Estepona holidays

The Andalucia region is known for its fresh local products, all used to make some of the area’s most famed dishes including casseroles, gazpacho, tapas and paella. The natives tend to eat out a lot here, they often see mealtimes as a social event which are eaten late into the evening. Plus, with prices so affordable it has become part of the local lifestyle. La Casa Del Rey is every inch as charming as it looks. Serving modern tapas, sink your teeth into everything from tuna tataki to mini chicken burritos and goats cheese tartlets. Holidaymakers can choose to sit on its indoor tables, or for a truly authentic experience there’s a courtyard for those warm Mediterranean days. You’ll also find numerous beach eats alongside spots specialising in Indian and Chinese when you fancy something different. Craving a pre-dinner drink? Siopa is a great choice with its selection of Spanish craft beers and vast gin collection.

Estepona has its fair share of sand spots, whether you’re looking for cosy coves with little amenities or wide expanses ideal for drawn-out tanning sessions. Playa del Cristo sits close to the centre and boasts beautiful sunsets thanks to its west-facing sands. Families tend to congregate here due to its safe shallow waters, not to mention it comes with a Blue Flag award. Sitting parallel to the coastal road, you’ll come to La Rada Beach, another popular option. Equipped with watersports, explore the waters by kayak or jet ski. The modern promenade is ideally located when you need a quick pick-me-up. For something completely different, Galera Beach has a totally different feel. Although a lengthy 2km, it isn’t frequented by tons of tourists with mainly locals heading here.

There are so many ways to occupy your days in Estepona. Some may simply spend their time walking its historic centre admiring its authentic beauty, while others may prefer to dive its depths, hike its terrain or visit the horse riding school. It’s also home to a number of stand-out attractions from its bullring to Selwo Safari Park and its lighthouse.

Visit its Botanical and Orchid Garden: If you’re a lover of plant life, this super-sized garden is filled with over 4,000 species of orchids, which is hardly surprising considering it’s the biggest in Spain. Everywhere you look, expect to be welcomed by an array of colours with giant waterfalls and an artificial lake adding to the attraction’s beauty. Among its collection of orchids, you’ll come across more well-known species including Cananga Odorata, which is celebrated among top-of-the-range perfumers such as Chanel and Dior. Some flowers are so small you may even miss them, so keep an eye out for that tiny yet beautiful flora.

Observe the animals at Selwo Safari Park: As a hotspot with families, make sure you squeeze in a trip to Selwo Safari Park. Only 20 minutes away from Estepona, days here invite you to tour a vast area where more than 2,000 animals roam freely. Alongside tigers, lions, elephants and kangaroos, adults and children alike will love spotting the Iberian Lynx, one of the world’s most endangered cats. After all those wildlife sightings, what better way to enjoy yourself than zooming down a zipline or testing your hand-eye coordination skills with a game of archery?