Estepona: The Costa’s Hidden Gem
Nestled along the sun-drenched Costa del Sol, Estepona is a town where Andalusian charm meets history and nature, transforming into a breathtaking open-air botanical garden. Often overlooked in favour of its glitzy neighbour Marbella, Estepona has quietly crafted its own identity, drawing visitors in with pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and streets bursting with colourful blooms.
The Urban Transformation: The Garden City Concept
Estepona has undergone one of the most ambitious urban renewal projects in Spain, earning it the nickname "The Garden of the Costa del Sol". In an effort to enhance both tourism and quality of life, the city has been transformed into a botanical haven, where every street, square, and public space is adorned with lush greenery and flowers. Key elements of this transformation include:
🌸Flower-Filled Streets – Over 12,000 flower pots, mostly with vibrant geraniums, decorate the whitewashed facades of houses, creating a picture-perfect Andalusian town.
🌸The Orchidarium of Estepona – A modern botanical garden with over 5,000 plant species, including one of Spain's largest orchid collections.
🌸Murals & Urban Art – More than 60 large-scale murals adorn the city’s buildings, merging art with daily life.
🌸Pedestrian-Friendly Streets – Many roads in the historic centre have been converted into traffic-free zones, encouraging locals and tourists to explore on foot.
A Journey into Estepona’s Ancient Past: The Roman Mausoleum on Calle Villa
Beyond its modern beauty, Estepona hides a fascinating past, with archaeological remains scattered throughout the city. Among the most significant sites is the Roman Mausoleum on Calle Villa, which dates back to the late 5th century AD.
This monumental funerary building was constructed over 1,600 years ago, consisting of an octagonal crypt with thick stone walls and a boulder-paved floor. The upper part of the mausoleum likely served as a funerary chapel or place of worship.
Why Visit Estepona?
Estepona offers a unique blend of history, nature, and modern elegance, making it a must-visit destination on the Costa del Sol. Whether you’re drawn to its botanical transformation, stunning beaches, ancient ruins, or artistic murals, the town offers something for every kind of traveller.
Best Things to Do in Estepona:
➡️Explore the Old Town – Wander through flower-filled streets and admire the town’s Andalusian architecture.
➡️Visit the Roman Mausoleum – Discover Estepona’s Roman-Christian heritage (Calle Villa)
➡️See the Street Murals – Follow the Ruta de Murales Artísticos to see some of the most impressive urban artworks in Spain.
➡️Enjoy the walk along the beach – The lively area offers bars, restaurants, and a scenic promenade.
➡️Visit the Orchidarium – A paradise for botany lovers, featuring thousands of exotic orchids.
It costs only 3 euros!!!
Other places in Old town to visit and cafe where we had brunch (look on the map):
We had breakfast on Plaza de las Flores in a cafe called Avocado
Final Thoughts
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