The Costa del Sol stands out as a tourist destination and the beaches of Estepona are the ideal place to take advantage of the good weather. A day at the beach can be the excuse to visit the best spots along the coast. The Malaga town is home to a total of 17 beaches with different types of sand, waves and services. The 21 kilometres of Estepona’s coastline offer recommended areas to enjoy with the family or to practice water activities.

Which are the best beaches in Estepona? The beach experience always depends on personal taste and Estepona has it all. Each beach in Estepona has its own personality: from quiet coves to sandy areas with a lively atmosphere. In this town, you can find urban beaches such as La Rada, natural spaces such as El Cristo or Guadalmansa; and the most valued beaches for windy water sports, such as El Saladillo or for snorkelling, such as Bahía Dorada. Other options with a lively atmosphere and good facilities are El Padrón Beach or Cabopino, in the nearby town of Marbella. Estepona has managed to maintain its Andalusian essence while growing as a leading tourist destination.

Estepona and its surroundings

The location of this Malaga municipality makes Estepona a perfect destination for all kinds of experiences. The proximity of the mountains and its varied coastline are combined with an ideal climate with more than 340 days of sunshine a year, cultural experiences and a rich gastronomy. The area’s tourist tradition, which dates back to the 1960s, is another of its hallmarks. So you can find all kinds of services and accommodation. The Costa del Sol is not only sun and sea: in Estepona you can enjoy a complete experience.

 

Beaches in Estepona: where to stay

If you want to enjoy the beaches of Estepona, there is a wide range of hotels in the municipality. If you want to live a unique experience, we recommend a boutique hotel located in the town centre and just a few metres from La Rada beach. El Pilar de Andalucía is located in the Plaza de las Flores. Staying in the centre allows you to enjoy the beach and local life just a few steps away. In addition, the hotel includes modern and comfortable facilities, as well as a carefully selected choice of restaurants to enjoy the rich culinary offerings of the area.

 

Gastronomy and experiences

One of the charms of the town of Malaga is its rich gastronomic tradition. Seafood products and wine culture are the cornerstones of a cuisine that travels from the most traditional flavours to the most avant-garde cuisine. Bodega Don Rudolfo or Makako are two interesting options to explore the local cuisine and the most exotic flavours. In addition, Estepona offers experiences for all ages with its offer of urban routes, hiking or cultural spaces such as museums, the Selwo Aventura park and the Orchidarium. All this without forgetting the water sports and activities that form part of the day-to-day life of the town. After a day at the beach, there is nothing like a dinner by the sea or a drink on the terrace of Bermeja Views.

Water activities on the Costa del Sol

The orography of the Costa del Sol offers this area of Andalusia the ideal conditions for the practice of numerous water sports. The Estepona marina, together with the proximity to Puerto Banús (Marbella) and other areas dedicated to wind sports such as Tarifa (Cádiz), create a perfect environment to enjoy snorkelling, paddle surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, wing foiling or kayaking. These ports complete the range of sports on offer with catamaran or sailing boat sailing, dolphin watching excursions, jet ski hire and water skiing.

 

Enjoying Estepona’s beaches

A day on the beaches of Estepona has all the ingredients you are looking for. Quiet beaches, more familiar spots and different types of sand in incredible surroundings. If you are staying in the centre of town you can find beaches to walk or drive to the perfect spot for your favourite water sport. The coastline is the ideal setting to discover the sea in an active and fun way. Walking along the promenade or getting lost among natural dunes: everything is possible here.

 

Beaches of Estepona: La Rada

A beach to enjoy with children and located 200 metres from the Plaza de las Flores, it stands out among the beaches of Estepona for its location and services. It has showers, sun lounger hire and a promenade with shops of all kinds. Its fine golden sand and moderate waves are perfect for paddle surfing (SUP), kayaking or enjoying the classic water pedaloes. It is a well-kept urban beach that allows you to enjoy the relaxation, the sunny climate and the pleasure of the Mediterranean. It is a perfect beach for a short stroll to see the sea from the centre or a refreshing swim. An ideal area for those looking for a city break by the sea, combining beach, gastronomy and shopping in a single day.

 

A semi-enclosed cove: El Cristo

Located about 30 minutes’ walk from the centre of Estepona, El Cristo Beach stands out for its natural surroundings. You can take a stroll to enjoy the sea breeze to reach this cove. The pleasant temperatures of the western area of the Costa del Sol increase the attraction of this beach, whose orography gives it a microclimate suitable for swimming all year round. Its fine sand and very calm waves make it perfect to visit with the family and experience its dunes, beach bars to have a drink or sunbeds. Its calm waters make this beach an excellent choice for paddle surfing, pedal boats or kayaking. A charming cove where time seems to stand still.

 

Lively atmosphere and jet skis: El Padrón Beach

If you are looking for an option to enjoy with friends, El Padrón beach, located about 4 kilometres from the Plaza de las Flores, will surprise you. You can walk from the centre, although it is advisable to visit it by car. The restaurants, sun loungers and sports equipment hire will help you organise the perfect day at the beach. With its dark sand and calm sea, it is a perfect environment for paddle surfing and jet skiing.

 

Beaches in Estepona: snorkelling and relaxation in Bahía Dorada

The rocky setting of Bahia Dorada is home to one of Estepona’s most relaxing beaches. With more limited services and a location that allows snorkelling just 15 minutes drive from the old town. Its mix of sand and rock, coupled with gentle waves and clear waters, make it the perfect destination for snorkelling. It is a quiet beach that invites you to visit as a couple or with friends in a relaxed atmosphere.

Wind Sports: Guadalmansa

If wind sports are your thing, just 15 minutes drive from the centre of Estepona, you will find Guadalmansa Beach. Located in a natural environment and with basic services. It is a quiet beach and perfect for wind sports such as kitesurfing. Its dark sand and moderate wind make it a perfect place to visit with friends.

 

Windsurfing in El Saladillo

Although this beach is part of the municipality of Benahavis, it is only a 12 minute drive from the centre of Estepona. It is a long beach with golden sand and moderate waves. It tends to be less frequented than other beaches in the area and is the ideal place for wind sports such as windsurfing.

 

An excursion to Cabopino Beach in Marbella

Depending on the length of your stay and your desire to experiment, you can visit other beaches near Estepona. One of the most popular beaches in Marbella is Cabopino. It is located about 40 minutes drive from the centre. The beach is located in the Natural Monument Dunas de Artola, a protected landscape where you can enjoy numerous water sports such as kitesurfing, jet skiing or paddle surfing. Its fine sand and moderate waves are complemented by restaurants and sun lounger and parasol rental services. Cabopino is the ideal getaway if you are looking to explore further afield. A delightful place to spend a perfect day at the beach while staying in Estepona.