If you have made the decision to book a holiday at Las Dunas Grand Luxury Hotel, as its name suggests, one of the grandest Estepona hotel & spa resorts, you will be in for a pleasant surprise. Not only does this stately hotel occupy a premium beachfront location, it is also within close proximity to some of southern Spain’s most delightful white villages and coastal towns.
Visitors who are familiar with Andalusia, will already know that it is brimming with history, blessed with dramatic countryside, superb beaches and a rich culture. However, you may not yet have taken the time to properly explore the area, leaving many hidden gems yet to be discovered. So, this time around, whether you are planning taking a well-deserved wellness break or simply want to be pampered and soak the 5-star luxury offered by the premier Estepona spa hotel resort, why not set some time aside to explore the local vicinity and learn more about the history, character and people, in this wonderful corner of Spain.
To help you draw up a possible itinerary and plan your stay, here are five of our favourite places to visit:
1.Marbella
Often referred to as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of the Costa del Sol, Marbella needs no introduction; this city has been synonymous with Mediterranean glamour since the 1950s. Just 20 minutes to the East of Estepona, it is one of the most desirable postcodes on earth, home to the Saudi Arabian royal family’s palace, designed as a replica of the USA’s White House. It is also renowned for its beautiful marinas, the most famous being at Puerto Banús, where you can see super yachts, designer boutiques, restaurants and clubs. There is also the quaint Old Town, which is a must-do destination, where you can wander the cobbled streets, dine in restaurants, cafes and bars, browse shops, galleries and souvenirs. At the centre, you’ll find Plaza de los Naranjos, a lively square buzzing with cafés, boutiques and the historic Town Hall. If you head out of the town towards the sea, there is an impressive boulevard – Avenida del Mar – lined with original Dali sculptures. For more information visit the Marbella Tourist Information Office.
2. Ronda
About an hour and a half from Estepona, Ronda stands as a beautiful example of an Andalusian city with its Arab influences. The city’s most striking landmark is the Puente Nuevo, an imposing 18th-century bridge that arches across El Tajo gorge, linking the historic old town with the more modern quarter. Be warned, it is not for the faint-hearted or those without a head for heights! As you wander further, you’ll discover one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, Arab baths, noble mansions, and the enchanting Cuenca Gardens, which appear to hang from the cliffs and provide sweeping views of the valley below. Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Sierras de Grazalema, Ronda is also a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Find more information about the top attractions to see in Ronda here.
3. Casares Village
Not to be confused with the wonderful flat sandy beaches of Casares Costa, located on the western Costa del Sol, Casares village is like a scene from a postcard, with traditional whitewashed homes perched on a very steep hilltop. The trek up to the village is worth it for the breathtaking views alone, stretching all the way to Gibraltar, and even Morocco on a clear day. This village is a must for history buffs, as it has a fascinating history, being the birthplace of Blas Infante, the “Father of Andalusia.” Strolling through its winding alleys reveals hidden chapels, artisan shops and the remains of Casares Castle perched over the town. To round off your visit, unwind at the nearby Roman hot springs of Hedionda after a day of exploring.
Find out more about Casares here.
4. Mijas Pueblo
Just over an hour from Estepona lies Mijas, a municipality divided into three areas: Mijas Costa, Mijas Campo and the charming hilltop village of Mijas Pueblo. Nestled in the hills above the Mediterranean Sea, it is a picture-perfect spot with whitewashed streets adorned with red and blue flowerpots. Declared a historic artistic site in the late 1960s, it still has an artistic vibe today. There’s plenty to do and see, with its narrow streets and the Muralla Gardens offering incredible panoramic views, nearby hiking trails, pretty squares and a gallery.
Every Wednesday at noon, the Plaza Virgen de la Peña comes alive with a free flamenco performance by the local group “Artes Cordobés.” Another must-do is dinner at La Bóveda del Flamenco, one of the most beautiful restaurants in the area. With its warm atmosphere and Andalusian authenticity, Mijas Pueblo has earned its place as one of the most beloved day-trip destinations on the Costa del Sol. You can find more information about Mijas by visiting the Tourist Information Office.
5. Tarifa
Although, located on the Costa de la Luz, adjacent to the southern western tip of the Costa del Sol, we’ve included Tarifa as it offers something completely different. It takes around one hour to drive to this ancient beachside town has a reputation as a surfers’ paradise and radiates a bohemian energy unlike anywhere else in Spain. The historic centre is enclosed by medieval walls, providing a warren of winding cobbled streets, Moroccan influenced architecture, boutiques, restaurants and lively bars. As the closest point of Europe to Morocco, daily ferries between Tarifa and Tangiers, making Tarifa the gateway to North Africa. Discover what to do in Tarifa by visiting the Tourist Office here.
These are just a few of the unique towns waiting to be discovered on your next visit to Las Dunas Grand Luxury Hotel. If you would like to know more about day trips from Estepona and the wide range of attractions Las Dunas Grand Luxury Hotel offers, visit our website www.lasdunascostadelsol.com or for more information call us on +34 951 082 090 or email reservas@lasdunascostadelsol.com.
