2023, is a testament to the Mayor’s interest in improving the quality of life of its citizens. The park area is spread over 16,500 square metres and features landscaped areas as well as playgrounds and an artificial lake, making it a great place to spend an afternoon with the kids. You can find the park in Las Mesas, between Calle Latvia and Calle Tres Banderas and entry is free.
Play Golf
Golf lovers are well and truly spoilt in Estepona! Playing golf here is a truly unforgettable experience, thanks to the municipality’s stunning selection of courses and breathtaking coastal views. Estepona is home to several world-class golf courses, including Estepona Golf, a picturesque 18-hole course nestled in the rolling hills overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Golfers of all skill levels will appreciate the challenging yet scenic layout of Estepona Golf, where lush fairways and well-manicured greens await. Another notable course is Valle Romano Golf, known for its challenging design and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and sea. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice player, Estepona’s golf courses offer a unique and memorable golfing experience against the backdrop of Andalucía’s natural beauty.
Making Estepona Your Home
Estepona is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re exploring the historic Old Town, relaxing on its pristine beaches, or indulging in its culinary delights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this charming coastal town.
If you’re looking to make Estepona home, then get in touch with us at Paraiso Real Estate today. Having been in the industry since 1983, we’re well-established in the area and can offer you extensive local knowledge, insights and a trustworthy team to help guide you through.
At Paraiso Real Estate, we recognise that investing in property abroad can feel like unchartered territory for many of our clients, regardless of their level of experience. Even seasoned investors may find it confusing and challenging. That’s why we are dedicated to supporting and safeguarding our clients in every aspect of their investment decisions, offering top-notch advice and exceptional after-sales service.
Whether you’re seeking a tranquil holiday hideaway, a new permanent residence, or a secure investment opportunity, Paraiso Real Estate has the expertise to guide you every step of the way. With our solid reputation and commitment to excellence, you can trust us to help you achieve your property goals with confidence.