Estepona is to be found about 50 miles west of Malaga close to the mountain range of the Sierra Bermeja. This resort town on the Costa del Sol still retains a nice Spanish feel, unlike many of the other towns on this stretch of the coast. Estepona is famed for its pretty old town of narrow roads and traditional tapas bars, as well as its great beaches. Nearby to the resort is the ever popular Selwo safari park zoo.

The main focal point of Estepona old town is the very attractive Plaza de la Flores with its tropical fauna and orange trees. Located round the square are cobblestone roads full of picturesque townhouses, which makes this a nice area for a relaxing wander. There are a few historical sights worth a look, in particular the old 15th century tower of La Torre del Reloj and the ancient church of Nuestra Senora de los Remedios constructed during the 18th century. The latter is famous for the unusual chunks of iron ore which are found embedded in the mortar of the sandstone walls. Unfortunately not much is left of the huge castle which once stood in the town, other than some ruined sections of the original wall.

There are 4 museums located in the Estepona bullring. The first of these, oddly enough, is the Bullfighting museum with displays of exhibits such as old posters and costumes. The Local Museum has collections of old farming and fishing tools, while the Palaentology Museum shows over 2,000 fossils making this one of the biggest of its kind in Spain. The fourth is the Archaeological Museum which has an good display of prehistoric and ancient artifacts.

Estepona beach is excellent, the Playa de la Rada, which stretches for over 2 miles and has several busy chringuitos (or beach bars) spaced along its entire length. At the western end of the esplanade which lines the beach is a large yacht marina with berths for up to 400 small boats. The marina also houses several late night discos that are very popular with younger generation during the summer months. To the west Estepona marina is the fishing harbour where the early morning fish market is held. If you wish to visit this most enjoyable sight you will have to get up very early in the morning, as it is nearly finished by 7am. Closeby to the marina is the sheltered cove of the Playa del Cristo, plus a few miles further west of Estepona is the naturist resort of Costa Natura.

One of major attractions in Estepona is the very popular animal safari park of Selwo Aventura located about 4 miles out of the town. The zoo is home to over 2,000 animals, such as rhino, antelope, tigers, lions etc.

Just outside of Estepona in the lower foothills of the Sierra Bermeja is the famous 18 hole Estepona golf club. This benefits from a wonderful natural setting that is complemented by olive trees, palm trees and eucalyptus. Estepona Golf is a very good and popular club, notable for its generous fairways and super quality greens. There are also good practice facilities with a large driving range, plus putting green.

The nearest international airport to Estepona is actually situated not in Spain but Gibraltar, about 25 miles to the west, although most arrivals use Malaga airport (nearly 50 miles away). There are good bus services along the coastline to Marbella and La Linea from the central bus terminal.

To find out more, with tourist information about Estepona and local attractions please look at Estepona