Estepona · Spain

Population - 59,000
Distance from Malaga airport: 46 Miles (74KMS)

West of San Pedro the A7 toll autopista heads inland before turning west, while the coast road is littered with more depressing urbanizaciones bearing names such as Picasso or - taking irony to the limit - Paraíso (paradise!), each served by its centro commercial. Should you feel the urge to stop, Estepona, 17KM beyond San Pedro, is about the only good bet, a more or less Spanish resort with much of its identity still intact. Lacking the enclosed hills that give Marbella character, it is at least developed on a human scale; the hotel and apartment blocks which sprawl along the front are restrained in size, and there's a pleasant EU blue-flagged beach in town, as is the Costa del Sol's oldest nudist beaches to the west. One feature to note is Estepona's recent opening of four museums, all located on the modern Plaza de Toros to the east of the centre.

One of the best, and busiest times to visit the town is during the first weeks of July, when the Fiesta y Feria brings out whole families of esteponeros in their flamenco-style finery and the town is transformed into a riot of colour!

Estepona is the last stop on the Costa del Sol and one of the most pleasant. The seafront is attractive with a promenade studded with flowers and palms, and behind this, the older part of the town has some charming corners with cobbled alleyways and two delightful squares, the Plaza Las Flores and Plaza Arce. Calle Teraza bisects the centre around and this is where most of the eating and drinking options are situated, especially along the pedestriansed c/Real. The Puerto Deportivo, to the west of town beyond the lighthouse and near the bullring, is a daintier version of Marbella's nightlife hotspot, with the few bars and clubs becoming animated only at weekends.

Where to eat & drink in Estepona

Among Estepona's many places to ear is a bunch of excellent freidurías and marisquerías.

• La Gamba
• Simonito
• La Rada
• La Escollera
• La Casa de mi Abuella
• Sabor Andaluz
• Restaurante El Gavilán del Mar

Where to stay in Estepona

Outside August you should have no problem finding a place to stay in Estepona.

• Chullera III Campsite Estepona
• Camping Parque Tropical - former tropical garden, set back from the beach, it has a spectacular conservatory pool and restarant
• Hotel Aguamarina Estepona
• Hotel Buenavista Estepona
• Hostal El Pilar Estepona
• Hotel Mediterráneo Estepona
• Hotel Santa Marta Estepona - www.hotelsantamarta.com
• Pensión La Malagueña Estepona - www.hlmestepona.com
• Pensión San Miguel Estepona