3 Day Itinerary for Estepona
Estepona is one of the prettiest towns on the Costa del Sol. Its whitewashed old town is full of flowers, murals and cosy tapas bars. Meanwhile, the beaches and marina add a relaxed seaside feel. Three days gives you time to see the highlights without rushing. This itinerary mixes culture, food and fun. It also works well alongside our Estepona travel guide and our list of things to do in Estepona. Do you have extra time? Marbella and Ronda make great side trips.
Day 1: Old town and orchids
Start your first morning at Plaza de las Flores, also known as Orange Square. Flower pots, orange trees and café terraces fill this pretty square. Grab a coffee and soak up the atmosphere. Get directions.
Next, wander over to the Torre del Reloj, the old clock tower. It makes a lovely photo stop. Then explore the narrow lanes around it, where small shops and tapas bars hide behind whitewashed walls. Get directions.
After that, visit the Castillo de San Luis. This old castle sits close to the quiet streets near the Los Remedios church. It is a peaceful spot to learn about the town’s history. Get directions.
For lunch, head to ALMA de Miguel on Calle Caridad. It serves premium tapas, Iberian pork and fresh fish. Ask about the seasonal coquinas, a small clam that locals love. Sit on the terrace if you can. Get directions.
In the afternoon, visit the Estepona Orchidarium. It is one of the largest orchid collections in Europe. Inside, you will find three glass domes, a tall waterfall and orchids from around the world. Tickets cost just a few euros, and you can buy them at the entrance. Opening hours include a break at midday, so check before you go. Get directions.
Finish the day at Las Gitanillas, also on Calle Caridad. This friendly restaurant specialises in fresh fish and seafood. Try the black rice or the rice with red prawns. Book ahead on Friday and Saturday evenings. Get directions.
Day 2: Murals, beach and marina
On day two, begin with the Route of Artistic Murals. Artists have painted colourful murals on walls all over the old town. Follow the trail on foot and spot as many as you can. It is a free and fun way to see the town. Get directions.
Then, head down to Playa de la Rada. This long, sandy beach sits right beside the Paseo MarÃtimo, a palm-lined seafront promenade. Spend a couple of hours swimming, sunbathing or strolling along the water. Get directions.
For lunch, stay on the sand at Chiringuito El Madero. This beach restaurant serves paella, fried fish and sardines grilled over an open fire. The sardines are a favourite with guests. Prices are on the high side, but the setting is hard to beat. Get directions.
Later, walk off your lunch at the Puerto Deportivo, Estepona’s marina. Boats bob in the harbour, and cafés line the waterfront. It is a great place for an afternoon stroll or an ice cream. Get directions.
For dinner, book a table at El Palangre. Local fishermen own this marina restaurant, so the seafood is very fresh. The black rice with prawns is the star dish. Ask for a table on the terrace for sea views. Get directions.
Day 3: Wildlife and the fishing port
On your final day, take a short drive to Selwo Aventura. This wildlife park sits only a few minutes from Estepona. You can see giraffes, lions and many other animals in large, natural-style spaces. The park opens most days from 10:00 to 18:00. Buy your tickets in advance on the official Selwo Aventura website to skip the queue. Get directions.
Afterwards, return to the old town for a relaxed lunch at Sabor Andaluz. This friendly tapas bar has been a Calle Caridad favourite for about 20 years. It is known for Iberian ham, fresh seafood and low prices. Guests often say the staff are very welcoming. Get directions.
Spend the rest of the afternoon as you please. You could browse the small shops in the old town, or return to Playa de la Rada for a last swim. Alternatively, revisit your favourite square for a drink.
For your last dinner, head to Restaurante La Escollera. It sits on the working fishing port, not the leisure marina. Follow the fishing boats rather than the yachts. The kitchen serves daily fish and a wonderful brothy rice called arroz caldoso. The restaurant takes no bookings, so arrive early. Get directions.
Make the most of your trip
Estepona is small, so you can walk to most sights in the old town. However, a car helps for Selwo Aventura. If you have a spare day, drive to Marbella for its old town and seafront. You could also visit the dramatic gorge town of Ronda. Flying in? Málaga is the nearest big city, and it makes an easy starting point. Wherever you go, bring comfy shoes and a good appetite.