Estepona - Parks, Gardens & Natural Areas

There are a number of beautifully landscaped and enjoyable public parks in Estepona.

Plaza de las Flores

Traditional square in the centre of the old town where you can sit on one of the many benches or at an outside café and watch the world go by.

Seafront Promenade

The Paseo Maritimo runs the full length of La Rada, and separates the beach from the town. Much of this has recently been attractively landscaped with lofty palm trees and an exotic variety of cacti.

PUNTO DONCELA LIGHTHOUSE

A lighthouse has stood here since a 8,5m structure was completed by engineer Antonio Molina in 1863. The original lamp was a French make called Sautter which burned olive oil. It was replaced in 1882 for a paraffin ‘Maris' lamp and then a petrol one in 1904. In 1918 the light was converted to the current 1+2 formation. The current 20m tall octagonal stone structure was built in 1922 when a rotating glass mechanism floating on mercury was introduced of French make Barbier, Bernard & Turenne. The lamps was petroleum vapour made by Chance. A 500W electric lamp was installed in 1932, In 1958 the lamp was changed to the American Racional and a Freeport, Diesel generator which is still in place. The lighthouse now has two 1000W halogen lamps on a La Maquinista Valenciana mount. The rotation of the lenses is powered by two three phase ABB motors

 

Surrounding land belonging to the Malaga port authority was returned to Estepona town in 2012 and a pathway, four viewpoints and gardens were created. Unfortunately it does not link the to the seafront promenade at the lower level but it does link the port with the seafront highway. There is ample seating on the boadwalks that have meen created. Within the landscaped gardens are a large variety of plants and shrubs, each one has a small plaque giving botanical information. Perhaps the only person in Estepona not to like this park is the lighthouse keeper who has lost his privacy.

Los Pedregales Park

(5km inland from the town on the road to Casares which leaves the town by the industrial estate) Log cabins can be rented in the park, providing an ideal base from which to explore the beautiful countryside above Estepona. The park is popular with locals on Sundays during the winter months. There are permanent picnic tables and barbeque areas. At the centre of the park is the Chapel of San Isidro.

Sierra Bermeja

The Sierra Bermeja mountain (1.449m) dominates the landscape behind Estepona. There are few places in the world where a mountain reaches this height so close to the sea (10km) You can drive to near the top in under an hour. Take the road signposted Genalguacil from the traffic lights on the inner bypass (Avda de Andalucia), near the Mercadona supermarket.

From the narrow winding road you will see that the surrounding countryside is dotted by splashes of white - small traditional fincas, many built on Roman foundations. These days there are also the more modern fincas build on modern foundations so that their terraces can afford the best views over the coast to Africa.

About half an hour after leaving Estepona you will reach "Peñas Blancas". Turn left following the sign to "Los Reales". The tarmac road is old and in a poor state of repair, however a 4x4 vehicle is not necessary. On the left you will see "Refugio de los Reales". During the day, you can buy drinks and snacks here. At night you may seek refuge in the hut, however you will need a sleeping bag or warm blankets.

At the top you will find a recreational area with picnic tables and barbecue facilities. There is also a marked path for a walk through the pine forest called Paseo de los Pinsapos. The pine trees are unique to this part of the world (abes pinaspo boiss)

The road ends at a viewing point. Walking the last few hundred yards to the peak is prohibited due to the presence of a military unmanned communication station.

Sierra Bermeja is officially designated a protected 'natural area'.