We welcome hundreds of guests to Estepona every year. The questions they ask on arrival are remarkably consistent. Here are the ten things that come up most often, answered honestly so you can arrive prepared.
1. Siesta is real
Many shops and smaller businesses close between 14:00 and 17:00. This catches visitors off guard, particularly those arriving from countries where shops stay open all day. Supermarkets and larger chains stay open, but the old town largely shuts down for a few hours in the afternoon. Plan accordingly.
2. Dinner starts late
Restaurants begin serving dinner at 20:00 or 20:30. Arriving at 18:30 expecting to eat will result in closed kitchens or empty dining rooms. By 21:30, the restaurants are full and the atmosphere is at its best. Adjusting to Spanish dining hours takes a day or two but improves the experience significantly.
3. Tap water is safe but not always pleasant
The tap water in Estepona is treated and safe to drink. However, the taste varies depending on the area and the building’s plumbing. Most locals and long-term residents use a filter jug or buy bottled water for drinking. A five-litre bottle from the supermarket costs around one euro.
4. Cash is still useful
Most restaurants and shops accept cards, but some smaller tapas bars, market stalls, and chiringuitos are cash-only or prefer it. Having 50 to 100 euros in cash available avoids awkward moments. ATMs are easy to find throughout the town centre.
5. Parking requires patience
Free street parking in central Estepona is limited, especially in summer. Blue zone metered parking costs around one euro per hour. The underground car parks near the port and the old town are the most reliable option at approximately 12 to 15 euros per day.
6. Sunscreen is not optional
The UV index in southern Spain is high even on overcast days. Guests from northern Europe consistently underestimate this. Factor 30 minimum, applied before you leave the property, not when you arrive at the beach. Pharmacies sell good quality sunscreen if you forget to pack your own.
7. Pharmacies handle more than you expect
Spanish pharmacies can dispense many medications that require a prescription in other countries. For minor ailments, sunburn, stomach issues, or allergies, the pharmacist is often faster and more practical than finding a doctor. Look for the green cross sign.
8. The old town is worth the walk
Many guests spend their entire stay on the beach and the promenade without ever walking into the old town. This is a mistake. The flower streets, the murals, the plazas, and the tapas bars in the old town are the best part of Estepona. It is a ten-minute walk from most beach areas.
9. Sunday is genuinely quiet
Shops are closed on Sundays with very few exceptions. Supermarkets may open in the morning but close by 14:00. Restaurants are open but many close for dinner on Sunday evening. It is a day for the beach, a long lunch, and not much else. Plan your shopping for Saturday.
10. Tipping is appreciated, not expected
Tipping culture in Spain is less pressured than in the US or UK. Rounding up the bill or leaving one to two euros per person at a restaurant is appreciated. For exceptional service, a five to ten percent tip is generous. Bar staff do not expect tips on drinks. Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up to the nearest euro.