Budget-friendly sun in Estepona

Hotel Mediterráneo by Croma: beachfront days in Estepona

Only a few steps separate the hotel door from the sand of La Rada beach. At Hotel Mediterráneo by Croma, your day starts the moment you step outside, towel over your shoulder and the Mediterranean right in front of you.

And since you can leave the car in the private parking, the rest of your stay is easily enjoyed on foot. Estepona's town centre is around 450 metres away, perfect for a stroll as evening falls.

Back in your room, the air conditioning helps you rest on the hottest days, something guests highlight along with the cleanliness, the location and the friendly reception staff.

Few hotels in Estepona put the beach at your door and the town centre a short walk away. Book your stay and let the Mediterranean set the pace of your holiday.

Estepona, flower-filled streets, spectacular murals and Mediterranean charm

Bathed by the Mediterranean Sea and framed by the striking Sierra Bermeja mountains, Estepona boasts more than 20 kilometres of coastline and one of the most charming historic centres on the Costa del Sol.

What you can't miss:

• Artistic Mural Route: Discover more than 60 striking murals that have transformed building façades into open-air works of art. Don't miss Día de Pesca (Fishing Day), one of Spain's largest murals, stretching across six adjoining buildings.
• The Orchid House: A spectacular botanical garden crowned by three glass domes, recreating a tropical microclimate. Inside, you'll find thousands of orchid species alongside an impressive 17-metre waterfall.
• The Old Town and Plaza de las Flores: Wander through picturesque pedestrian streets lined with colourful flowerpots, each street decorated in its own distinctive style. Plaza de las Flores is the lively heart of Estepona, the perfect place to relax with a drink beneath the orange trees.
• Marina and La Rada Beach: Stretching alongside the town centre, La Rada Beach is backed by a wide promenade ideal for a leisurely stroll. The marina is the perfect place to watch fishing boats return, savour freshly caught seafood or join a dolphin-watching boat trip.

Our recommendation: For an unforgettable trip just minutes from the coast, drive up to Pico Reales in the Sierra Bermeja. In less than 30 minutes, you'll swap the beach for a unique forest of endemic Spanish firs at over 1,400 metres above sea level, rewarded with breathtaking views of the Rock of Gibraltar and the African coastline.

The Costa del Sol stretches along Andalusia's sunny southern coast, from Nerja in the east to Estepona in the west. With mild weather almost all year round, long golden beaches and whitewashed villages tucked into the hills, it's one of Spain's most popular holiday destinations, and for good reason.

It works brilliantly for families, with plenty to keep children busy, and for couples who want to mix beach days with culture, great food and a little bit of glamour.

Make sure you visit:

Start in Málaga, where the Moorish Alcazaba looks down over the old town, the cathedral and the Picasso Museum, all within an easy stroll of the port. From there, head west along the coast to Marbella, whose old town is a maze of white lanes and flower-filled squares.

Just above the coast, Mijas Pueblo is a lovely spot for an afternoon wander, with sweeping views over the Mediterranean. In the evening, take a walk around Puerto Banús to see the superyachts and designer boutiques.

Beaches we think you'll like:

In the city, La Malagueta is lively and well equipped, perfect if you want the beach and the old town in the same day. Further west, Cabopino in Marbella has natural dunes and a more relaxed feel.

Families love the long, sandy beaches of Fuengirola, with calm water and plenty of facilities along the promenade. And to the east, Burriana in Nerja is a favourite for water sports and seafood lunches by the sea.

Family-friendly activities:

A day at Bioparc Fuengirola, a zoo designed to recreate natural habitats, is a hit with children of all ages. For a safari-style experience, Selwo Aventura near Estepona lets you see animals roaming in wide open spaces.

On hot days, the slides and pools at Aqualand Torremolinos are hard to beat. Or simply hire bikes and ride along the seafront promenades, stopping for an ice cream along the way.

Local delicacies you have to try:

Food here is all about the sea. Order espetos de sardinas, sardines skewered and grilled over an open fire in old boats on the sand, at a beach bar at lunchtime. Follow them with a plate of pescaíto frito, lightly fried fish, and a glass of something cold.

On warm evenings, a bowl of ajoblanco or gazpacho is wonderfully refreshing. And for breakfast, do as the locals do and dip churros in thick hot chocolate.

Make the most of your visit:

The Costa del Sol is a great base for exploring Andalusia. These are our favourite trips from Málaga:

• Nerja (50 minutes): spectacular caves and the famous Balcón de Europa.
• Caminito del Rey (1 hour): a breathtaking walkway clinging to the walls of a gorge.
• Ronda (1 hour 30 minutes): a clifftop town split by a dramatic gorge and its iconic bridge.
• Granada (1 hour 30 minutes): home to the unforgettable Alhambra.