Andalucia

Estepona has retained its original charm, and even though it attracts its fair share of tourists, the high-rises have been kept low-rise. The town is still a fully functional fishing port which makes for top-notch seafood tapas.

The beach, backed by palms and a pretty promenade, is safe and clean and offers the full gamut of watersports.

Before the 20th century

Archaeologists have found evidence of a Roman settlement on the site where Estepona now stands, however, it is first documented in the 10th century as the Arab town of Estebbuna.

The town was captured from the Arabs during the hostilities ordered by King Henry IV of Castilla in 1456 and was renamed Estepona. The castle was destroyed, but King Henry ordered its reconstruction not long afterwards in order to defend the town against Moroccan pirates.

In the absence of Catholic Kings, during the reign of Doña Juana La Loca, or "Mad Jane", the village remained under the jurisdiction of the Marbella region. The villagers were finally given independence by King Phillip V in 1729; his letter confirming this can still be seen in the town hall today.

Remains of both Arab and Christian watchtowers are scattered along the coastline around Estepona, stoic reminders of the constant threat of attack from pirates which lasted until the late 19th century.

Modern history

The town prospered into the 20th century, with agriculture and fishing making up a large part of the town's income. A cyclone devastated orchards in the 50s, but business recovered. Tourism increased but with agricultural land remaining productive, it has not overtaken the town's more traditional industries.

An asymmetric bullring built in 1972 has added to the architectural highlights (no matter what you think of the 'sport', it's worth taking a look). The port and harbour were also built in the 1970s, and have fast became the town hub.

Recent history

Estepona continues to prosper, and sensitive redevelopment to accommodate the summer influx of tourists should ensure its prosperity into the future.

Top Accommodation

Top Restaurants

If you plan to visit in winter, the weather is warm compared to northern Spain, with only occasional rainfall. Expect to spend your time sightseeing, shopping and walking rather than swimming and sunbathing, however. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit if you like sunshine, blue skies and your temperatures in the low-to-mid twenties. Summers can be very hot and dry and also very busy when the rest of Europe is on school holidays, but perfect for the beach. It also stays light till late in summer making for long, balmy evenings.

Average weather

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Transport

Getting there and away

Málaga has the nearest international airport, 80km (50mi) west of Estepona along the Costa del Sol. You can hire cars either at the airport or in Málaga itself. Estepona is just off the A7 Autovía, a motorway which by-passes towns such as Marbella, making it a speedy option. Part of it is tolled, so prepare to pay for at least some of the way.

If you're planning on using public transport, the bus is your only option as there is no train station in Estepona. Coaches run about every hour from 07.00 to 21.00 between Marbella, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, and Málaga. It costs betwen 5.00 and 11.00 each way.

To explore the local area, an hourly service runs east to San Pedro from the bus station, while a 2 hourly service runs to nearby towns Sabinillas, Guadiaro and La Linea (for Gibraltar).