Estepona Old Town | Exploring Spain’s Garden Quarter

Spain
Written By Lesley Stewart

If you plan to visit Estepona in Southern Spain, a trip to the flower-filled Estepona Old Town is essential. We’ve just returned, and below, we share our favourite streets, plazas, and a few restaurant recommendations.

By: Lesley Stewart | February 2025

A bustling coastal town set against a backdrop of blooming flowers, Estepona Old Town is postcard-perfect. With Spanish-style whitewashed facades, charming streets, enchanting churches, and potted flowers, it is a must-see destination on any Southern Spain itinerary.

During our time in Andalusia, we spent a memorable day here, and I’d say Estepona Old Town is one of the prettiest places we visited on our trip.

Visiting from nearby Marbella on a day trip, this popular coastal town more than lived up to its reputation as the ‘garden of the coast’. Just a short walk back from the beach, a maze of narrow streets and lanes meander lazily around the historic centre, leading to gorgeous hidden plazas surrounded by orange trees.

Equally, Estepona is perfect for those seeking a slow, relaxed holiday, and for that, most travellers head to the beach. This is where most hotels are located, and we can see why; those spectacular views of the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean are an easy temptation.

But wander back into Estepona’s Old Town and discover its architectural sights and glimpses of its ancient history.

Whitewashed buildings and cobblestone streets are filled with flower pots and tumbling bougainvillea, while tapas is the cuisine among the numerous restaurants and cafes dotted around the plazas.

My take on Estepona Old Town? It’s a gorgeous place for a day trip or weekend getaway in the Costa del Sol, or a sleepy beachside holiday (for something lively, I’d choose Nerja or San Pedro). But, with pretty streets and all the charm of a Southern Spain village, I very much recommend a visit.

Why visit Estepona Old Town?

Built right on the Andalusia coastline overlooking the Mediterranean, Estepona Old Town is famous for its pretty, flower-filled streets, where colourful flower pots adorn whitewashed facades and little gardens are tucked away in charming corners.

Coupled with charming fountains and plazas, and a thriving restaurant scene, it’s one of the most-loved towns in Costa del Sol. It’s also easy to access with a bus service linking the town to nearby Marbella and San Pedro.

Which is best, Estepona or Marbella?

Many travellers struggle to choose between Estepona and Marbella, and in terms of which beach resort is best, I’d say it depends on what you’re looking for.

Estepona is a mellow beach town popular with those seeking a relaxing holiday in the sun. Meanwhile, Marbella is a far livelier resort with a boujee bar and party scene. Each has beautiful old towns and glorious beaches, chic hotels and great eateries.

Estepona is easy to visit from Marbella (and vice versa), so I’d say choose whichever town suits your travel style and plan day trips.

Insider tip: if you’re looking to combine stylish beach bars with chilled vibes, check out chic beach town San Pedro or hotels like The Flag and Ikos Andalusia, which occupy prime positions between Estepona and Marbella.

Quick Guide: My Top Picks For The Best Hotels In Estepona

ESTEPONA HOTELS

ESTEPONA-MARBELLA HOTELS

If you’re looking to combine a visit to Estepona with nearby Marbella and you’d like a little beachfront luxury, check out these stunning hotels. Each is within an easy, short drive of each beach town:

If you’re planning a trip to Andalusia, don’t miss my 10-day Southern Spain itinerary, guide to the best beach towns to base yourself to explore the area, and detailed travel guides to Marbella, San Pedro, Malaga, Benalmadena, and Nerja!

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Travel tip: The best way to explore Southern Spain is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our car rental in Spain, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Hertz, Enterprise, or Sixt. Renting a car in Spain is easy, and driving in Southern Spain is safe and painless. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

Estepona Old Town | Things to see & do

1. Explore ‘Casco Antiguo’ historic centre

Like any charming town in Southern Spain, the experience always begins with a proper walk, getting lost in the streets. In Estepona’s Old Town, I’d advise you to follow the winding alleys and cobbled streets with a camera in hand. You won’t get too far until you meet a pretty plaza or enchanting corner with blooming flowers and potted cacti.

The prettiest streets in Estepona are gathered around the Casco Antiguo (the Old Quarter).

It’s compact and easy to find your way around, much like equally pretty Nerja. Along the way, there are a few sights worth seeking out, which you’ll naturally spot - places like this church and Fuentes de Estepona.

Remember, Estepona Old Town doesn’t have grand museums; its charm in the little lanes and pretty plazas. This area has earned Estepona the name ‘Garden of the Costa del Sol’, and it’s easy to see why; every house here is traditionally whitewashed and has colourful flower pots, trailing bougainvillea, terrace gardens and hanging baskets.

It’s easily one of the loveliest and most enchanting towns on Spain’s south coast.

Some of the prettiest streets in Estepona's old town to find the florals are Plaza del Reloj, Calle Sevilla, Calle Damas, Pasaje de María Cintrano, and Calle Silva.

Also, look out for poetry tiles adorning many of the houses; the pretty porcelain tiles share snippets of works by well-known Spanish poets alongside Arabic words and international writers. While we loved stumbling across the colourful tiles, poetry enthusiasts can seek out the Ruta de la Poesia (poetry route).

2. Visit Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios

You’ll likely come across this pretty church as you wander around the old town. Built in the 18th century, the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (Church of Our Lady of the Remedies) has a stunning exterior, ornate doorway, and striking bell tower and is worth visiting.

Architecturally, the church is a curious blend of American colonial architecture and Rococo, rather than the traditional Baroque style. In the entrance archway stands a statue of the Virgin Mary with a facade that shows the sun, moon, and stars.

The church has a long history and was once a Franciscan monastery; today, the church is still a place of worship, so be sure to visit respectfully.

Also worthwhile is a visit to the much smaller Ermita del Calvario, with its distinctive orange roof. And Torre del Reloj, the town’s oldest clock tower. This pink spire can be traced back to Moorish times when it was likely the minaret of a mosque. Visit in the evenings or weekends, as it’s now a school.

3. Coffee In Plaza de las Flores

All calles lead Estepona’s iconic plaza, the wonderful Plaza de las Flores. This beautiful plaza is full of life at all times of the day, but it has a special energy that comes late in the afternoon and early evening. Lined with restaurants and cafes, I suggest taking a break from exploring with a coffee in the terrace cafe at Hotel El Pilar.

In the centre of the plaza, there’s a grand fountain and, around the perimeter, hanging baskets full of flowers and leafy trees; in summer, the air is scented with notes of pink hibiscus. This buzzy square reminded me of the orange square in Marbella, though smaller and a little calmer.

4. Ice cream in Plaza Dr. Arce

Another plaza in the old town, this option is much smaller than its flowering counterpart, but it’s no less busy. Surrounding a small fountain, Plaza Dr. Arce is a buzzy spot from early morning to late evening, with cafes serving breakfast, brunch, and sweet treats.

On a hot summer day, this is the place to indulge in ice cream; we suggest La Italiana, which serves all sorts of delicious, creamy flavours alongside mouthwatering crepes.

Just off the square, a place worth visiting for light bites and lunch (or dinner) is MaduBar, a brilliant eatery that fuses Spanish dishes with Moroccan influence to create really tasty plates. The hummus and flatbreads are especially delicious.

5. Drinks & views on a rooftop bar

As with any historic quarter, Estepona’s Old Town is best viewed from above, preferably with a glass of local wine or cold beer. You’ll find two rooftop bars in Estepona: Hotel El Pilar, which serves drinks and food on its stylish rooftop terrace and has gorgeous views over Plaza de las Flores. Or The Old Town Hotel, a laidback option for drinks with comfy seats, though views are a little limited.

6. Indulge in Brunch, Coffee & Sweet Treats

One of my favourite things about Estepona Old Town is the number of really excellent eateries tucked away amongst its streets. Brunch is something of a speciality here, alongside a thriving coffee shop scene, and there are a number of contemporary, chic little cafes offering a change from the traditional.

We recommend d'Alicia Café (for croissants, cakes, and homemade quiche), MOM Brunch & Coffee (for crowd-pleasing like bacon & pancakes, eggs benny, and avo toast plus their speciality coffees), Art Bakery At The Goya (their coffee and sourdough croissants are worth the hype), and Love by Noya (for vegan and gluten-free options, cakes, avo toast, and acai bowls).

7. Wander the promenade

With the town’s coastal location, it would be remiss of me not to mention the beach and the waterfront promenade. The Paseo Maritimo de Estepona promenade is around 3km long and offers several great vantage points to take in views of the Med, plus shaded seating and chiringuitos aplenty.

It connects La Rada Beach and the marina, and strolling here at sunset is the perfect way to end the day. It’s worth stopping at Malva Beach by Besaya, Estepona’s newest beach club. Or wander further along the coastal path to explore lesser-visited beaches Playa de Punta Plata and Playa de Guadalobón.

Where to eat in Estepona Old Town

MaduBar

A chic restaurant that combines Spanish dishes with a Moroccan influence, the curated menu includes lighter options like avo toasts and bigger plates such as kofta kebabs and Moroccan chicken with cous cous. Located in the centre of the old town, you can enjoy views across the plaza while dining on the open-air terrace under a canopy of fairy lights.

Restaurante El Cortijo

An elegant yet laidback restaurant, the menu at El Cortijo has an extensive option of grilled fish and meat, and paellas. Tucked away on one of the prettiest streets in the old town, you can enjoy the views while dining on the open-air terrace or head inside for a more formal experience.

Restaurante Taberna Diez

We didn’t manage to eat here, but our hotel recommended it to us. A Mediterranean restaurant with an emphasis on seafood, the menu has an extensive option of grilled fish and langoustines, as well as seafood rice dishes. Enjoy the views of the old town from the terrace or choose a seat in the airy and light restaurant.

Darcy's Delicatessen

Tucked away in the old town, Darcy’s is a gorgeous, small deli serving up delicious homemade tapas, craft beers, and local wine. Ttapas are only available on Fridays and Saturdays, so you’ll need to time your visit and nab a seat on the terrace - but they’re well worth visiting. At all other times, you’ll find cheeses, meats, olives, and other small bites to take away.

El Capote

If you’re looking for a traditional tapas bar in Estepona’s Old Town, Mesón El Capote is my top recommendation. Casual and laidback, the tapas here are freshly made and include the usual favourites like fried fish, jamon iberico, and gambas pil pil. It’s also great value for money.

La Cocina Restaurante

Another great place for authentic Spanish food, this eatery combines a casual tapas bar and a more formal restaurant. They often have live music and flamenco at the weekends during summer.

 

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Lesley Stewart

Lesley is a travel writer, content creator, and blogger who splits her time between her native Scotland and her adopted home, Spain. She specialises in slow travel stories and road trips and is constantly on the hunt for really great places to stay, eat, and visit.

https://www.wandersomewhere.com/
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