Senda Litoral de Malaga - Marbella to Estepona - Another superb 19 mile/ 32 km beach/coastal hike

Marbella to Estepona
Today’s walk follows the sea from Marbella to Estepona a distance of 19 miles, it forms part of the Senda Litoral which runs from Nerja to Punta. It is a relatively easy walk following the sea, with fabulous views up and down the coast and over the sea to Morocco.
After a delicious buffet breakfast at the Marbella Inn where we were staying, we left at 8.30am. We walked down to the marina to be greeted by a fabulous sunrise. There were plenty of people out running and walking, as well as council workers cleaning the prom. We headed towards Estepona with the sea on our left, passing many restaurants, before strolling down Marbella beach club pier. We were not too sure if we were allowed on the pier, but it was early, and gave us fabulous views to the Conche-Mountain behind Marbella. Continuing we arrived in Puerto Banus at 10am (4 miles). We took our time to stroll round, before leaving at 10.30am. We would really recommend visiting the sky lounge in Hotel Benabola, with fantastic views, unfortunately we were too early, as in winter it opens at 12pm (5.4 miles, 2 hours). Continuing past more restaurants and beach clubs we stopped at Largos bar (10.55am 6.5 miles) €6.60 for toast and coffee for 2, with great views to Gibraltar and Africa. We left at 11.25am walking along the lovely stone-built prom passing San Pedro. After 7 miles the prom ended, (11.45am) with a track through a car park, then across a stony beach. We passed another watch tower and the Roman remains of thermae of Las Bovedas-which we would have visited but unfortunately it was closed. It was a tough walk along the beach, warm too, passing large houses, and noting where the sea was gradually eroding the back wall of the gardens. At 1.45pm (12 miles) we stopped at Bistro Enrique, Playa del sol Villacana. It was a very welcome stop in the shade, eating nice tuna and tomato toasties. We left at 2.30pm along the soft sand, but we were very pleased when 10 minutes later a prom appeared-which continues all the way to Estepona and is lined with lots of apartment complexes. Eventually Estepona came into view (17 miles), the prom was shut for works, so we detoured, then back along the prom into the town (4.30pm). There was a lovely big beach with lots of people and restaurants. We went to carrefour express then checked into our destination of The Mare Hotel at 5pm.
Later we walked round the beautiful old town, with houses decorated with plant pots on the walls. The newer parts were very busy. We ate at El Pit Stop restaurant on the prom, which was convenient at the time-if not very authentic. We had had a lovely day, walking in the sunshine with fabulous views. Miles of walking on soft sand or rocks do make the beach walking tough. We could not decide whether it is easier to walk right by the sea, where the sand may be wet and solid, or right at the back of the beach which may be rocky. Either way it is hard work.
We now have Garmin watches. These link to our phones, they can record the walk, and give readings of distance walked, metres climbed, heart rate etc. We are loving them, and are very popular with our Friday walking club! benabola.com/s... We usually stop for coffee, but it was shut when we passed. marehoteles.es... Hotel where we stayed, good location, great buffet breakfast.
Distance 19 miles (30.5km)
Duration of Walk 8 Hours 17 mins including breaks
Elevation Gained 416 feet (127m)
Pace 25 min a mile