HOW THE GARDEN GROWS

ESTEPONA is a town undergoing ceaseless transformation. But that’s nothing new.

From the day the seafaring Phoenicians first sailed in and established a colony on the Iberian coast nearly 3,000 years ago, the Costa del Sol resort has been the subject of change.

Be it the Romans, the Vandals or the Moors - or the Catholic reconquest or pirate raids from

The so-called ‘Garden of the Costa del Sol’ has seen constant change for centuries and is now roaring ahead of its near rivals

By Walter Finch

Africa in the 18th century - it has frequently been in a state of flux.

In the last 50 years alone it has gone from being a sleepy fishing village, known for its pongs, to becoming one of Spain’s premier upmarket resorts.

After a tumultuous history of constant change and evolution, Este-

Continues on next page pona is entering its latest incarnation, driven by wealthy international visitors, now flocking in all year round. And its real success story is having staved off its once likely fate of becoming just another whitewashed mini-Marbella, full of celebrity yachts and designer brands. Nor has it imitated a ‘Little Britain’ takeover seen in other parts of the costas, such as in Benidorm or Magaluf.

From front resorts on the costas.

Instead, its idyllic outdoor spaces and the colourful flower-filled streets of the old town are perhaps why Estepona has managed to retain its image as one of the last ‘authentically’ Spanish