Things to do in Estepona

Estepona is a charming coastal town in Spain located on the beautiful Costa del Sol, just a short drive from Malaga. Estepona offers a perfect mix of cultural attractions, stunning seafront views, and delicious local cuisine, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway. With a car hire from Malaga Airport, you can fully explore all that Estepona has to offer at your own pace. So read on and discover some of the best things to do in Estepona.

Visit Estepona Orchid House (Orquidario de Estepona)

One of the best things to do in Estepona is to immerse yourself in nature at the Estepona Orchid House. Known in Spanish as Orquidario de Estepona, it is one of the town’s most unique attractions. Home to over 1,300 species of orchids, the Estepona Orchid House boasts one of the largest orchid collections in Europe.

The attraction features three glass domes, with the tallest reaching up to 30 meters, creating a stunning indoor rainforest environment. There is an equally impressive waterfall feature to enjoy, as well as lush greenery, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

The tour of the Orchid House is via a self-guided route with informational signs in both Spanish and English. There is a café onsite to enjoy a light refreshment, and the minimal entry fee makes this the perfect spot to spend an hour or two.

READ ALSO: Reasons to visit Estepona

Enjoy the Seafront Promenade (Paseo Marítimo)

To soak in the local atmosphere, one of the best things you can do is to stroll along Estepona’s beautiful seafront promenade. Known locally as Paseo Marítimo, this beautiful, palm-lined promenade runs parallel to the beach, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Stretching from one end of the town to the other, this modern addition to Estepona’s seafront is perfect for a leisurely walk, cycling, or simply relaxing while enjoying the coastal scenery. You will also find various beach bars (chiringuitos) and restaurants along the way, making it easy and all too tempting to stop for a refreshing drink or a bite to eat.

This location is also very convenient, with public toilets, showers, plenty of seats, and beach access points all available along the promenade There’s also a car park for the Paseo Marítimo.

Explore the Route of Artistic Murals (Ruta de los Murales)

For one of the town’s most unique cultural activities, go ahead and discover Estepona’s amazing street art on the Route of Artistic Murals. An initiative to encourage people to explore more of the town’s locations, the Route of Artistic Murals highlights Estepona’s vibrant street art scene.

Known in Spanish as the Ruta de los Murales, the route has effectively transformed the town into an open-air gallery. The Route of Artistic Murals is a collection of over 50 large-scale murals painted on buildings throughout the town. This important artistic initiative has not only brightened up the streets but also helped tell the story of Estepona’s culture, history, and local life.

It is recommended that visitors start in the old town and follow the map provided by the local tourist office to explore the murals. Some of the most popular murals along the route include ‘El Pescador,’ which depicts a local fisherman, and
‘La Casa de la Buena Gente,’ which depicts the residents of the building it is painted on.

Sample some local Tapas

No trip to Estepona would be complete without indulging in Estepona’s culinary delights with local tapas. This quintessential Costa del Sol activity is a must, comprising a wide range of small dishes often served with a drink at bars and restaurants.

Every Costa del Sol town does things a little bit differently, so sampling local tapas in Estepona should certainly be on your to-do list. The town is known for its traditional Andalusian cuisine, which can be best enjoyed in its tapas, bars and restaurants. Some of the popular dishes include gambas al pil-pil (garlic prawns), jamón ibérico (Iberian ham), and tortilla española (Spanish omelette).

There is a range of fantastic tapas bars to visit during your time in Estepona, including La Casa del Rey and Restaurante & Bar La Esquina del Arte, both situated close to the seafront, next to Plaza de las Flores.

Ride the Estepona Big Wheel

While the Estepona Big Wheel is a temporary attraction available until September 29th, 2024, it’s a must-visit if you can catch it in time. This exciting Ferris wheel offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding area. It’s the best way to take in Estepona’s scenery.

The attraction is suitable for all ages, taking riders 40 metres high in 14 cabins, providing passengers with a unique perspective of the town. The cabins are all air-conditioned and have a capacity of eight people at a time. The Estepona Big Wheel is located on the Paseo Marítimo next to the European Union roundabout.

The Ferris wheel is open between 11am and midnight, from Sunday to Thursday, while on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays, it is open until 1am. The price of riding on the Big Wheel is seven euros.

READ ALSO: Beautiful old towns in the Costa del Sol

Activities and attractions in Estepona

– Visit Estepona Orchid House

– Enjoy the seafront promenade

– Explore the Route of Artistic Murals

– Sample some local tapas

– Estepona Big Wheel (Only until September 29th 2024)

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Estepona, with a little something for everyone. If you would like to visit Estepona yourself, book a car rental from Malaga with Helle Hollis to make the most of this lovely town in the Costa del Sol.