Estepona is one of the jewels of the western Costa del Sol, renowned as much for its charming flower-filled ‘old town’ as the 21 kilometres of stunning Mediterranean coastline. And with 17 glorious sandy beaches, it is no wonder that the area is reputed to have some of the prettiest and most popular beaches on the coast.

In addition to the high-quality sand and beautiful azure-blue sea, sunbeds and hammocks, water sports and beach clubs, Estepona’s beaches are equipped with essential services, ranging from disabled access to lifeguards and first aid stations. Whether you are a family looking for a safe space with children’s areas and calm water, a water sports enthusiast, enjoy playing beach volleyball or you simply want to relax in a quiet spot to unwind, Estepona has a beach with your name on it.

As an iconic and long-established Estepona Hotel & Spa Resorts, Las Dunas Grand Luxury Hotel, occupies one of the best beachside plots in the area, giving guests direct access to the beautiful beach of Guadalmansa.  However, this is just one of the many beautiful Blue Flag beaches in Estepona.

To help you make the most of your stay at Las Dunas Grand Luxury Hotel, we’ve put together a list of five of our favourite beaches in different areas of Estepona:

Playa de la Rada

Let’s start with the largest and closest beach to the town centre; Playa de la Rada is a Blue-Flag beach with fine golden sand that runs parallel to the town centre along the promenade. Literally just a few steps away from the bustling winding streets, plazas and restaurants, bars and hotels of the Old Town. A great destination for those who want to be close to the action, after a day on the beach. It is equally popular with sunbathers and swimmers during the day, with families using the children’s play areas and water sport enthusiasts.  And if you carry on walking to the western end of the promenade, you reach Estepona’s busy marina.

Playa del Cristo

Located to east, just a short walk (approx. 30 minutes) from the town centre, Playa del Cristo is a popular beach, particularly with families and snorkelers. This is because its croissant-like shape provides a sheltered cove with beautifully calm water and fine sand, there are several play areas and natural shade provided by the trees.  There are also a couple of chiringuitos, offering delicious snacks, making it a lovely place for everyone to enjoy a relaxing day on the beach.

 Playa del Saladillo

Located on the western side of Estepona, close to Costalita and Cancelada and not too far from Las Dunas Grand Luxury Hotel, there is Playa del Saladillo, the least well-known of Estepona’s beaches. It can be described as a peaceful oasis with soft sand, dunes and crystal-clear water, making it the perfect beach to meander alone and appreciate nature in all of its glory. It’s also a great place to sunbathe without being disturbed, as there are usually fewer people than on the other beaches.  If you fancy hanging out for the day, you can hire sunbeds and shades, and there are a couple of good restaurants (La Antigua Beach Restaurant and Pepe’s Beach Chringuito), both offering tasty good value food.

 Playa de la Galera

This is our wild card, as it will not be to everyone’s taste…Playa de la Galera, which gets its name from the ‘Torre de la Galera’ is located just a few metres from the sea, is nestled in between Marbella and Estepona, not far from Bahia Dorada Beach. Tiny and less developed than the others, it is set against a backdrop of cliff, and accessible via boat or a short hike. The beach is rocky and the water is very clear and perfect for snorkellers.  This is definitely a place where you can disappear and enjoy some much deserved ‘you’ time. It is exactly the type of beach you would imagine if asked to describe a peaceful haven off the beaten track.

Playa El Padrón

Last but definitely not least, Playa El Padrón is one of the most popular beaches in Estepona, and spanning 14 kilometres it is also one of the longest. This Blue Flag beach is located at the mouth of the River Padrón and is adjacent to several high-quality beach clubs, including Sublim Beach Club at the recently reopened and revamped Laguna Village and Beso Beach. The services available on this beach are excellent, including children’s play area, sports equipment rental, hammocks and umbrellas, lifeguards and much more.

These are just a few of the beaches in Estepona, waiting to be explored next time you decide to visit Las Dunas Grand Luxury Hotel, the most elegant Estepona hotel & Spa in Estepona.  Whether you are planning a romantic spa break for couples or looking at wellness breaks, you will find a beach that will suit your preference, as each has its own personality and charm.

If you would like to know more about the sun-drenched beaches in Estepona and the wide range of attractions offered at Las Dunas Grand Luxury Hotel, visit our website or for more information or call us on 951 082 090 or email: reservas@lasdunascostadelsol.com.