🇪🇸Estepona

Wander the Old Town and Plaza de las Flores

Estepona's Centro Histórico is one of those rare old towns that genuinely earns its reputation. Narrow cobblestone lanes wind between whitewashed houses bursting with colourful flower pots, and the whole area is blissfully car-free. Plaza de las Flores is the beating heart of it all: a flower-adorned square with a fountain, pavement cafes, and the 18th-century Casa de las Tejerinas. Grab a coffee, let the kids run around the fountain, and soak it all in.

El Orquidario: Europe's largest orchid house

This is one of those places that genuinely surprises you. El Orquidario houses over 2,000 orchid species beneath dramatic glass domes, complete with a 17-metre indoor waterfall and lush vertical gardens. It's extraordinary for adults and children alike: the scale and colour of it all is really impressive. It's right in the town centre, so easy to fit into any day.

Selwo Aventura safari park

Just outside Estepona, Selwo Aventura is a safari-style wildlife park where your family can see lions, elephants, and a huge range of other animals roaming in spacious, naturalistic enclosures. It's a big, active day out that works brilliantly as a counterpoint to beach days. The park is set in lush grounds and has plenty of space to roam, so bring comfortable shoes and pack some snacks.

Estepona Marina at sunset

Puerto Estepona comes alive in the early evening, and it's one of the most enjoyable spots in town for families. Open-air terraces line the waterfront serving fresh seafood and tapas, and the atmosphere is relaxed and genuinely local. From the marina you can also book dolphin watching boat trips: a real highlight for children of all ages and one of those experiences that stays with you.

Climb the Rainbow Steps

The Escalera Arco Iris is a 90-step staircase painted in vivid rainbow colours that winds up through the Old Town. At the top, you're rewarded with lovely views over the rooftops towards the Sierra Bermeja mountains. Kids absolutely love it: the colours make for brilliant photos and it's a fun little adventure in the middle of a town walk.

Archaeological Museum of Estepona

For a town of its size, Estepona punches well above its weight historically. The Archaeological Museum is home to ancient Roman mosaics and the remarkable Venus of Estepona, a 5,000-year-old statue that is one of the most significant prehistoric finds in southern Spain. It's compact and manageable with children, and gives real depth to your understanding of this corner of Andalusia.

Hike in the Sierra Bermeja mountains

The dramatic red-hued Sierra Bermeja mountains rise just behind Estepona and offer hiking trails through a landscape that feels a world away from the coast. The area is home to rare pinsapo fir trees found almost nowhere else on earth, which makes it genuinely special for nature-loving families. Trails range from gentle walks to more challenging routes, so you can choose what suits your group.

Castillo de San Luis ruins

Right in the middle of Estepona's old city centre, the Castillo de San Luis is a Moorish castle ruin that gives you a tangible connection to the town's long history. Most of what remains is a tall, impressive wall, but it's atmospheric and easy to visit as part of an Old Town wander. A good moment to tell the kids about the Moorish settlement of Astabbuna that once stood here.