Pirates and Plants

Find out how this booming seaside town is so much more than sun, sea and sand, writes Pablo

Balbontin

DID you know pirates regularly attacked the coast of Estepona in the 1700s? Or that its bullring is the only asymmetrical structure of its kind in the world? This gem of the Costa del Sol is packed full of history and amaz ing facts and those two are just for starters. Here are 11 stupendous Este pona assets that easily make it one of the coolest resorts on the coast.

IT’S OWN WEREWOLF

Among the many sculptures gracing Estepona’s streets, one soars above the rest: a creature that’s half wolf, half man. It’s a homage to the Spanish actor Paul Naschy for his contribution to Spanish horror films of the 70s, when he was cast in his most famous role as a werewolf.

Tombs intact

attack by sea, known as almenaras , which still stand today.

Rare species

The Sierra Blanca mountains backing Estepona and the rest of the Costa del Sol are the only place in the world to find forests entirely composed of rare Abies pinsapo Spanish fir trees.

The first traces of human existence in Estepona can be found in the mountains in the shape of the Corominas Necropolis, whose dolmen cave tombs and graves remain almost exactly the same as they were 5.000 years ago.

Independence

One of the most valuable documents kept in the Historical Archive of Estepona is the Villazgo letter. Written and signed by Felipe V in 1729, it grants the title of independence to Estepona, previously controlled by Marbella since 1552.

Europe’s Biggest Orchidarium

Not only does it hold the size record at 15,000 cubic metres, this monster glass house houses an incredible 8,000 different species of exotic orchids.

A remarkable tower

The Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 was the most devastating earthquake known in the history of southwest Europe, triggering a tsunami that spread to the Med. Estepona’s church didn’t make it, but the tower did and it’s still standing today, although it had to wait until the 20th century to get its famous clock.

A TREND-BUCKING BULL RING

Estepona’s plaza de toros isn’t the oldest, biggest or best in Spain but it’s one of a kind - the only asymmetrical bullring in the world. Its clever shape was designed by Juan Mora Urbano to offer spectators more seating in the shade than under the hot Spanish sun, and it has hosted numerous sport and cultural events since it opened in 1972.

No Micky Mouse town

If things had been different, Eurodisney Estepona would have been coining it in from millions of visitors around the world. The resort was the original choice for Eurodisney back in the early Nineties before the project was finally awarded to Paris for political reasons. But frankly we prefer it that way.

A Ghostly Past

Estepona was once a ghost town like many of the depopulated pueblos in inland Andalucia today. After years of war, it was conquered and then abandoned by King Enrique IV of Castille in 1461, when it became a wild and dangerous place to be. It was rescued from near extinction in 1502 when 30 families were encouraged back to reboot the town we know today.

A split personality

Estepona has been inhabited by many civilisations down the centuries - Phoenicians, Romans Muslims - who all called it something different: Alextebbuna, Asttebbuna, Estebbuna and its present name, christened by Enrique IV.

MODERN VILLA ESTEPONA, MALAGA

4 Bed | 5 Bath | 330m2 Build ref. LVN-0005

The best location on the New Golden Mile, just 10 minutes drive from Puerto Banús and 15 minutes from the center of Marbella or Estepona.

APARTMENT ESTEPONA, MALAGA

2 Bed | 2 Bath | 100m2 Build ref. 100739656

Beautiful fully furnished apartment with sea and mountain views in the Playa del Angel urbanization.This property has a spacious living room from which you access the balcony.

APARTMENT ESTEPONA, MALAGA

3 Bed | 1 Bath | 82m2 Build ref. 100739654

Bright renovated apartment in the Parque Antena urbanization. Located in a residential area with a swimming pool and green areas, 5-10 minutes by car from the city center.

SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE CASARES, MALAGA

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 151m2 Build ref. LVN-0035

Fantastic townhouse in Marina de Casares. A 3-minute walk from the beach, quiet environment. Private garden and swimming pool.

APARTMENT MANILVA, MALAGA

2 Bed | 1 Bath | 70m2 Build ref. LVN-0006

South west facing, first floor apartment in Manilva old town. Communal pool ,air con, marble floors.

APARTMENT ESTEPONA, MALAGA

2 Bed | 2 Bath | 97m2 Build ref. LVN-0007

Luxury living at its best in the Mirador de Estepona Hills. Class and sophistication await you! Live the luxurious life in this elegant oasis nestled in nature in one of the most prestigious areas of Estepona.

APARTMENT BENAHAVÍS, MALAGA

2 Bed | 2 Bath | 170m2 Build ref. YR-00001BIS

Discover the ultimate luxury living experience in the heart of Marbella’s golf valley in Lomas del Marqués, an exclusive residential neighborhood nestled between the most soughtafter locations in Puerto Banús, San Pedro de Alcántara and Benahavis.

GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT NUEVA ANDALUCIA, MALAGA

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 137m2 Build ref. LVN-00025

Beautiful and cozy furnishings: living/dining room. Exit to the big sunny terrace. 1 master bedroom, with fitted wardrobes and a bathroom (en-suite).

WHITE-WASHED: The area surrounding the beautiful centre was once grazing ground for cattle