Estepona & Sotogrande – The Best Beaches in Andalusia

The beaches are sublime and it’s a short drive to Marbella and Puerto Banus. There are also golf courses, polo grounds, tennis academies and rugby clubs.

It’s a vast estate that stretches to sandy beaches (frontline vistas of Africa and The Rock) through hills crowned with cork oak forests, past a marina with homes that could be straight out of Venice, and up to the private beach at La Reserva.
Estepona’s Blue Flag Beaches

Estepona has 21km of beach, and many of them have been awarded the Blue Flag status – a mark of quality that signifies environmental, safety and quality standards. The beaches are spacious, so you won’t have to fight for a lounger and there’s always room at a chiringuito (beach bar) to sip a fresh pina colada or cerveza.

The shallow, sheltered cove of Playa del Cristo is perfect for families with young children and offers cosy beach bars. The water is warm and protected from the wind, so it’s great for swimming and there are plenty of sun beds to rent.

It’s a popular beach with locals, especially as it’s a short walk to Estepona Marina, where you can rent water sports gear or sip tinto de verano at a charming waterfront restaurant or bar. The sand here is fine and sandy and the views of Gibraltar and Morocco are gorgeous. There are also some nice urbanizations and hotels on this beach.
Estepona’s Old Town

The old town of Estepona (Centro Historico de Estepona) is one of the most charming and authentic in Andalusia. Its narrow streets adorned with colorful pots brimming with flowers capture the essence of a coastal Andalusian village.

It is also home to many chiringuitos or beach front bars/restaurants where you can enjoy grilled sardines, paella, and other local dishes. There are also many shops that sell handmade products like leather bags, delicious jams, and other gifts.

Estepona also has many festivals that show its history and culture. For example, during the festival of Semana Santa or Holy Week, you can see parades in the streets with big statues that show stories from the Bible.

Nature lovers will love Estepona’s natural parks and trails. The Sierra Bermeja mountain range offers scenic hiking trails with stunning panoramic views. You can also visit the Orchidarium, a botanical garden that is dedicated to orchids and other tropical plants. Then there is the Estepona Marina where you can take a walk along the palm-lined promenade and check out the yachts that line the pier.
Estepona’s Nightlife

A bustling cosmopolitan world floods the town’s sunny beaches and strolls through its quaint streets and pretty squares. Visitors enjoy international cuisine, fried fish and fresh sardine skewers in beach bars and restaurants lining its cobbled streets.

Estepona’s nightlife is a little less refined than that of Marbella or Puerto Banus but there’s still plenty to keep anyone wanting to dance the night away happy. The best nightlife spots are to be found in the Estepona Marina and Orange Square area where you’ll find a number of music bars with late licences.

Nido Estepona has a tranquil and serene ambiance making it ideal for those looking for a relaxing retreat. This elegant and chic beach club has an amazing selection of drinks and cocktails to choose from and it also plays a carefully curated soundtrack to help you unwind. You can even dine here if you’d prefer something more formal. It’s a great option for couples or friends who want to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of this stunning location.
Estepona’s Restaurants

The port area has a good selection of restaurants and also in the streets of Estepona you can find many bars and cafes. Towards the sea there are restaurants with terraces facing the marina and Mediterranean Sea.

Located in the heart of the old town, this restaurant is popular with locals. The cosy interior is decorated with Hollywood Greats and it is also a good place for wine tasting. Typical Spanish food served with friendly service.

This trendy restaurant has a unique position on the sandy La Rada beach. It has a large modern wooden terrace deck with indoor and outdoor tables for dining during the day, but in summer it turns into a beach lounge bar with single and double sun beds (instead of chairs). The food is a mix of modern southern Spain with a bit of Asia – and trust us – it works! The vegetarian and vegan options are unfortunately limited.Estepona & Sotogrande