Estepona, one of Andalusia’s most alluring coastal towns, combines a flower-strewn old quarter, blue-flag beaches, and an easygoing rhythm that rewards unhurried travel. Its whitewashed lanes are punctuated with ceramic pots and street murals, while the palm-lined Paseo Marítimo frames long sandy strands that glow at sunset.

Historically a modest fishing town along the Costa del Sol, Estepona has preserved its soul even as nearby resorts grew flashier. You’ll still find fishermen unloading the day’s catch, neighborhood tapas bars buzzing at late hours, and families strolling for ice cream under the lighthouse at Punta Doncella.

Practicalities: Fly into Málaga and shuttle or bus down the coast. Expect warm sun most of the year (peak heat in July–August), and plan around the late Spanish dining hours and afternoon siesta. Seafood and Andalusian classics lead the menus; order espetos (grilled sardines), gambas al ajillo, salmorejo, and a crisp fino or local Moscatel. Carry passports for the Gibraltar day trip; queues at the border can vary.

Estepona

Estepona’s old town is a postcard of white façades, bougainvillea, and tiny plazas, anchored by Plaza de las Flores. Don’t miss the Orchidarium with its glass domes and cascading orchids, the open-air “Ruta de Murales Artísticos” (a walkable collection of large-scale murals), and the relaxed marina lined with restaurants and Sunday market stalls.

Beaches are the big draw: family-friendly Playa del Cristo, central Playa de la Rada for long walks, and laid-back chiringuitos serving cold cerveza and grilled fish. Inland, Sierra Bermeja offers quick access to pine-scented hikes and sweeping Mediterranean views.

Where to stay: Base yourself in the Old Town for cobbled-lane charm, near Playa del Cristo for calm waters, or by the marina for restaurants and markets. Browse stays on VRBO or compare hotels on Hotels.com.

Getting there and around: Fly to Málaga (AGP). For flights to/from Europe, search Omio (flights). From Málaga to Estepona, the Avanza bus runs ~1h15–1h30, about €10–15; check schedules and book via Omio (buses). Trains don’t reach Estepona, but Málaga’s network is useful for day trips—browse Omio (trains in Europe). Renting a car is handy for inland villages; parking is easier near the marina or on the town’s edges.

Day 1: Arrival, First Stroll, and Tapas in the Old Town

Morning: Fly into Málaga and transfer to Estepona (~1h15–1h30 by bus, €10–15 via Omio buses). If you’re arriving from another European city, compare flights on Omio flights.

Afternoon: Check in and take a gentle walk through Plaza de las Flores and Calle Terraza to get your bearings. Pop into the Orchidarium (Orquidario de Estepona) to see 1,000+ orchid species beneath futuristic glass domes.

Evening: Tapas crawl: start with a fino at Casa del Rey (wine bar with refined tapas—order tuna tartare or slow-cooked pork cheek), then share skewers and croquetas at nearby spots. For a nightcap and live music, try Louie Louie Rock Estepona on Avenida España.

Day 2: Murals, Market Bites, and the Marina

Morning: Walk the Ruta de Murales Artísticos—giant outdoor artworks on building façades that tell local stories. Break for espresso and a sweet treat at Heladería La Italiana near Plaza de las Flores (good coffee and classic gelato).

Afternoon: Snack your way through the Mercado de Abastos (municipal market)—look for olives, jamón slices, local goat cheese, and seasonal fruit. Then follow the Paseo Marítimo along Playa de la Rada to the Punta Doncella lighthouse.

Evening: Dinner by the fishing port at La Escollera (an Estepona institution; go for gambas pil-pil, fried boquerones, and grilled dorada). Post-dinner drinks at the marina; O’Donoghue’s Irish Pub Estepona often screens matches and has a lively terrace.

Day 3: Beach Day—Playa del Cristo, Chiringuitos, and Sunset

Morning: Head to sheltered Playa del Cristo, perfect for a swim and families. The small bay warms up quickly; bring a book and a beach umbrella.

Afternoon: Long lunch at Palm Beach Chiringuito (Mediterranean salads, grilled fish, and sangría right on the sand) or Sonora Beach a short drive west (boho vibe, fresh seafood, DJs some afternoons).

Evening: Wander the old town glow at blue hour and dine at Taberna Miguel, a local favorite for seafood rice and clams in garlic. Gelato stroll after dinner back toward Plaza de las Flores.

Day 4: Selwo Aventura + Dinner in Benahavís

Morning: Taxi or drive to Selwo Aventura (approx. 15 minutes). This wildlife park mixes walking paths and safari-style routes—kids love the rope bridges and close-up views of giraffes and antelopes.

Afternoon: Return to rest at your hotel or nap at the beach. If you prefer a gentle walk, meander the Sculpture Park and lesser-known lanes behind Calle Real.

Evening: Short inland trip to gastronomic village Benahavís (~30–35 minutes by car). Dinner at Los Abanicos (classic Andalusian fare—suckling lamb, Iberian pork, and generous salads). Book a taxi there and back if you’re not driving.

Day 5: Day Trip to Marbella & Puerto Banús

Morning: Bus to Marbella (~30–45 minutes, €4–6 via Omio buses). Explore Marbella’s Old Town—white alleys, orange trees, and tiny chapels. Coffee in the Orange Square or breakfast at El Patio de Mariscal (charming courtyard).

Afternoon: Tapas lunch at Bar El Estrecho (since 1954; order prawn pil-pil and ensaladilla). Walk the beachfront promenade or taxi to Puerto Banús for yacht-gazing and boutique browsing.

Evening: Dinner at Los Bandidos (old-school Banús institution; book ahead) or a livelier scene at La Sala. Return to Estepona by bus or taxi.

Day 6: Sierra Bermeja Hike & Roman Sulphur Baths

Morning: Drive or taxi up to Sierra Bermeja (Los Reales). Hike to miradores for sweeping views of the coast and, on clear days, the Rif Mountains of Morocco. Bring water and sun protection.

Afternoon: Continue to the Baños de la Hedionda near Manilva (~30 minutes from Estepona)—Roman-era sulphur baths in a low, vaulted pool. Go early or late to avoid crowds; rinse off after.

Evening: Back in Estepona, dinner at El Pescador (grilled fish and seafood paella) or a wine-focused evening at Casa del Rey if you want a second round of favorites.

Day 7: Day Trip to Ronda—Dramatic Views and White-Village Heritage

Morning: Bus to Ronda (~2–2.5 hours, €12–18 via Omio buses), or drive (~1.5 hours). Start with the Puente Nuevo, spanning the 120m gorge of El Tajo, then tour the historic bullring (one of Spain’s oldest).

Afternoon: Lunch at Bodega San Francisco (hearty tapas, game stews, and local wines) and stroll the Arab Baths and Jardines de Cuenca terraces for more ravine views.

Evening: Return to Estepona. Casual dinner by the marina at La Bulla Gastrobar (modern Andalusian plates; good for sharing and a glass of Ronda red).

Day 8: Day Trip to Gibraltar—Caves, Cable Car, and Apes

Morning: Bus to La Línea de la Concepción (~1h15, €8–10 via Omio buses), then walk across the border into Gibraltar (carry passports). Take the cable car to the Rock of Gibraltar for views and the macaque colony (don’t feed them).

Afternoon: Explore St. Michael’s Cave (dramatic lighting and stalactites). Lunch in town at Roy’s Fish & Chips or a classic pub like The Clipper. Browse Main Street for British-Spanish curios before walking back to Spain.

Evening: Tapas back in Estepona. If you’re craving Italian, book Rincón Toscano in the Old Town (wood-fired pizzas and Tuscan favorites).

Day 9: Day Trip to Málaga—Alcazaba, Picasso, and Port Vibes

Morning: Early bus to Málaga (~1h20–1h40, €9–15 via Omio buses). Breakfast churros with thick chocolate at Casa Aranda (a Málaga ritual). Visit the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre at the foot of Mount Gibralfaro.

Afternoon: Tour the Picasso Museum (his birthplace city) and lunch at El Pimpi, a historic bodega decorated with signed wine barrels—order fried aubergine with cane honey and local tapas. Wander the Soho street-art district or the revitalized port (Muelle Uno).

Evening: Dinner at La Cosmopolita (inventive Andalusian cuisine) before returning to Estepona by bus. Nighttime paseo along the Paseo Marítimo back home.

Day 10: Markets, Last Swim, and Departure

Morning: If it’s Wednesday, browse Estepona’s big outdoor market; on Sundays, the marina hosts a crafts market. Pick up edible souvenirs—olive oil, almendras garrapiñadas (candied almonds), or local wine.

Afternoon: Final dip at Playa de la Rada and a relaxed farewell lunch at La Escollera or Palm Beach Chiringuito. Depart in the afternoon by bus to Málaga Airport (~1h15–1h30; check Omio buses) and onward flight via Omio flights.

Evening: —

Additional tips

• Coffee & sweet stops in Estepona: Heladería La Italiana (espresso and gelato near Plaza de las Flores); cafés around the square serve tostadas with olive oil and tomato—perfect Andalusian breakfast.
• Beach gear: Many chiringuitos rent loungers and umbrellas; bring small bills and arrive early in summer.
• Tangier add-on: From Tarifa (1h15–1h30 from Estepona by bus; €10–15 via Omio buses), fast ferries cross to Morocco; see schedules on Omio (ferries in Europe). Passport and timing required—best as a full-day tour.

This 10-day Estepona itinerary balances sandy mornings and old-town evenings with inland adventures and classic Andalusian day trips. You’ll return with salt in your hair, the scent of orange blossoms, and a list of favorite tapas to recreate at home.