Our Estepona
We didn't choose Estepona by accident. When we were looking for the right place to feel at home, we wanted somewhere that felt real — a town with its own rhythm, its own character, and enough hidden corners to keep you curious. Estepona gave us all of that, and then some more. Living the local life, a friendly talk in the morning with the neighbours, we feel blessed being able to be part of a unique community.
We’ve gathered some useful information on Estepona for you below, and have also added our favourites - from restaurant to beach. There is so much to share on this beautiful city, we can easily keep on writing. Therefore, for each guest at Casa Luna de Miel we’ve added an additional few pages in our Guest Book - available at the house.
about esteponaStart your mornings slowly
One of our favourite rituals is walking to the Plaza de las Flores for a coffee before the town fully wakes up. Find a table outside at Hotel El Pilar, or order a café con leche and just watch the day begin at Avocado - great location, wonderful and friendly staff. There are a selection of a bakeries just off the square where we always stop for a fresh pastry and bread — our go-to bakery is Tahona.
The town is yours to explore
Step outside the front door and you're already at the heart of it all. Stroll down Calle Terraza — you'll understand immediately why everyone loves to take images over here — and keep on wandering. We love how the streets change character every few turns: a tiny ceramics shop here, a hidden courtyard there, a bar that's been serving the same neighbourhood for forty years. Take your time. This is not a town you rush.
Local shopping and markets
Estepona's shopping is exactly what you'd hope for in a town like this — independent, unhurried and full of personality. The old town is scattered with small boutiques selling handmade ceramics, locally designed jewellery, linen clothing and beautiful things for the home. It's the kind of shopping that feels like discovering rather than consuming. On Saturday mornings, there's a street market along the paseo that's worth a wander — a relaxed mix of fresh produce, flowers, artisan goods and the occasional find you didn't know you needed. We always seem to come home with something.
If you're looking for something a little more curated — homeware, quality olive oil, local wines — there are a handful of lovely small shops in and around the centre that we've noted down for you in the welcome folder. Each Sunday, the market at the port of Estepona, a 20-minute stroll away along the coast. Do visit early in the morning during high season as this give you a relaxed start of the day, enjoying a coffee at Bar Reinaldo, before it gets crowded.
The beach without the noise
Playa de la Rada is just a short walk away and it's everything a Mediterranean beach should be — long, wide, and genuinely relaxed. There are a couple of beach clubs we like for a more comfortable afternoon in the sun, without the kind of scene that makes you feel like you need a reservation three weeks in advance. We'll point you to our favourite spots during your check-in and through our Guest Book, available digitally or inside Casa Luna de Miel.
Where we eat and drink
For a proper dinner, we always recommend El Sur for simply a good meal, located at plaza ortiz, or la casa del rey. for something a little special we recommend alma de miguel — Andalusian cooking done with real care. And on the days when you just want to sink into the sunshine, head to the chiringuitos along Playa de la Rada. Order the gambas, get your feet in the sand, and let the afternoon take care of itself.
For the full local experience, don't miss the Mercado Abastos — Estepona's former covered market, where locals have been buying their fruit, vegetables, fish and olives for generations. Nowadays, it’s converted to a food market, offering a selection of restaurants and bars to enjoy a perfect meal or cocktail.
When you feel like exploring
If you're ready to venture a little further, drive up to Casares on a quiet morning — it's one of those hilltop white-washed villages that makes you just stop the car and stare. An incredible village to discover, with some of the friendliest locals we ever met. Take a seat at the central plaza and enjoy the slow pueblo live. The Sierra Bermeja mountains behind Estepona are wonderful for walking, with views over the coast that genuinely take your breath away. And the road towards Manilva is one of the most peaceful drives on the coast — old vines, quiet villages, and the sea always somewhere in the corner of your eye.
GETTING AROUNDParking
Casa Luna de Miel is located in the heart of the old town at Calle Antero. The centre is mostly pedestrianised, so we recommend dropping off your luggage first before parking up. Here are the options we find most convenient:
Parking El Castillo — The underground car park closest to the house, just a few minutes' walk away. Secure, affordable and easy to navigate. Our first recommendation if you're staying more than a day or two.
Paseo Marítimo parking — A large open-air car park right along the seafront, a leisurely ten-minute walk from the house along the beach promenade. A great option if you're planning a beach day and want to avoid multiple trips. It's also one of the most affordable parking spots in town.
Street parking — There are free street parking spots in the streets just outside the old town centre, which are typically free in the evenings and on Sundays. Worth a try if you arrive at the right moment, though availability varies.
Whichever option you choose, we've included a simple map with all parking locations marked in your welcome email, so you won't need to figure it out while juggling luggage and a Google Maps meltdown.
Transportation
Estepona is well connected by bus. The AVANZA coastal bus runs regularly between Estepona, Marbella and Málaga, making it easy to spend a day in the city and come back without needing a car. The main bus stop is just a short walk from the house. If you're planning a day trip to Málaga, the bus is honestly the most relaxed way to do it — sit back, watch the coast go by and let someone else deal with the traffic.
Taxis
Taxis in Estepona are reliable, reasonably priced and easy to find. There's a taxi rank at the Avenida España near the seafront, and you can call for one at any time of day or night. We'll leave the local taxi number in the house — it's always good to have it saved in your phone.
Do you need a car?
Honestly, for exploring Estepona itself — not at all. The old town, the beach, the markets and most of our favourite restaurants and bars are all within easy walking distance. If you'd like to venture into the mountains or along the coast, a car for a day or two is a nice option, and there are several rental companies nearby. We're happy to help arrange this for you.