Having had a family home in Estepona for over 20 years, I’ve come to know the Costa del Sol intimately. Estepona’s charming old town, with its narrow streets and vibrant flowerpots, always feels like a welcoming retreat, and I’ve spent many afternoons strolling along the marina or walking the scenic Senda Litoral coastal path. The beaches—especially Playa del Cristo and Playa de la Rada—have been my go-to spots for relaxing by the sea.
Nearby, Sotogrande’s luxurious golf courses and sailing opportunities add a stylish contrast, while Marbella’s glamour, from the designer boutiques and people watching of Puerto Banús to the historic charm of its old town, offered a perfect blend of sophistication and tradition. I’ve savoured some of the best Andalusian cuisine in Benahavís, enjoying long dinners in its cozy mountain restaurants.
Exploring further afield, the dramatic cliffs and iconic Puente Nuevo in Ronda never fail to impress, while the hillside village of Mijas Pueblo is a favourite for its artisan shops and stunning coastal views. The weird, wonderful and unique British-Spanish atmosphere of Gibraltar added a different flavour to my visits for duty free shopping and a monkey encounter, and for more active days, I’ve headed to Tarifa to enjoy the vibrant windsurfing scene and wild beaches.
Over two decades, this stretch of southern Spain has been a place of both lively culture and peaceful retreat, with more happy memories with so many friends and family I could even begin to go into—a perfect balance that made it feel like a second home.
