Playa del Cristo — Restaurant in Estepona

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Sheltered from the east wind - but you'll only get your ankles wet!

On the road out of Estepona towards Gibraltar, just near the Policia Local.

You go down a steep hill to some rather dodgy parking. It's a one-way system, you leave by driving through the very rough secondary carpark along a sandy track until you come out at the marina.

The sand is good by Costa del Sol standards (Fuerteventura it isn't!), is regularly cleaned, and there are a trio of beach bars, some renting out loungers and sunshades. There's a children's playground too.

TIP 1: bring money - the children will demand lollies and crisps as they'll see the other kids with them.

The beach is a small bay with a breakwater. This means that it is protected from the easterly Levante winds so prevalent here. This also means that it is packed out, mainly with local families with small children, in the summer months.

TIP 2: To stake your claim to a space for your towels and sunshade right by the water's edge, you need to be here before 10.30 in high season.

TIP 3: Leave the cricket bat and ball at home - there will not be room for any games on the beach

TIP 4: Don't expect adults to be able to swim here - the water is too shallow.

Overall it's a great beach for the children, with safe shallow, warm water, and loads of friends for them to make.

TIP 5: Teenagers will hate it. Just not...

Playa Del Cristo in Estepona has some serious potential with its gorgeous bay and stunning views that make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon paradise. Picture this: crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and a landscape that looks like it was plucked straight from a travel magazine. It’s definitely Instagram-worthy and perfect for those sunny beach days!

But hold onto your beach towels because here comes the not-so-fun part. The access to the beach is a bit of a maze, like trying to navigate a poorly designed escape room.

While it’s great that there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby (you’ll definitely have options for post-beach refreshments), it feels like the beach has been somewhat taken over by these businesses, making it a bit crowded and less serene than you might hope for. I came for the peaceful vibes, but it felt more like a busy boardwalk than a tranquil retreat.

So, while the views are to die for and the water is as inviting as a warm hug, I’ve got to give this place three stars. If they could work on improving beach access and maybe dial down the commercial vibe just a notch, Playa Del Cristo would truly be a hidden gem. Until then, just remember to pack your patience along with...

By tradition, one of the best beaches in the fashionable Estepona. I have been coming here for about 40 years, and I can proudly state the massive change that has been experimented on. It's locally known as "el seguers" because in the 70s boom of the Costa del Sol, there was a hotel called like that. The sand is so shallow, careful at the west side there are massive and spiky rocks, no worries, they are clearly seen. The name playa del Cristo according to yhe legend.( There is no evidence of this), but I was told by the elders that it is called playa del Cristo because during the Spanish Armada vanquished in Playa de la herradura the bad weather surprised them and a thr front figure of Jesus was floating all the way until landing on Estepona beach. I need to contrast this evidence with the town hall archaeologist. Anyway, this story has always fascinated me since...