ESTEPONA BEACHES

PLAYA GALERA

This 2km beach is bounded at the west by the Torre de la Sal headland and runs to the next headland at Bahia Dorada; it is about 40m wide. Not overly busy, this is mainly used by the residents of the urbanizations that straddle of the coast road.  There is a chiringuito at the western end near Torre del Sal. There is a pedestrian promenade for part of this long beach and little dedicated car access except roads in the urbanizations.

About halfway along is a large rock called Piedra Paloma (Dove's Rock) just out to sea. This marks Playa Piedra Paloma, which is actually in the municipal district of Casares and in 2016 became an authorised Dog Beach replacing the Playa del Sal dog beach. Access to Playa Piedra Paloma is via the Urbanizacion Casares del Mar.  

PLAYA BAHIA DORADA

This beach is similar to the others in the area. Bounded by the two headlands it is about 700m long and 40m wide. The established urbanization Bahia Dorada fronts the beach. A seafront promenade was constructed recently, to protect from land erosion in the winter storms. There is no car access to the beach. On the Bahia Dorada headland at the east and interestingly within the estate is an old circular watchtower. (Torre Vigia)

PLAYA ARROYO VAQUERO

This beach is to the east of the Bahia Dorada headland, and where the Arroyo Vaquero river reaches the sea. The car access is a roundabout into the Fuerte Estepona Suites Hotel which fronts this beach Upon entering the turn right  and wind your way through the houses near the Arroyo Vaquero river. The beach is about 1km long and 50m wide and is quiet, with ample parking space and a chiringuito. Access is also provided on the other or west side of the Fuerte Hotel.

PLAYA COSTA NATURA

The beach is a continuation of Playa Arroyo Vaqueros, but the 500m section in front of the Costa Natura resort is officially classified as 'naturist beach'. Costa Natura, Spain's first purpose-built naturist complex, is located to the east of the town at km151. The complex is for members only, but temporary membership is available for touring naturists and the uninhibited or curious. The 400m stretch of beach is, of course, open to all members of the public. You can rent sunbeds and a small kiosk sells soft drinks. Parking is available on the service road to the south of km151 on the coast road. Walk around the Costa Natura urbanization down to the beach.

PLAYA GUADALABON

This is the name given to various stretches of beach in the area of the river Guadalabon. Some areas, such as that in front of Gran Hotel Elba (with promenade walkway), or in front of H10 Estepona Palace Hotel, are wider, but much of the rest of this 2km seafront is not overly interesting.

PLAYA EL CRISTO

Situated just outside the town of Estepona, to the west of the Marina, El Cristo beach is situated in a delightful sheltered cove, ideal for children, with two chiringuitos. Its ideal location means longer hours of sunshine, making it a particular favourite with serious sunbathers. This beach has become increasingly popular in recent years and tends to get quite crowded on summer weekends. It has a good atmosphere with music playing at two of the beach bars. The cove and the outer protection wall ensure the sea is warmer than the surrounding waters. It slopes very gently and is very safe for children. There is a lifeguard station and showers in the summer. There are two good beach bars, the trendy Havana Beach and the moore traditional Chiringuito Lolailo.  Car access is by a narrow, steep road from a roundabout to the west of Estepona marina or town. Summer parking at the back of the beach is chaotic, so it's best to continue a little further to the open ground, where is always ample parking and some wild camping. The car exit route is in this direction via Estepona Marina. Its high standards of cleanliness and excellent facilities have been recognised by the European Blue Flag award.

PLAYA LA RADA

Right in the centre of Estepona is the town's most popular beach, La Rada. It is long and backed by a modern seafront promenade for the entire length (2.6km). Chiringuitos (beach bars), are located all along the seafront and serve traditional seaside fare, such as paella and fresh sardines, as well as a choice of international-style dishes. The Marina and lighthouse are located at the west end of La Rada beach. The entire length of beach runs parallel to the ‘old coast road'. There are two large underground car parks here; otherwise parking can be found in the town. Disabled access is better here than at other nearby beaches. The seafront prom and the beach terminate at the eastern end with a headland known as Punta de la Plata.

PLAYA PUNTA DEL PLATA

A 4km stretch of narrow low-quality beach, stretching from the Punta del Plata headland which terminates La Rada beach the west to El Padron Beach to the East.

PLAYA PUNTA PINILLOS
This is another name for the beach slightly to the east of Punta del Plata.


PLAYA EL PADRON

The popular beach located just to the east of the Rio Padron, near the Kempinski Resort Hotel. The beach has a large car park and two beach bars, making it particularly popular in the summer. Laguna Village is located here, a small upmarket Balinese-style shopping centre with fashion and decoration shops, open 11.00 to 20.00. A selection of restaurants includes Terra Sana, Camuri Grill, Carmen (traditional Spanish) with small roof terrace, La Pappardella (Italian), as well as tapas bar ¡Que Arte! and Spanish Star Cafe - restaurants are open 10.00 to 24.00. Also here is Puro Beach restaurant and beach club with large swimming pool, white sun loungers and fusion music DJ. Car Parking. Km 159. Its high standards of cleanliness and excellent facilities have been recognised by the European Blue Flag awar


More information and properties available at: www.blm-properties.co.uk