As the new year begins, the Foreign Residents Association of Estepona (AREME) has proudly reached a significant milestone: its 20th anniversary. Founded in 2006, this dedicated non-profit organisation has spent two full decades bringing foreign residents together, building lasting friendships, and serving as a strong, supportive voice for the international community in one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular towns.
Officially registered with the Junta de Andalucia (No. 7182) and Estepona Town Hall, AREME has become a vital part of expat life on the coast. The association maintains close ties with local authorities, including the Foreigners Department and the Councillor for Tourism and Foreign Residents, to raise concerns, improve services, and help newcomers integrate smoothly into Spanish life.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere, AREME combines enjoyable social events with a strong commitment to charity. Regular coffee mornings provide the perfect setting for relaxed conversation, while lively quiz nights bring members together for fun, friendly competition, and the chance to raise money for good causes.
Current highlights include:
- Coffee mornings on the 1st Monday of each month at Ricks Café in Estepona Port, starting at 11am.
- Coffee mornings are on the 3rd Monday of each month at Regency Bar & Restaurant in Benavista, also from 11am (with lift access available next to the English butcher).
- Quiz nights at ViceVersa in Estepona Port on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7pm.
Through these and other activities, such as charity quizzes, table-top sales, book clubs, and larger events like hog roasts and dine & dance nights, AREME has donated thousands of euros over the years to local organisations, including the EMAÚS Estepona Soup Kitchen, Asociación Paula (child cancer support), the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), Alzheimer’s associations, and many more.
To launch this special 20th anniversary year, AREME is inviting both long-standing members and newcomers to renew or join for the modest fee of €10 per year. The small contribution helps keep the association running, ensures events continue, and supports ongoing advocacy and charitable giving.
Getting involved is straightforward:
- Online: Visit aremespain.org to register quickly for 2026.
- In person: Bring your €10 fee to any coffee morning or quiz night.
- By email: Write to info.aremespain@gmail.com, and a committee member will arrange to meet you.
Current president Francine Pompas, together with Treasurer Sally Robinson, Secretary Jim Stevenson, and the rest of the team, is looking forward to celebrating two decades of community spirit and making 2026 an unforgettable year.
Whether you’ve lived in Estepona for many years or have just arrived on the sunny Costa del Sol, AREME offers a warm welcome, new friendships, and the opportunity to make a real difference.
Here’s to 20 wonderful years — and many more to come!
For full details of events, membership, and how to get in touch, visit aremespain.org or simply drop by one of the upcoming coffee mornings or quiz nights. The community is waiting — join the celebration!