British expats have accused Estepona of ‘turning into a mini Marbella’ that is making the resort ‘lose its charm.’
The Brits let loose on a Facebook forum following a surge in luxury beach clubs (chiringuitos) and other establishments in recent years.
READ MORE: Is this the last good value chiringuito on Spain’s Costa del Sol?
They said the seaside town is ‘losing its charm’ after being flooded with investment that has also seen the erection of luxury apartment complexes.
Estepona is now one of the most sought after locations on the Costa del Sol, with property prices rising faster than Marbella.
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One Brit fumed: ‘Summer is here at last and the opening of the Chiringuitos in Estepona… oops did I say chiringuitos? Sadly, they are a disappearing part of the coast.
‘I decided to take a look at the empty new boys on the block. Beso and new Laguna… Sorry, can’t park anywhere unless you pay €20, what is going on?!
‘We are losing the charm of Estepona and attempting and failing to become Marbella, sorry NEW MARBELLA… enough is enough!’
The post has received dozens of supportive comments.
One wrote: ‘Spot on, the rush to make Estepona the new Marbella is disgraceful. The mayor and town hall have a lot to answer for!’
Another said: ‘The chiringuitos are now becoming a dying breed, replaced by glitzy expensive Beach Clubs. What a pity to lose the charm and character of Spain.’
One Brit who has had a home in Estepona for the past 10 years said the changes are ‘disappointing to say the least’ and are ‘really affecting the town’s atmosphere’.
She added: ‘So many local family restaurants have already closed, replaced with corporate, expensive places including beach eateries.
‘I’m sure the locals are furious as their lovely town is out pricing both housing and social life for them and visitors.’
Another Brit fumed: ‘Mediocre food at high prices, that’s Marbella and Estepona now sadly, and poor service! Yes there still are a few good places, but nothing like it used to be.’
One added: ‘Well said, Estepona is loosing its Identity. So sad, we don’t want to be like Marbella. I have lived here for 28 years and to be honest not happy Estepona has changed!’
Estepona borders Marbella and is fast becoming one of the hottest property locations on the Costa del Sol.
This is driving up prices and seeing a surge in luxury developments due to an overwhelming demand from high net worth buyers – particularly from overseas.
The lack of new developments in Marbella is also a contributing factor.
Between March 2024 and March 2025, house prices in Estepona rose by an astonishing 15%.
The average property in Estepona now costs an average of €3.790/m2, according to property portal Idealista.
It is still much lower than its sister town of Marbella, where the average sits at €5,104/m2.
However Marbella’s prices grew by 11% between 2024 and 2025, compared to 15% in Estepona.
