Estepona has quietly become one of the most talked about towns on the Costa del Sol. It used to be the laid back neighbor to Marbella, but that description no longer fits. Estepona is growing with intention, clear direction and style. There’s no aimless high rise boom, no selling out to the highest bidder. Development here has structure and pride. And that’s largely thanks to Mayor José María Urbano.
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He didn’t just clean up the town. He created jobs for people with disabilities. He closed car roads and built flower lined pedestrian streets. He invested in parks, culture, underground parking, and aesthetics. In July 2025, he erased the town’s nearly four million euro debt. Estepona now sits at zero, one of the only towns in Spain to do so. And residents have seen tax reductions as a result.
This was not decorative. Estepona launched a long term municipal gardening and beautification program that replaced concrete with plants and flowers and encouraged property owners to participate. The town was reshaped street by street.
Another incredible location is Manilva, it another part of Spain without equal.
Nature Over Concrete
You’ll see it when you visit. Nature isn’t being paved over. It’s being planted over pavement. All over town, you’ll find vertical gardens, flowers, orange trees, and greenery filling up the streets.
You can see Estepona featured on Monty Don’s gardening show here: [Link]
The beaches are wide, flat, and easy to walk. The boardwalk stretches for kilometers. Underground parkings span nearly a full kilometer beneath the second line promenade, helping clear space for pedestrians above. New parking lots keep appearing across town.
And unlike other cities where double parking and chaotic traffic are a daily sight, Estepona doesn’t tolerate it. Illegal parking is cracked down on quickly. Tow trucks show up faster than you’d expect (I’ve found out myself).
A Town Designed for People
If there’s one decision that most sums up the transformation, it’s the roads that were closed. Mayor Urbano closed off the first major car road to make it pedestrian. Then the second. At the time, even I was frustrated. As an agent, how am I supposed to show a city I can’t drive through? But now, I completely understand the vision. It’s a blessing for residents and shopowners, and it works.
I was actually always planning to live in Marbella at one point, but I changed my mind and chose Estepona. I saw the right choices being made, and I don’t regret it one bit.
There are also a ton of golf courses in Estepona worth visitng!
Beach Life Without the Chaos
Estepona’s beach is long, wide, and flat. It’s well prepared for tourism, with beach bars and chiringuitos every few hundred meters. You’ll find both low key local spots and trendy lounges.
Playa del Cristo, for example, is a small cove to the west of the town that has become a local favorite.
It now hosts Eva Beachclub, an addition in 2024, that brought a bit of that relaxed Marbella glamour into Estepona. It replaced an old abandoned building, and while some opposed it at first, I personally think it’s a great improvement. The same beach also offers two chiringuitos: Lolailo, a casual local spot with a Spanish feel, and La Havana, more tropical, which serves a chicken Caesar salad I think about often.
In high season, beach beds can cost anywhere from ten to forty euros per day, which is still more affordable than similar setups in other parts of Costa del Sol.
The beachfront promenade also comes to life on weekends with pop up markets and craft stalls. Handmade jewelry, soaps, toys, local art — you name it. You’ll even see locals playing chess on oversized boards in the pavement. And tucked into wooden lockers along the beach, free books you can borrow and return. That kind of system only works in places like Estepona. In Marbella, the books would be gone before lunch.
Estepona is also an amazing place for kids, the entire family is guaranteed to find something they will love.
West Estepona and the New Frontier
Further west, past La Gaspara, you’ll find what’s sometimes jokingly called West Estepona. This area is booming with new developments. Big names like AEDAS are active here, but you’ll also come across smaller developers trying to make a name for themselves with boutique projects. These are sometimes hit or miss. Some still need to sort out key details or end up overpromising.
Expectations versus reality can vary, so doing your homework or working with a well versed agent matters.
Still, it’s one of the most interesting parts of the coast for price growth. Many of the new developments here still offer good value for money compared to Marbella or even parts of Mijas.
Not everyone here drives a Ferrari… but you’ll see them more often than you’d expect.
Even Rafael Nadal is backing Estepona. His next major real estate development isn’t in Marbella or Madrid, it’s happening right here.
Where to Stay and Eat
In the old town, the famous Plaza de las Flores (Flower’s Square) is a must. It’s the heart of Estepona. A visit to the El Pilar Andalucía Hotel, located right on the square, is a great choice if you’re staying overnight. Most people don’t know about the hidden rooftop terrace and its excellent Asian fusion restaurant, Makako, with great views and a modern menu.
Casa del Rey, just a few steps away, is another gem. Not exactly hidden, but with a wine list that’s hard to beat and an atmosphere that makes every dinner feel special and Spanish.
For dessert or an afternoon treat, stop at La Italiana on Plaza Doctor Arce a few steps away. Their gelato is worth the trip alone.
There’s even a Swedish supermarket in the eastern entrance to town called Spisa that has built a loyal following.
Markets and Marina
Estepona hosts two weekly markets. On Wednesdays, there’s one near the north entrance of town on Calle Francia. And every Sunday, the harbour hosts another one from 09:00 to 14:00. You’ll find everything from fresh fruit and handmade jewelry to pottery, bags, and clothes.
Speaking of the harbour, the city is investing millions into its expansion. The new development aims to create one of the most modern marinas in southern Europe, with new commercial zones, restaurants, moorings, and public spaces.
Smart Urbanism and Practical Living
Scooter rentals are handled better here than anywhere else on the coast. Only Malaga and Estepona have made the system work. Here, the scooters are neatly parked, regulated through an app, and checked regularly. Not thrown around the streets like in other cities across Europe.
The Las Mesas area, built by four of Spain’s biggest developers, became a turning point in 2019. Modern homes, sea views, good layouts. Since then, prices have more than doubled, and the area continues to grow in popularity with Brits, Scandinavians, northern Europeans and recently, North Americans and Canadians.
Vithas Hospital is another strong point. It’s modern, clean, and offers reliable private healthcare. More and more families are choosing Estepona long term, and good healthcare access is part of that decision.
If you’re looking for beauty, hair or skincare products, make a stop at Primor. Their prices are surprisingly low. It’s one of those big fish eat little fish stores that’s already caused a few small local shops to close.
Also worth noting, Estepona isn’t currently pushing rental restrictions like other cities including Malaga, Fuengirola, or parts of Marbella. This gives it an edge for both investors and second home owners.
And for history lovers, don’t miss the Roman villa near Tikitano by Besaya on the New Golden Mile. It’s a quiet little landmark that adds another layer to the coast’s story.
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