Estepona, recognized for the excellence of its gardens at the ‘Andalusia in Bloom’ contest

This distinction of the Asociación Multisectorial de la Jardineria Andaluza (AMJA) recognizes the constant work developed over the years by the municipal services to consolidate a model of a green city, cared for and committed to sustainability.

The Estepona Town Hall informs that the municipality has been distinguished in the prestigious contest ‘Andalucía en Flor’, a recognition that values the extraordinary quality, beauty and care of its gardens, parks and green areas, as well as the sustainable management model that is developed throughout the municipality.

These awards are presented by the Multisectoral Association of Andalusian Gardening (AMJA), which aims to defend the professional, social and economic interests, both collectively and individually. In this association are represented from plant producers of ornamental plants, to supply marketing companies, garden centers, service companies, liberal professionals and individuals related to the sector.

The jury has highlighted, especially, the excellent state of conservation that present the green areas of Estepona, both in the historic center, with its pedestrian streets adorned with pots and plant elements, as in the consolidated parks of the city and in the newly created green spaces. This balance between tradition, innovation and respect for the environment is one of the main differential values of the municipality.

The deputy mayor of the External Control area, Blas Ruzafa, said that “this recognition is the result of constant planning and a very rigorous technical work that has been developed for years, with the aim of offering quality green spaces that are sustainable, functional and reinforce the identity of Estepona”.

This contest has also valued the training and awareness of technicians, managers and municipal gardeners who work in a coordinated manner in the progressive adaptation towards a more sustainable gardening, without undermining the ornamental value and landscape identity of the city. In addition to this, there is close collaboration between the Urban Planning and Parks and Gardens departments, which allows all new urban developments to integrate well-designed green areas, with efficient irrigation systems and an adequate selection of plants.

Another of the aspects especially valued has been the commitment to the use of reclaimed water for irrigation in new landscaping, provided that the existing network allows it, thus consolidating a responsible model committed to water efficiency and care for the environment.

In parallel to this recognition, Estepona has been selected as one of the outstanding enclaves of the “Grand Tour of Andalusia in Bloom” 2025, a new initiative aimed at enhancing the value of the most unique green areas of the autonomous community.

In this first edition, a visit to the narrow streets and small squares of the historic center of Estepona, an environment of great scenic and cultural value, is recommended. With the Plaza de Las Flores as the physical center, the old town of Estepona offers a unique tour through narrow streets and squares that preserve a traditional architecture carefully integrated with plant treatments of great taste, personality and consistency, maintained with a high level of excellence.

Finally, Ruzafa pointed out that “this recognition reinforces the image of Estepona as an Andalusian reference in urban gardening, landscape quality and sustainable tourism and is a new impetus to the municipal strategy of beautification and continuous improvement of public space at the service of residents and visitors.