LUXURY HOLIDAY VILLAS
IN ESTEPONA

Beach clubs are an institution on the Costa del Sol, and Estepona’s share of the coastline is no exception. Starting off central, Bikini Beach at the eastern end of Playa de La Rada excels in elegant simplicity and authenticity, offering tasty regional cuisine and cocktails, live music and events in their lounge, bar and restaurant. Not far is Trocadero Estepona, on the beachfront promenade along Playa del Ángel, which has a private pool, hammock service, cocktail and sushi bar, and jungle-themed restaurant.

A few kilometres further east, on Playa del Padrón, there are two outstanding venues: the Spiler Beach Club is an elegant but laid-back club in the grounds of the Kempinski Hotel Bahía, serving creative coastal cuisine (check out their fantastic fish display and aquarium!); and Beso Beach Estepona, a boho-chic beach club opened in 2023, offering Basque-Mediterranean cuisine and live entertainment. Just next door, the eagerly awaited opening of state-of-the-art Laguna Village 2.0 (spring 2024), after fire destroyed the complex in 2020, will unveil a 13,000 square metre two-level retail and gastronomy extravaganza, as well as a beach and yacht club and impressive infinity pool. Watch this space!

Heading further east past Playa del Velerín to Playa Arroyo de las Cañas, Sonora Beach Club tempts you with the sounds and tastes of summer. Prepare for a profusion of colour and creativity both in their décor and gourmet offer, with their mélange of Asian-inspired and Mediterranean cuisine, funky music and massages on the beach.

Continuing east, just next to the METT Hotel & Beach resort on Playa del Saladillo, you’ll find Anantara by the Sea, a sleek and chic beach club with palm-fringed exteriors replicating the columns of their restaurant, which excels in skewer specialities and authentic Andalusian dishes. Don’t miss their raw bar!

Last but definitely not least, if you fancy a 6.5km walk west (or a 15-minute drive), Nido Estepona is a boutique beach club on Playa Arroyo Vaquero. You can’t fail to be seduced by its curvy contemporary design and bohemian décor, infinity pool, private beach and sundeck, and bar and restaurant dishing up marvellous Mediterranean meals.

Built on the original working port, Estepona’s 447-berth marina is watched over by its attractive blue and white control tower and the 20m-high Faro de Punta Doncella stone lighthouse. A lively hub of gastronomy, water sports and nightlife, the marina is where you can experience Estepona’s social scene. It’s a perfect location to sample a tableau of typical tapas, delight in dishes made from the catch of the day and take it easy as you watch the world go by and gaze at the gorgeous yachts and glittering sea beyond. Come on a Sunday morning to explore the bustling market, or early in the morning to observe the daily fish auction. And for those who love the sea, deep sea fishing and sailing trips can be booked here, as well as all the popular water sports.

The Old Town is a showcase of Andalusian tradition at its best, dotted with flowers like the polka dots on a flamenco dress, bringing the cobbled streets alive with vivid reds, yellows, blues, and greens. The town is rightly proud of its cultural heritage, visible everywhere you look, with art blending into and emerging from the white-washed streets and squares, and myriad venues showcasing local, national and international art works and historical artefacts.

For some stunning street art spotting, take a leisurely stroll along the Ruta de Murales Artísticos, and marvel at the 40+ murals painted on the facades of the town’s large buildings. Or discover the Ruta de las Esculturas comprising over 50 sculptures by local artists commemorating famous people from Estepona and Spain, displayed throughout the town. The Playa del Angel open-air museum is also home to a collection of sculptures, including a dozen by the celebrated Spanish sculptor Santiago de Santiago – known for his work for Spain’s royal family – who passed away aged 97 in 2023. Works by local artists are also displayed at Casa de las Tejerinas in the tourist office in Plaza de las Flores, which has a beautiful patio and an exquisite stained glass window. Centro Mirador del Carmen, on Playa de La Rada, curates many exhibitions by Spanish and international artists. And if you’re a poet at heart, the Ruta de la Poesía is a collection of 40 poems, many of which are engraved on tiles around the Old Town and other parts of Estepona, showcasing words penned by Spanish poets and writers but also by international wordsmiths such as Shakespeare.

For fabulous flamenco, there are several venues in Estepona which can give you a taste of this truly Andalusian tradition. Peña Flamenca de Estepona west of the town centre is the original Flamenco social club, one of 50 federated clubs in the province of Málaga. Don’t judge the place by its unassuming exterior; inside a 200m2 lounge can seat 150 people. Their Friday night Flamenco Gala features celebrated artists and is hugely popular with both locals and tourists, and their Flamenco Academy will teach you how with classes in Flamenco singing, dance, guitar, and percussion for children and adults of all levels. Mi Caseta, just next to the Estepona Athletics Stadium north of the centre, puts on flaming flamenco nights with optional dinner, while Noche Flamenca at the Blue Dolphin restaurant, less than a kilometre from Estepona centre, gives you dinner shows with the sea as backdrop, taking you on a tremendous tour of different Flamenco styles.

If you’re a history buff or an archaeology afficionado, the town’s museums are just the ticket. The beautiful 18^th century Casa del Aljibe, which was the Town Hall until 2011, is home to the Museo Arqueológico de Estepona. The house alone is worth a visit, with its beautiful central patio, but if you’re looking for some ancient history, there’s a permanent collection of more than 400 artefacts, some dating as early as the Palaeolithic era, relating the story of the first settlers in Estepona, the Phoenicians, Romans and Moors.

Just across the road from the marina, Estepona’s Plaza de Toros is the first asymmetrical bullring in the world, designed by Cordovan architect Juan Mora Urbano to provide maximum shade for spectators. Opened in 1972, it has hosted many sporting and cultural events and also houses three museums: the Museo Taurino contains myriad memorabilia from when bullfighting was in its heyday, including photos of famous corridas and toreros, and elaborate sequinned costumes; for an insight into the daily lives of Estepona’s past residents, the Museo Etnográfico holds around 2,000 items including fishing and agricultural tools, and old-fashioned household objects; and the Museo Paleontológico has replicas of Patagonian reptiles and original fossils from local and national excavations.

A 15-minute drive northwest of the town centre towards the Sierra Bermeja takes you to the Dólmenes de Corominas museum, where you can admire the incredibly well-preserved cave tombs and graves from 5,000 years ago. Concerts are also held here, the acoustics lending themselves perfectly to jazz, soul, flamenco and classical music, while you sample local wines and tapas in this magical venue.

Estepona holds many cultural celebrations throughout the year, including traditional Spanish carnivals and religious processions. The town’s Carnaval takes place in February, during which market stalls, costume contests, circus acts, and traditional street bands bring the town to life. Don’t miss the “burial of the sardine” on Playa de La Rada! As in the rest of Spain, Estepona goes all out during Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week), with no less than five processions across the week, to the tune of the town’s brass bands. The following month celebrates the Cruces de Mayo (May Crosses) festival with the town’s brotherhoods and associations competing for the best-decorated cross, as well as San Isidro Labrador, a pilgrimage in honour of one of Estepona’s patron saints. The Noche de San Juan festival is an exciting event in Estepona’s social calendar held annually on 23^rd June, converging on Playa de La Rada. Residents compete to make the best juá (effigy) to be burned on bonfires on the beach, accompanied by music, food and much cheer.

July is jam-packed with cultural entertainment in Estepona. The first week of July is dedicated to the annual Feria (summer fair), where locals and tourists can enjoy traditional music, dancing and cuisine. The 16^th of July is the day Estepona honours its other patron saint – La Virgen del Carmen – who symbolises the town’s flourishing fishing past; watch as her statue is taken out to sea on beautifully decorated boats. And the last weekend of the month is dedicated to music in the annual Espeto Fest – three nights of free concerts on Playa de La Rada from 10pm to midnight.

From boutiques to bakeries, supermarkets to stationers, pet shops to perfumers, Estepona has a huge number of places to shop until you drop! For those who love spending hours browsing bustling local markets, Estepona has you covered. The Mercadillo de Estepona, inland from the marina by Parque de los Niños, is a traditional market with 250+ stalls selling everything you could imagine and more, every Wednesday from 9am to 2pm. On Sundays you have three to choose from: the hugely popular Mercadillo del Puerto on the marina sells an eclectic mix of traditional handcrafted goods, including clothing and leather accessories, and decorative items; you can get your organic local produce from the farmer’s market on Plaza ABC; and the bullring has a flea market for a little retro retail therapy. Estepona has a working port, so early every morning there’s a wholesale fish market which sells its fresh catch to local restaurants, markets and shops. Although not for the general public, it’s a real experience to witness the auction and see the huge variety of fish on display. For the more adventurous, pop to nearby Algeciras where you can hop on a ferry to Tangier and lose yourself in the amazing atmosphere of the medina’s souks.

Estepona is one of the most popular destinations for golf holidays in Spain. Whether you’re a competitive player with a low handicap or a casual golfer looking for a round or two to loosen up, you can be sure that Estepona has the right course for you.

There are three clubs right on Estepona’s doorstep. Valle Romano Golf & Resort is a challenging but rewarding 5km circuit designed by Cabell B. Robinson, with spacious greens and breathtaking views, as well as a floodlit practice range. The club offers exceptional facilities and a holistic wellness culture that promotes healthy living, respect for the environment and social inclusion. Just a power swing away is Estepona Golf, with its stunning sea views and testing course, including the tricky 14^th hole watched over by the majestic Sierra Bermeja. A short drive west brings you to Finca Cortesín, considered one of Europe’s most memorable golf experiences and rated among Spain’s best courses. Another one of Cabell Robinson’s designs, Finca Cortesín is one of the longest courses in Europe, extremely challenging, with ultra-fast greens and more than 100 bunkers.  Not surprisingly, it was chosen to host the prestigious Solheim Cup in 2023.

Continuing west to Sotogrande, you come to one of the best-known clubs in the world – Real Club Valderrama. Designed by famed architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., and opened in 1974, this is a challenging Par 71 course requiring precision for every shot. By the 1990s, Valderrama was rated the top course in mainland Europe by Golf World magazine, going on to host numerous tournaments, including the Ryder Cup in 1997. After a game, you can relax in their lounges, gaze at the stunning views from their terraces, or indulge in fine dining in their elegant Clubhouse.

Back to Estepona and heading east this time, Villa Padierna has three magnificent 18-hole courses – Flamingos Golf, Alferini Golf and Tramores Golf – as well as an academy offering tailored coaching, whatever your level. Next door – as the crow flies – there’s El Paraíso, designed by golfing legend Gary Player in 1973 and widely considered as having one of the best championship course layouts in Spain. Nestled in the El Paraíso valley against the backdrop of La Concha mountain, the setting is a huge draw, as is the club’s reputation for being one of the most welcoming on the Costa del Sol. But watch out for those water hazards and sneaky streams in the rough! Next along is the prestigious yet convivial Atalaya Golf & Country Club, with two championship courses, state-of-the-art facilities – including TrackMan Golf – and the PG Golf & Sports Academy, which provides lessons and workshops for all ages and levels. Just across the Guadalmina river, the Real Club de Golf Guadalmina boasts two of Marbella’s oldest golf courses, which meander down from the hills in Guadalmina Alta, under the A-7 coastal road all the way to the beach behind the Guadalmina Hotel. Happy golfing!

Estepona and surrounds may be a golfer’s paradise, but it’s also heaven for nature lovers. The town is proud of its natural heritage and works to promote enjoyment and protection of its green spaces. To this end, the “Estepona Natural” initiative provides comprehensive information on the wealth of trails through its landscapes, encouraging visitors to explore the area sustainably, by foot, on two wheels or on horseback.

The majestic Sierra Bermeja mountain range isn’t just a spectacular backdrop but a stunning location for hiking and watching the sun rise or set. The Paseo de los Pinsapos is a popular 10km circular trail, which runs through forests of Spanish fir unique to this area, taking you to Picos Los Reales, at 1,450m altitude. The Mirador Salvador Guerrero viewpoint offers amazing vistas of the coast, Sierra Nevada mountains and even Africa on a clear day, and from here there’s a path to the summit, for yet more 360 degree views.

If you want to experience something resembling plant paradise, head to Estepona’s Orchidarium, home to the largest collection of orchids and tropical plants in Europe. The impressive contemporary Orchid House with its three dazzling glass domes boasts over 5,000 plants and 3,000 species, half of which are orchids. At any given time around 125 varieties are in bloom so that visitors are guaranteed continuous flowering displays throughout the year. The self-guided tour takes you through a multi-microclimate tropical rainforest on three levels, embellished by beautiful water features including two waterfalls at 17m and 30m height. A true sight to behold!

Strolling or cycling along the seafront has been made even easier with the Costa del Sol coastal path – Senda Litoral – an ambitious project that aims to create a walking route along 160km of coastline from Manilva to the west of Estepona to Nerja to the east of Málaga. Upon completion, 14 municipalities will be connected via paths, promenades, wooden walkways and bridges. The Estepona stretch is almost finished and Estepona is now linked to the lovely village of Casares Costa via a footbridge over La Jordana stream.

Take the opportunity to visit some of the spectacular inland scenery and beautiful Andalusian pueblos nearby, such as the coastal town of Manilva to the west, and the mountain villages of Casares, Jubrique and Genaguacil. Gibraltar is just a short drive away and you can reach the bohemian beach paradise of Tarifa in under an hour.

Foodies are spoilt for choice in Estepona, where you can indulge in a smorgasbord of traditional Andalusian fare, international and fusion cuisine dished up at informal beach chiringuitos and tapas bars, haute cuisine restaurants, and everything in between.

Where there are beaches, you’ll find chiringuitos, ranging from informal bars offering a moment of refreshment and shade from the sun to chic and trendy places to be seen, where you can indulge in fine dining and spend the day lounging on daybeds gazing out to sea.

Estepona’s central beach Playa de La Rada is home to three beach bars: Chiringuito Paco excels in Malagueño specialities, including sardine skewers, pescaito frito and paellas served directly to your sun loungers; Chiringuito El Madero offers yet more scrumptious skewered seafood which you can wash down with one of their signature cocktails whilst lounging on a daybed almost dipping a toe in the sea; and a gentle stroll further east brings you to Chiringuito Palm Beach, aptly named for the surrounding palm trees, where you can enjoy Mediterranean and international cuisine in the open-air restaurant or right on the beach whilst the waves lap almost at your feet. Plata Beach restaurant-chiringuito is a chic beach house on Playa Punta de la Plata perfect for a light bite, tempting tapas, and regional sea and meat dishes, or for simply chilling out with a refreshing drink. To the west of Estepona port and marina on Playa El Cristo, there’s the trendy Havana Beach and the casual Lolailo beach bar, where you can relax by the sea, nibbling on traditional beach fare, and keeping hydrated with a fresh smoothie, an ice cold beer or a naughty-but-nice cocktail.

Estepona boasts a huge variety of restaurants and a varied culinary scene offering everything from traditionally prepared favourites to contemporary fusion cuisine. What you can be sure of is that ingredients are as fresh as can be, often locally sourced and cooked to perfection by chefs who have honed their skills to an art form.

Seafood lovers come from far and wide to sample Estepona’s exceptionally fresh fish fare. By the marina, La Escorella is a down-to-earth, family-run restaurant, popular with the locals for its straight from boat to plate fish dishes. Still portside, El Palangre shines with their superb seafood with stunning sea views, but carnivores don’t despair – the meat menu focusses on quality over quantity! Just don’t leave without trying their speciality Rabo de Toro (oxtail)! El Pescador, on the seafront promenade just a stone’s throw from the Old Town, serves some of the biggest, juiciest mussels and the best black rice paella ever! Ancla Sea Bridge to the west of the port, sits in a stunning seafront location and is reputed for its emphasis on high quality ingredients, with a select menu of marine marvels.

For a little more variety, Trocadero Estepona, on the beachfront promenade along Playa del Ángel, has a fabulous restaurant complete with jungle-style décor, where you can either stick with their signature Mediterranean cuisine, sample their super sushi or take your tastebuds on a tour of Mexico and Japan. El Cortijo is a charming locale in the heart of the Old Town serving elegant Andalusian cuisine, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by owner Jorge and his team, who will share their passion for fresh, artfully prepared local ingredients and convivial service. Just up the road, Alma de Miguel serves an impressive selection of delightful dishes, in their bright and airy sea-themed interior or outside on the pedestrianised street where you can soak up the Andalusian atmosphere.

If you’re heading east towards the Guadalmansa river, the beautiful Tikitano by Besaya restaurant surrounded by lush gardens and palm trees standing sentry, stands out for its traditional Mediterranean fare with a nouvelle cuisine twist and awesome art on a plate. And a little further along, Playa del Saladillo is home to the elegant Salduna Beach, set on the beachfront with loungers and an outdoor terrace, and offering the perfect balance of traditional and modern fusion cuisine, superb signature cocktails and one of the best seats in the house for sunset views.

For those who are playing a round at Villa Padierna Golf Club, don’t leave before paying a visit to their 99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant! Delight in their deliciously decorative dishes, seated either in their opulent interior spaces, bedecked with chandeliers and columns, or in the dappled sunlight of their elegant tree-shaded terrace.

Other than fine dining, a luxury holiday in Estepona should absolutely include some spa-style pampering! Let us organise an indulgent beauty treatment for you in the comfort of your luxury villa. Or if you want the full spa experience, Estepona is at your service!

Starting west in Casares, Finca Cortesín’s 2,200 square metres of spa space boasts a host of facilities and pampering pleasures, including a 25m indoor heated saltwater pool, thermal baths and a snow cave, along with Thai-inspired treatments. Further east along the coast, Elba Estepona Gran Hotel & Thalasso Spa offers a panoply of stimulating or relaxing hydrotherapy and thalassotherapy treatments, warm hammocks and an igloo (!), a counter current pool, cold water pool and a pool with hydromassage beds. The Despacio Spa Centre at Hotel H10 Estepona Palace, just a short drive from the marina, features a comprehensive hydrothermal circuit, including a shower temple and ice fountain, alongside the more traditional sauna and Turkish baths. The Kempinski Hotel Bahía just off Playa del Padrón proposes a fabulous Spa Menu comprising massages, face and body rituals and bespoke wellness packages, as well as indoor and outdoor pools, a steam room and sauna. Heading further east, Elya Spa at the adults-only Exe Estepona Thalasso & Spa has the largest Thalasso centre in Andalucía, offering state-of-the-art facilities and innovative techniques, including a hydrotherapy circuit using saltwater extracted exclusively from the Mediterranean Sea. Senator Banús Estepona’s Senzia Banús Spa has a contrast hydrotherapy circuit, hydromassage beds and revitalising waterfalls, as well as flotation and heated marble beds. Last but definitely not least, Anantara Villa Padierna Palace is home to one of the largest luxury spas in Europe, with 2,000m2 of Roman baths, Hammams and pools to soothe your body and mind, not to mention a team of expert masseurs and beauticians to pander to your every need.

Estepona is an ideal location for a luxury family holiday, with its beaches, water sports and a wide range of children’s activities within easy reach. Water babies will love Fun Beach Park Estepona, just off the main Playa de La Rada beach, an inflatable aqua park with slides, seesaws, trampolines and all manner of splashy fun.

In a beautiful setting between Playa del Padrón and Sierra Bermeja, Escuela de Arte Ecuestre is one of the most renowned equestrian centres in Spain, hosting national and international events every year. Children can indulge their passion for horses at the Pony Club, which offers lessons, treks, and other fun activities for all levels. Just 5km northeast, don’t miss Selwo Aventura Safari Park, where you’ll be taken on a fantastic journey through five continents to observe and learn about the animals and their ecosystems. Intrepid explorers can zoom across the lake on a zipline, bounce on bungee trampolines and brave the spectacular 65m-long and 15m-high footbridge! And for more exciting adventures, check out these Things to do with kids on the Costa del Sol.

Estepona is an ideal base for a luxury holiday, close to Puerto Banús and Marbella, with Málaga airport a 45-minute drive away and Gibraltar International airport reachable in just under an hour. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, or a group retreat, looking for total relaxation, an outdoor adventure or an immersive cultural experience, Estepona has something for everyone.

We are a luxury hospitality and real estate company in Marbella offering an unbeatable combination of luxury, privacy and discreet 7-star hotel service, tailored to satisfy your every comfort and need.

How can we help you?

Get in touch with us at Marbella Mountain Resorts and we’ll find the perfect luxury accommodation in Estepona for you. Or if you’d like to consider other beautiful locations in Southern Spain, check out our hand-picked collection of unique luxury villas in Marbella or Sotogrande. Or, just like Estepona, explore the traditional Andalucían style luxury villas in our collection. Let us wow you with our first-class hospitality service and trust us to curate exceptional and immersive local experiences for a holiday to remember!

Your remarkable Estepona journey starts here.

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