Spend your fall, winter, or spring in Estepona, Spain: Is Estepona a good snowbird location?

The beautiful town of Estepona is a gateway to the fascinating history of the district where many different rulers swooped in to change the landscape of the entire region. Located on the Mediterranean Coast in the province of Malaga, this small, yet culturally rich town was named Estepona by the Moorish rulers who played a major role in shaping its history which goes back as far as the Stone Age. Today, not only does the town offer archeological attractions, but the modern world has skillfully managed to carve its way into the city, making it a great holiday destination for both tourists and senior visitors.

Where is Estepona, Málaga, Spain Located

Estepona, Málaga, Spain Map

Why should people visit during the fall, winter, or spring?

Estepona is one of the most famous tourist attractions. Although this place is bustling with tourists, the city has managed to maintain its unrivaled beauty. As the place has seen diversified rulers and accumulated several cultures, you can find traces of the different nations embedded in the streets and museums of the city. A lot of archeological sites had been washed out by the sea over time, but there is still a lot to see around the city. You can enjoy the diversity in cultures and visit all these spectacular historical sites in winter as the town never hibernates.

Climate

Estepona has cool and mild winters due to the Mediterranean warm breezes during winters. You can enjoy a lot of sunshine during the winter season as there is very little rainfall. Days are warm and perfect for walking around the city. You can expect a low of 8.5°C (47°F) and a high of 24°C (75°F).

For more climate information visit Meteoblue

Things to see in Estepona, Málaga, Spain

Estepona is an important tourist location. There are many places that you can visit in the area. Some of these include:

• Playa del Cristo: It is a resort beach. There is a seawall on the east side of the beach in conjunction with the natural curvature of the bay and the east-facing direction of the beach. This helps shelter the beach from sea currents and breezes. This keeps the translucent, pool-like waters astoundingly warm too.
• Botanical and Orchid Garden: This place has vertical gardens, over 4,000 diverse species of orchids, vegetation fetched from all the around the world, and waterfall that lights up with a large dome. A remarkable place you will adore.
• Santaverde Cosmética Natural: All the visitors who visit Andalusia and people who are fascinated by Aloe Vera must-visit Finca Santaverde. Here, on the hills, you will study a lot about organic agriculture, the transformation, and the use of this antique medicinal plant. You can also buy fresh leaves and plants from the field, in addition to natural juices and cosmetic products.
• Centro Historico de: descending the cobblestone streets adorned with geraniums you can explore the Castillo de San Luis, a fortress built by Spain's Catholic Monarchs at the end of the fifteenth century. Plaza del Reloj, a clock. This charming little square also has a bell-tower that is the only remaining structure of the original Iglesia de Los Remedios, demolished in an earthquake in the mid-eighteenth century.
• Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI: Plays and shows of all kinds are offered at this theatre. This theatre is decorated with an artificial starry ceiling. You can get a chance to experience the first-hand touch with Andalusian culture, along with this, you can observe the diverse exhibitions that are presented in this theatre.

Things to see not far from Estepona, Málaga, Spain

There are many neighboring towns and places that one can visit:

• Selwo Aventura: It is located 11.2 km (7 Miles) from Estepona. There are over 2,000 animals from diverse continents walking with comparative freedom here. The attraction is so far-reaching that you'll visit many of the attachments on the camouflaged off-road trucks of the park, getting terrific views of Bengal tigers, white rhinos, zebras, giraffes and lions in partial-captivity.
• Marbella: It is located 32 km (20 Miles) from Estepona. It is a stunning town that is worth a visit when you are visiting Estepona. Marbella is all about the luxurious lifestyle. You can ride one of the fancy yachts here, take a stroll down the posh neighborhoods or dine in one of the fancy restaurants.
• Castellar de la Frontera: It is located 40 km (25 Miles) from Estepona. It is a small medieval time village located in the walls of the castle. It was abandoned and taken over by the Germans during the 1970s but later on, it was inhabited again.
• Benahavís: It is located 23.6 km (15 Miles) from Estepona. It is one of the most mountainous villages in Malaga. This village has a very rich Arab history so you can experience that culture here. The culture and food make this place a must-visit.

Activities in Estepona, Málaga, Spain during winter

When it comes to finding a good activity to entertain yourself, Estepona has several options:

• Sea excursions: one of the best ways to visit nearby islands and spend a day breathing in the incredible sea breeze is through excursions.    
• Swimming:  There are a lot of options in Estepona where you can go swimming. You can go to the sea, a lake, any of the natural pools or clubs.
• Historical tour of the city: You can book a guided tour or just stroll around the city to explore the history of Estepona.
• Fishing: Fishing is a year-round option in Málaga. You can hop onto one of the fishing boats and spend an entire day fishing or visit the coast on your own.
• Dolphin watching: you can go dolphin watching by booking a tour on a cruise. You can also enjoy other amenities on the tour. 
• Walking: There are many walking routes available throughout the region. These routes are long and adventurous and you get to see incredible sights along the way.
• Flamenco: While you are in Spain you cannot miss the most eminent dance of Spanish region.  
• Carnival: Spanish traditional carnival that is held in February is a must go. There are parades, singing, dancing and much more.
• Yoga Retreats: You can find some top-class fitness and yoga retreats in Estepona so that you can stay healthy.
• Golf: Valle Romano dates is an 18 holes golf course resort located in Estepona. You can play golf, enjoy incredible views and food at this resort.
• Day trips to other cities: there are many places worth visiting outside Estepona. You can visit the nearby preserves and villages as well.

Shopping + Restaurants. Are they open in the fall, winter, or spring?

You will find enough restaurants and shops that are open in the winter period. Some of them targeting tourists only can be closed during the most quiet winter months, but there will be enough choice left.

Wednesday BIG Market is one of the largest markets in the area. You can find endless stalls of products here. You can find anything here. Fruits, vegetables, olives, loose spices, jewelry, clothes, and anything that you can name could be found here. It is open in all seasons. You can also find souvenirs at this market but you can also visit other local shops like Koral Bay Souvenirs.

When visiting Estepona you cannot pass on some of the specialties of the region. As it is a coastal city, seafood is a must-try. You can find some of the best mussels and Espetos in this region. Soups like Ajoblanco and gazpacho are a delicacy that can be found in nearly all restaurants. Olives are the souvenir from this region.

Transport

The nearest airport to Estepona is Gibraltar Airport which is located 48.4 km (30 Miles) away, but only a limited amount of flights are using that airport. The busiest airport will be Malaga, which has many flights all year round. The easiest and cheapest way to get to Estepona from Airport is by bus. You can take a local bus from the main bus station afterward. Taxi and hiring a car is also an option.

The main bus station is located in the north of the town. This bus station is for inter-city bus travel. If you want to travel to another city, you can book a ride online or can collect tickets on the spot from the bus station as well. Estepona also has a local bus service to travel within the city. These buses are called Linea 1 and 2. These buses are a cheap means of travel.

Estepona does not have its train station. The nearest train station is more than 30 km (19 Miles) away.

Health

In Estepona, you can find several fine medical and health care facilities. Both private and general hospitals are available within the city. If you want to consult a doctor separately for an illness, you can also find private clinics with diverse services. Private hospitals have more English speaking staff than general hospitals but you can find English speaking doctors in general hospitals as well. Some health care facilities are:

• Hospiten Estepona: General hospital with 24/7 emergency. (https://hospiten.com/)
• Hospital Estepona – Cenyt Hospital: Private Hospital (https://www.cenythospital.com/)
• Cenyt Dental: Dental Clinic (https://www.cenytdental.com/)

Accommodation

You can find several real estates working in Estepona. You can rent accommodation based on what you want. Some major operators in Estepona are:

• Idealista (https://www.idealista.pt/en/)
• Long term lettings (https://www.longtermlettings.com/)
• Think Spain: (https://www.thinkspain.com/)
• Airbnb (www.airbnb.com) is also available in case you're looking for a more customized offer. The prices vary according to the location and the size of the accommodation.

In Estepona, you can also find a 1-bed apartment for €300 (approx. $332, £252, $451 CAD, $495 AUD) during the low season.

Winter Camping

There is one campground located in Estepona. Others are located outside the city. The only campground in the region is:

CAMPING PARQUE TROPICAL: 90 plots are available for camping and tents. Prices start from €5.3 (approx. $5, £4, $7 CAD, $8 AUD) per night. (https://www.campingparquetropical.com/).

RV/Campers/ Motor home

There is just one site available for motorhomes or RVs. Other sites are located at a distance from the town:

CAMPING PARQUE TROPICAL: 90 plots are available for Motorhomes and RV Parking. Prices start from €5.3 (approx. $5, £4, $7 CAD, $8 AUD) per night. (https://www.campingparquetropical.com/).

More information

You can find more information about Estepona on the tourist information website.
You can find them here:

• HE Estepona Town Hall
• Plaza de las Flores s / n
• Tel. (+34) 952 80 20 02
• [email protected]