looking to buy a home?
Submit this Form and Benefit from our 25 Years' Experience & Strong Local Network.Are you considering relocating to southern Spain? If so, Estepona should be high on your list. Once a quiet fishing village, Estepona has grown into one of the most dynamic and desirable towns on the Costa del Sol. Its unique mix of traditional Spanish culture and modern convenience makes it especially attractive to foreigners, families, and retirees alike.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about moving to Estepona, including climate and lifestyle, property prices, healthcare, education, and visa options.
Why Relocate to Estepona?
Estepona is one of the fastest-growing towns in Costa del Sol, and it’s easy to see why. Despite its growth, the town has managed to preserve its Andalusian identity, with cobblestone streets, flower-filled balconies, and a slower pace of life than its neighbouring city of Marbella.
Highlights
- 25% of the population is foreign nationals
- One of the most walkable towns on the Costa del Sol
- Excellent road connections and access to Malaga Airport
- Mediterranean climate with over 300 sunny days annually
- More affordable than nearby Marbella or Sotogrande
Lifestyle and Quality of Life
Life in Estepona is relaxed, friendly, and ideal for those who value community, nature, and culture. The town blends old and new perfectly, offering everything from authentic Andalusian culture and tapas bars to beach clubs and modern sports facilities.
Climate and Environment
Estepona enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate that makes outdoor living easy and enjoyable year-round. Summers are warm but not extreme (25–30°C), and winters are mild, with daytime highs of 15–20°C.
Thanks to its numerous green spaces, Estepona is often referred to as “the garden of the Costa del Sol.” This commitment to beautification and sustainability enhances the town’s appeal to both locals and those looking to move here.
Family-Friendly Living
Estepona is especially suited to families. You’ll find:
- International and bilingual schools
- Safe streets and parks
- Attractions like Selwo Aventura (a safari-style wildlife park)
- The Orchidarium, a botanical garden with over 5,000 plant species
Cultural life is also rich, with regular events, live music, local festivals, and an artistic flair visible in the town’s colourful mural-covered buildings.
Schools in Estepona
Families moving to Estepona will find a variety of educational options, including international schools that follow British and American curricula.
Notable Schools:
- The International School Estepona
- Atlas American School of Malaga
- Colegio San José
Schools are well-rated and popular among families, offering a strong focus on academics and personal development.
Healthcare Services
Estepona offers excellent healthcare, with both public and private options available. EU citizens can access the public system via the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), while non-EU residents need private insurance.
Key Facilities:
- Hospital de Alta Resolución de Estepona – public hospital
- Hospiten Estepona
- Cenyt Hospital
There are many Pharmacies in the area, and many professionals speak English, particularly in private clinics.
Getting Around Estepona
Estepona is known for being highly walkable, particularly around the Old Town and the beachfront promenade. For longer journeys, a car is useful, though public transportation is reliable and cheap.
Options Include
- Local buses
- Car rentals
- Taxis
Leisure and Activities
Estepona offers a wide range of things to do, catering to all ages and lifestyles. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, relaxing on the beach, or you want to experience the local culture, there are a lot of activities that you can do in Estepona.
Top Activities
- Hiking in Sierra Bermeja
- Beach walks and paddleboarding
- Exploring the Old Town murals
- Visiting Selwo Aventura wildlife park
- Strolling through the Orchidarium
- Playing golf at nearby resorts
The town also hosts local markets, festivals, and outdoor concerts throughout the year, bringing the community together in celebration of art, music, and food.
A Welcoming Community
Foreigners make up a quarter of Estepona’s population, and the town is known for its openness to immigrants. English is widely spoken, and there are plenty of International food shops and Bilingual professionals (doctors, lawyers, etc.), which makes relocation in Estepona a lot easier than in other cities.
Most foreign residents report easy integration into local life, helped by Estepona’s warm and welcoming locals.
Cost of Living in Estepona
Compared to other towns on the Costa del Sol, Estepona offers a relatively affordable lifestyle. While prices have risen with demand, the cost of living remains lower than in Marbella.
Key Expenses
- Dining Out: A mid-range meal for two costs €50 to €60
- Utilities: For a couple, expect €100–€150/month
- Internet: €20–€50/month
Public transport is cheap and convenient, though many residents prefer to own or rent a car for flexibility.
Real Estate and Rental Market
Estepona’s property market is booming, with new developments and luxury refurbishments taking shape along the coastline and in the hills. Yet it remains more affordable than other Costa del Sol hotspots like Marbella.
As of early 2025:
- Average price per square metre: €4,087
- Average apartment price: €515,000
- Average villa price: €1.5 million
- Rental prices: Increasing steadily due to high demand
Popular areas among foreigners include:
- Estepona Old Town
- New Golden Mile
- El Paraiso & Cancelada
- Estepona Marina
- Costalita & Valle Romano
Whether you want a modern apartment, beachfront penthouse, or spacious villa, there’s something for everyone.
Employment and Economy
Estepona’s local economy is diverse and resilient, with the lowest unemployment rate since 2006. The biggest sectors include:
- Tourism and hospitality
- Real estate and construction
- Retail and customer care
While Spanish is useful for job seekers, there are opportunities for English-speaking professionals, especially in international companies or remote work roles.
Visa Options for Non-EU Citizens
If you’re coming from outside the EU, you’ll need a valid visa or residency permit. Fortunately, Spain offers several accessible options:
Non-Lucrative Visa
- Perfect for retirees or financially independent individuals
- Minimum income: €28,800/year
- Requires private health insurance and a clean criminal record
Digital Nomad Visa
- For remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies
- Minimum monthly income: €2,760
- Private health insurance is required
Each visa has its own conditions, but all provide a legal path to move to Estepona.
Final Thoughts
Estepona is no longer just a small fishing village; it’s one of the Costa del Sol’s most exciting places to live. With its combination of affordability, culture, climate, and international community, it offers a lifestyle that’s hard to match anywhere else in Europe.
Whether you’re moving for retirement, remote work, or a better life for your family, Estepona delivers on every front. The town continues to invest in smart urban planning, sustainability, and infrastructure, making it not only a great place to live but an ideal place to invest in the future.
Thinking of moving to Estepona? Explore our exclusive listings of properties for sale in Estepona and let us help you find your dream home on the Costa del Sol.
