Estepona or Puerto Banus in December

[MangosteenSoda]

I’m thinking of booking one of these places for a holiday over New Year. They seem quite similar from memory, but it’s been years since I set foot in the western Costa del Sol.

Do any of you prefer one or the other and, if so, why?

I'm not sure they're similar unless one or both has changed recently.

Isn't PB the more showy end of Marbella and Estepona a middle class Spanish coastal town?

Yes, what @BarbaraofSeville said. They’re really different, exactly as she describes!

The last time I went to Puerto Banus, it had turned into a destination for stag and hen dos and TOWIE wannabes. It’s always been a bit of a showy-offy place for a certain type of people but walking around at night there was not a pleasant experience.

I don’t know Estepona well but I remember it being a bit more laid back.

Not been to Estepona for a while but last time it was lovely and chilled out. I’d go there. Plus I am sure there is a Christmas parade ?

I used to go to PB every new year with my mum, it was lovely, drinking coffee and people watching. That was in the late 70s, suspect it’s a little different now!

I don't think they are similar at all, but I went to Estapona last summer and loved it. Laid back, fantastic food, very pretty town

Honestly do not go to banus. I know the area well and its hideous at night. Lots of stag, hens, drugs and prostitutes.
Estapona much nicer or if you definitely want Marbella go near the old town in Marbella itself. If you want to go to banus you can get the boat over for a day or catch the last one about 7.

Thanks all. It’s been more than 20 since I spent any time there so I’m happy to be corrected in my assumptions

I remember Marbella old town as being nice, so if Estepona old town is anything like that I’ll be quite happy. I’ve earmarked 2 potential flats as good options - one in Estepona and the other in PB which I thought was just an extension of Marbella. I’m not into drugs and prostitutes btw

*20 years

Just back from first visit to Estepona. Stayed in an apartment in the old town. Loved it. It is so well kept with flowers everywhere! The promenade is great, lovely to walk along and plenty of beach bars. I will be going back 😊

@MangosteenSoda that's good

20 years ago you're right it was lovely but unfortunately not so much now.
We go regularly to Marbella itself and the kids always want to get the boat over and go for dinner. It's fine for a quick dinner early on but we always are straight in and out.

Hope you have a lovely time

Not sure about that time of year, but my preference would be old town Estepona. There are new luxury townhouse hotels in a central square, but luxury b&b La Casa Blanca run by lovely English expats worth a look. Great restaurants and bars on beautiful old streets lined with flowers.