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Estepona is currently one of the most important tourist
areas on the Costa del Sol. Its privileged location just off the
Mediterranean is also shielded from the north by the Sierra Bermeja Mountains,
which reaches its highest altitude (1,449 m) in Cumbre de los Reales. Its
location between sea and mountains allows for a variety of activities and
attractions within short travelling distances. The coastline is more than 20 Km
long and all sort of watersports can be practiced.
The principal sources of wealth have traditionally been
agriculture, fishing and cattle farming. These activities have maintained their
importance so far, but, undoubtedly, tourism is now the major factor that drives
local economy.
A wonderful climate, well looked after beach resorts
and a wide range of attractions including golf courses, marinas and
excellent restaurants and bars are just some of the reasons why
thousands of tourists choose Estepona on the Costa del Sol not only as their
first option for spending their holidays but also in many cases as their
permanent place of residence.
The golf scene in Estepona, like a lot of its
neighbouring towns maintains a high profile and attracts many tourists and
locals throughout the year. Estepona offers some great golf courses that will
not fail to deliver.
Agriculture is still an important activity in Estepona. Grapes
were always one of the most successful fruits produced in the region. However,
in 1850, grape harvests were attacked by plagues that caused the production to
drop and even disappear towards the end of the 19th century.
The growers then turned their hands to lemons, which are the
most popular product today. The 80s saw the birth of tropical fruit production:
avocado, custard apple, etc. These fruits have adapted well to Estepona´s land
and climate conditions, even though the production is highly dependant on the
annual rainfall.
Fishing is also a very important economic resource. In fact, Estepona´s fishing port is the second most important in the province, only after Malaga´s. Anchovies, sardines, clams, scad, bonito, red mullets and angler fish are just some examples of different types of fish you can try. It´s really worthwhile going to the fish auctions that take place daily in Estepona´s fishing port early in the morning (the only inconvenience being that you may have to get up at 6 in the morning to get there in time!).







