Estepona is a coastal town in the province of Malaga in Andalusia, Spain. It has been named one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and is an excellent example of a "white Andalusian village".
It is small enough to explore on foot, with many hidden corners to find and enjoy. Estepona is home to the largest golf course in southern Europe, as well as impressive historical sites, such as a 16th century castle. Here are some ideas of what to see when you visit Estepona.
Estepona Castle
Estepona Castle is situated at the eastern end of the town and was built in 1538 as part of the defensive wall. The castle is open to the public and offers stunning views of the town and the coast.
The castle has been the scene of several historic events, such as the signing of the treaty between Spain and Morocco in 1905, the assassination of King Alfonso XIII's cousin, the Infanta Cristina, in 1933 and the murder of British businessman Gerald Bradbury in 1966.
The castle houses a small but interesting archaeological museum where you can find a collection of Roman coins and ceramics, as well as a beautiful mosaic of the Roman villa, discovered during the construction of the castle.
The Roman Theatre
The Roman Theatre is a 1st century AD Roman theatre located at the southern end of the city. The theatre was used for the performance of plays and was the place where the inhabitants of the city gathered on special occasions, such as religious festivals.
Inside the theatre there is a small museum where you can see finds from excavations at the site and a model of what the theatre would have looked like when it was in use. Visitors can also enter the theatre and walk on the very stage on which the actors performed.
St. Peter's Church
The Church of San Pedro is one of the most beautiful examples of Moorish architecture in Estepona. The church was built between the late 16th and early 17th century, although it has since been renovated and restored on several occasions.
St. Peter's Church is open to the public and often hosts cultural and artistic events such as plays, concerts and exhibitions. The church also houses the Museum of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, where you can find out more about the church and its architecture.
The port and beaches of Estepona
The port of Estepona is known to be one of the oldest in Spain and has been in use since the 16th century. The port is still in operation and is a perfect place to stroll around and watch the activity on the water.
Estepona has three beautiful beaches; Playa del Lencero, Playa de la Bajadilla and Playa de la Linda. All three beaches are beautiful, safe and family friendly, with excellent water quality.
The beaches are open from October to April, when the water is too cold for swimming.
Playa del Lencero and Playa de la Bajadilla are pebble beaches and are ideal for families with small children. La Linda beach is a sandy beach with calm waters, making it ideal for families with small children and for those who prefer a quieter beach.
Museum of Ceramics
Estepona is known for its beautiful pottery, which is often painted with images of the sea and local landscapes. The Museo de la Cerámica de Estepona is a great place to learn more about this art form and its history. The museum is housed in the old pottery factory,
Fuerte de los Ceramistas, which was built in 1920. The museum has an interesting collection of ceramics made both in Estepona and in other Spanish cities, such as Malaga, Valencia and Seville. There is also a gift shop where you can buy ceramics made in the museum's workshop.
Calahonda and your beaches
Calahonda es un pequeño pueblo costero situado cerca de Estepona. Es el lugar perfecto para una excursión de un día desde Estepona y un gran lugar para dar un paseo, disfrutar de las hermosas playas, o ir a uno de los muchos bares o restaurantes.
There is a nice walk from Calahonda beach to El Cura beach, which takes about an hour.
Playa de Calahonda is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area and is ideal for families with small children. Playa del Cura is a pebble beach and is less suitable for families with small children.
Conclusion
Estepona is a beautiful coastal town in southern Spain. Visitors can enjoy exploring the town on foot, admiring the beautiful architecture, visiting the museums and the nearby beaches.
Estepona is a great place to visit at any time of the year, whether you prefer to explore the town in summer or visit the nearby ski resorts in winter.
If you visit Andalusia, be sure to include Estepona in your itinerary. You won't regret it. These are just some of the things to see and do in this stunning coastal town.