The Poetry Route in Estepona, a cultural initiative of the city council, promotes poetry and cultural values through texts in several languages. Walk through the historic center and discover more than 40 poems, including works such as ‘Cantares’ by Antonio Machado and ‘Marina’ by Andrej Sládkovic.
Origin and presentation of the Poetry Route in Estepona
The Poetry Route in Estepona is a fascinating initiative that has been promoted by the city council since 2012. This project seeks to promote poetry and cultural values through the inclusion of texts by national and international poets, both contemporary and historical, in different languages.
This poetic route has become one of the most important cultural references in Estepona, attracting both residents and visitors interested in enjoying a unique literary experience. Each year, new texts by famous poets are added, thus expanding the diversity and richness of this artistic proposal.
The Poetry Route in Estepona extends along the historic center of the city, and the poems are strategically located in different picturesque corners. The combination of the beauty of these historic sites with the presence of poetry creates a magical atmosphere that invites you to immerse yourself in the world of words.
To facilitate the visit and orientation of those interested in walking the route, the city council provides an informative brochure and a detailed map that can be purchased at the municipal facilities or through the website of the delegation of Tourism. In this way, you can enjoy a self-guided experience, discovering the different poems and their authors as you walk through the streets of the garden of the Costa del Sol.
Touring the historic center of Estepona: the corners of poetry
Immerse yourself in a fascinating walk through the historic center of Estepona and discover the charming corners that house the Poetry Route.
As you enter this tour, you will find poems adorning the facades of historic buildings, literary sculptures intermingling with traditional architecture and artistic elements that bring poetry to the urban space.
Each corner will invite you to stop and enjoy the poetic works that have been carefully selected for this route. Whether in a small alley or in a large square, poetry merges with the bohemian atmosphere of Estepona and creates a magical atmosphere that envelops you.
The poetry that shelters the heart of Estepona
Strolling through the streets, you will marvel at the diversity of poets and styles represented on the Poetry Route. From classics such as Antonio Machado and his famous ‘Cantares’, to contemporaries such as Yolanda Aldón and her poem ‘La ola’, each poetic text will transport you to a universe of emotions and reflections.
You cannot miss the nostalgic verses of Manuel Alcántara or the sense of humor of Nicolás Fernández Moratín in his poem ‘El buen comer’. And if you are looking for a touch of internationality, let yourself be captivated by the beauty of Andrej Sládkovic’s ‘Marina’, which has been translated into Spanish to make its message accessible.
Nor can we forget the poem by José Antonio Jerruz Mancilla, which pays tribute to the fishermen, farmers and the cultural and tourist potential of Estepona. This text, added more recently, further enriches the poetic experience and reflects the commitment to the promotion of local culture.
Poetry highlights of the Poetry Route in Estepona
The following are some of the most outstanding poems of this wonderful route.
Cantares’ by Antonio Machado
The “Cantares” by Antonio Machado are a collection of poems that are part of his work “Campos de Castilla”. These verses reflect the poet’s melancholy and introspection as he travels through the arid Castile region of Spain. Through nature and landscapes, Machado presents a profound reflection on life, time, death and identity. His poetic style, simple and profound, invites the reader to contemplate the very essence of existence and to connect with the roots of the earth. In these songs, the poet explores his own conscience and, at the same time, highlights the simplicity and grandeur of everyday life, reminding us of the importance of living with authenticity and humility in harmony with nature and our own essence.
The wave’ by Yolanda Aldón
“Llegó la ola” by Yolanda Aldón is a poem that captures the essence of the sea as a metaphor for life. Through a wave, the author immerses us in the experience of facing the unknown and the unexpected. The wave represents the challenges and changes that arise along the way, how it embraces us and pushes us forward. Aldón invites us to contemplate the uncertainty and power of nature, but also to find in it the strength to adapt and grow. Through her lyrical and profound sensitivity, the poet leads us to reflect on the importance of flowing with the present, immersing ourselves in the experience of the here and now to find fulfillment in the swing of existence.
Poems by Manuel Alcántara
Manuel Alcántara, renowned poet from Malaga, also gives us his talent in the Poetry Route in Estepona. His poems capture the essence of everyday life and invite us to reflect on life, time and human relationships. Each of Alcántara’s verses is a brushstroke of wisdom and a profound look at the reality that surrounds us.
Nicolás Fernández Moratín’s ‘The Good Eating’.
Gastronomy also has its place in the Poetry Route. The poem ‘El buen comer’ by Nicolás Fernández Moratín delights us with verses that celebrate food and its importance in our lives. It invites us to enjoy the flavors, aromas and textures that the kitchen offers us, enhancing the pleasure of sharing a good table.
‘Marina’ de Andrej Sládkovic
“Marina” by Andrej Sládkovic is a lyrical poem of Slovak literature that has left a significant mark on the country’s culture. This poem is a passionate declaration of love and devotion to a woman named Marina, who is portrayed as a divine and heavenly figure. Sládkovic expresses his feelings through an exquisite combination of images and metaphors, comparing Marina to elements of nature and mystical symbols. The transcendence of love, beauty and adoration for Marina make this poem a romantic masterpiece that has touched the hearts of generations and endures in the collective memory.
New poem by José Antonio Jerruz Mancilla
Constantly growing, the Poetry Route in Estepona surprises us with a poem of the local poet José Antonio Jerruz Mancilla poet talent. This text focuses on two essential figures to understand Estepona: fishermen and farmers. His verses envelop us in tradition and passion for literature, and invite us to explore the deepest roots of the city.
In short, the Poetry Route of Estepona is to stroll through the old town as if turning pages of a book, stopping before the beauty of some texts that bring to the town a different and essential perspective. Sometimes we insist on complicating our lives and the best is (literally) just around the corner. Enjoy it.
