Guide to Estepona

'Traditional Estepona is a great place to relax, bum around on the beach and enjoy some typical Andalucian charm.'

Hidden away in the Costa Del Sol's wild west, Estepona is one of the area's most traditional Spanish resorts. With palm-roofed chiringuitos rather than British-style bars lining the beachfront, it's held tight to its roots. However, it's far from being a backwater, and has everything you need for a relaxing and comfortable beach holiday. The main beach is La Rada, a large expanse of sand and shingle which stretches two miles or so to the marina. And there's also El Cristo beach, a sheltered cove which catches the sun until late in the evening. The old town of Estepona has cobbled streets and an authentic atmosphere, particularly around the Plaza Las Flores, where the Casa de la Cultura often has exhibitions by local artists. Before you start exploring, fortify yourself with an ice cold fino sherry at one of the bars on Calle Caridad, and maybe tuck into a plate or two of tapas. Then it's time to wander down to the clock tower, once part of a 15th century church and the oldest religious structure on the Costa Del Sol. Head towards the sea and you'll come to the little garden beneath the walls of the old castle. There's not much else left of the original fortress, built around 1457 by Enrique IV. But you can relax, enjoy the fragrant flowers and imagine what it was like when Moorish pirates plagued the town all those centuries ago. Evenings in Estepona don't have the buzz of Benidorm. However, if you enjoy idling the time away in a seafront restaurant with a plate of grilled sardines and a glass of rioja, you won't feel out of place.

Find the cheapest late deals to Estepona leaving in the next six weeks.