If you’re searching for a sunny Andalusian getaway that blends beach time, culture, and a slower pace of travel, Estepona is an ideal destination. Located on the Costa del Sol in the south of Spain, just over an hour’s drive from Málaga, making it an easy and accessible destination for a weekend break or longer holiday. This charming seaside town is one of southern Spain’s gems, perfect for travellers seeking sunshine, culture, and a more relaxed alternative to busier hotspots like Marbella. Often referred to as the “Garden of the Costa del Sol,” Estepona is a quintessential Andalusian town, known for its charming streets lined with colourful flower pots, whitewashed houses, and beautifully maintained plazas bursting with floral displays.

For beach lovers, Estepona offers some of the best sandy beaches on the Costa del Sol. The coastline is dotted with traditional chiringuitos (beach bars), where you can enjoy fresh seafood with stunning views stretching across to Gibraltar and even the Moroccan coast on clear days. Estepona offers plenty to see and do while maintaining a peaceful, authentic atmosphere - ideal for solo travellers who want to feel safe, relaxed, and immersed in local culture. The town has a thriving café scene, a fantastic selection of restaurants and bars, and a variety of shops, including well-known brands like Mango and Calzedonia.

I’m Emily, a solo traveller who has been living in Andalusia for over three years, just a short distance from Estepona. In this travel guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan a trip to Estepona, from must-see spots to practical tips, so you can experience the very best of this must see town. Are you to find out what to see in Estepona? Let’s dive in!

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Estepona Historic Old Town

If you want to truly experience the charm of Estepona, spending time in the historic Old Town (Centro Histórico) is an absolute must. This is one of the most beautiful areas you will find on the Costa del Sol, and perfect for travellers who love to wander at their own pace. The Old Town is a maze of cobblestone streets, lined with whitewashed houses decorated with vibrant, colourful flower pots. Around every corner, you’ll find pretty patios, hidden squares, fountains, and orange trees adding both shade and that unmistakable Andalusian scent. It’s the kind of place where you don’t need a plan, you just explore and see where the streets take you. It’s easily one of the most picturesque places to wander on the Costa del Sol. The best spots in Estepona historic old town I recommend are:

Calle Real
The main shopping street in Estepona’s Old Town, Calle Real is the perfect place to start your visit. Here you’ll find a mix of local boutiques, bars, bakeries and well-known brands. It connects easily with nearby streets like Calle Terraza and Calle Caridad, making this whole area ideal for a relaxed afternoon of shopping and exploring.

Plaza de las Flores
Right in the heart of the Old Town, Plaza de las Flores is one of the prettiest squares in Estepona. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants, it’s the perfect spot to stop for a coffee or lunch in the sun. With its orange trees, colourful flowers, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s a favourite for both visitors and locals. You’ll also find the tourist information centre here, which is handy if you need maps or recommendations.

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
One of the most recognisable landmarks in Estepona, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios can be seen from various points across the Old Town. Step inside to admire the peaceful interior, and don’t miss the views overlooking the town from nearby.

Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower)
The historic Torre del Reloj is one of the oldest structures in Estepona, dating back to 1473. It’s all that remains of a former church that was destroyed following the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Today, it stands as a reminder of the town’s long history and is a lovely stop as you explore the Old Town.

Estepona Orchidarium

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Estepona, a visit to the Orchidarium Estepona is a must. Located in the heart of the Old Town, this impressive orchid house is one of the most unusual attractions on the Costa del Sol and somewhere I find myself returning to often.

The Orchidarium is home to over 1,300 species of orchids, all housed beneath striking glass domes that create their own tropical microclimate. It’s widely considered one of the largest collections of orchids in Europe, making it a must-visit whether you’re a plant lover or simply looking for something a little different in Estepona. Inside, you can wander through what feels like an indoor jungle, complete with palm trees, lush greenery, and even cascading waterfalls that you can walk beneath. No matter when you visit, you’re guaranteed to see orchids in bloom, which makes it a great year-round activity on the Costa del Sol.

There’s a small entrance fee to visit, and children under 4 can enter for free, making it an accessible and worthwhile stop while exploring Estepona.

ESTEPONA Mural route

If you’re looking for free things to do in Estepona, don’t miss the town’s incredible urban art scene. With over 60 large-scale murals, Estepona has transformed itself into an open-air art gallery, making for a more unique experience to enjoy in the town. You can pick up a map of the mural route at the tourist information office located at the Plaza de las Flores or you can download the Reveel app for free, which has several self-guided walking route options.

One of the most famous murals is A Day of Fishing, an impressive piece that spans six buildings to create one continuous image of a fisherman reeling in his catch. It’s definitely one to look out for and one of the highlights of Estepona’s street art scene.

Paseo Maritimo and Mirador del Carmen

The newly revamped promenade ‘Paseo Maritimo’ is now completely pedestrianised and the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the seafront. Here you can walk from the historic town all the way down to the marina, taking in Estepona’s beautiful beaches and endless floral displays. There are sometimes market stools to enjoy here, along with giant chess boards and play parks for the kids. As you head towards the marina along the Paseo Maritimo, you will approach the Mirador del Carmen tower which opened in 2023. This cultural centre will be home to numerous exhibitions and events, and boasts the best panoramic views of the town and Mediterranean coast from the top deck. The tower is open Tuesdays to Sundays 10 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm, with an entrance fee of 6 euros.

Photo Credit: iStock & B.Solis

Estepona port and marina

Just beyond the Mirador del Carmen tower you will find the thriving port area of Estepona. Here there are many bars and restaurants with lovely views of all the sailboats moored in the marina. Here you can enjoy numerous boat tours, including a dolphin tours and sunset cruises.

This area is particularly popular for nightlife, with several night clubs and places that have live music. The marina also hosts a weekly market on Sundays from 10 am selling all sorts of items, including clothing, jewellery, ceramics, homeware and more. This is the perfect place to get a gift or souvenir from your time in Estepona.

Best of the rest

Best places to stay in Estepona:

For the best budget option, I’d recommend Veranera Hostel in the old town. This boutique hostel has a rooftop bar and jacuzzi and offers various activities for its guests, as well as pick up from Estepona bus station. The Old Town Boutique Hotel is officially for adults only and is located in the old town close to the beach.

Best places to eat in Estepona:

You are truly spoilt for choice in Estepona when it comes to cafes, bars and restaurants. The best places to find Estepona’s most popular restaurants are Calle Real, Calle Malaga and Calle Caridad in the old town. It’s going to be tough to narrow it down, but these are my recommendations:

Best seafood restaurant - La Escollera in Estepona port
Best breakfast / brunch - BYOKO Estepona, MOM Brunch or Love by Noya
Best tapas - Tapas Diez, Mesón El Capote or Taberna Mar de Alboran

Best Beaches in Estepona:

Being on the coast, Estepona and the surrounding area has plenty of beaches to enjoy. The Council takes great pride in keeping the beaches clean and tidy and many have blue flag status.

Playa del Cristo - located near Estepona port, this beach has a selection of chiringuitos and is popular for swimming and families.
Playa de la Cala and Playa de la Rada - both these sandy beaches can be found along the Paseo Maritimo.
Playa Costa Natura - located west of Estepona, it is the local nudist beach.

Best Day Trips from Estepona:

Estepona is situated close to many beautiful and exciting destinations that are accessible via bus or via tours with Viator and Get Your Guide. If you want to visit a typical pueblo blanco (white village), I recommend a visit to nearby Casares or Ojén which you can easily visit by booking a taxi. I also recommend visiting the historic town of Ronda, old town Marbella and Gibraltar.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog. I hope it gives you a flavour of why Estepona is a great solo travel destination for the Costa Del Sol in Spain. I’d love to know what you think! If you’ve in fact been to Estepona or considering going and have questions, drop me a comment below.

A guide to visiting Estepona, Spain