Costa Natura in Estepona, Spain: Revisited

The first time we visited Costa Natura was in the middle of wintertime. It was a lovely experience but overall we kinda missed a more vibrant vibe. So we promised ourselves that the next time we would visit would be in spring or summer.

We remembered this promise a few days after we booked again at Costa Natura. Again in the middle of winter. This time, however, it would be our New Year’s Eve getaway and even though the resort wasn’t packed, you could feel some Christmas magic in the air.

Once again, the experience was memorable and we definitely hope to go back. In spring or summer next time… Or maybe not.

Costa Natura is located near the picturesque town of Estepona, nestled along the stunning Costa del Sol in southern Spain. It’s just a short drive from popular destinations such as Marbella, Málaga, and Granada.

The resort is easily accessible by car, with plenty of parking available for guests. If you’re flying in, Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is the nearest airport, about an hour’s drive away. Public transportation options are available but limited, so renting a car is recommended if you want to explore the region.

Costa Natura offers around 200 privately owned apartments, each with its own unique charm. This allows for a variety of styles, so your accommodation will feel personalized and homely. We stayed in a cosy duplex, apartment number 55, which featured a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living area, bathroom, and bedroom with two private terraces, perfect for relaxing or enjoying the sun.

The apartments come in various sizes, from compact studios to spacious two-bedroom units. Most feature modern amenities including air conditioning and Wi-Fi, and fully equipped kitchens with refrigerators, stovetops, microwaves, and coffee makers. The kitchens are well-stocked with cookware, dishes, and utensils, making self-catering a convenient option.

The private terraces or balconies are a highlight of most units, offering outdoor furniture and, depending on location, views of the sea, pool, or gardens. Ground-floor apartments often have direct access to the communal areas, while upper units provide more privacy and better views.
For those who prefer not to cook, the resort’s restaurant eliminates the need for a fully equipped kitchen, though having one provides flexibility for longer stays.

Costa Natura offers a wide range of facilities designed to help guests unwind. The highlight is the large pool area surrounded by lounge chairs and grassy lawns, perfect for sunbathing, reading, or socializing. For those looking to relax further, there’s a sauna and hot tub on-site, both of which will be renovated in 2025. And of course, the resort has a semi-private beach area where you can enjoy the Mediterranean in the nude. The resort also features a tennis court, boules area, and paddle boards, and sometimes organizes yoga sessions or other events.

The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a delicious mix of Spanish and international cuisine. The restaurant terrace is a popular spot to socialize and enjoy a drink, with a well-stocked bar serving everything from local wines and beers to international spirits and cocktails.

Although we can’t technically count them as resort facilities, we do like to mention the two large supermarkets (Mercadona and Aldi) right across the street, because these are a huge asset for those who don’t want to drive. There are some shops and restaurants as well.

Costa Natura is ideally located for those who want to explore the Costa del Sol. Within a short drive, you’ll find Cabopino Beach, one of the region’s most beloved nudist beaches, where clear waters and golden sands await.

The town of Estepona, known as the “Garden of the Costa del Sol,” is just a short distance away, offering charming streets, gardens, and great restaurants.
Estepona’s old town deserves special mention with its narrow, flower-filled streets and traditional Andalusian architecture. The Plaza de las Flores in the centre of town is lined with cafes and is perfect for people-watching. The town also features a modern marina with restaurants and shops, as well as the Orchidarium, housing one of the largest collections of orchids in Europe.

You can take a scenic stroll along the coastal walkway from Costa Natura to Estepona, a favourite activity among resort guests. This promenade spans approximately 2.5 kilometres and offers beautiful sea views throughout. Water sports enthusiasts can find equipment rental and instruction for activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing at several nearby beaches.

For day trips, Marbella (40 minutes away) offers upscale shopping and dining, particularly in its glamorous Puerto Banús marina area. Málaga (one hour away) combines beach life with impressive cultural attractions including the Picasso Museum and the Alcazaba Fortress. Granada (2.5 hours away) is home to the stunning Alhambra Palace complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The picturesque mountain town of Ronda, with its dramatic gorge and Spain’s oldest bullring, makes another excellent day trip at about 1.5 hours away. You can even make a short trip to the UK, by going to Gibraltar.

Costa Natura is a family-friendly resort that welcomes a diverse range of guests. The resort’s atmosphere is warm and welcoming year-round, with a more peaceful vibe during the winter months and a livelier energy during summer. Whether you’re visiting alone, with a partner, or with family, you’ll find that the community here is friendly and open.

While the resort attracts visitors from across Europe, there’s a notable presence of British, German, Dutch, and Scandinavian guests, along with Spanish locals. The age demographic is fairly mixed, with a slight leaning toward couples and individuals over 40, though families with children are common during school holiday periods.

The resort maintains a respectful, non-sexual naturist environment where guests can feel comfortable regardless of age, body type, or naturist experience. First-time naturists will find Costa Natura to be an excellent introduction to naturism, with no pressure and an accepting atmosphere.

The best time to visit Costa Natura depends on your preferences. If you’re looking for quieter, more peaceful surroundings, the winter months are perfect. From November to March, temperatures typically range from 15-20°C, which is mild enough for comfortable naturism during sunny days, though you may want light clothing in the evenings.

The summer months (especially from June to September) bring a more vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of guests and warmer temperatures, making it ideal for beach lovers. July and August see temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C, perfect for naturism but potentially too hot for sightseeing.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (October) are also great times to visit, as the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring both the resort and the surrounding areas. During these shoulder seasons, you’ll find fewer crowds but still enjoy temperatures around 20-25°C.

The resort is open year-round, with the restaurant and most facilities operating throughout all seasons.

The best ways to book at Costa Natura are:

The staff speaks Spanish and English, and probably also other languages but we didn’t check.

During our stay, we asked on Instagram what you wanted to know about Costa Natura. Here are the most common questions answered:

Costa Natura is a clothes-free resort, meaning that guests are supposed to be nude in the communal areas whenever the weather allows it. The restaurant is an exception because a lot of people prefer to wear something when going out for dinner.

Costa Natura is 100% nude-friendly, including all communal areas and the restaurant.

Yes, they are privately owned and decorated according to the owner’s preferences. But that’s only the inside though. From the outside, Costa Natura has the looks of a typical Spanish white village and all buildings look very similar.

It definitely is, since it’s only accessible from one side and Costa Natura is on the far end, there are few passersby making the beach semi-private. The waters of the Mediterranean Sea are usually calm and great for swimming. There is no lifeguard service though, so keep an eye on your children.

There is a sauna and a jacuzzi, which both are being renewed as we are writing this.