If you’re planning a trip to Estepona, Spain, you might be wondering whether it’s an expensive place to stay. Located on the Costa del Sol, Estepona is a popular destination for tourists looking to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.
While prices can vary depending on the time of year and the type of accommodation you’re looking for, we can help you get a better idea of what to expect.
I have stayed their twice now in two different types of accommodations and I’ll share with you my findings to help you book the right place for you and your family.
Accommodation and housing options in Estepona range from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts and villas. The cost of accommodation will depend on several factors, including the location, amenities, and time of year.
If you’re looking to save money, consider staying in a self-catering apartment or villa, which can be more affordable than a traditional hotel.
Key Takeaways
- Accommodation in Estepona varies in price, from budget-friendly to luxury options.
- Travel and transport options can impact your overall budget, so plan accordingly.
- Consider staying in a self-catering apartment or villa to save money on food and drinks.
Accommodation and Housing
When it comes to finding a place to stay in Estepona, there are a variety of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a hotel, a rental property, or a more permanent housing solution, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re just visiting the area, hotels are a popular choice. There are plenty of options available, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious.
Some of the most popular hotels in Estepona include the Kempinski Hotel Bahia, the H10 Estepona Palace, and the Macdonald Villacana Resort.
For those who are planning to stay in the area for a longer period of time, rental properties may be a better option.
There are a number of rental properties available in Estepona, ranging from apartments to villas.
The cost of renting will depend on a variety of factors, including the location, size, and condition of the property.
If you’re looking for a more permanent housing solution, there are a variety of options available. The cost of purchasing a home in Estepona will vary depending on the location, size, and condition of the property. However, it’s worth noting that the cost of living in Estepona is relatively affordable compared to other cities in Spain.
One popular housing option in Estepona is the Macdonald Villacana Resort. This gated community offers a range of properties, including apartments, townhouses, and villas.
The resort is located just a short distance from the beach and offers a range of amenities, including swimming pools, tennis courts, and a restaurant.
Overall, there are plenty of accommodation and housing options available in Estepona. Whether you’re looking for a short-term or long-term solution, there’s something for everyone.
Airbnb’s
As you can imagine there are lots of great options on Airbnb.
We recently stayed in a brand-new villa overlooking Manilva Beach. Which was truly stunning.
It had all the best appliances and a pool to die for. Not, to mention aircon and a 60″ TV screen.
This was a 4 bedroom 8-bed villa that was fresh to the market place. It was a new built and the new owner was looking for some reviews on Airbnb. So, we were lucky enough to get it at a great price of 500 Euro per night.
The same villas which lots of 5-star reviews in the same are were charging 600-900 per night.
There’s lots of building going on in and around Estepona so there’s always a chance you can pick up a good deal like this on Airbnb.
Travel and Transport
When it comes to traveling to and from Estepona, there are a few options available to us. We can take a bus, hire a car, or get a taxi.
If you’re flying into Malaga airport, the easiest way to get to Estepona is by car or taxi. The distance between Malaga airport and Estepona is about 80 km, and it takes about an hour to get there by car or taxi.
If you’re not comfortable driving in a foreign country, we recommend taking a taxi. Taxis are readily available at the airport, and the ride to Estepona will cost you around €95-€120.
If you’re already in Malaga, you can take a direct bus to Estepona. The bus journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs €7.
The bus service is operated by Avanza Grupo, and there are around 170 buses running weekly. However, it’s always a good idea to check the schedules in advance, especially during weekends and holidays.
If you’re staying in Marbella, you can also take a direct bus to Estepona. The bus journey takes around 40 minutes and costs €2. The bus service is operated by Avanza Grupo, and there are around 12 buses running daily.
If you prefer to have your own car, you can hire one at Malaga airport or in Marbella. The drive from Malaga Airport to Estepona takes around an hour, and there are several car rental companies available at the airport.
Be careful when hiring a car that you don’t get pushed into buying every extra on the books. It can end up costing a fortune.
Read next – Cost of Living in Marbella
We hired a little Fiat 500 Hybrid Car for 48 euros for 2 days. The deposit was 1000 euro but was returned to us 30 days after we returned the car un-damaged.
Take lots of pictures of the car before you leave the hire car centre. Any marks on the car have to be accounted for. So, take lots of photos. I took over 30 of our little car.
Beaches and Marina
When it comes to beaches, Estepona has plenty to offer.
You can also take a boat trip from the marina and explore the coastline from a different perspective.
Speaking of the marina, it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s a great place to stroll around and admire the yachts and boats moored there.
There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from, so it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat or a drink.
Overall, we found that staying in Estepona near the beaches and marina was a great experience. There’s plenty to see and do, and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming.
Budget and Prices
If you’re planning a trip to Estepona, you might be wondering about the budget and prices.
As budget travelers ourselves, we understand the importance of finding affordable accommodation, food, and activities.
Here’s what we found during our stay in Estepona.
- Visit the Estepona Old Town: Free
- Visit Selwo Aventura: Prices start at around €24 for adults and €17 for children
- Relax on Estepona’s Beaches: Free
- Hire a sun beach for the day 10 Euros, Cabana’s 30-50 Euros some include drinks
- Explore the Orchidarium: Admission is approximately €3 for adults and €1.50 for children
- Visit the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Church: Free
- Enjoy Watersports: Prices vary
- Take a Boat Trip: Prices start at around €20 per person
- Visit the Estepona Museum: Admission is typically around €3 for adults and €1.50 for children
- Dine at Local Restaurants: Prices vary from 15 euros per person to 60
- Try Tapas: Tapas prices range from €2 to €5 per portion
- Enjoy Churros with Hot Chocolate: Costs around €3 to €5
- Visit the Sunday Market: No entrance fee
- Play Golf: Green fees start at around €50 and can go up to several hundred euros
- Explore the Sierra Bermeja Natural Park: Free
- Visit the Estepona Bullring: Admission is typically around €6 for adults and €4 for children. Explore the iconic bullring and learn about Spanish bullfighting culture.
- Explore the Murals of Estepona: Free. Estepona is known for its vibrant street art scene, with colorful murals adorning the walls throughout the town.
- Visit the Estepona Watchtower: Free. Climb to the top of the watchtower for panoramic views of Estepona and the coastline.
- Go Shopping at Puerto Banus: Prices vary. Puerto Banus, located near Estepona, is a luxurious marina lined with high-end boutiques, designer stores, and upscale restaurants.
- Visit the Selwo Marina: Prices start at around €19 for adults and €13 for children. This marine park in nearby Benalmadena offers dolphin shows, sea lion encounters, and more.
- Take a Day Trip to Gibraltar: Prices vary. Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, is located nearby and offers attractions such as the Rock of Gibraltar, the famous Barbary macaques, and duty-free shopping.
- Attend a Flamenco Show: Prices vary. Experience the passionate art of flamenco with live performances at various venues in Estepona.
- Visit the Estepona Botanical Garden: Admission is approximately €3 for adults and €1.50 for children. Explore the diverse plant species and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
- Try Local Wine and Tapas: Prices vary. Estepona is surrounded by vineyards, and you can indulge in local wines paired with delicious tapas at wine bars and restaurants. An average bottle of wine was 16 Euros for a good one
- Take a Horseback Riding Tour: Prices start at around €30 per person. Explore the beautiful countryside of Estepona on horseback with guided tours.
- Relax at a Spa: Prices vary. Treat yourself to a pampering session at one of the spas in Estepona, offering various wellness treatments and massages.
Read More – 21 Things to Do in Estepona
Accommodation Prices
We searched for budget hotels and found that the prices range from 50 to 100 Euros per night.
The prices vary depending on the location, amenities, and season. If you’re traveling during the peak season, expect to pay more.
However, if you’re flexible with your travel dates, you might be able to find some good deals.
Small hotels just off the main Marina in old town Estepona were 80-150 Euros per night and a private villa will range from 400-1000 Euros per night depending on the location and size and age of the property.
Food Prices
Eating out in Estepona can be affordable if you know where to go.
There are many local restaurants that offer traditional Spanish dishes at reasonable prices.
You can find a meal for as low as 10 Euros per person. If you’re on a tight budget, you can also find supermarkets and grocery stores where you can buy food to cook at your accommodation.
We loved the Mexican Grill House in Estepona Marina and for a family of three for a main course, 2 drinks each, and one dessert it was 87 Euros.
Activity Prices
There are many free or low-cost activities to do in Estepona. You can visit the beach, stroll around the Old Town, or hike in the nearby mountains.
If you’re interested in museums or attractions, expect to pay around 10 to 15 Euros per person.
I highly recommend the Orchidarium which only cost 3 Euros per adult and children under 11 are free.
Jet ski hire was 45 Euros per person and a small motor boat that seats 4 was 225 Euros.
Overall Budget
Overall, we found that it’s possible to travel to Estepona on a budget.
If you’re willing to stay in budget accommodation, cook your own food, and do free activities, you can easily keep your daily expenses under 50 Euros per person.
Of course, if you want to splurge on some activities or meals, you can expect to spend more.
Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the season and location. It’s always a good idea to do your research and compare prices before booking anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of accommodation in Estepona near Malaga?
Accommodation prices in Estepona vary depending on the type of accommodation and the location. However, the average cost of accommodation in Estepona near Malaga is around $100 per night. This price can increase during the peak tourist season, so it’s best to book in advance.
Are there any budget-friendly accommodation options in Estepona?
Yes, there are budget-friendly accommodation options in Estepona. Hostels and guesthouses offer affordable rates, and you can also find budget-friendly apartments and hotels. It’s best to book in advance to secure the best deals.
What are some affordable activities to do in Estepona?
There are many affordable activities to do in Estepona. You can visit the beaches, explore the Old Town, and enjoy the local cuisine. You can also visit the Selwo Aventura animal park, which offers affordable admission prices.
Is Estepona a good destination for a budget-friendly vacation?
Yes, Estepona is a great destination for a budget-friendly vacation. There are many affordable accommodation options and activities to enjoy. Plus, the town has a laid-back atmosphere, making it a great place to relax and unwind without breaking the bank.
What is the cost of living in Estepona compared to other cities in Spain?
According to livingcost.org, the cost of living in Estepona is close to the world’s average cost of living and ranked 85th out of 153 cities in Spain. Compared to other cities in Spain, Estepona is an affordable destination.
Are there any hidden costs to consider when staying in Estepona near Malaga?
When staying in Estepona near Malaga, it’s important to consider additional costs such as transportation, food, and activities. While these costs can add up, there are many affordable options available. It’s best to plan ahead and budget accordingly to avoid any surprises.
Read Next – My 3-Day Itinerary for a Trip to Estepona
To Wrap Up
Overall, we found Estepona to be reasonably priced. If you compare it to nearby Marbella which is super expensive it’s a far better option for families.
An ice cream was 3 Euro, a family-sized Pizza for take out was 11 Euros, a can of coke was 1.20 and a bottle of water was 1 euro.
The local bakeries are amazing and we bought this chocolate pastry item for just 2.80 Euros. It was yummy.
Overall, we stayed for 3 days on our last trip which included a very luxurious hilltop villa with a private pool and food, a hire car, and travel insurance. It cost us 2300 Euro for a family of 3.
We also hired a Cabana on the beach for 50 Euros.
Money well spent!
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