Estepona shortlisted for European City of the Year

Estepona, a resort town on the Costa del Sol in Spain, has been shortlisted for the prestigious European City of the Year award. The award is given to cities in the European Union and the UK that have excellent urban practices.

Estepona was chosen by the Academy of Urbanism, an international organisation of architects and urban planners. The Academy praised Estepona's bold urban decisions, such as pedestrianising the old town and linking up the whole coast with its 'coastal corridor' infrastructure project.

The judges also liked how Estepona celebrates culture at its notable landmarks like Mirador El Carmen and creative events like the Artistic Murals Route and Poetry Trail.

The Academy of Urbanism also praised Estepona's "courage" and "audacity" in becoming a town that is committed to constantly improving its residents' quality of life. They pointed to the ambitious 'Estepona, Garden of the Costa del Sol' project, which is transforming the town into a more sustainable and liveable place.

The Mayor of Estepona, José María García Urbano, is thrilled about the nomination. He says it is a huge deal that a famous organisation is recognising how much Estepona has changed and how it cares for the environment and its people.

The award was launched in 2007, and has been won by the likes of big cities like Copenhagen, Lisbon, Berlin, Edinburgh, and Rotterdam in the past.

The award would also place Estepona among other favourite Spanish destinations including Bilbao, which was recognised as the Best European City in 2018, and San Sebastian, which claimed the title in 2016.

Estepona could be joining the ranks of these fantastic places, if it impresses judges in September!

The town eagerly awaits the judges' arrival, hoping to clinch the prestigious title of 'European City of the Year 2023'.