Estepona reaches the finals for the prestigious 2023 European City of the Year award

Estepona, often referred to as the 'garden of the Costa del Sol,' has recently garnered recognition as one of the top three finalists for the prestigious 2023 European City of the Year award, an extraordinary accomplishment for this charming Spanish town.

Facing stiff competition, Estepona is vying for the title alongside Exeter in Devon, England, and Amersfoort in the Netherlands. The final decision will rest with The Academy of Urbanism, an esteemed London-based organisation comprising experts in architecture and urban planning hailing from various countries.

Dedicated to acknowledging cities with commendable urban planning practises, The Academy of Urbanism operates as an independent non-profit organisation, as highlighted by the Estepona town hall. In the coming September, a delegation of architects and town planners will embark on a visit to Estepona to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the town's quality of life, sustainability, environmental efforts, local culture, and infrastructure.

Estepona has caught the attention of The Academy of Urbanism for its admirable commitment to a high "quality of life" standard, exemplified through its transformative project, the Estepona, Garden of the Costa del Sol.

Mayor José María García Urbano expressed his overwhelming satisfaction and pride in the town's nomination. Estepona, according to the mayor, has become a European benchmark for modern, sustainable living, emphasising a remarkable quality of life while remaining respectful of the environment.

The European City of the Year award, established in 2007, has previously recognised cities like Bilbao in 2018 and San Sebastian in 2016 as the best in Europe. Estepona now joins the esteemed roster of finalists, alongside distinguished cities such as Copenhagen, Lisbon, Berlin, Edinburgh, and Rotterdam. All await the eagerly anticipated announcement of the winner.

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