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Agapanthus in Estepona.
There are a number of beautifully landscaped and
enjoyable public parks in Estepona.
Plaza de las Flores
Traditional square in the centre of the old town where you can sit
on one of the many benches or at an outside café and watch
the world go by.
Seafront Promenade
The Paseo Maritimo runs the full length of La Rada, and separates
the beach from the town. Much of this has recently been attractively
landscaped with lofty palm trees and an exotic variety of cacti.
Los Pedregales Park
(5km inland from the town on the road to Casares which leaves the
town by the industrial estate) Log cabins can be rented in
the park,
providing an ideal base from which to explore the beautiful countryside
above Estepona. The park is popular with locals on Sundays
during
the winter months. There are permanent picnic tables and barbeque
areas. At the centre of the park is the Chapel of San Isidro.(See
festivities)
Sierra Bermeja
The Sierra Bermeja mountain (1.449m) dominates the landscape behind
Estepona. There are few places in the world where a mountain reaches
this height so close to the sea (10km) You can drive to near the
top in under an hour. Take the road signposted Genalguacil from
the traffic lights on the inner bypass (Avda de Andalucia), near
the Mercadona supermarket.
From the narrow winding road you will see that the
surrounding countryside is dotted by splashes of white - small traditional
fincas, many built on Roman foundations. These days there are also
the more modern fincas build on modern foundations so that their
terraces can afford the best views over the coast to Africa.
About half an hour after leaving Estepona you will
reach "Peñas Blancas". Turn left following the sign
to "Los Reales". The tarmac road is old and in a poor state
of
repair, however
a 4x4 vehicle is not necessary. On the left you will see "Refugio
de los Reales". During the day, you can buy drinks and snacks
here.
At night you may seek refuge in the hut, however you will need
a sleeping bag or warm blankets.
At the top you will find a recreational area with
picnic tables and barbecue facilities. There is also a marked path
for a walk through the pine forest called Paseo de los Pinsapos.
The pine trees are
unique to this part of the world (abes pinaspo boiss)
The road ends at a viewing point. Walking the last
few hundred yards to the peak is prohibited due to the presence
of a military unmanned communication station.
Sierra
Bermeja is officially designated a protected 'natural area'.
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