Estepona: A Jewel of the Costa Del Sol and a European City of the Year 2023 Finalist

Estepona, a charming and sustainable Andalusian city, has been recognized as one of the top three finalists for the prestigious ‘European City of the Year 2023’ award by The Academy of Urbanism, an independent, non-profit organisation that promotes recognition of cities in the United Kingdom and Europe that develop good practices in urban planning.

Estepona’s nomination for the European City of the Year award is based on its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. The city has invested heavily in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and waste management. It has also developed a number of green spaces, including parks, gardens, and a nature reserve. In addition, Estepona has implemented a number of initiatives to promote sustainable transportation, such as building a network of bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets.

The Academy of Urbanism has praised Estepona for its “bold reinvention” and its “leadership as a sustainable city.” The organisation has also noted that Estepona is “a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”If you are looking for a beautiful, sustainable, and vibrant city to call home, Estepona is a great option. With its stunning beaches, charming old town, and vibrant nightlife, Estepona has something to offer everyone. And now, with its recent transformation into a more sustainable city, Estepona is even more appealing to potential residents. In this blog, we will briefly describe some of Estepona’s outstanding features for both living and investing:

Estepona – ‘the garden of the Costa del Sol’

Estepona, often referred to as ‘the garden of the Costa del Sol’, is renowned for its commitment to sustainability. Each year, the city plants hundreds of thousands of plants, grown in city-owned greenhouses, throughout its streets. Over the past decade, Estepona has aggressively pedestrianised its historic centre, replaced busy streets with greenways, and expanded dozens of kilometres of new trails. This includes significant sections of the Senda Litoral, which connects many communities along Spain’s Mediterranean Coast.

Estepona is a real international city

The population of Estepona is approximately 75,000 people. The majority of the population is Spanish and 25% are foreign residents. The most common nationalities of foreign residents in Estepona are British, German, Dutch, Belgium, Scandinavian, Irish, etc.. The foreign population in Estepona is a diverse group of people. They come from all over the world and have a variety of backgrounds. This diversity makes Estepona a vibrant and cosmopolitan city.

The foreign population in Estepona has been growing in recent years. This is due to a number of factors, including the city’s beautiful beaches, its low cost of living, and its proximity to other popular tourist destinations. The foreign population in Estepona is also a welcoming and friendly group of people. They are always happy to help new arrivals and make them feel welcome in the city. Estepona is a truly international city, boasting a diverse mix of nationalities among its residents. In fact, the number of foreigners living in Estepona is the highest in Andalusia, accounting for about 25% of the city’s population.

Find the excellent infrastructure in Estepona

The infrastructure of Estepona is well-developed and includes a variety of amenities, including schools, hospitals, shopping centres, and parks. Here are some of the key infrastructure features in Estepona:

Transportation: Estepona is well-connected to other cities in Spain by road and rail. The city also has a small airport, which serves domestic and international flights.
Education: Estepona has a number of schools, including public and private schools. The city also has a university, which offers a variety of courses in Spanish and English.
Healthcare: Estepona has a number of hospitals, including public and private hospitals. The city also has a number of clinics and pharmacies.
Shopping: Estepona has a number of shopping centres, including a large shopping mall. The city also has a number of markets, which sell fresh produce, meat, fish, and other goods.
Parks: Estepona has a number of parks, including a large central park. The city also has a number of gardens, which are popular with locals and tourists alike.

The beaches of Estepona

The beaches of Estepona are some of the most popular in Spain. They are long, sandy, and have crystal-clear water. The beaches are also well-maintained and have a variety of amenities, including restaurants, bars, and shops. Here are some of the most popular beaches in Estepona:

Playa del Cristo: Playa del Cristo is the most popular beach in Estepona. It is a long, sandy beach with crystal-clear water. The beach is also well-maintained and has a variety of amenities, including restaurants, bars, and shops.
Playa del Arroyo del Salado: Playa del Arroyo del Salado is a smaller beach in Estepona. It is a sandy beach with crystal-clear water.
Playa del Rincon: Playa del Rincon is a small, cove-like beach in Estepona. It is a sandy beach with crystal-clear water.
Playa del Saladillo: Playa del Saladillo is a small, sandy beach in Estepona. It is a popular beach for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Playa del Chaparral: Playa del Chaparral is a small, sandy beach in Estepona. It is a popular beach for swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing. The beach is also well-maintained and has a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Playa del Puerto: Playa del Puerto is a small, sandy beach in Estepona. It is a popular beach for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. The beach is also well-maintained and has a variety of amenities.

Landmarks of Estepona

Estepona boasts several landmarks that contribute to its unique charm and appeal:

Centro Historico de Estepona: This is the historic centre of Estepona, known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant streets. Walking through the Centro Historico is like stepping back in time, with its traditional Andalusian buildings and narrow, winding streets. A notable feature of the Centro Historico is the route of poetry and murals, which brings art and literature into the public space.
Plaza de las Flores de Estepona: This is one of the most picturesque spots in the city. The plaza is a riot of colour, with numerous flower displays and traditional Andalusian architecture surrounding it.
Ruta de Murales Artisticos: Estepona is known for its commitment to the arts, and this is evident in the Ruta de Murales Artisticos. This route takes you past numerous murals that have been commissioned by the city, turning the streets of Estepona into an open-air gallery.
The Orchid House: Located north of the old town, the Orchid House is one of Estepona’s major landmarks. It’s home to a stunning collection of orchids, displayed in a striking architectural setting that provides a beautiful contrast to the traditional buildings of the old town.
The Town Clock Tower: This historic clock tower, also known as Torre del Reloj, is one of the oldest structures in Estepona, dating back to the 15th century. Originally part of a church that was destroyed in the 18th century, the tower survived and was later fitted with a clock. It’s a significant symbol of Estepona’s rich history.
The San Luis Castle: Castillo de San Luis is a fortress built in the late 15th century, shortly after the Catholic Monarchs recaptured Estepona from the Moors. The castle was part of the town’s defensive system, serving as a stronghold against potential invasions. Today, only remnants of the castle’s walls remain, but they are an important testament to Estepona’s past.
The Church of Los Remedios: This beautiful church, Iglesia de Los Remedios, was built in the 18th century on the site of a former Franciscan convent. The church stands out for its stunning Baroque facade and its bell tower, which offers panoramic views of Estepona. Inside, you can admire the lovely altar and various religious artworks.
The Original Bullring: Estepona’s bullring is unique due to its asymmetrical design – it’s one of only a few in the world. Constructed in 1973, it’s not only a venue for bullfighting but also hosts concerts and other cultural events. The bullring houses a museum dedicated to bullfighting history and a gallery by local artists.

Buying a House in Estepona

Estepona’s nomination as a finalist for the ‘European City of the Year 2023’ is a testament to its commitment to sustainability, quality of life, and urban planning. Its charming streets, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty make it not just a great city, but also a wonderful place to call home. Now could be the perfect time to consider buying a house in Estepona. There’s a wide range of properties available for sale, from modern apartments to spacious villas. Whether you’re looking for a holiday home or a permanent residence, Estepona has something to offer.

Finding the ideal property in the popular Estepona is not an easy task and therefore proper guidance is important. SLG Property is happy to help you with this. With our years of experience, broad knowledge, strong network and wide range of properties we assist you during the entire process. Your wishes are always central and based on those we will search for the perfect home together with you! You can check some of the best Offers in lovely Estepona here =====>>>> Best real estate deals in Estepona <<<<=====