The old agricultural and fishing town of Estepona was one of the first resorts on this coast to attract tourists, yet it is considered to have best retained its Spanish character of all the towns west of Malaga and is situated approx 1 hour from Malaga Airport

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Although it has all the trappings of tourism, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, shops and leisure facilities, the town retains its local character and its bustling historic quarter sees its 37,000 inhabitants clamber up and down steep cobbled streets to the many tapas bars and cafes serving traditional Spanish delicacies.

Once a wealthy Roman fishing settlement, later fought over by the Moors and Christians, the town grew up around the church and castle and became a self-sufficient place for all kinds of craftsmen, from cabinet makers to blacksmiths and bakers.

Estepona has also embraced modernity with style, however, as seen in its marina, a place to marvel at expensive boats, eat great fish and see in the early hours at the clubs and bars which come alive after midnight, as much with displays of local Sevillana dancing as anything you'd see in an English nightclub.

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During the day, you can watch the fish buyers in full swing at the fish auction at the port, before the catch is whisked along the coast to supply local restaurants.

Estepona also has a wide range of beaches, from the popular La Rada in the centre with its beach bars and restaurants to the family-friendly El Cristo just outside the town, or the quieter Playa del Castor and the naturist Costa Natura complex east of town.

No town around here would get far without a golf course and Estepona Golf Course provides a wild and challenging 18 holes with one notorious section known as the 'ski slope'. For those who prefer green spaces without a golf club in hand, Estepona has several pretty landscaped public parks or head inland to the Sierra Bermeja mountain, which dominates the landscape behind the town, just 10km from the sea.

A popular daytrip from Estepona is to the striking town of Casares, 18km to the south west, the archetypal 'pueblo blanco' (white village) and a staple feature on postcards.

There is also the exotic Selwo nature park just off the N340 near Estepona, an African-style safari park where 2,000 animals - including some rare breeds - live in semi-wild surroundings. You can wander around the vast expanse or take a trip in a 4x4 to see rhino, elephants, bears, lions and tigers. When you fancy a rest, there are lots of restaurants or you can relax in the peaceful botanical gardens. Bird-lovers will enjoy the canyon where exotic birds fly freely above your head.