IHG, Estepona Hotels

Estepona is often mentioned in the same breath as its glitzy neighbour, Marbella, but is much less developed—and less expensive. Alongside the new hotels and modern marina, it retains a characterful Old Town with steep, cobbled streets and tapas bars. Its beaches are among the best on this stretch of coast, including a (legal) nudist beach. There is a good golf course here and Selwo Safari Park is very close by. By night it is relatively quiet.