Estepona

Estepona is a pleasant and relatively tranquil seaside resort, despite being surrounded by lots of urban developments. The beach, more than 1 km (½ mile) long, has better-quality sand than the Costa norm, and the promenade is lined with well-kept, aromatic flower gardens. The gleaming white Puerto Deportivo is packed with bars and restaurants, serving everything from fresh fish to Chinese food. Back from the main Avenida de España, the old quarter of cobbled narrow streets and squares is surprisingly unspoiled and decorated with flowerpots. Keep your eyes open for the many modern sculptures in the squares and 30-odd giant murals that cover entire facades throughout the town. The tourist office provides a guide to the artists and a mural map.