We live in a world where it's possible to find the best place for any taste. Sea, mountains, plains… People have different preferences; many of them want to live in a warm place next to the sea. Have you noticed that some countries gain more popularity among expats than others? Spain, with its sunny weather and favorable climate, attracts many of them.
Estepona is a popular Spanish city situated on the coast, adjacent to the sea. Its favorable geographic position and weather contribute to its attractiveness as a location for emigration by foreign expatriates. Besides its sunny climate, the city boasts a robust infrastructure, creating the ideal environment for relocation. Below, we invite you to discover the region and answer the question, «What is Estepona like to live in?»
Location and Climate of Estepona
Estepona is a coastal city on the Costa del Sol. It is located in the province of Malaga, part of the autonomous community of Andalusia. The city of Estepona is located 82 km from Malaga and 48 km from Algeciras.
Estepona is famous for its beachside, which stretches along 21 km of coastline. Sandy beaches attract lovers of sea activities. Inland, there is a fertile valley with small streams and the Sierra Bermeja mountain range, which reaches its highest point (Los Reales peak) at 1,452 meters above sea level. The mountain range protects the city from cold western and northern winds. Crops and pastures occupy the plain.
Its favorable climate is one of the main advantages of the Spanish city. Estepona has a Mediterranean climate due to the proximity of the Strait of Gibraltar. Thanks to its geographical position, surrounded by the sea, Estepona has an excellent microclimate with more than 320 sunny days a year. Summer is hot, with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. An average maximum reaches 35 degrees Celsius. Winter is mild, with an average temperature of 10-13 degrees Celsius in January and February. Annual precipitation is low; rain falls no more than 35 days per year. The combination of mild winters, warm summers, and ample sunshine creates the ideal environment for life and leisure.
Such a favorable climate impacts dwellers the lifestyles of dwellers, providing them with more opportunities for outdoor activities. They can try different work and entertainment options, diversifying their routines and making the most of every day of their lives. Golf is one of the most popular kinds of sports in the region. There are several dozen golf clubs around the city. Additionally, sports such as horse racing, cycling, Nordic walking, and sailing are in high demand. This feature helps you live your life with a positive mood and energy.
Quality of Life and Infrastructure
Being one of the top destinations for both leisure and work, the city offers a comprehensive infrastructure with all the necessary establishments and state institutions. Dwellers have a
- Healthcare establishments (medical centers, hospitals, outpatient hospitals, etc.). A vast network of healthcare institutions has been developed in the city to ensure prompt, professional assistance to people with health problems.
- Nursery houses and kindergarten. Dwellers can leave babies and children in specialized care centers, where professional specialists take care and look after them.
- Educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities, etc.). Children and teenagers can receive a full-grade education, study various sciences and subjects, and master skills, among other benefits. Numerous courses, workshops, and seminars are organized in the city to enable students and pupils to develop their thinking, study new materials, and more.
- Shopping centers. A significant number of shops are open in the city. Both local over-the-counter stores and large shopping malls are scattered around the city. Expats can find all they need in such shops. Clothes, appliances, and household items are provided. Thus, dwellers have all the staff required for their lives in the city.
The housing stock is another crucial aspect to consider when selecting a suitable city for relocation. Estepona is well-equipped to cater to the diverse needs of all expats, accommodating their various tastes and budgets. The following types of apartments for sale in the Estepona area are available in the city:
- Squat houses.
- Blocks of flats.
- Luxurious villas.
- Hotels.
Attractions and Leisure Activities in Estepona
Rich culture is one of the city's pearls. Its landmarks, featuring historical monuments, museums, entertainment centers, zoos, and parks, attract visitors and charm with their unique features. The following attractions deserve particular attention:
- Historical center. The Old Town, situated in the center of Estepona, resembles a typical Andalusian provincial village. Here, every piece of architecture is worthy of attention and deserves to be called a landmark. In the Old Town, there are not only numerous historical landmarks but also authentic cafes, art salons, and souvenir shops.
- Paseo Maritimo Promenade. It is a well-maintained alley featuring numerous flower beds, an attractive fountain, children's areas, rollerblading and skateboarding zones, cafes, and restaurants. Concerts are often held here. Paseo Marítimo stretches for 3 km along Playa La Rada, ending near a famous local landmark — the fishing port.
- Port Deportivo. The local port is a modern marina with 447 berths. Here, visitors can rent a yacht for a walk or fishing, and the cost is significantly lower than in other cities in Spain. Puerto Deportivo is also a territory for walks, where the specific smell of the sea and coastal restaurants with slightly exorbitant prices reign.
- Botanical Garden and Orchidarium. The Botanical Garden, with its Orchid House, is one of the most interesting attractions. It's found in every Estepona guide. The Botanical Garden occupies an area of 13,000 m², where numerous paths are laid among more than 5,000 plants. There are original vertical gardens, a lake, and a high waterfall with pools.
- Urban Murals. Original paintings, called «murals,» decorate the facades of many buildings in different areas of Estepona. A special Artistic Painting Route (Ruta de Murales Artisticos) has been developed for the resort's guests. The map is regularly updated as new paintings appear in Estepona.
- Selwo Aventure Amusement Park. It's the perfect combination of a theme park and a zoo, where ideal conditions for an active family holiday have been created. The entire amusement park is divided into two distinct areas.
At the bottom, where there are many plants and shade, visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment attractions. They can walk along a suspension bridge, fly along a high bungee, go down a cable (zipline) over the Great African Lake, or ride a camel.
Above, in the far part of the park, there is an African savannah, where there is much less shade, but fountains and showers are installed next to all the paths. Every half hour, a safari tour is conducted through the savannah. An English-speaking guide accompanies groups. On the territory of Selwo Aventura, animals of more than 200 species live, and the most natural living conditions are reproduced for all.
Since the city is coastal, the beachside plays a significant role. The Mediterranean coastline, which stretches along the entire coast of Estepona for 21 km, is lined by 17 beaches. All of them have a surface of sand or sand with pebbles. The coast is clean, and the entry into the water is smooth and comfortable. The most famous beaches include:
- Playa del Cristo;
- Playa de la Rada;
- Playa del Padrón.
Proximity to the sea determines preferable activities. Sailing, sunbathing, yachting, and other beach-related entertainment and sports are popular. However, multiple sports complexes and parks are also developed for athletes.
Leisure activities for all ages are available in the city. If you prefer a peaceful, measured pace of life, you can spend time in numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars, admiring the surrounding views and striking up a conversation with a soulmate. Anyway, the city is ready to satisfy the demands of all visitors and expats.
Social Life and Expat Community
Estepona is a popular destination for relocation. Thus, a large expat community exists in the city. Being aware of this fact, the local authority creates favorable conditions for a smooth, borderless integration of expats into the city's life. In particular, language classes are organized for relocators; community events are frequently held. Thus, newcomers are greeted with a friendly welcome and can easily integrate into the city's life.
Neighborhoods with diverse communities provide dwellers with opportunities for assimilation and cultural exchange. The local nation is open and friendly toward relocators. They help expats assimilate and get life in order in the new place. As a result, a multicultural and multinational society is created, which fosters tolerance and cohesion among its residents.
Pros and Cons of Living in Estepona
To summarize the article, let's list the key points of relocation to Estepona. The city has both strengths and weaknesses. Pross include:
- A favorable climate. The city's favorable geographical position is characterized by numerous sunny days, hot summers, mild winters, and warm winds. The climate attracts expats who dislike the cold and seek a calm, warm-weather location.
- Peaceful lifestyle. A peaceful environment reigns in the city. When you come to Estepona, calmness and relaxation are everywhere. People do not hurry; they are relaxed and do not bother themselves with extra tasks. They prefer to rest on a bench along the coast and admire the sea or sit in a cafe and enjoy every minute of a morning breakfast.
- Developed infrastructure. The city has everything needed for comfortable living. Healthcare institutions, educational establishments, shopping malls, and leisure centers are available. A branched network of roads allows for easy movement through the city.
Cons are:
- Potential adaptation challenges. Any expat faces adaptation; it's impossible to skip it. So, expats encounter the need to adapt to a new lifestyle, culture, and language. However, residents help visitors adapt by creating courses and events that enable them to delve into the new society.
- Seasonal tourism. When the vacation season starts, the city attracts thousands of tourists. So, be ready that tourism will affect your routine.
- Property prices. The town has relatively high real estate prices due to its popularity among tourists and its favorable geographic location. These features increase the cost per square meter.
Is Estepona Worth Moving To?
Answering the question «Is Estepona a good place to live?», note that the city is an excellent choice for different categories of dwellers who like a hot summer climate and want to live in a warm place. Due to its location and pace of life, the city is suitable for both family relocation and peaceful retirement. Although the city has certain drawbacks, numerous advantages attract expats and encourage them to relocate to this coastal Spanish city.
