Travel to Fuengirola: 5 Attractions, Food & Activities!
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Fuengirola is the hidden gem in Spain you never knew you needed. It’s actually the perfect place for your next vacation if you’re on a road trip at the Costa del Sol or want to discover new coastal cities in the South.
Firstly, the city’s size is perfect, not too big or small. You can easily explore it without feeling overwhelmed. And the vibe here is just something else! It has this perfect blend of local charm and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it incredibly friendly.
No need to worry about crowded tourist spots! You’ll get to enjoy the real Spanish vibe here. The best part? The locals are super friendly. And the cherry on top is that it’s budget-friendly! You can enjoy great food, fantastic activities, and a comfy stay without breaking the bank. All I’m hearing are wins!
Fuengirola is calling your name loud and clear. After reading this article, I hope you’ll realize this is the place for you!
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What is Fuengirola?
Fuengirola is a famous Spanish coastal town in the Málaga province, part of the stunning Costa del Sol region.
This place is a popular tourist spot where you can chill on the beach, check out the port, and soak up the sweet Mediterranean air while enjoying some excellent meals. The weather is fantastic too!
The town is rich with fascinating ancient landmarks that offer a glimpse into how people lived in the past. It has numerous places that provide a window into the era of Muslim Spain, a time when different religions and cultures coexisted in the region.
It’s very unique to witness all that history come to life before your eyes.
Plus, you can use it as a base to explore other southern cities since everything is so close by. It’s the perfect spot for your Spanish adventure.
Best Things to Do in Fuengirola
1. Explore the Historic Heights at Castillo Sohail
It’s located at the mouth of the Fuengirola river, on a small hill that’s 38 meters above sea level, right in the middle of Costa del Sol Highway.
It’s a fantastic spot to see a wide range of coastal areas dominated by the Sierra de Mijas and where you can find the town of Fuengirola.
The area where this location is situated has always been a great place to live, and it’s no surprise that both the Punics and Romans have lived here since ancient times.
In fact, the remains of their settlements can still be seen today! It’s believed that they built a beacon tower during the Caliphal era (10th and 11th centuries), but there’s not enough evidence to prove it.
So, a few years after the Independence War, the Castle lost its military function and was put up for public auction. Then, it went into civilian hands, but sadly, it was abandoned for quite some time until the second half of the last century.
You’ve got to check out this amazing place! And guess what? It won’t even cost you a penny to enter!
Moving on, the Castle was abandoned until the 1980s. The Workshop School then restored it and turned it into a cultural hub for hosting events in Fuengirola.
2. Seaside Stroll at Paseo Marítimo & The Espigón de la T
The Fuengirola Promenade is a must-visit spot in the city, occupying most of the coast with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. It spans seven kilometers, perfect for walking and outdoor sports enthusiasts!
One of the best things about the promenade is its accessibility; it’s easy to access any beach area from here. Additionally, the promenade has a bike lane and is very close to bars and restaurants.
There are many points of interest along the route, including El Puente Armada Española, Plaza Teresa Zabell, monuments, the famous Roman Columns of Fuengirola, and many more.
However, the Fuengirola Marina and the Espigon de la T are two spots that stand out. The port is home to various restaurants specializing in “fried fish” (a delicious dish typical from the South of Spain), and you can even take the ferry to Benalmádena from there. There are also several cocktail bars and pubs of all kinds.
The Espigon de la T is a legendary viewing spot in Fuengirola, where you can observe the Mediterranean Sea, take stunning pictures, and see Fuengirola from a unique perspective.
3. Embrace Cultural Diversity at Fuengirola Central Mosque
The Fuengirola Central Mosque is a beautiful example of Arab influence in the southern cities of Spain, and it’s worth a visit.
The mosque has a modest yet charming design and is located just 1 km southwest of Sould Park. During salat-ul-jummah prayers, you can hear the younger imam reciting the Quran with a melodic voice, which is impressive, in my opinion.
If you’re a history buff or love exploring new places, I highly recommend checking out this mosque. It’s a great way to learn about the area’s cultural roots, especially if you haven’t visited other Muslim cities in Spain.
If you’re interested in discovering unique spots like this one, you should also check out the city of Cordoba. It’s genuinely one of the best places anyone should include on their first trip to Spain!
4. Have Fun With the Family at the Park
If you are on a family vacation and are struggling to find fun activities for your kids, don’t worry! I’ve been there myself, so I know it can be challenging. However, I have great news: Fuengirola has many fantastic activities for families with kids!
One of my favorite places is AquaMijas, a great water park in Fuengirola that offers many slides and activities for the whole family. It has many hammocks to relax and sunbathe, changing rooms and toilets, a picnic area, a restaurant, and a bar.
Still, if you’re planning an extended stay and want to check out a different spot, Biopark is a unique animal park that respects nature. You’ll see these fantastic creatures coexisting in habitats that mimic their natural environment. Excellent for a great afternoon with kids!
But if you want to experience the most typical form of amusement parks, then Sould Park is the one for you! It is an amusement park perfect for children and families with many games and structures that will keep your kids entertained for hours!
There are trampolines, jumping beds, and even a bouncy castle! Plus, there are plenty of other games to enjoy, like mini Scalextric, motorcycles, free fall towers, trains, and even a space for duck fishing. And if that’s not enough, there is also a flyer and a balloon carousel!
The park uses a rechargeable card system that is super easy to use. You can load the card with money and use it to play games. Plus, multiple children can use the same card, and the balance never expires!
Oh, and last one, if you want to enjoy a natural, lush, and well-kept environment, Parque del Sol is the place for you. Visitors are greeted by many trees and colorful flowers, creating a serene and pleasant setting to walk or chill on a bench.
5. Discover “The Old Town” Charm
Fuengirola has no historic center, unlike its neighboring cities like Marbella or Málaga. However, locals refer to a place called “The Old Town,” which is worth checking out! It includes the main post office building and Plaza de la Constitution.
Now, if you’re wondering what to do in the “old town” of Fuengirola, you’re in luck! You can do plenty of things like strolling around, enjoying a nice lunch, and people-watching from a terrace.
Speaking of lunch, Picoteo Restaurant is one of my favorite spots to have a quick meal and enjoy the afternoon. They serve delicious tapas, and the atmosphere in the center of the Plaza is excellent.
Moreover, these sites are very close to all other landmarks. So, don’t worry about finding things to do. Fuengirola is a walkable city, so there’s time for everything.
Also, make sure you save this spot for later since bars and nightclubs are spread out closer to the coastline on the edge of the old town.
Best Time to Visit Fuengirola
The best time of the year to visit Fuengirola is definitely in Summertime! In this period, there is a warm temperature and almost no rain. The highest average temperature in Fuengirola is 28°C in August, although it can reach scorching temperatures above 30°C.
However, if you’re planning a trip to the South of Spain, it’s recommended to visit during the months of April, May, and early June, which is Spring. This is when most cities in Southern Spain bloom with vibrant colors, and numerous festivals occur.
I mean, traveling to Fuengirola means high chances that you’ll also want to explore other cities in the region. Therefore, Spring is an ideal time to travel to this city and enjoy its beauty without a doubt.
How to Get to Fuengirola
There are a few ways to get to Fuengirola, but you first need to know it is located on the Costa del Sol, right next to the beach.
- Fly to Málaga and get to Fuengirola by car.
The closest Airport to Fuengirola is the Malaga International Airport. So, you can get from any big city like Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville to Málaga and then head to the Costa del Sol via the A-7 highway.
If you plan to rent a car and explore Andalucia, I recommend checking out your car rental company in advance since the nearest Airport is in Málaga. Also, consider that there’s a toll at the AP-7 toll highway.
However, if you’re on a budget and don’t have any luggage, I’d recommend taking the C1 train, which connects the center of Málaga to Fuengirola from the Airport.
Plus, the journey is lovely, offering stunning views over the sea and the mountains. But if you do have luggage, consider a door-to-door transfer instead. It is much easier and will save you effort.
- By bus
Another option is the bus. However, it’s the most time-consuming. You can take it from Madrid, for example, and the average train ticket costs around €21 - €55, and the journey takes six h 55m Iryo or Renfe AVE. (Both are very reputable train providers)
But, if you’re already in the South, then it’s easier; from Estepona, Granada, Algeciras, or Portillo, you can take a bus to Fuengirola and also to many cities in the province of Málaga and other cities in Andalusia.
Where to Eat in Fuengirola
- Taste delicious flavours at MO Fuengirola by Picoteo
- Enjoy a beautiful lunch by the sea at El Higueron Restaurante
- Experience the Mediterranean cuisine in a unique way at Santorini Restaurant
Where to Stay in Fuengirola
- Enjoy the best summer getaway at Hotel Occidental Fuengirola
- Have a nice stay at Ilunion Fuengirola
- Wake up with incredible views by the beach with Hotel Yaramar
How much does it cost to visit Fuengirola?
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How much money you need for your trip to Fuengirola depends on many things, such as how many people are traveling, the type of activities you want to do, accommodation, the duration of your stay, restaurants, and most importantly, the time of year.
To help you more accurately, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email! Share the details of your desired trip to Spain, and we will provide you with a price estimate and offer local advice for all your travel needs.
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I hope you get a chance to visit Fuengirola soon! You definitely won’t regret it.
Remember, for more info about traveling to Spain or anything related, make sure you comment below or send us an email. We’ll be happy to help you with anything!