Estepona
Málaga, Spain

Estepona

Estepona offers the Costa del Sol's best value, with a renovated centre filled with 50+ murals, a new luxury marina and apartments from €200,000 – considerably more affordable than neighbouring Marbella, with an average price of €485,000.

Quick facts Estepona

Population

74 000

2024

Source: INE

Foreign residents

28%

Source: Estimate

Estimated Swedes

2 500

Växande svensk community

Distance to airport

55 min

Malaga (AGP)

Price per m²

3 300 €

Source: Idealista

Sunshine hours per year

3250

Average temperature

19.8°C

Average temperature

Lifestyle in Estepona

Relaxed yet sophisticated. Beautiful fountains and floral displays on every street. New luxury marina. Authentically Spanish with all international conveniences.

Why Swedes love Estepona

  • "The Garden of the Costa del Sol": Estepona has invested enormously in making the town green and beautiful with thousands of flower pots.
  • The authenticity: Unlike Marbella, Estepona still feels like a "real" Spanish town.
  • The beach in the heart of town: La Rada beach is enormous and sits right outside the old town's alleys.
  • The transformation: The town has undergone an incredible turnaround in the past 10 years and is now considered one of the coast's gems.

🤔Who is it NOT suitable for?

  • Those wanting extreme nightlife (Marbella/Puerto Banús is better for that).
  • Budget buyers looking for renovation projects (prices have risen sharply).
  • Those wanting 100% flat ground (the town climbs upwards from the sea).

Districts in Estepona

Gamla Stan (Centro Histórico)

3 600 €/m²

Charm & Flowers

Culture loversLifestyle seekersCouples

Pros

  • +Pedestrian streets filled with flower pots
  • +Authentic Andalusian feel
  • +Near La Rada beach

Cons

  • No parking
  • Can be lively in the evenings

Hamnen (Puerto Deportivo)

3 100 €/m²

Maritime & Entertainment

Entertainment seekersSailorsRental investment

Pros

  • +Wide range of restaurants and bars
  • +Fantastic sea views
  • +Sunday market

Cons

  • Loud music from bars at night
  • Touristy

Seghers

3 900 €/m²

Quiet & Exclusive

FamiliesVilla ownersPeace seekers

Pros

  • +Near the famous El Cristo beach
  • +Only villas and townhouses
  • +Walking distance to the port

Cons

  • Hilly (undulating)
  • Expensive entry price

New Golden Mile

4 500 €/m²

Luxury & Beachside

Luxury buyersGolfersHoliday-makers

Pros

  • +Modern luxury complexes with spa
  • +Near golf courses and luxury hotels
  • +Frontline beach apartments

Cons

  • Requires a car
  • Can feel cut off from the town

Climate in Estepona vs Stockholm

2800

Sunshine hours/year

50

Rainy days/year

28°C

July avg

25°C

Sea temp July

MonthEsteponaStockholmDifference
Jan14°C-2°C+16°C
Apr20°C5°C+15°C
Jul28°C18°C+10°C23°C
Okt23°C8°C+15°C

Property market in Estepona

Price trend (5 years)

+38%

Steadily increasing trend since 2020

Estimated Rental Yield

4.9%

Gross yield for long-term rental

Tourist license

Possible

Generally possible to obtain a short-term rental license.

What does a property cost?

Average price ranges for standard properties in good condition.

Studio / 1 room
160 000 €-220 000 €
Apartment 2 rooms
250 000 €-380 000 €
Apartment 3 rooms
350 000 €-600 000 €
Townhouse
450 000 €-750 000 €
Detached Villa
900 000 €-4 000 000 €

* Prices are estimated averages and may vary depending on location, condition and view.

Attractions & experiences in Estepona

Flourishing old town with 50+ murals, new marina, orchid museum, golf courses, close to Gibraltar.

Transport & getting around in Estepona

Málaga airport 70 min, Gibraltar airport 45 min. Car necessary but good parking facilities.

The best of Estepona

Trädgårdsstad

Blommor överallt

Street art

50+ väggmålningar

Marina

Ny lyxhamn

Bra värde

Alternativ till Marbella

Practical for Swedes

Travel from Sweden

Stockholm

SAS, Norwegian

Dagligen (AGP)

Göteborg

Ryanair, Norwegian

Flera i veckan

Köpenhamn

SAS, Norwegian

Dagligen

Transfer to the area:

Taxi approx. 55 min (~€90). Direct airport bus to Estepona bus station available.

Healthcare & Health

Hospiten Estepona (Private) and the new Hospital de Alta Resolución.

Accepts EU health card

NIE number & Legal

Apply at the Policia Nacional in Estepona (Avenida de España).

SverigeSwedish services on-site

Swedish School in Marbella (20 min)Nordic estate agents in abundanceCarrefour has a Swedish section

Compare with nearby areas

AreaPrice/m²CharacterSuitable forRead more
Esteponacurrent3 300Garden, FamilyQuality of life seekers
Marbella4 200Luxury, StatusPrestige seekers
Fuengirola2 900Swedish favourite, BuzzConvenience seekers
Manilva2 100Budget, QuietBudget-conscious buyers

💡
Tips for buying in Estepona

New Golden Mile east of the centre for modern developments. Old town for charm. Check development plans – the area is growing quickly.

Watch out for

"Those wanting extreme nightlife (Marbella/Puerto Banús is better for that)., Budget buyers looking for renovation projects (prices have risen sharply)., Those wanting 100% flat ground (the town climbs upwards from the sea)."

Location

RegionCosta del Sol
ProvinceMálaga
Airport distance55 min

Common questions about Estepona

No, only about 20 minutes by car. You have luxury nearby but live more quietly.

In the old town and port area you can manage without. On New Golden Mile or in Seghers a car is needed.

Estepona is sheltered by the Sierra Bermeja mountain, giving it a fantastic microclimate.

La Rada and El Cristo are two of the coast's best sandy beaches, both with Blue Flag status.

NIE + bank account → Find property → Preliminary agreement + 10% deposit → Final deed at notary. Total time: 2-4 months.

Expect around 10-13% in additional costs: stamp duty (ITP) 8-10%, notary fees, registration and legal advice.

On purchase: ITP 8-10% (resale) or VAT 10% (new build). Ongoing: IBI €200-600/year, wealth tax and any rental income tax.

Yes, a NIE number is mandatory for all property purchases in Spain.

Properties in Estepona

No properties available in this area right now.

View all properties

Interested in living in Estepona?

We help you find your dream home. Contact us for personal advice and guided viewings.

Buy property in Estepona – the ga…