The Transformation of Estepona ‘Garden of the Costa del Sol’

In the last decade Estepona has experienced one of the most outstanding modernisation and transformation processes in its history and on a national scale. The model launched in 2011 by the mayor of Estepona, José María García Urbano, has allowed the creation of a renewed city with new public facilities, better services and a higher quality of life.

The remodelling and beautification of the urban city centre with the project “Estepona, Garden of the Costa del Sol” marked the beginning of the revitalisation and resurgence of this beautiful Mediterranean municipality. This project represents one of the most remarkable conceptual transformations of an urban environment in Spain, involving the recovery, beautification and expansion of the historic centre of Estepona.

The initiative has transformed more than 130 streets in Estepona’s Old Town, which represents around 18 kilometres of pedestrianised roads. These streets have been remodelled and decorated in the traditional Andalusian style with thousands of trees and flowers.

In addition, new citizen-friendly spaces have been created, turning the town centre into a unique tourist attraction and contributing to economic recovery as well as the revitalisation of the city’s commercial, tourist and social life. Today, Estepona is truly a city designed for living.

The economic impact of this revitalisation has been remarkable. Estepona is now among the municipalities leading job creation in Andalusia and public investment within the province of Málaga.

This urban transformation has also included the creation of an open-air museum with more than 60 artistic murals painted on building façades, the construction of the Botanical Orchid Park — a green oasis in the heart of the city housing one of the most important orchid collections in Europe — as well as the development of a theatre-auditorium and a modern hospital.

The project has also expanded green areas and leisure spaces, doubling the available surface area, and extended the coastal pathway Senda Litoral, allowing residents and visitors to walk or cycle along the coastline while enjoying the sea and spectacular views of the city.

In conclusion, Estepona has developed a more liveable and citizen-friendly urban environment.

Today the city is fully engaged in a new economic and social recovery plan to combat the effects of the pandemic. In March, Estepona City Council launched the largest volume of public investment in the city’s history, injecting more than 80 million euros into the local economy.

These funds are directed towards productive investments that improve the city while maintaining and creating employment opportunities. At the same time, the municipality is supporting local businesses through small-scale contracts and initiatives aimed at revitalising local commerce.

The local council has also attracted private investors and sponsors. As a result, the city has benefited from new tourism, urban, cultural and leisure projects that continue to modernise the area.

All in all, Estepona represents the success of a sustainable city with a bright future and new initiatives designed to strengthen the well-being and quality of life of its citizens.

Data and information supplied by the UE Studio of the Unidad Editorial for the Estepona Council.