In June, I was fortunate enough to enjoy a three-day family break in the charming Costa del Sol town of Estepona.
And I must say, I was amazed by just how much we packed in. Traveling to Estepona has the advantages of a relatively compact town center, Old Town, and marina, making it easy to see and do lots alongside enjoying the 17 outstanding beaches in the area.
Let me show you how you can experience the very best of this Andalucian gem with my 3-day Estepona itinerary!
My 3-day Estepona Itinerary
For me, Estepona is the best of the Costa del Sol resort towns.
It is far less commercial and has retained its authentic charm while having great attractions that the whole family can enjoy.
You don’t need a package break to have a really good time as you can see in this hassle-free itinerary that includes meals, excursions, walks, shopping, and great food.
Estepona Day 1
Morning: Hit the beach at Playa del Cristo
When you land in Spain, drop your bags at your accommodation (we stayed at a hillside Villa overlooking Manila Beach) and head straight to the beach.
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It’s the perfect way to relax and begin your break. My top tip is to rent a beach cabana, for the comfort and shade you’ll be desperate for when that Spanish sun hits hard.
I paid €50 to hire a cabana for the day, which included drinks and towels for my family.
In addition, look out for the beach masseuses and try the freshly-caught grilled sardines, cooked on the beach for a real taste of Spain!
Afternoon: Take a late afternoon stroll around Estepona Marina
Estepona has a beautiful marina with a lively atmosphere.
It is the perfect spot to watch the comings and goings of the superyachts or observe the fish swimming in between the pontoons.
If you’re in the marina area on a Sunday, you may catch the weekly market where you can buy clothes, bags, local crafts, and delicious olives.
Dinner @ Grillhouse Restaurante
This reasonably-priced restaurant serves up delicious grilled beef, chicken, pork, and fish. If you can stand the heat, get there early or make a reservation as this popular eatery fills fast.
The menu includes specials like tuna steak, Iberian pork, steak and mash, and amazing burgers, all washed down with cheap cocktails.
Estepona Day 2
Morning excursion to El Orquidario de Estepona
Estepona’s orchidarium is one of the best attractions in the town, so invest time in exploring this unique botanical garden that showcases over 6,500 plant species, including 1300 orchid varieties.
I couldn’t believe that it only cost €3 per adult, and was free for children!
The layout and features of this orchidarium are amazing, in particular, the massive glass dome and cascading waterfalls.
I was worried about overheating as the morning progressed but they kept the temperature regulated.
Afternoon siesta
With so many things to do in Estepona, you may be tempted to run around in the afternoon heat. But I have to tell you, it’s not just ‘hot’ it’s scorching!
The afternoon Siesta is a very real thing in southern Spain and between 3 pm and 7 pm, you have to take real care with physical exertion.
We were able to get some rest and relaxation in our villa before making the most of the evening hours.
Dinner @ Sabores Gourmet, Calle Real 133, 29680, Estepona
This is the best time to dress up and has that big dinner that everyone’s been waiting for!
You’re not tired from your flights and you have the satisfaction of staying up late, knowing there’s another night to go.
We enjoyed a delicious meal at Sabores Gourmet which seemed to be very popular with the locals. The firewood salmon was amazing, there was a great selection of wines and our hosts were extremely attentive.
Evening exploration of Estapona’s Old Town
If you’ve finished dinner on Calle Real at around 8 pm, you’re just five minutes away from the delightful Old Town district of Estepona.
I appreciated being able to walk off my hearty meal exploring the beautiful winding streets and characterful buildings.
There are gorgeous floral displays, fountains, and passages everywhere, perfect for photos.
Take a look at the clock tower at Clock Tower Plaza del Reloj, and the Castilo de San Luis ruins at Plaza Casa Cañada.
Estepona Day 3
Morning visit to Castillo de la Duquesa
Castillo de la Duquesa is a magnificent 18th Century fortress, built by Francisco Paulino of Seville that has a commanding coastal position.
You can explore this impressive fortification and the excavated Roman villa complex, which provides insight into the fascinating history of this region.
Inside the castle, you can see exhibits from Manilva Archaeological Museum, and modern art exhibits.
The castle is also used as a municipal building, but get there early as it closes for the staff to take a siesta.
Lunch from Telepizza Estepona
As your trip draws to a close make sure you stock up with a delicious lunch ahead of the journey home.
Treat yourself to the delicious pizzas from Telepizza Estepona. You can enjoy massive pizzas, loaded with meaty toppings for as little as €6 per pizza with delivery included!
Homeward bound!
Just look at how much you can pack into 72 hours in Estepona.
And you won’t be frantic, flustered, or returning home exhausted.
Remember this is just a slice of the good things going on in Estepona, take a look at my video guide where I share the top 10 best things to do in this amazing resort region, so you can build an itinerary of your own (no tour reps needed):
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