If you’re interested in buying a property on the Costa del Sol in a place that’s both modern and yet still retains much of its authentic Spanish atmosphere, is right on the beach and yet just a few minutes away from the mountains and rural inland areas, then Estepona 20 minutes drive west of Marbella could be the place for you.

Like many of the coastal towns all along the Costa del Sol, Estepona has evolved from its humble small fishing port origins into a bustling, vibrant and yes, modern town with the kind of 21^st century amenities and infrastructure to match.

But in stark contrast to many neighbouring towns that have mostly surrendered to the commercialised side of tourism and over development, Estepona seems to have modernised whist retaining its natural charm.

And the good news for buyers is there’s a wide range of different types of property for sale in the area – from grand villas and country properties, to beachside and front line golf luxury apartments and townhouses – and an equally wide range of urbanisations.

Here’s my guide to the best available:

Although falling within the municipal boundaries of Estepona, Atalaya is actually closer to the coastal town of San Pedro – just 5 minutes by car in fact – with Marbella’s Puerto Banús a further 5 minutes beyond that.

Due to its close proximity to San Pedro, owners here have excellent access to local bars, restaurants, shops, sports facilities, amenities and services – all of which are within easy walking distance.

As is the beach, which is but a 2 minute walk away.

A number of local public and private Spanish and international schools are close at hand too.

Atalaya Park is a mature and consolidated residential area that also lies within the municipality of Estepona but is actually only a short  drive to the town of San Pedro.

Convenient for both the local public and private international schools, shops, restaurants, bars, sports facilities and other amenities San Pedro and the Benamara strip has to offer, the urbanisation is also only a short walk to the beach and has no less than 12 golf courses within a few minutes drive away.

Bahia Dorada, meanwhile, is an established residential beachside complex some 5 minutes west of Estepona town by car.

Just 100 metres from the shore of the Mediterranean the properties available here would make ideal first-time buyer homes, or retirement places in the sun.

The complex itself was designed by renowned architect Aubrey Davis and features a labyrinth of charming narrow pathways and little squares with water features all flanked by dry stone walls and an abundance of well-kept tropical plants and flowers.

Owners here have the use of a large outdoor swimming pool and extensive open lawn areas.

The area known as the ‘New Golden Mile‘ is located just east of the actual town of Estepona and flanks either side of the main N-340 coast road that runs between the town and San Pedro.

It’s home to the most prestigious beachside residential complexes of Estepona and some charming semi-rural areas on the mountainside of the N-340.

Cabo Bermejo is undoubtedly one of the most desirable beachside apartment complexes on the ‘New Golden Mile’ if not the entire Costa del Sol.

Just seconds away from the sand and within a few short minutes drive of local golf courses, Puerto Banús and Marbella, the complex is located just 5 minutes outside the town of Estepona.

The complex offers 24 hour security, exotic sub-tropical gardens featuring lakes, waterfalls, swimming pools, and a gymnasium all for the exclusive use of residents plus some seriously high quality apartments.

Cabo Bermejo’s ‘twin’ complex is Torre Bermeja, which is just as impressive with apartments built to an equally high standard.

In addition to its very well-kept community garden areas, the complex also offers owners direct access to the beach and there´s good wheelchair access throughout the community.

Owners here have the benefit of both indoor and outdoor pools, a community gymnasium, a sauna, a jacuzzi and underground parking.

Don Pedro is  a consolidated quiet and secluded residential estate and one of the most desirable and residential areas to live in Estepona.

It can be found  some 5 minutes drive west from the centre of town and there’s a number of large private villas on the market in the area.

El Padron is another much sought-after residential area of Estepona. Just a few minutes drive east from the town on the mountain side of the main N-340 coast road,  the area is mainly home to private villas and enjoys a semi-rural setting.

Of all the residential areas of Estepona, El Paraiso must be the most well-known.

Located on the mountain side of the N-340 coast road roughly half-way between the towns of San Pedro and Estepon and waithin short driving distance to several golf courses, the beach, San Pedro and Marbella, the estate is typified by grand private villas, luxury apartment and townhouse complexes.

The area has also been home to many illustrious residents, including the World Heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno and pop megastar Prince.

El Paraiso Barronal, meanwhile, is directly opposite the El Paraiso area, albeit on the beach side of the main N-340 coast road, just off the strip of coastline known as ‘The New Golden Mile’ some 5 minutes east of  Estepona itself.

Again, it’s a highly desirable area of sumptuous private villas some of which enjoy deliciously unbroken views of the sea.

The El Presidente area immediately borders El Paraiso Barronal and therefore is equally conveniently placed for quick and easy access to both Estepona and San Pedro’s  shops, bars, restaurants, schools, services and amenities, plus of course the beach.

The property for sale here ranges from palatial private beachside villas, to townhouses and apartments with prices reflecting the area’s status as one of the nicer places in which to live on the coast.

For those looking for good quality apartment in a complex with large communal grounds and set close to golf and countryside, then the apartments for available re-sale in La Cartuja del Golf represent excellent value for money and are therefore well worth checking out.

It’s a gated luxury community surrounded by the Atalaya golf course and open fields just 5 minutes by car to the beach, 10 minutes to the coastal town of San Pedro and 15 to Marbella’s Puerto Banús.

As a refreshing alternative to many of the homogenous apartment complexes built over the last ten years or so, no two apartments here are the same although each enjoys heavily Moorish-influenced architecture.

And they’re of a decent size, too.

Owners in this complex also have the benefit of some excellent recreational facilities, with tennis and Padel tennis courts and no less than three adult and three kids’ swimming pools to chose from.

As for the properties available for sale in the more rural areas of Estepona, one of the most desirable areas has to be Los Reales, set behind the town in the foothills of the Sierra de Estepona mountains some 7-10 minutes drive from the town centre.

Here large private villas dot the ruggedly beautiful mountainside and despite being so close to town, the sheer peace and quiet here is what attracts many buyers – it’s like living way out in the country but actually being within a few minutes of the best the coast below has to offer.

Oh, and the views of the coastline to the south and the mountains to the north aren’t bad either!

Another charming rural residential enclave of Estepona is Puerto Romano, located on the mountain side of the N-340 coast road just 5 minutes east by car from the centre of town. It’s an area of private villas and country properties that would suit any buyers looking for a spot of country living close to the beach and amenities.

Moving closer into town, the Seghers area just west of Estepona town centre is close to the beach, bars, restaurants, shops, schools, sports facilities, services and amenities and is a popular spot for families looking for family homes. There’s a selection of villas, apartments and townhouses available in the area.

Closer to town, in fact slap bang in the centre of town, there are a great many apartment complexes for sale at very affordable prices ideal either as starter homes or for those seeking a holiday getaway in the sun.