El Pirata district of Estepona
By Sinéad Mangan-Mc Hale
Along the eastern coastline of Estepona, located to the east of the stream, Arroyo de la Cańas on the sea side of a long straight section of the coast road is a historical district called El Pirata. It is also flanked by more mordern housing complexes such as Los Granados and Las Dunas. It is a quiet residential area with a choice of restaurants and hotels and beautiful views across the Mediterranean Sea towards Gibraltar and the coastline of Africa.
BEACHES
As is typical along this coastline, the beach, Playa Arroyo de los Caños and the better known Playa Bella is narrow with greyish pebbled sand and stones. However, it is still well-liked by locals and tourists. Given the terrain of the sea, it is popular with fishermen. More about Estepona Beaches
BEACH CLUBS AND RESTAURANTS
Within the El Pirata district, ample beach clubs and restaurants. Near Arroyo de la Cañas, visitors can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with an international twist at Sonora Beach Grill. A popular location with those loyal to Sanora who remember its location as a true beach hut on the beach with Sunday afternoon music sessions.
Retaurante A Tavola Trattoria & Pizzeria (open gnerally 13.30 to 06.00 and 09.00 to 23.00 Closed Tuesdays) is convenient located on the service road in a historic roadside building. Japantaco Japomex & Sushibar is open evenings.
There are several more beachfront restaurants and tapas bars offering stunning views as you dine or enjoy refreshments, including 'Como pez en el agua' on the coastal path boardwalk and Lido Beach Restaurant which is part of the Las Dunas Hotel.
HOTELS
In addition to holiday rentals, two five-star hotels in the El Pirata district offer beachfront accommodation, a choice of fine dining restaurants at Las Dunas Hotel Health & Spa and IKOS Andalusia Resort.
URBANISATIONS
The area is populated with a blend of standalone villas, urbanisations, and apartment complexes such as Sonara Beach, Los Granados Playa, and Cosmo Beach Apartments, and a complex named after the district, El Pirata Urbanisation.
SHOPS
In addition to the many choices of supermarkets in Estepona, there is an Eco Supermarket near Las Dunas Hotel, offering a wide range of products. There is also Estacíon de Service Repsol, a petrol station that sells fuel, has a mini store selling food and drinks, a Starbucks coffee shop, Amazon lockers and LockerInPost storage.
COASTAL PATH / SENDA LITORAL
Visitors can enjoy the coastal side of El Pirata via the Senda Litoral (Coastal Path). When complete, this walkway will enable visitors to walk along the entire Costa del Sol coastline from Nerja, north of Malaga and to near Sotogrande in the south. This scenic path gives visitors easy access to the beaches within the El Pirata district. As an added benefit, walking or cycling into Estepona town along the coastal path is possible. Senda Litoral (Coastal Path).
Bus Service
There are also public bus services passing Playa de Punta Plata: L-79 Estepona - Marbella to and from Marbella town, La Cañada Shopping centre and Marbella Bus Station. These is also the E-3 Microbus (only four services a day) to and from Estepona town.
The L-79 Estepona - Marbella bus stop in this district are called 'Selwo Adventura' and located at El Pirata by (and opposite) the Repsol petrol station (2223), called Boladilla Alta (4106) at the east end of Avenida del Pirata by the pedestrian overbridge near Las Dunas Park and to the east called Parque Antena (2297) by (and opposite) Las Dunas Hotel near the pedestrian overbridge. Timetable and live wait times.
Car Hire, Taxi and Transfers
In addition to hiring a car in Estepona, Malaga Airport, or Gibraltar Airport, Estepona taxis and several firms offer private transfers by minibus car or limousine to and from the airport and the surrounding areas. Bolt and Uber Apps also work within the district.
For those who want to enjoy more of the sights of Andalucía, the district is situated close to the A-7 coastal highway and within a short distance of the AP-7 toll road. This road is typically quieter, but there are toll booths at Manilva, San Pedro and Calahonda in both directions – tolls can be paid in cash, by credit card, or VIA-T (non-stopping) so visitors can easily access destinations on either side of Estepona. Along the coast to the west, these include Sotogrande, Gibraltar, Tarifa and the golden sand beaches of Costa de la Luz. Along the coast to the east, these include Marbella and Malaga. They can also explore the inland villages of Casares and Gaucin on the road to Ronda. Not forgetting the magnificent cities of Seville, Cordoba and Granada.
NEIGHBOURING DISTRICTS
The neighbouring district to the west (Estepona) is El Velerin.
The neighbouring district to the east (Marbella) is Torre Bermeja.