Estepona is located on the Western coastline of the Costa Del Sol (Spain) in Málaga at sea level. A variety of different landscapes with rolling hills and dozens of brooks and small rivers can be found in the region.
Population: approximately 51,000
Gentile: "Esteponeros"
Área: 137 km2 (34.000 acres)
Length of coastline: 21.4 km (13.3 miles)
Latitude: 36o 25’ 32" (North)
Longitude: –5o 08’ 43" (West)
Distance from Málaga: 83 km (52 miles)
The average temperatures for each of the seasons are as follows:
- Spring: 21 degC (70 F)
- Summer: 25 degC (77 F)
- Autumn: 16 degC (61 F)
- Winter: 14 degC (57 F)
Estepona is currently one of the most important tourist areas on the Costa del Sol. Its privileged location just off the Mediterranean is also shielded from the north by the Sierra Bermeja Mountains, which reaches its highest altitude (1,449 m) in Cumbre de los Reales. Its location between sea and mountains allows for a variety of activities and attractions within short travelling distances. The coastline is more than 20 Km long and all sort of watersports can be practiced.
The principal sources of wealth have traditionally been agriculture, fishing and cattle farming. These activities have maintained their importance so far, but, undoubtedly, tourism is now the major factor that drives local economy.
A wonderful climate, well looked after beach resorts and a wide range of attractions including golf courses, marinas and excellent restaurants and bars are just some of the reasons why thousands of tourists choose Estepona on the Costa del Sol not only as their first option for spending their holidays but also in many cases as their permanent place of residence.
The golf scene in Estepona, like a lot of its neighbouring towns maintains a high profile and attracts many tourists and locals throughout the year. Estepona offers some great golf courses that will not fail to deliver.
Agriculture is still an important activity in Estepona. Grapes were always one of the most successful fruits produced in the region. However, in 1850, grape harvests were attacked by plagues that caused the production to drop and even disappear towards the end of the 19th century.
The growers then turned their hands to lemons, which are the most popular product today. The 80s saw the birth of tropical fruit production: avocado, custard apple, etc. These fruits have adapted well to Estepona´s land and climate conditions, even though the production is highly dependant on the annual rainfall.
Fishing is also a very important economic resource. In fact, Estepona´s fishing port is the second most important in the province, only after Malaga´s. Anchovies, sardines, clams, scad, bonito, red mullets and angler fish are just some examples of different types of fish you can try. It´s really worthwhile going to the fish auctions that take place daily in Estepona´s fishing port early in the morning (the only inconvenience being that you may have to get up at 6 in the morning to get there in time!).
