They call Estepona the garden of the Costa del Sol, and one walk through its old town explains why. Whitewashed streets lined with flowerpots, giant murals on the walls and a seafront made for strolling without looking at the clock. Land at Malaga Airport, pick up your car in arrivals and you are there in about 1 hour.

This is the next stop in our series of escapes from the airport. After the mountains of Ronda and Las Alpujarras and the cliffs of Maro, we head west along the coast.

White streets full of flowers

The flowerpots are what you remember. They hang from the walls and line the narrow streets, splashes of colour against the white. The image that inspired this post shows the mood well: white facades, iron balconies, potted plants, orange trees and a small fountain under a deep blue sky.

It is a place to wander slowly, turn a corner and stop for a photo every few steps.

Giant murals and a seafront for slow strolls

The town also paints big. Giant murals cover entire walls, so part of the fun is spotting them as you walk.

Then there is the sea. The seafront promenade invites you to slow down and lose track of time, whether it is a morning walk or the last light of the day.

Estepona at your own pace, with your own car

With a car, the day is yours. You choose when to arrive, how long to stay and when to drive back, with no bus timetable deciding for you. Estepona is a natural addition to a trip along the coast, and the rest of the series gives you more ideas: Ronda, the Maro cliffs and Las Alpujarras.

From arrivals to Estepona with Fetajo Rent a Car

At Fetajo Rent a Car we have been handing over cars at Malaga Airport for 40 years. Book directly with us and your car waits for you in arrivals. No queues, no shuttle bus.

Land, grab your keys and follow the coast west. Estepona is about an hour down the road.

Estepona old town street with white houses, flowerpots, orange trees and a fountain, a drive from Malaga Airport

Frequently asked questions

Where do I collect my car at Malaga Airport?

In arrivals. When you book directly with Fetajo Rent a Car, your car is waiting for you there, so there is no shuttle bus to catch.

Is Estepona in the province of Malaga?

Yes. It is a coastal town on the western side of the Costa del Sol, within the province of Malaga.

Do I need a tour for this trip?

No. With your own car you plan the day yourself: when to leave, where to stop and when to come back.