Estepona started out as a traditional fishing village in the South of Spain before growing into a prosperous settlement of great economic and strategic importance. The historical roots of the town are strong, dating back to the fourth century, and this is certainly evident in the historical town centre, Centro Historico.
Today, it is a thriving working town with a large population of locals and also a seaside resort popular with tourists from all over the world. There is good reason for its popularity, as a number of modern attractions sit inside a historically charming location. Malaga airport transfers can take you to your accommodation from which you can explore all the resort has to offer.
Outdoor Fun at the Beaches and Marina
You can take your pick from a number of stunning beaches at the resort. In my opinion, these are some of the best in the whole of Costa Del Sol.
Playa Del Cristo
Playa del Cristo’s beautiful, clear water is tantalisingly warm and the natural curve of the bay protects the beach from chillier sea breezes. It’s a popular spot for families since the bay is quite contained and safe. There are also two open-air restaurants by the beach if you find yourself getting peckish.
Playa La Rada
Playa La Rada is the largest and most prominent beach, running along the shore in front of the town itself. An attractive promenade runs along the entire 2.6km of the beach, with many bars, restaurants and shops conveniently close for tourists to pop in and enjoy a cool drink or purchase beach accessories. There’s a great view from the promenade out into the sea and you can even see the Rock of Gibraltar.
Estepona Marina
Between La Rada and El Cristo lies the attractive upmarket Estepona Marina. This is a very sociable area with a multitude of bars and cafes lining the harbour. It’s a delightful spot for a leisurely seaside stroll past the palm trees and luxury yachts. Go on a Sunday if you can, when the Tourist Market is in full swing selling charming handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Culture and History
As I mentioned earlier, Estepona has a rich and varied history. If you’re visiting, here are some of the highlights that you should explore in order to get a taste for the culture and past of this Andalusian settlement.
Museo Arqueologico de Estepona
This fascinating Archaeological Museum covers all bases in historical terms. There are objects on display dating back to Roman times, salvaged from surrounding villas and ancient shipwrecks, as well as more modern displays. The star exhibit is probably the 5000 year old figurine, ‘Venus of Estepona’.
Centro Historico
The historical town centre is remarkably intact and harks back to the Middle Ages with cobbled streets and architecture from long ago. The Castillo de San Luis, a fortress constructed in the fifteenth century by Catholic monks, is very impressive and the charming Plaza del Reloj features a historic clock and a bell-tower that is the only remnant of Iglesia de los Remedios, a church destroyed in an earthquake in the mid-eighteenth century.
Orchidarium Estepona
Estepona is sometimes called the ‘Garden of the Costa Del Sol’ and this Orchid house certainly helps it live up to its nickname. A botanic garden containing thousands of variations of colourful orchids has recently opened and is the largest collection of orchids in Europe. A 17-meter high waterfall is the most striking attraction in the Orchidarium, although the various vertical gardens are also extremely impressive. Nature lovers should consider this one a must-see.
Where to Stay
Hotel Ciudad – Thisis in an excellent location, a mere 150 yards from Playa La Rada in the heart of the old town. Rooms for solo guests and families as well as facilities for disabled guests make this hotel a good choice for all travellers.
Apartamento Kalma Estepona – Another strong choice, this accommodation is most suitable for a solo traveller or a couple (although there are sofa beds available in addition to double beds in some apartments), and has both a garden and a terrace, perfect for relaxing in the fresh air with a good book.
How to Get There
If you are flying from the UK, it is best to land in Malaga Airport where Malaga Airport transfers can take you to your accommodation. I would recommend pre-booking Malaga Airport transfers – it’s extremely beneficial to not have to stress about how you’ll reach your accommodation after your flight.
Overview
- UK to MalagaFlight Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Airport to Estepona Distance: 82 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 1 hour
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct endeavours to provide smooth and affordable airport transfer services. Our reliable shuttle services help travellers get from A to B without having to stress about the logistics. Book Malaga airport transfers in advance via our website and allow us to take control so that you can start enjoying your holiday!
