Estepona Beach - El Saladillo

El Saladillo Beach Estepona

If you know where to look, the Costa del Sol can throw up all manner of interesting surprises, especially with the range of beaches around to choose from, and El Saladillo beach is one of them. You can find it smack bang in the middle of the stretch of road between Marbella and Estepona (just under 20 km from both). You need to look for the sign that says ‘Cancelada’ and head for the beach. It’s slightly off the beaten tourist track, and as such, is not nearly as crowded in peak seasons, as other more established tourist beaches and marinas. The result is a fantastically relaxed atmosphere on a wide and inviting beach, for those who want something just that little bit different. You’ll often find a young trendy crowd here, playing beach volleyball, or just relaxing and chatting.

There are two great restaurants which cater for their customers’ chilled-out needs with some excellent food and handy sun beds and parasols. One is called La Antigua, the other Pepe´s Beach - the latter has been there since 1975, a tremendous feat for any restaurant. It specialises in that world-famous Spanish dish of rice, meat and fish - paella. Though of course, there are also more international foods on the menu.

On the beach itself, the sand (as is the case the further eastwards down the coast you travel) is somewhat volcanic, so appears to be darker in colour and is slightly coarser than the sand that you would perhaps be more accustomed to, but is nevertheless still clean and inviting.

Like all beaches in Spain, there are absolutely no restrictions, and that applies to the bars too - anyone can just turn up and have a drink, no need to purchase wrist-bands (like so many all-inclusive hotel package holidays these days). El Saladillo beach also has good shower facilities and toilets, and is great for families looking for an inexpensive trip to the sea-front in a venue that will keep the kids thoroughly entertained during the summer holiday period.