Watch the sunset at the marina

As evening settles, Estepona’s marina quiets down. Sailing boats sit still against the colour of the sky, and the restaurants along the water start setting their tables for dinner.

The experience

Puerto Deportivo de Estepona holds 447 berths and sits a short walk from the old town, so it’s an easy stop before or after dinner without needing the car. The marina has grown into one of the liveliest spots on this stretch of coast, especially once the sun starts to drop.

La Escollera has served seafood at the harbour for years, a straightforward choice for fresh fish. For something with more of a view, terraces like La Bulla Gastrobar and Coral catch the sunset directly, both looking out toward the water and, on clear evenings, the coast of Africa.

On Sunday mornings a market runs along the marina, selling local crafts and leather goods, worth combining with an evening visit if you’re staying through the weekend. Later in the evening the marina picks up its own nightlife, with music bars drawing a younger crowd well past dinner.

Boat trips also leave from here, including dolphin watching cruises along the coast, a slower way to see the same water from the other direction if you have a free morning.

Not for everyone

Later in the evening the marina picks up pace with music bars and a younger crowd. If you’re after a quiet dinner, go earlier and choose a terrace over a bar, the atmosphere shifts noticeably after 11pm.

Good to know

• Restaurants get busy from 8pm in high season, worth booking ahead
• Sunday market runs along the harbour
• Walking distance from Estepona old town
• Dolphin watching cruises depart from the marina, best booked a day ahead

Free to visit. Dinner, drinks and boat trips are paid, prices vary by operator.

While you’re here

The marina is part of Estepona’s harbour front, a short drive from the villa. The old town is a ten minute walk away, an easy combination for an evening that starts with murals and ends with dinner by the water.