Estepona: the place on the Costa del Sol to never forget
When I try to explain how Estepona feels, I also call it little Malaga. The people who have ever visited this amazing city immediately understand what I mean. It has the expansive promenade, where you can stroll, walk, or run endlessly. It has the old town with its maze of streets. It has the climate. It’s just smaller, quieter outside of the seasons, and everything is pretty much within walking distance.
I fell so in love with this place during my last visit that I even decided to move here for a while. And because we don’t do gatekeeping, I lovingly share my favorite hotspots. From the cozy tapas bar where the locals eat and the Sunday market to the hotel where you want to stay, eat, and spend the best time at the beach.
First things first. Where are we going to stay? There is one hotel in Estepona where you would want to live forever. The interior is so beautiful that you immediately want to copy everything for home. You stumble right onto the beach and that sunset from your hotel room, dear people, it’s everything you want and more. I’m talking about METT Marbella – Estepona. Upon arrival, a team of the sweetest hosts and hostesses is already waiting for you, who you can reach all day via app with questions. Breakfast is à la carte in the restaurant and afterwards you can dive into the extensive buffet. There’s a gym where you can start your day or you can take a swim in the beautiful pool. I thought I couldn’t fall in love with a place, but I did. METT Marbella – Estepona is the kind of hotel where you secretly want to return every year. As soon as you step inside, you immediately feel like you’re on vacation.
Want to explore the surroundings? The best view over Estepona can be found at Bermeja, at the top of El Pilar. Here you can enjoy delicious, small Wagyu burgers accompanied by a well-shaken cocktail or have your glass filled to the brim with cava. They are not stingy here and pour generously. It’s not possible to make a reservation, so you might have to be a little patient. But it’s worth it. If you walk in around 8:00 PM, you’ll also catch the most impressive sunset. Want to eat among the Spaniards? Bardo is the typical, cozy tapas bar where the locals like to come. It’s not surprising that it’s slightly off the beaten path from the busier center. Follow the small streets towards the church tower and you’ll naturally end up at the little spot. The Spanish owner runs the bar while the lovely staff serves you the tastiest Spanish wines and dishes. This is the kind of place where you linger all evening.
The beach club of METT Marbella – Estepona is Azure. The sunbeds are so comfortable that you’d prefer to stay all day to slather on sunscreen and turn over. You can do that too, as the snacks are delivered right to the beach. You’re just a few steps away from your hotel room, so if you’d rather not take that siesta on the beach, you can just do it ‘at home.’ And it stays lovely there into the evening, making the beach suddenly an excellent place for aperitivo.
If you want a slightly different view of the sea for a day, then Les Tournesols is your spot. Thanks to the French owners, it’s a little piece of Riviera on the Costa del Sol. The cheerful terracotta and yellow and white striped umbrellas immediately put you in vacation mode. Tip: go on Sunday, because there’s almost always live music then. Don’t be surprised if the owner comes to take you from your table to dance. This happens more often than not. And for lunch, order the tuna tartare and grilled avocado, because it’s finger-licking good. The translation of Les Tournesols is sunflower, and you can see that reflected in the smallest details.
Join in the evening at METT Marbella – Estepona Isola, the Italian restaurant of METT Marbella – Estepona. The burrata is almost spilling off your plate, the melanzane is artistically beautiful (and just as delicious), and the lasagnette is as if nonna made it, but wrapped in a culinary jacket from the chef. And since you’re in the land of cava, you’ll obviously order a nice bottle with it. Not in the mood for a heavy meal? Choose a table at the bar and order Pimientos (delicious!) or a plate of Iberico ham. I promise you’ll be licking your fingers with these specialties. Had enough of tapas? METT also has a restaurant called Ammos. It sounds Greek and it is indeed, just not in the way you might be used to. Here you eat at a culinary level, with only the best of the best from Greek cuisine. Of course, there’s a souvlaki, but you’ve never tasted it like this before. I promise.
In the mood to shop, but don’t want to dive into the crowds of, for example, the huge La Cañada Shopping Centre? Then step into Elle, the charming owner of the boutique right next to the hotel. She designs part of her collection herself and has it made in Seville. Additionally, she curates the most beautiful Spanish brands to sell in her shop, from linen basics to swimwear and jewelry. Also handy: you can just pop in for a pair of good old Havaianas, a swimsuit, or a fashionable cap or hat. On Sunday morning, you want to head to the harbor in Estepona for the Sunday market. Around 10:00 AM, the stalls open, where you can browse to your heart's content. Here you won’t find Spanish tomatoes or oranges, but ceramics, leather bags, and the cutest jewelry. When the vendors lower their awnings at 2:30 PM, there are plenty of nice cafés or restaurants to have lunch with the local specialty. Paella!
