Estepona’s Ferris wheel, an iconic tourist attraction on the Costa del Sol, continues to captivate visitors and residents alike, offering spectacular views of the town and the Mediterranean Sea.
A unique experience is extended
The Estepona Town Hall has announced that the panoramic Ferris wheel, which has become an icon of the Paseo Marítimo since its installation in August, will remain in the town until October 13. This decision was made in conjunction with the operating company, Grupo Mederyt, due to the extraordinary public success the attraction has experienced.
Characteristics of the attraction
The Princess Ferris wheel, as it is officially known, is a marvel of modern engineering:
- Height: 40 meters
- Location: Intersection of Juan Carlos I Avenue and España Avenue.
- Capacity: 14 air-conditioned cabins, each one for 8 persons
- Accessibility: Designed for people with reduced mobility.
Estepona Ferris wheel schedules and fares
To accommodate increasing demand, the Ferris wheel will operate on the following schedule:
- Weekdays: 12:00 to 14:00 and 18:00 to 00:00
- Weekends and holidays: Open until 1:00 a.m.
As for prices, they are kept affordable to encourage local participation:
- General rate: 7 euros
- Fee for registered residents: 5 euros
Impact on local tourism
The Ferris wheel has quickly become a new tourist attraction for Estepona, complementing the already famous beaches and historic town center. Its presence has revitalized the Paseo Marítimo area, attracting both tourists and local residents.
Future prospects
Although initially planned for a two-month stay, the overwhelming success has led to this extension. The City Council looks favorably on this attraction, which not only provides entertainment but also revenue through the public land use fee.
The extension of the panoramic Ferris wheel’s stay until mid-October promises to keep Estepona’s tourism momentum going well into the fall season, offering visitors yet another reason to enjoy this jewel of the Costa del Sol.
Giant Ferris wheels: Windows to the sky that transform urban tourism.
Over the past decade, panoramic Ferris wheels have evolved from mere fairground attractions to iconic symbols of modern metropolises. These giants of steel and glass not only offer breathtaking views, but also boost the local economy and redefine urban skylines.
The London Eye
The London Eye, with its imposing 135 meters, is not just a Ferris wheel; it is the eye that watches over the Thames. Since its opening in 2000, it has transformed the London skyline and the tourist experience of the British capital.
- Height: 135 meters
- Annual visitors: More than 3.5 million
- Fun fact: Each capsule weighs as much as 1,052,631 one-pound coins.
High Roller: The Highest Bet in Las Vegas
In a city where everything is excess, the High Roller could not be less. With its 167.6 meters, this Ferris wheel is the crown jewel of the Strip.
- Height: 167.6 meters
- Rotation time: 30 minutes
- Lighting: Over 2,000 LED lights
The Asian giant that defies limits
Ain Dubai: The Colossus of the Middle East
Dubai, always at the forefront of the superlative, is now home to the tallest Ferris wheel on the planet. Ain Dubai is not just an attraction; it is a challenge to modern engineering.
- Height: 250 meters
- Capacity: 1,750 passengers simultaneously
- Cost: More than $270 million
European nostalgia: When history turns around
Wiener Riesenrad: The Viennese Steel Waltz
In the heart of Vienna, the Wiener Riesenrad is a testimony to the belle époque that refuses to disappear.
- Year of inauguration: 1897
- Height: 64.75 meters
- Historical Fact: Survived World War II.
The economic impact: Beyond the views
These colossal structures are not mere architectural whims. They represent a strategic investment in urban tourism. For example:
- The London Eye generates more than £50 million annually for the London economy.
- Ain Dubai is projected as a catalyst to attract 23 million annual tourists to Dubai by 2025.
The future: How far will we go?
With each new Ferris wheel that is built, engineers and architects ask, “What’s the limit?” The race to touch the sky continues, and with it, the promise of ever more amazing experiences for world travelers.Giant Ferris wheels are more than attractions; they are beacons of innovation, witnesses to human ingenuity and, above all, windows that allow us to see our cities from a whole new perspective. In an increasingly urban world, these structures remind us that sometimes, to truly appreciate a city, it is necessary to rise above it.
