The beautiful seaside town in Spain without Majorca crowds and 'tourist prices'

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for British tourists, but many of its top spots are now struggling with overtourism. Places like Majorca, Menorca and Tenerife can get extremely busy, especially during the summer holidays, making it harder to enjoy a quiet and relaxing break.

Luckily, there are still some alternatives out there that remain peaceful while offering everything a tourist may need. One of those alternatives is Estepona, a lovely seaside town on the Costa del Sol that offers everything from sandy beaches to historic streets and a slower pace of life. It's less crowded than nearby Marbella and Malaga and has become a favourite with visitors looking to avoid the usual tourist hotspots.

The old town is full of whitewashed buildings, colourful flower pots and narrow lanes.

Visit Costa del Sol says it’s one of the most beautiful old towns in Andalusia, describing it as a “true urban garden” that blends local tradition with modern tourism.

The town has 17 beaches along 23 kilometres (14 miles) of coastline.

It also has a busy marina, local restaurants serving fresh seafood, and plenty of things to do, from museums and historic monuments to the popular Orchidarium and nearby Sierra Bermeja mountains.

Tourists say one of the best things about Estepona is how quiet it feels compared to other parts of Spain.

One reviewer on TripAdvisor said: “Estepona is the perfect mix of quiet and buzzing.

"The town is peaceful and not crowded in many places, but you can also find areas full of life, like the old town where you can find bars and restaurants.”

Another wrote: "I went on a trip around Spain and visited Majorca and Estapona, as well as Madrid and Barcelona and a few other places. I absolutely loved Estapona, especially after visiting Majorca.

“Majorca is very overcrowded at times and Estapona was almost a relief. The town is full of life but you can also find quiet places there. Would highly recommend".

Others praised the prices, with one visitor saying: “Estepona is a lovely little Spanish town by the sea. It’s cheaper than nearby Marbella and they treat tourists well. Tourist prices are hard to come across.”

There’s also a strong focus on local culture. Art is displayed across the town’s buildings and sculptures line the streets.

The town has several small museums and historical sites, including Roman ruins, a castle and a lighthouse still in use today.

According to Visit Costa del Sol, Estepona has managed to grow as a tourist destination without losing its identity, offering visitors a relaxing place to stay without the noise, crowds or price tags of Spain’s busier resorts.